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.
Uncommon Edward Wormley Five-Leg Walnut Coffee Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
1940s Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Mahogany Bookshelf End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
From the 1940s Dunbar Enduring Modern catalog is model # 2193, a single large end table with lower tier bookshelf by Edward J. Wormley. Rounded legs, has divider in center to hold bo...
Mahogany
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Dijon Colored Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$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
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
Edward Wormley Square Coffee or Cocktail Parsons Table for Dunbar Model #4475
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s, midcentury modern American square-top coffee or cocktail table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture in Berne, Indiana, USA. Timeless Parsons style design in a...
Wood
Edward Wormley Walnut Nesting Tables model #4785, set of five
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 935 Walnut and Rosewood Chairs - Set of 8
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$4,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Edward Wormley Ebonized Mahogany Side Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
Edward Wormley ebonized mahogany side table with storage.
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar model 4623 Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare model 4623 sofa with bleached mahogany base designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and reupholstered in mohair.
Mohair
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
Wardrobe Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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 Nightstand, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Dunbar 'Sheaf of Wheat' Travertine Coffee Table, 1960s, Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Round Rock, TX
'Sheaf of Wheat’ coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c. 1960s A sculptural stained ash base paired with a warm and neutral travertine top. The statement piece featur...
Travertine
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 End Table, Blond Wood, Open Frame Design, Mid-Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century blond wood end / side table with a rectangular top with rounded corners, a pedestal base, and an open frame design. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY)...
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
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
Flatware Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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 Game Table in Mahogany with Rosewood Top 1960s 'Signed'
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
$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
Dunbar Table with Otto and Gertrude Natzler Tiles by Edward Wormley, Signed
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Exquisite side table in African Mahogany with embedded Otto and Gertrude Natzler ceramic tiles designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Look closely at ...
Ceramic, Mahogany
$14,514Sale Price|20% Off
vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York"
By Dux of Sweden, Edward Wormley
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York" Rare sofa by American designer Edward J. Wormley, designed in 1952 for Dunbar Furniture USA. Produced at Ljungs Industrier / DUX C...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
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
$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 Long John Shelf for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
Octagonal Gaming Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An octagonal gaming or entry table with a leather wrapped cruciform base with brass levelers, and the solid walnut top having an inlaid rosewood Starbur...
Brass
Rare Slightly Curved Sofa by Wormley for Dunbar with Brass Legs
By Milo Baughman, Dunbar Furniture, Harvey Probber, Edward Wormley
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
Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat side/end Table w/travertine top by Edward Wormley, 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Adjustable Headboard
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Wormley has pioneered in a broad field of design, he was one of those unique designers who was sensitive to the interplay involved in selling modernism and still preserving the nostalgic touch of intimacy, warmth and detail. His first Dunbar chairs, produced in 1932, were reproductions of antique designs, but when they became popular Wormley augmented the set with new pieces to form a full line of furniture for almost every room in the house. Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Adjustable Headboard...
Mahogany
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
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 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
$3,300Sale Price / set|26% Off
One pair of Edward Wormley Dunbar foot stools or ottomans two pair available
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Ferndale, MI
Price is for one pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar stools or ottomans . Recently finished in dark stain base with X stretcher supports recently re upholstered seats . Most retain Dun...
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Mahogany
$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
Uncommon Dunbar 'Janus' Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. Each chair features sculpted dark mahogany frames and the original putty suede upholstery wi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Extension Dining Set 6 Chairs 2 Leaves
By Edward Wormley
Located in Monrovia, CA
1950s Dunbar, designer Edward Wormley extention dining table with 2 leaves model 5462 with 6 chairs model 5480. Rare Mid-Century Modern 1950s Edward Wormley extension dining table...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Edward Wormley, Slipper Chair, Aluminum, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Unusual Edward Wormley Long John Bench Walnut Mid-Century Modern 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Long John" short bench or coffee table with custom ordered (original from Dunbar) walnut "adjusto" legs and drawer underneath. Measuring 48"l, 19"d...
Walnut
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 Channel Back Sofa, Brass Legs, Blue Upholstery, c1940s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Side Table, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Sheaf of wheat side table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar very good vintage original condition.
Glass, Walnut
870 Coffee Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A table gathers. It defines space, creates community, anchors daily rituals. The Model 870 Coffee Table by Edward Wormley understands this fundamental truth and expresses it through ...
Brass
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
Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Model 935 Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning and increasingly rare set of eight armchairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950's. Wormley served as the design director of DUNBAR for over 30...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
A rather scarce lounge chair form to come to market by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Brass Legs mounted to underside. Solid chair with good weight. Original upholstery. Best to plan t...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Constellation, Mid Century, Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in South Jordan, UT
Heavily patinated, unique Edward Wormley “Constellation” Side Table for Dunbar, Mid-20th Century. An uncommon Wormley design, this refined side table features a circular off white la...
Ash, Walnut
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Mahogany Expanding Dining Table with 1 Leaf
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Expanding Dining Table with 1 Leaf This table measures: 60.25 wide x 60.25 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28.25 in...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Dining Chairs (Model 935)
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Vintage 1940s Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent" Lounge Chairs - A Set of 2
By Edward Wormley
Located in Monrovia, CA
Vintage 1940s Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent" Lounge Chairs - 2 Pieces Vintage Original Finish On The Wood Frames As Well As Original Vintage Upholstery On The Cushions. All Original Nylon Cording That Zig-Zags Between The Framing. These Vintage Lounge Chairs Does Have Normal Wear To The Wood Frames Throughout The Years Of Use. There Are Some Scuffs Here and There, Some Chipping To The Finish Here And There, and As For The Cushions It Too Is The Original Vintage Upholstery and Still Has A Lot Of Comfort To Them. There Are No Rips, Tears or Holes In The Original Upholstery. The Upholstery Is A Vintage Goldenrod Color Over All. The Webbing Is In Excellent Condition. These Chairs Are Very Comfortable, And Stable. Dimensions Are: Thirty-One and a Half Inches Deep by Twenty-Four Inches Wide by Twenty-Eight and a Half...
Upholstery, Wood