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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
Expandable Dining Table in Mahogany by Edward Wormley. Expertly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Dining table in two tone mahogany designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The table starts at 66.25 inches wide and has two 24 inch leaves so at full length it is 9 1/2 feet wide. ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Tawi Wood Dining Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Excellent. SEE THE VIDEO!
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Absolutely stunning Tawi wood top dining table designed by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar. Tawi is so rare it is not even listed as a choice in the "materials" section of...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Daybed in Mahogany and Beige Upholstery
By Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, daybed, mahogany, fabric, metal, United States, 1950s. A daybed designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in mahogany. The sculpted frame shows beautiful line...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Burl Wood Centre or Cocktail Round Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Plainview, NY
Edward Wormley Mid Century Modern for Dunbar burl wood center or cocktail round Table. A timeless 1950s mid century modern faceted burl olive wood pedesta...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Burl

Dunbar Murano Tile Top Game Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare Murano glass tile top game / dining table with brass edging and tapered mahogany legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with early green Dunbar label. This is the largest...
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Dunbar Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar armchairs with brass handles and brass feet.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Horseshoe Chair By Edward Wormley For Dunbar, Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Horseshoe chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Walnut & Rosewood. Original button tufted silk fabric seat cushion. Signed with DUNBAR label. This chair is meticulously crafted with b...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Silk, Rosewood, Walnut

Rare Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Behold an exceptional treasure of design history, a vintage mid-century modern walnut dresser crafted by the iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. This exquisite piece is an...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Metal

Rare Pair of Slipper Benches by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of petite slipper benches with Ash legs and new mohair upholstery. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mohair

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dresser
By Edward Wormley
Located in Boston, MA
Edward Wormely for Dunbar dresser, circa 1950s. Presented in mahogany, showing lovely woodgrain details. Five drawers with dovetail joints. Perfect smaller size. Leather wrapped plin...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of two tier end tables / nightstands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Chest by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut dresser with rosewood handle and brass feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley for Drexel 'Precedent' Highboy Dresser
By Edward Wormley
Located in Boston, MA
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent' Highboy Dresser by Drexel, circa 1950s. Features 7 drawers with original brass pulls and dividers. Clean, simple lines, structurally sound. Good ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Large Tulip End/ Side Table in Travertine and Walnut
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A wonderful "Tulip" table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. Features a modern take on a more traditional design- in keeping with Wormley's design philosophy. A scul...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Travertine

Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Tall Man" Lounge Chair With Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An oversized modernist take on an iconic wingback chair by iconic designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Features a well proportioned frame with tall seat back over solid patinated bras...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Dunbar Janus Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored pair of Janus slipper chairs with walnut frames and orange velvet upholstery. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tufted ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare tufted ottoman on fluted rosewood legs with brass feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Reupholstered in green velvet.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

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 ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Extension Dining Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Extension Dining Table. One-inch thick top with edge banding and a slight upward reveal or lip design detail shown in pictures. The table is 48" round in di...
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Flip Top Dining or Game Table, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top game table or dining table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar USA, 1950s Walnut, with original brass hinges, leather wrapped feet, and velvet ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Twelve Edward Wormley Dining Chairs by Dunbar, Restored
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A handsome set of two arm chairs model no. 4593 and ten side chairs model no. 4592, making a full set of twelve chairs. Resigned by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, USA. Th...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of Four Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four curved back dining chairs with mahogany frames. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley "New York" Sofa Version 5316 for DUX, Sweden 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Utrecht, NL
Edward Wormley took the best elements from classical, historical Scandinavian and other European furniture design and translated them into a Modern vernacular. The result was furnitu...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood

Magazine Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar magazine table with bentwood holders.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Wedge Shaped Travertine Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of wedge shaped travertine top tables with mahogany bases and leather wrapped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Travertine

Magazine Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar magazine table with bentwood holders and sap grain top.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Leather Top Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany table with inset leather top designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Dunbar Chest with Natzler Tiles by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare chest designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Solid walnut construction with exposed joinery and brass pulls with ceramic tiles by greta and Otto Natzler.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Four Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four walnut armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

1950s Edward Wormley Dunbar Green Wool Sofa model 5138 Mahogany Base (2 avail)
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 fro...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers/ Dresser
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning walnut Dunbar chest designed by Edward Wormley. Four large scale drawers. Legs feature Japanese style- studio/ craftsman details. Leather wrapped handles (dark brown) show s...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Carpathian Elm Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Carpathian Elm Coffee Table A beautiful and rare Edward Wormley burled triangular top coffee table for Dunbar. The table top rests on ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Elm, Burl

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Tables, Travertine and Ash
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare pair of matching Edward Wormley Sheaf of Wheat Tables. Composed of an ash body with brass ring, they are complete with travertine tops. A timeless design with exciting use of ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Travertine

Edward Worley Tufted Bench for Dunbar Furniture
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley Tufted Brass Bench Re-Upholstered in White Boucle Fabric Paper label and Big D Furniture metal Tag
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Edward Wormley, Chest of Drawers, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany chest of drawers or dresser, designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Indiana, USA, c. 1950s.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1950s 98" Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5526 armless sofa Mohair and Wool
By Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s iconic armless sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture model 5526. Reupholstered in a green mohair base with neutral diagonal striped wool loose cushions. A ver...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mohair

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.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Fabric

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Boston, MA
Edward Wormely for Dunbar cabinet, circa 1950s. Presented in mahogany, showing lovely woodgrain details. Two doors open to three adjustable selves. Perfect size for various uses. Met...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and walnut Square Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lazy Susan Dining Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Belmont, MA
Lazy Susan dining table with interchangeable laminate spinning top. Warming unit in the middle of the top still functional. Great for fondue parties....
Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley 'New York' Sofa in Orange Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture / DUX of Sweden, sofa model 5316, fabric, beech, metal, United States, design 1952 This three-seat sofa was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for accurate shipping to your location. Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs. Wedge side profile. Slight Pie shape top profile with generous cu...
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in White Boucle
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in white boucle, wood, United States, 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa (1952) is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Th...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wave Credenza
By Edward Wormley
Located in Boston, MA
Edward Wormely for Dunbar credenza or sideboard, circa 1950s. Presented in mahogany, showing lovely woodgrain details. Wave form sliding doors flank the center drawers. Beautiful cra...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Side Table Model 5309 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rovereta, SM
Model 5309 rare coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Combination of Wood and brass with the original glass top.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Dunbar Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of restored Dunbar swivel chairs by Edward Wormley. Refinished walnut bases and reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Esposito / Natural State fabric.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Dunbar Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of mahogany and leather Thebes stools designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bleached Mahogany & Cane Swivel Vanity Stool c. 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful and elegant as ever mid century vanity stool designed by Edward Wormely and produced by Dunbar in the 1950s. The caning is ori...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Cane, Mahogany, Mohair, Upholstery

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Interlocking Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare set of nesting tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This set can be arranged together or separately in multiple configurations. On display in our Los Angeles Arts D...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Formica, Ash

Set of 4 Edward Wormley Janus Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
The Edward Wormley 5701 chair for Dunbar's Janus Collection is a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. This stunning chair is upholstered in a Holly Hunt's Great Plains heav...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chest by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut dresser with sculpted drawer fronts and rosewood handles and brass feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York"
By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden
Located in GRONINGEN, 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...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Nesting Tables by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly detailed and finely crafted set of nesting tables in light walnut.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Elm, Mahogany

Dunbar Extension Dining Table. Walnut with Two 15 Inch Stored Leaves, SEE VIDEO!
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare expandable dining table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Walnut with black leather anklets and brass hardware. The table starts...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Party Server
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley Party Server Walnut,Japanese Pine and Laminate. The bar cart features one drawer and 2 adjustable shelves The top pivots and measur...
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table with Marble Terrazzo Top
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare occasisonal table # 5928, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. Richly grained tripod base in walnut/brass, marble terrazzo top, from the "New Career Collection".
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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