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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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Creator: Edward Wormley
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...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Four Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four Edward Wormley for Dunbar high back dining chairs with mahogany bases. Fully restored and reupholstered.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Tambour Door Storage Console with Drawer by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Dunbar Double Sliding Door Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley solid walnut cased cabinet with two sliding doors supported on four legged brass frame with walnut caps on the feet. Original Dunbar label on the back.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Hexagonal Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This table is an early design by Ed Wormley for Dunbar is a cylindrical form of mahogany with hexagonal faceted sides. It can serve as a side table, or with the addition of a larger ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Slate

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

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

Pair of Blue Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
1950's Classic American mid-century Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs model #127. With its timeless yet fashion-forward appeal these chairs are one of the most recognized desi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful and elegant pair of armless slipper chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This set appears to have been reupholstered (beautifully and professionally) at some point...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley and Produced by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A newly upholstered sofa made by Dunbar and designed by Edward Wormley, circa 1965.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Lamp Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish Mid-Century Modern Dunbar lamp table features rich mahogany finish, dovetailed drawers, and uniquely sculpted single drawer design. Unique drawer pull and raised edge st...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

Dunbar Console or Sofa Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and walnut console table with rosewood pulls. The table features book holders on either side and three drawers. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armchairs in Pink Striped Upholstery
By Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, stained ash, fabric, United States, 1960s These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixtie...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Ash

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bar Cart
By Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bar cart by Dunbar. Glass top with two leaves. Made of mahogany.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wood Framed Inset Top End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century end / side table with a slightly rounded rectangular top with a lighter stained wooden inSet top supported by a darker wooden frame with a shaped apron with four...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

Asymmetrical Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low console or table with a spare mahogany frame that supports an asymmetrical top with brass capped feet.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Dubar off White Leather Top Dark Walnut Cocktail Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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.
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Early Elegant Custom Edward Wormley Console for Dunbar
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.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in French Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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

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.  
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Cork

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Steel

Pair of Edward Wormley armchairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Edward Wormley armchairs
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a. The continuous laminated ash legs wrap around the entire chair and form t...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Precedent Line Coffee Table for Drexel
By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
An early, modernist Wormley form for Drexel. This vintage item should go to a refinisher. Edward Wormley executed designs for both Dunbar and Drexel.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Magazine Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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

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

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chair circa 1950s with Original Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable armless lounge slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in beautiful plaid upholstery. A true collectors piece with no modifications and in excellent vintage condition....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Dunbar Edward Wormley Pair of Janus line armchairs mahogany mid century Berne
By Edward Wormley
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Carved detailed Dunbar, Berne IN design by Edward Wormley. Needs reupholstery
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

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...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Carpathian Elm Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Carpathian Elm Coffee Table A beautiful and rare Edward Wormley burled triangular top coffee table fo...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Elm, Burl

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.
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

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...
Category

1960s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Sheaf of Wheat” Marble Top Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Marble Coffee Table Signed Classic and timeless design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, "Sheaf of Wheat" coffee table/side ...
Category

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

Materials

Marble

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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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

A-frame Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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

1950's Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of 1950s armchairs and ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar have painted walnut legs with all new foam and upholstery. Priced individually as two chair-and-ottoman sets.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley Party Server for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
The Edward Wormley bar cart is a timeless piece of furniture that embodies both style and function. It is a versatile piece that is perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany End Tables - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 27 wide x 27.5 deep x 22.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we cal...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Tiered End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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

Tapered Leg Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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

Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany X-Stretcher Thebes Bench
By Edward Wormley
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage "Thebes" bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Berne, Indiana. The solid mahogany legs, with an x - stretcher, rests on button feet. The original fabric is most li...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Leather Ottomans Model 5314, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Leather Ottomans, Model #5314, 1960’s. Original burnt sienna color leather with beautiful patina, as shown in pictures. Measure 30” x 30” 16” tall
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather, 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

Impressive Two Tier Triangular Wedge Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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

Pair of Swiveling Barrel Back Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair (2) of continuous arm swivel chairs in laminated walnut having tan button tufted leather cushions and a cruciform stretcher detail.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley for 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

Walnut Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly detailed and finely crafted set of nesting tables in light walnut.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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.
Questions About Edward Wormley Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Edward Wormley used a variety of materials over the course of his career. Among them were laminated wood, brass, marble and silk. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently, his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work have an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets them apart from other furnishings of the era. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Edward Wormley furniture.

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