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
Clean-Line End Table in Teak by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Clean-line end table in teak by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1950s. (Dunbar metal tag on bottom).
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Teak
Thin-Edged Brass Mirror by Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Angled Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley fro Dunbar angled ottoman #5701 in original black leather. Ash frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Desk Chair by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Solid Brass and Marble Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Clean lined Dunbar brass and marble coffee table designed by Edward Wormley. Solid brass bar frame with solid brass rod stretchers and brass square plate feet. Beautifully veined rou...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
End Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fine and uncommon pair of end tables having sculptural exposed frames in stained mahogany and expressive floating tops of molded birch with upturned edges.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Birch
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
Pair of Ed Wormley Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Ed Wormley chairs.
Category
20th Century American Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Early Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Oriental Cork Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Tables with Natzler Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar occasional tables with Natzler tiles from the Janus Collection. Custom ordered from Dunbar, tiles described as "Jade." Mahogany construction ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
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
Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley
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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Pair of His and Hers Step side Tables by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very nice pair of end tables, his and hers, it has the original top, and the original patina is nicer in person.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley Tulip Side Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rarely seen pair of tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Label below
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Chesterfield Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley Bleached Mahogany Corner Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Minimalist design bleached mahogany corner table number 4977. Nicely grained woods with open design and expert craftsma...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
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...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Uncommon Edward Wormley Five-Leg Walnut Coffee Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar five-leg walnut coffee table. Another uncommon Wormley design with the addition of a fifth canted leg. Excellent wood grain, recessed apron and brass sabots.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
Edward Wormley Mahogany and Rosewood Raised Edge Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany cabinet with four large drawers and a center shelved cabinet on plinth base. The pair of ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Walnut and Olive Ash Burl Tall Cabinet for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Described in Dunbar catalogs as "#6027 High Piece" this incredible curved front cabinet is constructed of walnut with olive ash burled lower cabin...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Cinnabar Lacquered Cabinet 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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bleached and Glazed Walnut Parsons End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegantly simple bleached and glazed walnut square Parsons end table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s American 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
Highback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
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
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
Pair of Janus High Back Chairs by Edward Wormley
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
Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Low Table or Bench by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
Rare Woven Front Credenza by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare woven front credenza with walnut strips interlacing unique rectangular rods. Four (4) drawers with brass pulls over four sliding doors with interior drawers and shelves.
Category
1950s 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
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
Dunbar Janus Side Table by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning tripod side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar from the Famous 'Janus' Collection. Stunning exotic wood top and solid brass feet. Original condition. Retains brass rectangul...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
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
Edward Wormley Bleached Mahogany Reeded Curule Leg Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
An uncommon and early Edward Wormley design for Dunbar, this reeded Curule leg end table has a three-sided gallery framed top, three part stretcher connecti...
Category
1940s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Janus Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
End Table by Edward Wormley
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
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
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 Six #6337 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Dining Set for Six by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Mahogany Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Bookcase by Edward Wormley for Drexel
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Black Leather Bench, c1960
By Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wonderful bench was designed for Dunbar by Edward Wormely, c1960. Newley upholstered in dark grey/black Italian leather. On display in our Los Angeles showroom.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Edward Wormley Long John Bench for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Diego, CA
The iconic Long John bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Features a solid walnut construction with bent hairpin plywood legs. The edge of the table has a slight raised edge....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Plywood
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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