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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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: Edward Wormley
Edward Wormley Credenza / Server for Dunbar in Bleached Walnut and Brass
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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

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

Chesterfield Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned and highly comfortable rare Chesterfield club chair with button tufted upholstery.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Rare Edward Wormley Lamp Table by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This table lamp by Edward Wormley is an exceedingly rare variation on the model 5410 by Dunbar. The model 5410 was produced with a couple base variations, but this example has severa...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Walnut Sideboard by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 brass...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Early Elegant Custom Edward Wormley Console for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Three Nesting Tables in Sap Walnut
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Beautiful set of three nesting tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with SAP walnut tops, and picked mahogany frames. Model number 4783, which denotes they were designed in 1...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Highback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high backed, button-tufted lounge chair in the original black leather upholstery with mahogany legs and side stretchers.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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

Low Table or Bench by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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

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

Faux Ivory Low Chest by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
Wonderful custom Dunbar chest designed by Edward Wormley redone in a faux ivoy finish. Great scale which could easily be used behind a sofa or under a window.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Janus High Back Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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

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

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

Janus Cabinet by Edward Wormley
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.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Fine Edward Wormley Mirror for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
A fine Edward Wormley mirror for Dunbar. Thin wood profile.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Six #6337 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

End Table by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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

End Table by Edward Wormley
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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

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.  
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

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.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Square Raffia Mirror by Edward Womley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A square mahogany wall mirror with a woven raffia boarder.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Glass, Raffia

Pair of Rare Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of upholstered armchairs fluted with dark fluted mahogany legs and "tusk" arm supports.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mahogany Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
This stylish mid-century modern armchair, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, has strong, clean lines and a comfortable seat. It has been expertly reupholstered in Knoll's Sequin ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Dunbar Floating Back Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Rare 1950s sofa design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar featuring a beautiful exposed mahogany frame and a floating arm and back section. Showcasing Wormley's deft skill of transforming ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Bookcase by Edward Wormley for Drexel
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Elm Wood, Glass Doors With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage des...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Glass, Elm

Edward Wormley Swivel Lounge Chairs, Dunbar Model 5609
By Edward Wormley
Located in Downingtown, PA
Edward Wormley Swivel Lounge Chairs, Dunbar Model 5609, Distinctive Design by a Mid-Century Modern Master (1950s-1960s) This elegant pair of swivel lounge chairs exemplifies the en...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Skokie, IL
A rare pair of "Thebes" stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar of Berne, Indiana. They also work well as ottomans, or used together to form a bench. These stools have been fully restore...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Mahogany

Mid Century Modern Rope Back Dining Chairs By Edward Wormley for Drexel (6)
By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
*** Shipping is NOT Free, please read below how to get a shipping quote. Vintage Mid Century Modern Blonde Wood and Rope Back Dining C...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Rope, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa in Beige Upholstery with Floral Motifs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, sofa, model 5125, fabric, stained wood, United States, 1950s This cubic shaped sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The sofa features a cubic-sh...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Edward Wormley Bench by Dunbar, Model 5429
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design bench for Dunbar, Model 5429. Classic design by Wormley in brass square frame on capped feet. Newer Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery that presents very well, ready ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Attributed White Upholstered Lounge Chairs - a Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair White Upholstered Lounge Chairs in the style of Edward Wormley. Dimensions: H: 31 inches: W: 31 inches: D: 34 inches - Seat Height:...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Tables, Model 279
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare and sophisticated lamp tables in dark stained mahogany. The simple, architectural configuration is surprisingly contemporary for a 70 year old design. Original finish, with rect...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Oval Walnut Drop Leaf Gate Leaf Dining Table by Edward Wormley, 1960
By Edward Wormley
Located in Basel, BS
Stunning Oval shaped vintage American Edward Wormley dining table that can also be used with its leaves down as a console table behind the couch or a buffet table. Featured beaut...
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Ebonized Dresser for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1970s, USA. The mahogany dresser has been newly refinished and ebonized. It features three smaller drawers along the top of the dresser and four full len...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Dunbar Side / End Table. Bleached Mahogany. Expertly Refinished. Signed.
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar side / end table. Expertly refinished and ready to use. Signed with the gold metal Dunbar Medallion to the underside.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Lounges Chairs in Knoll Boucle
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar pair of lounges chairs in Knoll Boucle, Newly reupholstered with solid oiled walnut cradle bases.  
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Early Elegant Custom Edward Wormley Low Console or Coffee /Side Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant custom Wormley low console / coffee side table with 9 x 9 travertine marble tile insets to form one long marble rectangular form.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood Cocktail Table, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern cocktail table, occasional side table, or tea table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Book-matched rosewood top, with ebonized ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Heart Stool Early Green Metal Tag
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Edward Wormley for Dunbar green metal tag, heart tool with splayed legs in very fine condition. Edward J Wormley A leading American furniture designer for...
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

Two-Piece Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley, Armless, Brass Legs, Models 4756 & 4828
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two piece, armless, sectional sofa designed by Edward Wormley, made by Dunbar. A combination of models 4756 and 4828 in the Dunbar Catalog. The backless end on the angled piece (4756...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

MCM Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Cabinet in Dark Expresso
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley two-door cabinet in ebonized silver elm with brass hardware, circa 1948. The one shown has recently sold, but have another with slightly different hardware available, ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ebonized Mahogany King Headboard by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this midcentury headboard for Dunbar. Louvered panels of ebonized mahogany create clean but strong lines that extend the width of a king size bed.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Model 5900 Dining Table by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful example of Ed Wormley's refined aesthetic and Dunbar's quality construction, this dining table has a very pleasing mix of straight lines and elegant curves. The octagonal...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

1940s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Set of Four Side Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar set of four elegant side chairs with dark mahogany legs. Current set of four, have original leather seats, need to be reup...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of Vintage Dunbar Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs feature stylish slipper design by iconic designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Bronze finish metal legs make a unique statement wh...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Armchair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Stockton, NJ
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar armchair. Wonderful structured lines with mahogany legs with brass ring detail. Newley upholstered in ...
Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Selection of Modern Headboards
By Edward Wormley, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Modern Headboards, circa 1950's. They are from top to bottom: 1) King Size Mahogany and Brass Headboard, designed by Edward Wormley for ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

6 Edward Wormley Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Set includes two arm chairs model No. 295W and four side chairs model No. 294W. Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Modern Dunbar Lamp Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very unusual lamp or center table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar,,Superior quality, Solid mahogany ,, Two-tone finish...,bevel drawer and hand pull.Elegant brass trim to botto...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gueridon Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Houston, TX
Occasional table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950s. Travertine top with tripod mahagony base. Dunbar label to underneath.   
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Travertine

Two-Tone Mahogany Side Table on Brass Casters by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this mahogany side table for Dunbar. The case, whose warm honey tone contrasts with the dark-stained frame, features a wide drawer with a rosewood and brass p...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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