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.
Rare Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wingback Chairs in Exclusive Cartier
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning, expertly restored pair of early wingback chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, featuring a custom Cartier-exclusive textile and refinished espresso bases. This heirloom-qu...
Mahogany
$4,224Sale Price / item|52% Off
Edward Wormley Woven Front Commode Credenza
By Edward Wormley
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Edward Wormley woven front bleached and cerused mahogany cabinet / commode with aluminum legs. Two available, priced individually.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Display Shelf/ Room Divider Super-Structure Model 5223
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Versatile Room Divider/ Display Shelf, Super-Structure Model number 5223 Designed to be used on top of a cabinet, or on the floor. This simple elegant Pie...
Glass, Mahogany
Beige Bouclé Sophia Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar - a Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of neutral lacquered mahogany model 5000 or Sophia slipper chairs with tufted seat and back. Newly refinished and reupholstered in a light écru off-white, ivory, sand or bone bo...
Mahogany, Fabric
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized King Size Headboard, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern king size headboard By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Newly ebonized mahogany, with unique louvered Front Design. ...
Mahogany
Stunning Set of 14 Klismos Cane Side Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley, circa 1948
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent set of dining chairs is unique on the World market. The set is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously profession...
Cane, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Round Occasional Tables in Stainless Steel Midcentury
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of exceptionally rare and unusual round occasional tables in walnut and rosewood with Micarta tops and stainless steel structure. Tables with a single drawer and rosewood feet...
Stainless Steel
Floating Cabinets by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Elevate your interior with these exquisite mid-century floating cabinets, masterfully designed by the iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s and meticulously restored to their...
Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Lightolier Pendant Lamp chandelier Brass and Lacquer 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A simplistic form from Edward Wormley for lightolier. The white cup allows for light to diffuse through perforations as well as directs light up which bounces and diffuses off the l...
Brass
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
$4,960Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "A" Frame Arm Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "A" Frame Arm Chair, Horseshoe curved back with original leather-covered armrests, solid mahogany frame, brass exposed screws...
Leather, Mahogany
Rare Slightly Curved Sofa by Wormley for Dunbar with Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Harvey Probber, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Seldom seen curved sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Supported by 6 Brass legs. Sofa requires reupholstery. When reupholstering there is a wood stretcher that needs replacement. ...
Brass
Wingback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Wingback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s Seldom-seen Wormley design of a winged, high back club, lounge or easy chair. Sculptural form, extra wide seat, upholstered...
Upholstery, Walnut
$7,207Sale Price / set|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Lacquered mahogany legs with newly reupholstered button tufted seat and back. ...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Long John Shelf for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Long John Shelf can be used as shelf or console. Walnut wood with great sapwood striped details.
Walnut
$2,500 / set
Pair of Sheaf of Wheat Tables by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Gorgeous mid-century sheaf of wheat side tables with gorgeous Empress Green Marble tops and brass details, designed in the 1950's by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Tables are in excell...
Marble
Mahogany and Cane Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Mahogany and Cane Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950’s. The armrests are rosewood. Measures 26” wide 30.5” deep 31.5” tall to top back pillow, seat height 16” seat dept...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany, Rosewood
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 Dunbar End Side Table with Gertrud and Otto Natzler Ceramic Tiles
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Gertrud and Otto Natzler
Located in Studio City, CA
This very rare and absolutely stunning Edward Wormley designed end/ occasional table for Dunbar Furniture for their "Janus" collection, circa 1956-1957 comes with inlaid, glazed tile...
Ceramic, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table with Inset Natzler Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut end table with inset ceramic tiles by Otto and Gertrud Natzler. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Early Rare Edward Wormley Mahogany Coffee Table, Dunbar Furniture, 1940's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Culver City, CA
Nestled within the exquisite realm of early mid-century modern design, this diminutive Edward Wormley coffee table for Dunbar Furniture emerges as a timeless masterpiece. Crafted fro...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Barstools - Set of 3
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Barstools - Set of 3 Each bar stool measures: 20.75 wide x 20 deep x 37.5 high, with a seat height of 28 and arm height/chai...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$2,250Sale Price|25% Off
Mid Century Executive Swivel Office Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Discover the pinnacle of mid-century design with this exquisite Executive Swivel Office Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, a testament to the era's innovation and Wormley's enduring...
Metal
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
$24,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Two Midcentury Ebonized Walnut Woven Front Credenzas, Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Two signed Edward Wormley for Dunbar ebonized walnut woven front credenzas with brass fittings. One is a darker walnut than the other so they are not exactly matching in coloration. ...
Walnut
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 Leather Top Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A dark mahogany table with inset patinated green leather top deigned by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Leather
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
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
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Brown Tufted Fabric
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century 3-seat sofa with brown button tufted fabric upholstery, and two removable seat cushions resting on a floating wooden base. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE C...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
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...
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sculptural Janus Table with Natzler Tiles Model
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare sculptured walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Table with blue-green Natzler tiles. C. 1957.
Ceramic, Walnut
Pair of Dunbar Wing Back Janus Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A perfectly restored pair of wing back Janus lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished walnut bases with down seats. Reupholstered in Holland & Sherry / Brunsw...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tet-a-Tete
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tet-a-Tete. Ready for fabric of your choice. Mahogany legs with brass caps, Dunbar decking.
Brass
Set of Three Dunbar Stepped Bookcases by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of three mahogany stepped bookcases with built in drawers. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Each cabinet measures 30" w x 11"d x 41"h.
Mahogany
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Rolling Bar Cart
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
A beautiful rolling bar cart as part of Edward Wormley's Precedent series. Blonde wood, 3 tiered rolling cart with glass shelf and casters. The top features a frosted glass insert. Precedent by Drexel...
Wood
Remarkable Set of 10 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of ten (10) Iconic modern cane dining chairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950. Single...
Cane, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two-Tier Side Table, Blond Wood, Circa 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century two-tier blond wood end / side table with a square top and lower shelf supported by four triangular legs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY) Scuffing...
Wood
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
Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Beautiful Original Condition, Tan Silk Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Tufted seat and back sofa designed by Edward Wormley. Dark stained African mahogany cross stretcher base with floating ends. The silk blend original fabric is in amazingly good condi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pentagonal Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
All original, signed, Dunbar pentagonal coffee table designed by Edward Wormley. Beautiful patina on the original finish.
Mahogany
All Arms- Miraculous Set of 14 Arm Klismos Cane Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare, an exceptional, meticulously restored set of fourteen (14) cane back Klismos ARM dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of th...
Cane, Walnut
$2,950Sale Price|40% Off
Edward Wormley Dunbar Swivel Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley dunbar swivel lounge chair.
Upholstery
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and walnut Square Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Classic design from one of periods giants. Bleached rosewood top and walnut frame, parsons coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar furniture. This piece is timeless. It would easil...
Rosewood, Walnut
Rare set of Eight 1950s MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Trapezoid Top Wormley For Dunbar Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Original finish Dunbar trapezoid coffee table. We are also separately offering the end tables from this set if you are interested in a full original ...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Dining Chairs (Model 935)
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
This is such a beautiful dining chair with exquisite craftsmanship and detail. The iconic Dunbar Horseshoe chair by Edward Wormley will grace an...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1940s Round or Oval Dining Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1940s mahogany 50" round dining table that opens up to 74" oval with 24" leaf. Legs are flush with 3" apron, retains...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Oblong Side Table, Light Wood, Circa 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century stepped end / side table with an oblong profile and smaller demilune upper shelf connected to the table top by two dowel supports, resting on three reverse taper...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and Ebonized Oak Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood and Ebonized Oak Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves This table measures: 66.25 wide x 44.25 deep x 29.75 inches high, with a chair c...
Rosewood, Oak
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Southampton, NJ
Janus Collection lounge chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Ebonized sculpted walnut arms and legs with an exposed frame, and red upholstery with a button tufted back and curved seat...
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s Edward Wormley Dunbar Green Wool Sofa model 5138 Mahogany Base
By Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s tuxedo even arm sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model 5138. The sofa floats on a solid mahogany base and is upholstered with new foam and a high end green wool fabric from...
Wool, Mahogany
Edward Wormley #5928 A Table Walnut, Brass and Verde Antico Marble for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lynn, MA
Rare occasional table model #5928 A Table with its luxurious original verde antico marble top designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Walnut base with brass boots. Excellent design.
Marble, Brass
Rosewood Roll top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452. All Original
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk in very good completely original condition. Two rolltops, one on each side and three drawers. Large work se...
Brass
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Circular Wooden End Table, 28\
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century circular wooden end / side table with a circular top with shallow lip above an identical stretcher shelf supported on the exterior b...
Wood
$9,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Group, Pair of End Tables on Casters 1958
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar - Janus Group Pair of End Tables on Casters, 1950s Model: 5811 Materials: Solid walnut with offset box joints, oil-finished exterior, brass key, and Dunbar ...
Brass
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa in Holly Hunt Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic clean lined sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have updated with Great Plains Mohair by Holly Hunt.
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair in Moss Green Wool Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Wood, Wool