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 Pair of Elegant Slipper Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek and comfortable pair of classic Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Older restoration of mahogany legs and recovering of upholstery shows minor scuffs and scratches to bases a...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$16,000 / set
Dining Set for Six by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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.
Walnut, Upholstery
$9,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Eight Edward Wormley Mahogany, Leather and Brass Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of eight mahogany wood and apricot leather curved panel back dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Set is comprised of two arm chairs and six...
Mahogany, Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Two-Tier Side Table, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century two-tier end / side table with a square top with a shallow gallery above a lower shelf containing a single drawer supported by two reverse tapered legs. (EDWARD ...
Wood
Edward Wormley Extension Walnut Dining Table for Dunbar, circa 1953
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
A Pair of Dunbar Thebes Stools In Jack Lenor Larsen Samarkand Velvet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Here is a pair of Edward Wormley designed "Thebes" stools for Dunbar. The mahogany frames are in clear lacquer & the cushions are newly upholstered in vintage "Samarkand" velvet desi...
Mahogany
$4,560Sale Price|22% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Elegantly crafted credenza made of walnut. Credenza features distinctive half moon drawer and door pulls.
Walnut
Pair of Mahogany Sofas / Daybeds by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of mahogany framed sofas / daybeds designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Reupholstered in Zink / Sappheo / Cypress.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table with Travertine Top
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany coffee table with travertine top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
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 ...
$3,200 / set
Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
Later production Dunbar, this Edward Wormley design has been updated with glass tops which work beautifully with this nesting configuration, allowing the smaller table to be seen reg...
Glass, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Dunbar Alexandria Armchairs, Mahogany & Walnut, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Alexandria" Arm Chairs, Model 6004, circa 1960, mahogany and walnut frame with burgundy vinyl seat, "Edward Wormley for Dunbar" label to underside....
Upholstery, Mahogany, Walnut
Brass Pendant Adjustable Lamp
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual pendant lamp in polished brass attributed to Harry Gitlin for Ledlin Lighting Inc. Brass ring allows for easier function and adds decorative appeal. Perforated shade.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two-Tier Walnut and Brass Cocktail Table, Refinished
By Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern two-tier cocktail or coffee table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Carved walnut, with brass stretchers Measures: 48"W x 28"D...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tilt-Back Sheridan Lounge Chair in Walnut Cane & Brass
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant lounge chair was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the late 1960s and was only produced for a very short time. The frame is crafted from solid American claro waln...
Brass
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
$6,800 / item
Pair of Dunbar Game / End Tables with Natzler Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar large scale end tables or small game tables with inset Natzler ceramic tiles. Priced and sold individually.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa / Daybed
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A one arm sofa / daybed with brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Fabric
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 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
Dunbar ArmChair 5513 and Ottoman by Edward Wormley. Great Original Fabric!
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Outstanding example of the Dunbar armchair model 5513 and matching ottoman. Both pieces retain the original fabric with the foam cushioning expertly replaced. The frames have been ...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sliding Door Sideboard
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Edward Wormley for Dunbar sideboard is a quintessential example of mid-century modern sophistication. Celebrated for his ability to blend historical elegance with contemporary m...
Mahogany
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Handsome Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa Model 4906 Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome even arm sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with brass legs. Model 4906. This piece retains its original fun fur teddy bear fabric in usable condition. The foam in cushions ...
Brass
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...
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
Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant rosewood and mahogany campaign desk having three drawers and two rosewood roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash,...
Brass
Pair of Fine Edward Wormley Chest of Drawers / Dressers for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine Pair of Edward Wormley Chest of Drawers or Dressers for Dunbar. Leather wrapped designer handles. Dovetailed Drawers. Incredible detailed craftsmanship. Note the fine edged ou...
Walnut
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Sofa, Leopard Print Vinyl, Walnut Legs, USA
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century three seat sofa, upholstered in a brown and black leopard print vinyl with two removable seat cushions, resting on three sets of square walnut legs. (EDWARD J WO...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Edward J Wormley Walnut Chest by Dunbar, Mid-Century Modern, USA
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Mid Century Mahogany Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 31 wide x 31 deep x 34 high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 22...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Lounge Chairs on Brass Legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic pair of Dunbar high back lounge chair on brass legs designed by Edward Wormley. Fully restored and upholstered in a deep blue chenille fabric.
Brass
Edward Wormley Walnut Low Chest of Drawers, Mid-Century, 31\
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century walnut low chest of drawers with three sets of four drawers, one set wider and central, flanked on either side by two narrower sets of drawers. (EDWARD WORMLEY F...
Wood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century 2-Tier Burlwood and Mahogany Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century 2-Tier Burlwood and Mahogany Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 27.75 deep x 27.75 inches high We take our photos in a control...
Mahogany, Burl
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Low Side Table, Wood Frame, Circa 1955
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century low 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 ...
Wood
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
$15,750Sale Price|30% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully updated and restored. The iconic bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been reupholstered in a stunning high-quality mohair from "The Sign". This sofa ...
Mohair, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Lounge Armchair, Taupe Upholstery, USA
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century lounge armchair with plush upholstery in a textured taupe and beige with a small skirt concealing four fluted legs. (EDWARD J WORMLEY ...
Upholstery, Wood, Fabric
$22,000 / item
Six Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of six swivel spindle back arm chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
Dunbar Sheaf Of Wheat Table With Glass Top
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar sheaf of wheat side table. Original 1950’s label. Comes with 3/4” thick 24”glass. Could be used with stone or...
Ash
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and Ebonized Oak Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
4809 Wedge Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A table is an argument about space—how to define it, how to occupy it, how to make it serve. The Model 4809 Wedge Table by Edward Wormley makes its case with quiet authority: pure ge...
Glass, Smoked Glass, Ash, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut, Rosewood and Aluminium Inlaid End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Aluminum
Remarkable Set of 10 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Elegant Edward Wormley Rosewood Dinette / Game Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Milo Baughman, Harvey Probber, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Edward Wormley dinette or game table for Dunbar. Appears to be rosewood. wear to the finish. May desire to have restored some.
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood Cocktail Table, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern cocktail table, occasional side table, or tea table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Book-matched rosewood top, with ebonized ...
Rosewood
Set of Six Edward Wormley Cane Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A refined set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, featuring dark-finished wood frames with gently curved caned backs and elegantly tapered legs. The restraine...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Walnut Cabinet by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
Simple, clean-lined and versatile, this Ed Wormley cabinet by Dunbar features two bi-fold doors concealing one compartment with two shelves. Subtle ...
Brass
Edward Wormley Primavera Mahogany Commode
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5-drawer cabinet, mahogany wood with tapered brass legs. [metal tag Dunbar].
Brass
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Brass
Mid-Century Walnut Extendable Dining Table by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Furniture in the 1950s, this rare Model 5965 dining table is a masterclass in American modernism. Custom commissioned for the renowned John A...
Brass
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 1950s. This Classic lounge chair is reupholstered i...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized Sheaf of Wheat Table with Glass Top
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Sheaf of Wheat Table Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. TAble has been freshly ebonized. Brass ring and hardware gently cleaned. Replacement glass top is 3/8” thick ...
Brass
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Club Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar club chair with older re-upholstery on thick tapered legs. Unrestored, ready for new upholstery, legs show age, should be refinished. Email for up...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Lounge Chairs, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Series Lounge Chairs, 1957. Original upholstery. Front legs have a beautiful carved pattern. Measure 30.5" wide 25" deep 26" tall, seat heig...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Stepped Oblong End Table, Dark Wood, Mid-Century Design
By Edward Wormley
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 Swivel Armchair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Long Island City, NY
LITERATURE Illustrated in EDWARD WORMLEY: The Other Face of Modernism, pg. 41 A 1960s Dunbar swivel armchair designed by Edward Wormley. The base is ebonized mahogany. The back cush...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$9,009 / set
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
$7,500 / set
Pair of Dunbar Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored pair of Dunbar Thebes stools designed by Edward Wormley.
Mahogany
Edward J. Wormley Model 5272A Dresser with Brass Taper Legs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful dresser designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States circa 1950’s. Featuring twelve spacious drawers that gradually increase in depth. This walnut-stained ...
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Louvered Six Drawer Dressers
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of louvered front six drawer dressers designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany