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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Creator: Edward Wormley
Dealer: circa20c
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Classic Burlwood Dining Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic parsons style dining table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Table has two 18" leaves. It is 66" wide without the leaves and extends to 102". Table has a highly figured burlwoo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Burl
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs In Holly Hunt Great Plains
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
One of Edward Wormley's most famous and elegant chairs. A timeless masterpiece. The Captain Chair. We have fully restored to highlight the beautiful polished brass, cane back, curve...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa in Holly Hunt Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic clean lined sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have updated with Great Plains Mohair by Holly Hunt.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Angle Sofa in Blue Mohair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Such a classic sofa and so beautiful. We gave this beauty an update with gorgeous blue mohair and added piping to better define the edges. The sofa features a mahogany base that has ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
One of Edward Wormley's most famous and elegant chairs. A timeless masterpiece. The Captain Chair. We have fully restored to highlight the beautiful polished brass, cane back, curve...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wingback Model 6016 Chairs in Velvet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of Dunbar Wingback Model 6016 lounge chairs in sculpted mahogany and woven cane designed by Edward Wormley. An updated take on the classic wingback design, delivering an ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs in Holly Hunt Boucle'
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
We love these gorgeous chairs by Edward Wormely for Dunbar. A hard to find pair ! They are super comfortable. We have reupholstered these in a Holly Hunt boucle' which is pale gray. ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sideboard in Mahogany
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Not often seen, a fully restored sliding door sideboard by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The cabinet features four sliding doors with loads of interior storage. The top section has two ...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Game Table in Mahogany with Rosewood Top 1960s 'Signed'
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Game table model no 6348 with gently curved sides in dark mahogany with Brazilian rosewood top by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1963 (original Dunbar label on bottom). A timele...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cocktail Table with Brass Stretcher, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
We have fully restored this beautiful cocktail table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. It has a mahogany frame and a walnut top, a shelf underneath the top and a brass stretcher that sur...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Bench with Boucle' Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A great looking solid bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Bench has been completely restored with new high-quality boucle' from France.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs in French Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
We love these gorgeous chairs by Edward Wormely for Dunbar. A hard to find pair ! They are super comfortable. We have done these in a high-end French fabric. The chairs pair beautifully with the Dunbar mohair sofa...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 495 Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Side Table in Rosewood with Travertine Top
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
"Sheaf of Wheat" side table No. 5479 in rosewood with travertine top by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1950's (Dunbar tag on bottom).
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Edward Wormely for Dunbar Janus Chair in Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. The chair features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and mohair upholstery with button-tufted backs....
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mohair, 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in French Fabric
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 French woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include off-white, black , taupe and a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in 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 from "The Sign". This sofa ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Settees in New Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
We have updated these great looking settees in a new black and off-white chenille weave. The sofas are very comfortable with new foam. Bases are mahogany platforms that have been ref...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Table in Rosewood, Signed
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
"Sheaf of Wheat" side table No. 5479 in rosewood with travertine top by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1950's (Dunbar tag on bottom). The stone on this table is absolutely stunn...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers, Nightstands
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully crafted chest of drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These are mahogany and feature 5 drawers, 2 smaller than the other three. Make great n...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Trapezoid Top Cocktail Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Simple yet interesting with unique trapezoid top and 4 legs with brass caps.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
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"...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Dark Gray Leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley's iconic party sofa for Dunbar. Reupholstered in dark gray leather. A super comfortable sofa with loads of style. A design class...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sideboard, Rare Model
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a beautifully restored sideboard by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The cabinet has plenty of storage and is executed in a rich mahogany with darker banded wood on edges. Cabinets has 4 front doors...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Dunbar High Back "Mr." Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A “Mr.” chair from one of Edward Wormley designs for Dunbar. The pair is upholstered in a woven fabric. Chair has a high back, sloped sides and arms, and sits on four thick legs that...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cocktail Table with Glass Tile Top and Brass Trim
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful cocktail table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Table has "x" pattern wooden base in mahogany, a glass tile top with a brass trim surround. A timeless piece.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Brass Hardware, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful sideboard cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, made of sandalwood with solid brass hardware. Cabinet has drawers on each side, center Lucite pull out shelf and on...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1965 Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Gray Tweed
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful and super comfortable lounge chair by Dunbar. Chair has what seems to be fairly new upholstery in a beautiful silky chenille tweed. Ottoman dimensions are 28.5" W x 23" D...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Figured Maple and Rosewood Cocktail Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare Wormley table bentwood burl maple with ebonized rosewood tapered legs. Tray style.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Rosewood
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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