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.
359
to
5
341
17
359
359
359
254
2
1
359
262
5
22
199
39
4
1
297
107
100
84
60
265
263
6
4
1
191
1,406
1,003
672
603
Creator: Edward Wormley
Recognized Seller Listings
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
Pair of Edward Wormley "Alexandria" Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sinuous “Alexandria” chairs in mahogany designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar Furniture circa 1961. One of Wormley’s signature des...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa in Great Plains Wool Velvet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa in Great Plains, Wool Velvet "Dreamer Marigold" Sofa was stripped down to frame with new foam and reupholstered.
Dimensions:
94" length
34" deep
29"...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mohair
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
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
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
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 Extension Dining Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Edward Wormley Swivel Lounge Chairs, Dunbar Model 5609
By Edward Wormley
Located in Downingtown, PA
Edward Wormley Swivel Lounge Chairs, Dunbar Model 5609,
Distinctive Design by a Mid-Century Modern Master
(1950s-1960s)
This elegant pair of swivel lounge chairs exemplifies the en...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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 Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Edward Wormley 'New York' Sofa in Orange Upholstery
By Dux of Sweden, Edward Wormley
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
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
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
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
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 For Modern: Market Notes, January 8 to January 19, 1951
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Small format brochure published in January 1951 showcasing 39 Edward Wormley designs for Dunbar Furniture, presented at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. Highlights include the Sleepy Hollow chair...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Paper
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 Mobilier Universel Set of Six Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Mobilier Universel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar executed by Mobilier Universel, Jules Wabbes, set of six armchairs, lacquered black wood and fabric, Belgium, 1960s.
This set of six grand armchairs is exe...
Category
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of Six Cane Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and unusual set of six dining chairs with a cane wrapped barrel back and an upholstered seat atop four slender legs.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Nesting Tables by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Cane
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
By Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, sofa, model 5150, fabric, metal, United States, 1950s.
The sofa exudes a simple and elegant style, reminiscent of the classic design elements typically a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Metal
Edward Wormley, Dining Chairs, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A set of six walnut and white fabric dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, 1950s.
Seat heigh...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Edward Wormley, Cabinet, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A bleached mahogany cabinet designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley, Slipper Chairs, Beech, Mohair, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of beech and green mohair slipper lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Drexel, USA, 1950s.
Seat height: 20.5” .
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Beech
Edward Wormley Clover Leaf Magazine Stand
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley Clover Leaf Magazine Stand
Sap Wood Walnut and Laminated Bentwood magazine Holders
A useful and elegant example
Early Green Label
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Mahogany Sofas by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of mahogany framed sofas designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Iconic Lounge Chairs in Laminated Ash 1954
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Pair of masterfully crafted lounge chairs model 5480 in laminated ash with caned back and brass sabots by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1954. These chairs are a tour de force ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Dunbar Tete-a-Tete Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Tete-a-Tete sofa / daybed with walnut base and brass feet. Reupholstered in Holly hunt / Teton / Cliffside fabric. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Set of Palle Suenson Side Table in Solid Teak with Edward Wormley Armchairs
By Robert Sonneman, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Palle Suenson, side table, teak, Denmark, c. 1940
Striking Scandinavian Modern side table by Danish architect and designer Palle Suenson (1904-1987). This particular table is spec...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of swiveling lounge chairs on mahogany bases. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of walnut and leather armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished and reupholstered.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather
Edward Wormley Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
No. 5482 Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Mahogany, brass and fabric. Fantastic model with floating seat and padded armrests.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Cork Top Game Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A game table with walnut frame and cork top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Cork
Edward Wormley Japanese Print Block Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful example from Mr. Wormley's most prolific period.
A walnut case surrounds 4 doors highlighted with Antique Japanese Printers Blocks.
Hand carved in Rosewood.
Manufacturer'...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A small sofa / settee designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Iconic form with tapered brass legs. Fully restored and upholstered in Designtex / Lambert / Smoke.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Bouclé
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa in Beige Upholstery with Floral Motifs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, sofa, model 5125, fabric, stained wood, United States, 1950s
This cubic shaped sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The sofa features a cubic-sh...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley, Cabinet, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable walnut wardrobe or cabinet designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, c. 1950s.
Interior has glass shelving and backside has round air grids ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Party Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Original Leather
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A party sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in original buttery soft light tan leather. Matching pair available. Priced individually.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather
Pair of Rosewood X-Base Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of solid rosewood X-base campaign tables with leathered marble tops. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Armchair in Patterned Upholstery and Teak
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar by Mobilier Universel, armchair, model '5762', teak, fabric, Belgium, design 1957
This dining chair is designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company...
Category
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Teak, Fabric
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. Matching dresser avai...
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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. Matching dresser ava...
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Dunbar Teardrop Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of early teardrop slipper chairs with walnut legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Set of Four Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of four ash and rosewood dining / game chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Matching pair of archairs available separately.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Ash, Rosewood
Edward Wormley Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Red Brown Leather
By Edward Wormley, Mobilier Universel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar by Mobilier Universel, set of eight armchairs, model '5762', lacquered black wood, red brown leather, Belgium, design 1957
These armchairs are designed by ...
Category
1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
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.
Creators Similar to Edward Wormley
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Edward Wormley Furniture
Edward Wormley Sofas
Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Edward Wormley Side Tables
Edward Wormley End Tables
Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Edward Wormley Armchairs
Edward Wormley Chairs
Edward Wormley Dining Room Chairs
Edward Wormley Cabinets
Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Edward Wormley Dining Room Tables
Edward Wormley Bedroom Furniture