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.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Stone and Brass Expanding Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Stone and Brass Expanding Coffee Table This expanding coffee table measures: 44 wide x 24.5 deep x 16.25 inches high. There are 2 expand...
Stone, Brass
Edward Wormley Magazine Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley magazine table for Dunbar, Berne Indiana. Classic mid-century design by Edward Wormley, sophisticated yet modern. Newly refinished with original order tags intact, rea...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1947 Cork Surfaced Mahogany Lamp Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sharon, CT
Early and important Edward Wormley designed for Dunbar Cork Topped 'Lamp Table', Factory Number #3378. Constructed (According to the original Dunbar label)...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chair and ottoman model 6142
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swiveling Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Early 60's design only produced for a short time! Never having seen one before is always a perk for a Mid-Century Deal...
Brass
Early Dunbar Leather Curved Desk and Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original lilac leather and bleached mahogany curved desk with built in bookshelves. The drawers are hinged and swing open. The original ...
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
This is a credenza that exudes power, presence, and a little bit of that old-money mystique. Designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this mahogany and walnut masterpiece...
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa This sofa measures: 84.5 wide x 31 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 15.25 and arm height of 23 inches Great Vint...
Metal
Tall Tambour Cabinet with Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and refined ebonized mahogany wardrobe having tambour doors with integrated handles a top two (2) drawers with cut out handles.
Mahogany
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning Dunbar Edward Wormley Burled Olivewood Octagon Drum Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Dunbar Edward Wormley burled olivewood octagonal columnar table base supporting a thick round glass top. This table measures: 42 in diameter x 17 in height, glass .75 inch ...
Glass, Burl
Edward Wormley, Coffee Table, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut coffee table designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, USA, c. 1950s. Light chipping present, with touch-ups carried out. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.5"H x 66...
Wood, Walnut
World Globe by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
The ultimate world globe designed by Edward Wormley for Rand McNally, USA, circa 1950. Features a rotating globe mounted on a walnut base with brass capped legs. Marked "Rand McNally...
A Pair of Dunbar Occasional Tables Asian Style with Cork Tops
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual and rare pair of side tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1940s. Mahogany with original cork tops, Asian Style with green Dunbar labels.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza This credenza measures: 61.5 wide x 18 deep x 32.25 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Very Minor Scratches on t...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and Mahogany Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and rosewood side table deigned by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Rosewood
Rare set of Eight 1950s MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare set of 8 dining room or conference armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model number 842, in mahogany with original red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to s...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early Pair of Grey Mohair Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Restored
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant from every angle! A very rare and early pair of swiveling club chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1940's. These clean-lined chairs elevate comfortable lounging to new...
Mohair, Wood
Pair Dunbar Stepped Bookcases by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Stepped Bookcases by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Mahogany stepped Bookcases with two drawers that are stepped out from the frames. Wonderful ...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Chair (1960's)
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Chair (1960's) Base: Solid walnut with Shepard double-wheel casters Features: Tilt, swivel, and lock mechanism Design Details: Button-tufted leather...
Leather, Walnut
Important Edward Wormley For Dunbar Drop-Leaf Desk in Tawi Walnut & Steel 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Before this desk was built in the early 1950s, top-class American furniture design was typically unrecognizable compared to the mid century design that exploded in the late 1950s. Across the pond in Europe, the mid century revolution had already happened, yielding huge success in the form of designers and architects like Ettore Sottsass and many more. This inspired Dunbar to produce this desk: one of the most conservatively designed Dunbar models ever at the time. Then, it probably looked incredibly sleek and handsome. Now, it stands as a piece of history not only for Dunbar, but for American design as a whole. In classic Dunbar fashion, the construction of the desk is absolutely in the top of its class. Known for overbuilt pieces, this desk takes it to another level. A frame of black enameled square tubular steel supports a mahogany cabinet with four drawers of the same material, attached with beautiful solid brass hardware. The top is of a rare form of walnut called tawi, which has an interesting grain structure that's visibly more smooth than figured walnut, and is secured to the base with no less than 12 high-quality brass screws. The hinges for the drop side are also uncessesarily intricate, and feature exceptional stability and smoothness. When the drop side is extended, it feels like a perfect natural extension of the main work surface. To top it all off, the drop side has sliding support panel on the underside made of solid rosewood, one of the most expensive and premium woods. Signed in the interior of the second drawer with a metal label. An extraordinary construction for an extraordinary piece of history. In good condition. Top has been refinished and is ready for another generation of use. Structurally excellent. Drawers slide smoothly with almost no dip when extended. Drop side is sturdy and hinges feel great. If desired, we can restore this desk even more. We can repaint the frame black, we can refinish the cabinet, polish brass, etc. As it stands, it has a nice original patina that adds to the character of the desk. Let us know what you'd likle to see! We have decades of experience restoring vintage furniture...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Walnut Sectional Sofa w/ Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Add a touch of mid-century charm to your living space with this inviting sectional sofa, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s. This piece is all about both style and fl...
Fabric, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa This sofa measures: 86 wide x 29 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 22.75 inches ...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 1038 Mid Century Wingback Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 1038 Mid Century Wingback Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 29.5 wide x 30 deep x 45 high, with a seat height of 21 and arm height/chair clear...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Executive Walnut Desk by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful mid-century executive walnut desk designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk is made with a timeless design that has been profess...
Brass
Edward J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar circa 1950s on solid brass castors. The lounge chair has a trapezoid shape, wider in the front (27.5" W) and tapers to the back....
Upholstery
Slate and Walnut Dry Bar Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Slate and Walnut Dry Bar Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American Mid-Century dry bar cabinet with a walnut case featuring a left-hand closed cabinet next to an open shelf compar...
Slate
Edward Wormley, Armchairs, Mahogany, Fabric, USA, 1967
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained mahogany and orange brown fabric armchairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, USA, c. 1967. Seats reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall ...
Fabric, Mahogany
$7,400 / set
Pair of Benches by Edward Wormely for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of benches model 5002 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Stools are constructed of walnut and have been professionally restored in a medium walnut finish, both have been newly uphols...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley, Chest of Drawers, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany chest of drawers or dresser, designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Indiana, USA, c. 1950s.
Mahogany
"Thebes" X Base Stool / Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Thebes stool / bench / footrest / footstool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This example retains the original yellow and orange geometric design fabric. The finish on t...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Elegant Game Low Dinning Table Designed by Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant low game table in walnut top with mahogany base and brass accents feet, circa 1950s in its original finish very clean for its age has a nice look.
Brass
Long Bermuda Bench By Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Classic and elegant "Bermuda" bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. This is the hard to find long version. Reupholstered in patinated leather with brass nail heads.
Leather, Mahogany
1940's Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Regency Style X Form Bench or Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early design for Dunbar, mahogany bench or vanity stool model 1050. Curved or X form base with classical styling, with older upholstered seat. Mahogany frame will be restored prior t...
Leather, Mahogany
$3,800 / set
Pair of Unusual Side Tables by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of unusual tables by Dunbar ca' 1970's. Large scale-perfect as end tables or lamp tables, walnut tops, legs have a stuctural cut out detail.
Mahogany, Walnut
Dunbar Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for the Janus Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of sophisticated and very well crafted slipper chairs having tufted backs upholstered in a light taupe and cream woven fabric with sculptural ebony toned mahogany legs . From ...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany & Oak Waveform Cabinets, 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Bainbridge, NY
American Mid Century Modern refinished Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two Tone Chests - Cabinets. Featuring matched tone rectangular forms with Mahogany sides and top surface, sliding rip...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Flip Top Dining or Game Table, Newly Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top game table or dining table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar USA, 1950s Walnut, with original brass hinges, leather wrapped feet, and velvet ...
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Tall back lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar furniture. Beautiful crisp lines frame the chair with grace and style. Edward Wormley’s designs are still often mimicked ...
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Hexagonal Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 ...
Slate
$6,300Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Table with Murano Mosaic Tiles
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Table with Murano Mosaic Tiles, model 5425, Mahogany wood base, glass tiles with brass edge. Label on underside [Du...
Brass
$8,700Sale Price|40% Off
Mahogany Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Stainless Steel
Edward Wormley 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley three seat on tapered walnut legs is from his Dunbar for Modern collection, one of his early fully modern furniture collections. This sofa, was reupholstered by the original owners, in the late 90s to fit their new southwest decor...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Co. Mid-Century American Walnut Chest
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century walnut cabinet with two tambour doors, the left with 4 larger pull out drawers, the right with 8 drawers of alternating size, resting on 2 U-shaped open bentwood...
Bentwood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Louvered Five Drawer Nightstand
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A louvered front five drawer nightstand designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Matching dresser available separately.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers/Tall Dresser with Brass Pulls
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elegant tall dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Featuring 5 drawers each with a pair of solid brass drawer pulls. Constructed out of solid wood and veneer. Dunbar is one of the ...
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers, Nightstands
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully crafted chest of drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These are mahogany and feature 5 drawers, 2 smaller than the other three. Make great n...
Mahogany
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar / Janus Japanese Wood Block, Walnut, and Rosewood
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century two-section china cabinet / hutch with an upper walnut case with four rosewood cabinet fronts featuring inset Japanese wood blocks depicting pastoral scenes with adjacent...
Wood, Walnut, Rosewood
Rare Dunbar Sofa Model 5316 by Edward Wormley. Original Orange Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare and desirable sofa Model 5316 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This completely original example is in very good condition. No tears, holes or stains to the o...
Aluminum
$5,760Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley Extension Walnut Dining Table for Dunbar, circa 1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Camden, ME
An Edward Wormley walnut extension dining table designed for Dunbar in the early 1950s. The dark walnut base sets on four leather cased feet contrasts with the walnut top which is a ...
Leather, Walnut
$4,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Edward Wormley Ebonized Mahogany Side Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Edward Wormley ebonized mahogany side table with storage.
Brass
Dunbar Angle Sofa #4756 on Aluminum Legs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A gutter back armless sofa on aluminum legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt, Lush, Foggy velvet.
Velvet
Four Ash and Rosewood Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four Ash armchairs with rosewood details. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Ash, Rosewood
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1961
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
With a nod to the immense popularity of Charles Eames's swivel lounge chair and ottoman, Wormley capitalized on the popularity of his own stationary, winged lounge chair and ottoman ...
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Triangular Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A triangular coffee table with burled Carpethian elm top and walnut legs with brass caps. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Elm, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bleached Mahogany Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves This table measures: 66.25 wide x 44.25 deep x 29 inches high, with a chair clearance of...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chaise Longue Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar chaise longue sofa.
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s Asian Influence Walnut Extension Dining Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s Mid-Century Modern with Asian influence walnut top with beveled edge extension dining table with two 15" leaves on ebonzied base and leather s...
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Round Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and glass coffee table on casters. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley/Dunbar Furniture oversized Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large button tufted ottoman Hand printed original Velvet upholstery
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nightstand, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nightstand, 1960’s. Original great condition with 4 leuvered drawers, velvet lined jewelry divider in top drawer and base is wrapped in leather. Measures 2...
Leather, Velvet, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 15.25 inches high All pieces of fu...
Wood