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 Swivel Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Swivel Chair, laminated flat spindles, seat and crest rail with, X base with solid mahogany tapered legs. Newly upholstered button tufted seat with Spinneybeck leather...
Leather, Mahogany
Uncommon Edward Wormley Five-Leg Walnut Coffee Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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.
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5407 Mid Century Black Leather Party Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5407 Mid Century Black Leather Party Sofa This sofa measures: 100 wide x 36 deep x 23.5 inches high, with a seat height of 14.5 and arm height of 23....
Leather, Wood
Occasional Wedge Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
The rarely found Wedge end table designed by Edward Wormely for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Executed in walnut, features leather-wrapped feet. completely ...
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs, set of eight, two armchairs and six side chairs, sculpted mahogany chairs with upholstered seats, arm chairs 33" H x 22" D x 23.5" W with sea...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid Century Edward Wormley Dunbar Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high quality lounge chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. In stunning original upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Curved Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Great Barrington, MA
The highest level of craftsmanship. Dunbar. It's all in the subtleness of this sofa. The curved frame. The lines. The proportions.
Linen
Pair of Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Janus" Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the Janus armchairs designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company. These armchairs features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and metalli...
Leather, Mahogany
$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
Gorgeous Restored Set of 8 Cane Dining Chairs by Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1948
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) cane back Klismos dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of this magnitude is the collector's equivalent to capturing a Purple Unicorn. Expertly crafted solid walnut construction with stellar lines and detail. Finished in a dark walnut stain - aged to absolute perfection. Delicate cane panel inset back. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and coveted chair...
Cane, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century coffee table This table measures: 28 wide x 28 deep x 26 inches high We take our photos in a co...
Wood
Dunbar Edward Wormley Pair of Janus line armchairs mahogany mid century Berne
By Edward Wormley
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Carved detailed Dunbar, Berne IN design by Edward Wormley. Needs reupholstery
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 935 Walnut and Rosewood Chairs - Set of 8
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 935 Walnut and Rosewood Chairs - Set of 8 Each chair measures: 24.5 wide x 22 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair ...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
Fine Edward Wormley Chest of Drawers / Dresser for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Milo Baughman, Harvey Probber, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Chest of Drawers / Dresser for Dunbar. Leather wrapped designer handles. Dovetailed Drawers. Incredible detailed craftsmanship. Note the fine edged outer border and th...
Walnut
Edward Wormley Side Table with Metal Detail by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
In classic Wormley fashion, this walnut side table has very refined, subtle details. In this case the cut-away corners have a channel running down the legs with an inset metal detail...
Metal
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar no. 4756 wing shaped sofa in Mohair and Brass
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare offering from Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This wing shaped sofa, model 4756, was reupholstered in a moss colored mohair and sits on 10" solid brass stiletto legs. Ele...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Two Edward Wormley cabinets with corrugated wood sliding doors and center drawer section in a grey brown finish. The cabinet is 20" deep by 49" wide by 31.25 high.
Mahogany
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
$4,600Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Mahogany
Pair of Vintage Caneback Side Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Fine Pair of Vintage Dunbar Chairs by Edward Wormley. Dimensions are approximate. Will confirm.
Wood
Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Set of Six, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Amarillo, TX
Edward Wormley, two armchairs, and four side chairs. Dunbar, USA. Mahogany and leather. Signed with applied gold rectangular metal manufacturer's label to the seat bottom [Dunb...
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Coffee Table model 5309
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley Coffee Table Model 5309 Manufactured by Dunbar Furniture in 1953 Rosewood,Brass and Glass Original Glass bowl fits in circlar hole ...
Brass
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
Upholstery
Wardrobe Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A masterful three-sectioned wardrobe in bleached mahogany. Having a central seven-bank of drawers and flanking closets-one with adjustable glass shelves, the other with shelving and ...
Brass
Edward Wormley Walnut Nesting Tables model #4785, set of five
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lynn, MA
Set of (5) walnut nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Cataloged as model #4785. Sap walnut tops with ebonized base. Signed Dunbar. Largest -H: 20.50 x W: 26.25 x D: 15.5 H...
Walnut
Stunning Set of 14 Klismos Cane Side Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley, circa 1948
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 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
$3,996Sale Price|28% Off
Edward Wormley Dresser in Mahogany and Leather for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Diego, CA
Uncommon Edward Wormley Dresser in Mahogany and Leather for Dunbar. Gorgeous restored vintage dresser with contrasting channelled recessed pulls in contrasting wood species. This pie...
Mahogany
$9,000 / set
Edward Wormley Pair of Sofas / Settees
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
These lovely, lightly scaled sofas or loveseats designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, are not only an uncommon form, having a matched pair available is also very rare. They are stru...
Upholstery, Wood
Exceptional Pair of Ash Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1967
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent lounge chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, expertly upholstered and comp...
Stainless Steel
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 495 Sofa, Mahogany, Mid-Century
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
This sofa has beautiful lines and a gently curved back. A true classic. The fabric is original and in very good condition. It is a rich and high-quality texture that looks like embro...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Console by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Architectural Console No. 5403 in walnut with black laminate top and shelves designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Retains original DUNBAR labels.
Formica, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Matching Dresser Set in Mahogany Wood
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar matching dresser set in mahogany wood, model 5272 triple dresser 12-drawer storage with matching smaller companion four dr...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Maple Slant Front Chest with Three Drawers, Mid-Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century maple slant front chest with three drawers with semi-circular wooden drawer pulls, resting on four tapered square wooden legs....
Wood, Maple
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Dijon Colored 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. Color is listed as "Dijon"...
Mohair, Mahogany
Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat side/end Table w/travertine top by Edward Wormley, 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat side/end table w/travertine top by Edward Wormley. Original measures 30" diameter 20.25" tall
Travertine
Pair of Mid-Century Walnut, Leather and Mahogany Wedge End Tables by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar walnut wedge/trapezium-form end tables with mahogany stretchers/bases and leather-wrapped feet (model #5216, ca. 1955, Indiana, USA). Uncommon examp...
Leather, Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley Game Table in Mahogany with Rosewood Top 1960s 'Signed'
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate your mid-century modern decor with the Edward Wormley Game Table, model no 6348, featuring gently curved sides in rich dark mahogan...
Mahogany, Rosewood
$8,500 / set
Edward Wormley Nightstands/Chest of Drawer
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Edward Wormley Nightstands or Chest of Drawers Manufactured by Dunbar
Mahogany
Excellent Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Classic roll top desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with leather footrest. This stately executive desk is beautifully constructed of rosewood and mahogany. With two sliding roll-tops,...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Loveseat Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning signed Dunbar 2 seater loveseat sofa. This piece is upholstered in it's original celery green woven wool in very nice to excellent condition. The loose seat cushions are qui...
Upholstery, Walnut
Rare Slightly Curved Sofa by Wormley for Dunbar with Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber, Milo Baughman, Dunbar Furniture
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
Four Swivel Stools / Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four Edward Wormley for Dunbar swiveling stools / chairs with mahogany legs and chrome sabots. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hun...
Fabric
Set of Four Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of four cane back dining chairs with mahogany frames. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautifully restored.
Cane
Edward Wormley, Slipper Chair, Aluminum, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
An aluminium and white bouclé fabric slipper chair designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, 1950s. 17" seat height
Aluminum
$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
Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a. The continuous laminated ash legs wrap around the entire chair and form t...
Bouclé, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in Holly Hunt Great Plains Weave
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of iconic slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have reupholstered these in a Holly HUnt Great Plains woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include mainly off-wh...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$11,840Sale Price|38% Off
Ebonized Mid-Century Modern Executive / Campaign Desk by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Deland, FL
Commanding and practical this impressive campaign-style desk by Dunbar has recently undergone a complete restoration. Designed by the inimitable Edward Wormely at the zenith of Dunba...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane Back and Brass Armchair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
Edward Wormley for Dunbar cane back and brass armchair. Circa 1950's.
Cane, Oak
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Oblong Side Table, Light Wood, Circa 1955
By Dunbar Furniture, 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 'In Clover' Black Leather Office Chair, Walnut Base
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century "In Clover" office / executive chair with a black leather button tufted seat with a high back and scroll arms resting on a rolling / swiveling walnut base with b...
Metal, Brass
Edward Wormley Channel Back Sofa, Brass Legs, Blue Upholstery, c1940s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
An early channel back sofa with brass legs and covered in blue fabric by Edward Wormley. Model #4757 designed in 1947. The fabric is tired and should...
Brass
Flatware Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
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.
Brass
Dunbar Dresser with Leather Handles by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early walnut dresser with leather covered handles. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Side Table, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Sheaf of wheat side table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar very good vintage original condition.
Glass, Walnut
Mid-Century Edward Wormley Dunbar 4-Seat Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Baltimore, MD
An Exceptional Vintage Mid-Century Modern 4-Seat Sofa – Sleek Architectural Silhouette, designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Measuring an impressive 93" long, this ra...
Fabric, Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Lounge Chairs, Ebonized Base
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century Lounge / Armchairs with brown upholstery having a seat cushion and button tufted back and resting on an ebonized base with square legs (EDWARD WORMLEY FO...
Wood
Edward Wormley Open Frame Sofa, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A very rare two-seat Edward Wormley open frame sofa, made by Dunbar, in the USA, 1950s. Newly reupholstered in high quality fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern "Long John" Coffee Table By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long, low, mid-century modern, "Long John" coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features a beautifully grained, walnut paneled top with upturned edges and bentwood hairpin legs....
Walnut