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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Period: 1950s
Creator: Edward Wormley
Walnut Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions, retaining the original black leather upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Teak
Dunbar Cabinet, Mahogany and Brass, Four Doors, One Drawer, Excellent
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Storage chest or cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Expertly refinished mahogany case with solid brass hardware. Two wide center drawers reveal an adjustable shelf. Two o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Sideboard Model 671 A for Dunbar Custom Order 1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Camden, ME
An Edward Wormley walnut and Japanese fir sideboard , model 671A for Dunbar, circa 1953.
A rare exquisite Japanese inspired walnut cabinet with two drawers with cast bronze pulls and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Paper
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Tufted Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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. T...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of 2 Cantilever End Tables by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
A set of two cantilever top end tables--one with shelf and the other without—for a less "matched" look. Made by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950.
Made of mahogany and pr...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Mahogany Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An octagonal mahogany writing desk designed by Edward Wormley with a single drawer. Made by Dunbar in the USA, circa 1957.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Set of Ten Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A classic set of ten (10) dining chairs, each features solid walnut wood construction, spindle back detail with brass stretchers. Set includes 8 side chairs and 2 armchairs, all reta...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Leather
Pair of Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Great pair of X-base ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This was model number 5002 from the 1950s. Vinyl tops with painted black mahogany legs. Purchased from the original owner.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Dunbar Asian Style Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Dunbar Asians style end table, American, circa 1940s. Retains Dunbar branded mark underneath. This early Dunbar table shows Edward Wormley's Asian design ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Edward Wormley Side Table by Dunbar Furniture
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish midcentury end-table adds a splash of vintage elegance with a rich mahogany finish and Parson's style legs. Designed by Edward Wormley and manufactured in Berne Indiana ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Pair Edward Wormley Dark Walnut and off white cord chairs for Drexel co,fabric in and off white ultra suede.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
1950's Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of 1950s armchairs and ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar have painted walnut legs with all new foam and upholstery. Priced individually as two chair-and-ottoman sets.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Server Bar by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A multifunctional walnut bar cart on casters by Edward Wormley for Dunbar– Model 5433. The cabinet has two cedar shelves which can be adjusted up or down. One drawer above the cabine...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Edward Wormley End Table by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
A beautifully detailed table with great proportions, this Ed Wormley end table by Dunbar features a walnut case and shelf supported by mahogany leg...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley slipper chairs for Dunbar with dark mahogany bases and original black velvet upholstery. The upholstery has faded to an interesting shade of aubergine. Includes downfi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Four Alexandria Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Elegant Modern at Its Best
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley Thebes Stools
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Edward Wormley stools model #5002.
Manufactured by Dunbar.
Original olive green leather.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Tambour Door Console by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare curved front console in rich grained rosewood with a single drawer and slatted tambour storage.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Drop Tambour Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and uncommon drop tambour front cabinet of bleached walnut having recessed finger pulls, the cabinet with drawers, shelves and vert...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Completely Original Alexandria Chair Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
Edward Wormley "a Chair" for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare chair in mahogany with solid brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
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
Panel Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four (4) elegant and generously proportioned dining chairs with wooden panel backs, having spare, square-legged mahogany frames and tailored, form fitting upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Mahogany Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this handsome mahogany armchair for Dunbar, juxtaposing modern linearity with curvaceous classic form. It has been expertly reupholstered in Knoll's Rivington...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood, Wool
Tall Walnut and Olive Burl Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Edward Wormley Dunbar Party Server Bar
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "party server" or bar cabinet on wheels. Rare and iconic early Wormley design. When extended the top becomes 53.5"L.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
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
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An architectural and substantial armchair having an exposed walnut "A"-shaped frame supporting an upholstered seat and generous floating and curving back.
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
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Slipper chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Newly upholstered in a orange fabric closely matching the original with attention to detail!
Solid mahogany frame.
Retains the...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric
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
Pair of Edward Wormley Mahogany and Grey Wool Barrel Back Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar barrel back arm chairs in mahogany and blue/gray wool upholstery. Great understated design that reveals unique qualities, would...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
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
Wormley for Dunbar Cantilevered End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Cantilevered end table by Wormley for Dunbar. Original condition, and finish.We have separately listed the other end table, and matching coffee ta...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
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
Edward Wormley Dunbar Woven Front Chest, Mahogany, Brushed Nickel, Signed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormely for Dunbar woven front chest, mahogany and brushed nickel, signed. Medium scale commode, No. 4465, with two woven front sliding doors, two top exterior drawers and a f...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Nickel
Triangular Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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 Credenza / Server for Dunbar in Bleached Walnut and Brass
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Desk Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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 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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