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.
Cork Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
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.
Mahogany, Cork
Restored Nighstand Chests by Edward Wormley, 1940's
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Wonderful bachelor's chest by Edward Wormley for his "Precendent" Collection designed for Drexel in 1947. One of the few collections Wormley produced outside of his work with Dunbar. The stately collection comprised over 100 pieces for each room of the home, featuring proprietary curled bar...
Brass
Edward Wormley Faceted Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Dunbar / Milo Baughman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Handsome Edward Wormley Precedent Collection Bar Cart, Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent collection bar cart. Original light finish with textured glass top and tapered legs on casters. This piece is in vintage condition and do...
Elm
Modernist sideboard cabinet unique bronze hardware by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A walnut server with central compartment having a removable glass-bottom serving tray & one adjustable shelf, flanked by two banks of four drawers over one long drawer all with b...
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
Curved Front two-Tier Console in Honduran Mahogany by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 1960's sculptural Dunbar Janus Series two-tier Console. Fully restored to the highest possible standard in a satin lacquer finish. Designed by Edward Wormley. Would also serve ...
Mahogany
Travertine Dining Table / Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early bleached mahogany and travertine table / desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Travertine
Vintage Dunbar Nesting Tables in Sap Walnut ca' 1950's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic set of three nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. Sap walnut with nice patina. Natural tops with contrasting dark walnut frames. Largest table measures 2...
Walnut
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
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
Twelve Edward Wormley Dining Chairs by Dunbar, Restored
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A handsome set of two arm chairs model no. 4593 and ten side chairs model no. 4592, making a full set of twelve chairs. Resigned by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, USA. Th...
Brass
Cane And Mahogany Dining Chair By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in 1946. Model 4632, features tapered frames in a light mahogany with solid seats and curved backrests inset with cane.
Cane, Mahogany
$5,800 / set
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...
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
A-Frame' Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$7,200 / item
A-frame Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An architectural and substantial armchair having an exposed walnut "A"-shaped frame supporting an upholstered seat and generous floating and curving back.
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Signed) Janus Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
A Fine Edward Wormley Coffee Table for Dunbar in Exotic Burl / Milo Baughman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Exotic Burl Grain Coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Exceptional selection of Burl Wood matched on top in 4 sections. A variation on the Parsons stretcher form with Triangul...
Burl
Pair of Mid-Century Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century slipper / side chairs, upholstered in a dark blue fabric with button tufting on the seat backs, resting on four square walnut legs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR D...
Fabric
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
Wardrobe Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An asymmetrical dresser in solid walnut with exposed finger jointed joinery, having a shelved compartment accessed by bi-fold doors flanked by a b...
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
Tambour Drum Table With Storage by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1944
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.
Mahogany
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Edward Wormley Mirror for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
A fine Edward Wormley mirror for Dunbar. Thin wood profile. Signed on reverse.
Wood
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
Edward Wormley Wedge End Table with Beige Travertine Top, Mid-Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century end / side table with a wedge-shaped beige travertine top resting on a light wood base with connecting stretchers and four dowel legs ending in beige leather wra...
Travertine
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
Modernist Ash Two Tier Sofa Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Montreal, QC
Modernist Ash two tier sofa table model no 5403 inset with black formica by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Signed Etched on Plaque: Dunbar Berne Indiana.
Ash
Caned and Ebonized Arm Chair Designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A sharp looking ebonized chair with caned side panels designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
Edward Wormley Model 7211 Lounge Chairs, Walnut Frame, Mid-Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of rare Edward Wormley Model "7211" lounge chairs, recently reupholstered in beige and gold marble-patterned tufted chenille with walnut stained frame and legs (circa 1975, for ...
Walnut
$2,880Sale Price|40% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table Bench with Brass Magazine Display
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dunbar coffee table or bench (Model 5933a) with built-in brass rods for suspending magazines. One other option is to recess a glass top over the rods to use as table surface. Signed ...
Brass
$11,500 / item
Janus Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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.
Brass
Walnut Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly detailed and finely crafted set of nesting tables in light walnut.
Walnut
Trapezoid Top Wormley for Dunbar Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural trapezoid coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Rolling Bar Cart
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pistachio green rolling bar cart from the Precedent series by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1960. 3 tiered rolling cart featuring a textured glass top and casters. Precedent by Drexel...
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
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
A-frame Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A horseshoe back armchair with white leather upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame.
Leather, Mahogany
$9,500 / item
Desk Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An adjustable and swiveling roll arm desk chair in the original brown leather, having a chromed four point base with casters.
Steel
$3,600 / item
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless button tufted lounge chair of generous proportion having exposed walnut base. Model: 5000.
Upholstery, Walnut
$24,000 / set
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...
Brass
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
Headboard with Built-in Armrests by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and elegant king size headboard in darkened mahogany having channeled upholstery, adjustable back rests and two pairs of drop-down arms.
Mahogany, Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar midcentury side table This table measures: 31.25 wide x 31.25 deep x 23 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...
Wood
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
Roll Top Standing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique and elegant lectern in walnut with a roll top cover and a single drawer.
Walnut
Thin-Edged Brass Mirror by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare and beautifully rendered thin-edged square mirror in warmly patinated brass.
Brass
Armless Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Lacquered Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1948
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Occasional Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1941
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.
Brass
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
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
Pair of Janus High Back Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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.
Walnut, Upholstery
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
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