Edward Wormley Furniture
American, 1907-1995
As the longtime director of design for the Dunbar furniture company, Edward Wormley was, along with such peers as George Nelson at Herman Miller Inc., and Florence Knoll of Knoll Inc., one of the leading forces in bringing modern design into American homes in the mid-20th century. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work has an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets it apart from other furnishings of the era.
Wormley was born in rural Illinois and as a teenager took correspondence courses from the New York School of Interior Design. He later attended the Art Institute of Chicago but ran out of money for tuition before he could graduate. Marshall Field hired Wormley in 1930 to design a line of reproduction 18th-century English furniture; the following year he was hired by the Indiana-based Dunbar, where he quickly distinguished himself. It was a good match.
Dunbar was an unusual firm: it did not use automated production systems; its pieces were mostly hand-constructed. For his part, Wormley did not use metal as a major component of furniture; he liked craft elements such as caned seatbacks, tambour drawers, or the woven-wood cabinet fronts seen on his Model 5666 sideboard of 1956. He designed two lines for Dunbar each year — one traditional, one modern — until 1944, by which time the contemporary pieces had become the clear best sellers.
Many of Wormley’s signature pieces — chairs, sofas, tables and more — are modern interpretations of traditional forms. His 1946 Riemerschmid Chair — an example is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art — recapitulates a late 19th-century German design. The long, slender finials of his Model 5580 dining chairs are based on those of Louis XVI chairs; his Listen-to-Me Chaise (1948) has a gentle Rococo curve; the “Precedent” line that Wormley designed for Drexel Furniture in 1947 is a simplified, pared-down take on muscular Georgian furniture. But he could invent new forms, as his Magazine table of 1953, with its bent wood pockets, and his tiered Magazine Tree (1947), both show. And Wormley kept his eye on design currents, creating a series of tables with tops that incorporate tiles and roundels by the great modern ceramicists Otto and Gertrud Natzler.
As the vintage items on 1stDibs demonstrate, Edward Wormley conceived of a subdued sort of modernism, designing furniture that fits into any decorating scheme and does not shout for attention.
Color: Brown
Creator: Edward Wormley
Tambour Door Console by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare curved front console in rich grained rosewood with a single drawer and slatted tambour storage.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Rolling Bar Cart
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
A beautiful rolling bar cart as part of Edward Wormley's Precedent series.
Blonde wood, 3 tiered rolling cart with glass shelf and casters. The top features a frosted glass insert.
Precedent by Drexel...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Dunbar Rosewood High Chest with Brass Ring Drop Pulls
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern five drawer Dunbar chest by Ed Wormley. Rosewood mahogany two-tone combination. Brass ring drop pulls.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Folding Side Tables by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rare matched pair of tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Folding solid rosewood frames with inset Murano glass tile tops. Table model #5425.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Drop Tambour Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and uncommon drop tambour front cabinet of bleached walnut having recessed finger pulls, the cabinet with drawers, shelves and vert...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Brass Pendant Adjustable Lamp
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual pendant lamp in polished brass attributed to Harry Gitlin for Ledlin Lighting Inc. Brass ring allows for easier function and adds decorative appeal. Perforated shade.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Edward Wormley Small Chests or Nightstands
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley nightstands or chest of drawers.
Manufactured by Dunbar.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Trapezoid Top Wormley For Dunbar Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Original finish Dunbar trapezoid coffee table. We are also separately offering the end tables from this set if you are interested in a full original ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Completely Original Alexandria Chair Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare opportunity. All original example of the Alexandria Chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Retains the original, high quality black leather seat with attractive wear. This...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Coffee/cocktail Table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Mahogany
Pair of Dunbar Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Gold Tag” slipper chairs, in a weaved off-white and light wheat colored Chenille fabric. Together with two pillows and tufted button design. Dark w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Tufted Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lounge chair designed by American furniture designer, Edward J. Wormley, for Dunbar in the United States circa 1950’s. This classic lounge chair is reupholstered i...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Limited Edition Sofa "La Gondola" by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A limited edition "La Gondola" Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, produced in 1957. Model 5719 is part of the Janus Collection, seen by man...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Panel Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four (4) elegant and generously proportioned dining chairs with wooden panel backs, having spare, square-legged mahogany frames and tailored, form fitting upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Mahogany Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare ribbon mahogany and stainless steel basket weave front credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This piece retains its original Dunbar finish which is in excellent condi...
Category
1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mahogany Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this handsome mahogany armchair for Dunbar, juxtaposing modern linearity with curvaceous classic form. It has been expertly reupholstered in Knoll's Rivington...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair in Moss Green Wool Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chair with unique setback front legs, and clad in moss green wool upholstery. Extremely comfortable with deep seat cushion and slight angle of the th...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood, Wool
Pair of Dunbar Occasional Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Incredible Edward Wormley design from the celebrated Janus Collection. This modern take on the Arts and Crafts movement employs an unprecedented level of hand finishing, complicated ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Gorgeous Dunbar Arm Chair Edward Wormley Mid-century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous Dunbar chair designed by Edward Wormley. This lovely chair was reupholstered in a salmon chenille about 20 years ago and still looks great. The back cushion is filled with...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Dunbar Party Server Bar
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "party server" or bar cabinet on wheels. Rare and iconic early Wormley design. When extended the top becomes 53.5"L.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mahogany chest of drawers with brass octagonal ring pulls, designed by Edward Wormley in late 1930s.
Category
1930s American Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Tear Drop Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful matched pair of tear drop lounges
model #5106.
Professionally re-upholstered.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut, Rosewood and Aluminium Inlaid End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley figured walnut Parsons style side table with unusual aluminium inlaid legs. Incised corners start at the top and move all the way down the legs with aluminium inlay. R...
Category
1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Dunbar Chrome and Walnut Occasional Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chic and rarely seen Edward Wormley design that can function as a lamp table, end table or small cocktail table. Dunbar label on bottom.
Category
1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Slipper chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Newly upholstered in a orange fabric closely matching the original with attention to detail!
Solid mahogany frame.
Retains the...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rare Janus Cabinet in the Style of Greene & Greene
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rare Janus cabinet, model 5811 This Janus collection piece is highly influenced by the Greene & Greene designed Arts and Crafts period furniture...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with brass stretchers, mahogany frames and upholstered seats. Stylish and substantial mid-century modern dining room ch...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Tambour Drum Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A remarkable end table discreet bar with butterfly hinged top drawers and a tambour cabinet with adjustable shelf.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Wormley for Dunbar Cantilevered End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Cantilevered end table by Wormley for Dunbar. Original condition, and finish.We have separately listed the other end table, and matching coffee ta...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Triangular Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A geometrically pure and finely detailed two-tiered table in bleached walnut of triangular form with distinctive beveled edging at a 45 degree angle.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Janus Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An rectilinear light walnut two-door cabinet having Chinese-influenced hardware and open and adjustable shelves, the form sitting on a plinth base.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Clean-Line End Table in Teak by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Clean-line end table in teak by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1950s. (Dunbar metal tag on bottom).
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Teak
Edward Wormley Credenza / Server for Dunbar in Bleached Walnut and Brass
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful bleached walnut credenza / server with solid brass hardware designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The top two drawers contain removable felt-lined silverware trays...
Category
1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
End Table by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fine and uncommon pair of end tables having sculptural exposed frames in stained mahogany and expressive floating tops of molded birch with upturned edges.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Birch
Cork Low Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and elegant square low table with a raised cork top on a mahogany 'Parsons' base.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Cork
Pair of His and Hers Step side Tables by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very nice pair of end tables, his and hers, it has the original top, and the original patina is nicer in person.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Magazine Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A triangular ash table with an inset cream leather top over two web strap magazine holders.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Ash, Leather
Edward Wormley Bleached Mahogany Corner Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Minimalist design bleached mahogany corner table number 4977. Nicely grained woods with open design and expert craftsma...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Two-Piece Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany secretary No. 6065 with pull-out writing desk and multiple drawers/shelves on a leather-wrapped plinth base, shown with superstructure, No. 6086, to serve as a b...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Uncommon Edward Wormley Five-Leg Walnut Coffee Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar five-leg walnut coffee table. Another uncommon Wormley design with the addition of a fifth canted leg. Excellent wood grain, recessed apron and brass sabots.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Parsons End Table by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A bleached walnut 'Parsons' end table.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley Mahogany and Rosewood Raised Edge Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany cabinet with four large drawers and a center shelved cabinet on plinth base. The pair of ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Cinnabar Lacquered Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A two-level cabinet having fantastic storage and scale, with a rich custom cinnabar lacquer. The lower level has bi-folding doors concealing a bank of drawers; the upper section features doors with inset antique Chinese printing blocks.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bleached and Glazed Walnut Parsons End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegantly simple bleached and glazed walnut square Parsons end table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Nightstands by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of ebonized 'French polish' mahogany nightstands with adjustable inner shelf and opposing hinges.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly austere and finely crafted chest of drawers in bleached walnut having a two-over-three configuration channelled recessed pulls and dowel-form legs crafted of anodized al...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare low Dunbar "Parson's" end table with the original yellow-orange lacquered frame and a black epoxy top with a constellation of random walnut doy inlays.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Tiered End Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A two-tiered round end table on three legs with single drawer. Shelf height is 16.5".
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Janus High Back Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of 'Janus' high back chairs with the original blue silk faille upholstery, on light walnut legs with cloud lift stretchers.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany low table with a lower shelf and singe drawer on cylindrical dowel legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Low Table or Bench by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low table or bench with an ebonized walnut frame which rises slightly above the table surface and can hold a loose cushion if used as a bench.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
A-Frame Armchair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A horseshoe back armchair with white leather upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Rare Woven Front Credenza by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare woven front credenza with walnut strips interlacing unique rectangular rods. Four (4) drawers with brass pulls over four sliding doors with interior drawers and shelves.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Occasional Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An interesting and uncommon occasional table on casters having a cruciform structure intersected by two circular planes, the top of the table surfaced with leather.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Dunbar Janus Side Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning tripod side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar from the Famous 'Janus' Collection. Stunning exotic wood top and solid brass feet. Original condition. Retains brass rectangul...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Edward Wormley Bleached Mahogany Reeded Curule Leg Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
An uncommon and early Edward Wormley design for Dunbar, this reeded Curule leg end table has a three-sided gallery framed top, three part stretcher connecti...
Category
1940s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Janus Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant rectilinear light walnut two-door cabinet having Chinese-influenced hardware and a rare configuration of twelve cushioned flat drawers.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
End Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A tailored two-level square end or lamp table in walnut having splayed tapering legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Edward Wormley furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Edward Wormley were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Dunbar, Paul McCobb, and Herman Miller. Prices for Edward Wormley furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $225 and can go as high as $119,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,846.
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