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
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
Pair of Dunbar Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Loveseat Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning signed Dunbar 2 seater loveseat sofa. This piece is upholstered in it's original celery green woven wool in very nice to excellent condition. The loose seat cushions are qui...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Even Arm Sofa or Settees
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Two-piece Dunbar sofa model number 4908 designed by Edward Wormley. This low profile sofa has down-filled cushions and hand-tied springs and is one of the most comfortable modern pie...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Mahogany Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley Coffee Table with Tiffany Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant coffee table incorporating seven beautiful iridescent
Tiffany Tiles.This group of furnishing was inspired by a visit by to the gamble resid...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pentagonal Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
All original, signed, Dunbar pentagonal coffee table designed by Edward Wormley. Beautiful patina on the original finish.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Nightstands or Small Chests
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of silver elm nightstands in dark brown finish with brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for the Precedent collection by Drexel, design...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Parsons Style Side Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Parsons style side table in walnut by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1960s (Dunbar tag and label on bottom).
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk and Return
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
1960s Edward Wormley desk and ensuite return, label, currently being refinished, desk.
Measures: 72 W x 36.5 D x 29 H.
Return
60 W x 30.5 D x 29 H.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Four Alexandria Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Elegant Modern at Its Best
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 4 Alexandria Chairs designed by Edward Wormley. One of Wormley's most coveted designs. These can be used as dining / kitchen chairs, game table chairs or side chairs in any ro...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Asymmetrical Coffee Table by Edward Wormley
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
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Frames redone in high gloss black lacquer finish. New upholstery. ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Midcentury #5526 Wormley Dunbar Armless Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Wormley has pioneered in a broad field of design, he was one of those unique designers who was sensitive to the interplay involved in selling modernism and still preserving the nostalgic touch of intimacy, warmth, and detail. Wormley attended the Art Institute of Chicago in 1926. After attending there he worked for Marshall Field`s Design Studio in 1930, and then a year later he began working for Dunbar. His collaboration with Dunbar made him a household name for decades. His first Dunbar chairs, produced in 1932, were reproductions of antique designs, but when they became popular Wormley augmented the set with new pieces to form a full line of furniture for almost every room in the house. He was given a contract under which he would produce two lines of furniture each year, one traditional and one modern
5526 Knowland vintage 6 ft midcentury Dunbar armless sofa...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
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
Coffee Table with Faceted Olive Burl Pedestal Base by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Coffee table No. 6302G with faceted olive burl pedestal base and thick glass top by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1963 (Dunbar metal tag on base).
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Glass, Burl
Dunbar Natzler Coffee Table
By Gertrud and Otto Natzler, Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
A rare low 1950s sculptural walnut cocktail table with inset Natzler tiles. Measures: 18" H x 30" W x 22" W x 60" L.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Sliding Door Sideboard or Credenza Cabinet
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany sideboard. Item features clean Mid-Century Modern lines, brass accents at the base, two dovetail constructed upper drawers. four sliding cabinet do...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
Low Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low slipper chair with the original faux alligator texture yellow upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley
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 Expandable Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley designed coffee table produced by Dunbar. Solid Mahogany construction, professionally restored with the appropriate satin espresso finish.
The functionality of thi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Wardrobe Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A masterful three-sectioned wardrobe in bleached mahogany. Having a central seven-bank of drawers and flanking closets-one with adjustable glass shelves, the other with shelving and ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Dunbar Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar end table.
Category
1960s 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 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
Triangular Table by Edward Wormley
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
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
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
Bold Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Bold mahogany coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Signed with Dunbar tag. U-shaped legs supporting...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Stunning Edward Wormely Chest/Buffet/Credenza in Black Lacquer
By Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Beautiful multi-purpose case piece by Edward Wormley for Drexel, circa 1947. Wonderful design allows for use as a chest, buffet or credenza. Restored in black lacquer to provide co...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful set of Edward Wormley for Dunbar nesting tables. Signed with big brass D.
Largest table measurements are below.
Sm...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair in Moss Green Wool Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six-Drawer Dresser
By Edward Wormley
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six Drawer Dresser . Nicely configured shallow to deep graduated drawers .
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Wood
Dunbar X-Base Table with Murano Glass Tile Top
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare form with solid rosewood base and Murano glass tile top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Drop-Leaf Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A mahogany drop-leaf table with ebonized gate-leg base. Measures: Console table depth of 16.5" deep when closed.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Small Precedent Dresser by Edward Wormley for Drexel
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this small four-drawer dresser for Drexel's Precedent Collection. Composed of silver elm, it features large brass-plated zinc pulls.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Flip-Top Serving or Bar Cart
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Description: Serving cart, two drawers, base in mahogany with brass
castors, top in walnut with flip-top for extra serving surface, gold Dunbar
label, model number 215, white laminat...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Floral Print Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sofa of English inspiration, retaining the original dark olive, coral, brown and beige mock-Asian floral print linen upholstery, on straight dark walnut legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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 Set of Three Walnut Nesting or Side Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Newly refinished set of two-tone nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Light walnut tops, banded in contrasting borders, ebonized legs and brass stretchers. Beautiful grain o...
Category
1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Burl Olive Wood Glass Top Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar # 6302G
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A faceted burl olive wood pedestal base with glass top, coffee or low table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar model # 6302G. Metal tag & paper label on bottom of base. Photo to be added...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Glass, Olive
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
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
Tall Walnut and Olive Burl Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this elegant display cabinet, model #6027, for Dunbar. The olive burl doors of the lower case enclose shelving and a se...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Walnut Lectern by Edward Wormley
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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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
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
Early Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Oriental Cork Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley Dunbar long oriental cork coffee table. Early green rectangular label attached. This version of this table is rarer in the longer length.
Measures: 62" x 14.7...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Cork
Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley
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 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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