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.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Toadstool Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate your living space with a rare ottoman designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, commonly referred to as the "Toadstool." This exquisite piece is supported by bent wood legs unif...
Metal, Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in French Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of iconic slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have reupholstered these in a French woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include off-white, black , taupe and a...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Panel Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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.
Mahogany, Upholstery
Edward Wormley Dubar off White Leather Top Dark Walnut Cocktail Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Edward Wormley for Dunbar large round off-white leather too dark walnut base cocktail table, with gold metal tag to underside. Model 5219 Dunbar catalog.
Leather, Walnut
Brass and Mahogany Nesting Table Set by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Set of Edward Wormley for Dunbar nesting tables,Brass and Mahogany, 1960s. Nesting Tables: 20.75"H x 17.5"W x 13"D
Brass
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Coffee Table
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An early, modernist Edward Wormley for Drexel coffee table in a trapezoid shape made for the Precedent Collection.
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Toadstool
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Commonly referred to as the "Toadstool". The stoolis supported by bent wood legs unified by a metal rod attached via brass knobs. ...
Metal, Brass
Edward Wormley Precedent Line Coffee Table for Drexel / Dunbar Milo Baughman
By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
An early, modernist Wormley form for Drexel. This vintage item requires refinishing
Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Signed) Janus Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Signed) Janus Chairs These were reupholstered at one point. May desire to have these reupholstered. Beautiful natural wood grain. Some wear to...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Faceted Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Dunbar / Milo Baughman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Faceted Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Dunbar. A nice compact design with the desirable ottoman that sit on hexagon formed legs. Manner of Milo Baughman This chair ne...
Upholstery
Cork Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and elegant square low table with a raised cork top on a mahogany 'Parsons' base.
Mahogany, Cork
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cocktail Table with Brass Stretcher, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
We have fully restored this beautiful cocktail table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. It has a mahogany frame and a walnut top, a shelf underneath the top and a brass stretcher that sur...
Brass
Edward Wormley Brass Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sophisticated brass square frame bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Very good original condition, Model #5428.
Brass
Early Edward Wormley Step End Tables / Nightstands for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley step end tables for Dunbar.
Wood
Edward Wormley Teardrop Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5106
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design "Teardrop" lounge chairs, Model 5106 for Dunbar Furniture. Uniques shape chairs newly upholstered on polished and lacquered solid brass legs, ready to install.
Brass
$9,800 / set
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...
Foam, Walnut, Fabric
Model 6328 Elegant Dunbar High Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany dining chair with twisted front legs, with an upholstered high back rest and oval seat.
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Six rare Panel Back #6337 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A comfortable set of six dining chairs having gently curved solid wood panel backs and upholstered seats resting on ebonized walnut frames.
Upholstery
End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley End Table By Dunbar In Walnut Case And Shelf Supported By Mahogany Legs With Round Carpet Caster Feet And Rosewood And Brass Drawer Pull.
Brass
$5,200 / set
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This comfortable pair of Mid-Century slipper chairs feature the iconic design of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Vintage fabric on simple modern frames make an impressive addition to home...
Upholstery, Wood
Early Elegant Custom Edward Wormley Console for Dunbar manner of Milo Baughman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant Wormley console with 9 x 9 travertine marble tile insets to form one long marble rectangular form. Most likely a custom form. This console bares the early green Dunbar label.
Wood
Set of Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1953
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of dining chairs with exposed walnut frames supporting floating laminated seats and sculptural back rests, both covered in vintage upholstery. Designed in 1953 as a component o...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Blue Striped Upholstered Walnut Frame 'Janus'
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 'Janus' lounge / armchair with a walnut frame and blue, beige, and brown geometric stripe patterned fabric upholstery with a button tufted back, resting on four ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Uncommon Dunbar 'Janus' Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. Each chair features sculpted dark mahogany frames and the original marble velvet...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1961
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
With a nod to the immense popularity of Charles Eames's swivel lounge chair and ottoman, Wormley capitalized on the popularity of his own stationary, winged lounge chair and ottoman ...
Leather
Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rectangular dark walnut low table having a black laminate top and distinctive triangular legs.
Walnut
Armless Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless slipper chair from the Janus collection with button tufted upholstery and beautifully carved integral walnut base. Model 5775.
Upholstery, Walnut
Vanity Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A cherry dressing table or vanity, with a beautifully bevelled drawer, Lucite pull and gallery edges, over double-forked base with chromed suppor...
Steel
Set of 10 Spindle Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A classic set of ten (10) dining chairs, each features solid walnut wood construction, spindle back detail with brass stretchers. Set includes 8 side chairs and 2 armchairs, all reta...
Leather, Walnut
Square Raffia Mirror by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A square mahogany wall mirror with a woven raffia boarder.
Mahogany, Glass, Raffia
Set of Four Panel-Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four (4) mahogany panel-back chairs retaining their original leather upholstery. Dunbar item no. 6337.
Mahogany, Leather
Magazine Tree by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An olive green stained walnut magazine tree with cantilevered shelves.
Walnut
Thin-Edged Brass Mirror by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare and beautifully rendered thin-edged square mirror in warmly patinated brass.
Brass
A-Frame' Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern Classic 'A-Frame' armchair with a woven caned backrest, upholstered black leather seat and brass capped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar in t...
Brass
Cinnabar Laquered Cabinet w/ antique Japanese print 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.
Walnut
Architectural Walnut and Black Laminate Console by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in North Miami, FL
Architectural table No. 5403 in walnut with black laminate top and shelves designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut, Laminate
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Slipper Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century slipper lounge chairs, Pair Each chair measures 23 wide x 32 deep x 32 high with a seat h...
Wood, Upholstery
A-frame Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A horseshoe back armchair with white leather upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame.
Leather, Mahogany
Telephone Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized and polished dark mahogany telephone cabinet or vanity table having a storage drawer and an innovative fold-out bench.
Mahogany
$16,000 / set
Dining Set for Six by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A drop-leaf console table opens to seat, six (6) for dining. Set complete with two banquette chairs and four side chairs.
Walnut, Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Secretary
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Very rare desk secretary designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Functional five drawers and letter slots on turned brass knobs and feet. With original Dunb...
Brass
Lacquered Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1948
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon pivot-back lounge chair in lacquered mahogany with vintage velvet geometric upholstery. Designed in 1948 by Edward Wormley.
Velvet, Mahogany
Flatware Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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.
Brass
Channel Back Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An unusual and early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This channel back lounge chair has mahogany trim and aluminum legs. Fully restored and reupholstered in Designtex / Lambert ...
Aluminum
Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and well proportioned eight (8) drawer cabinet in ebonized mahogany, having distinctive laminated end pulls, on tapered dowel legs.
Mahogany
Magazine Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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.
Ash, Leather
Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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.
Walnut
End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Dunbar's low walnut "Janus" end table of Asian inspiration, with raised edges to the legs and diagonal "cloud-lift" stretchers.
Walnut