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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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Creator: Edward Wormley
Dealer: Modest Designs
Edward Wormley, Early Pair Side Tables model 4774A
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfect, architectural 3-tier mahogany side tables by Edward Wormley. This simple, streamlined design typifies Wormley’s restrained modern style of the 1940s. The pair retains thei...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Tables, Model 279
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare and sophisticated lamp tables in dark stained mahogany. The simple, architectural configuration is surprisingly contemporary for a 70 year old design. Original finish, with rect...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Tambour Door Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 959
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A chic and versatile cabinet with blond tamowood top and burnt almond walnut tambour doors on a dark mahogany case. Nice details like the razor-thin brass door pulls, and dappled var...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chic gold velvet upholstered sofa with down back and side cushions and sprung seat. Beautifully carved mahogany feet. This is an extremely well built and comfortable sofa, with typic...
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Set of Four Dunbar Side Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs, models 6038 & 6037 in dark mahogany frames with original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric. Two arm and two side chairs, supported by brass spacers, w...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brass Bench #5428
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architectural rectangular bench in brass square tube with upholstered seat, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Hand-polished brass, upholstered in a Bergamo brown wool mohair.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5480 Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic Edward Wormley design, the ‘A-Frame' chair is a wonderful example of Wormley’s expertise in mixing materials into sophisticated, architectural forms. Employing dark stained...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 3-Tier Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architectural Edward Wormley design in mahogany with curved bentwood drawer pull, gallery trimmed top, reverse leg taper, and leather capped feet. An interesting modern update on an Arts & Crafts form. Works equally well as side or occasional table or nightstand. Dunbar metal...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Occasional Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful ribbon mahogany top has jewel-like iridescence. Solid-brass casters. Small brass knobs to tie down an upholstered cushion, for use as an ottoman/stool. Early Dunbar brass l...
Category

1940s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Pair Mahogany End Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An early example of Edward Wormley's sophisticated Modernism. Stepped two-tier end tables with subtle Chinoise elements to the carving of the base. These retain the original dark mah...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Dunbar Occasional Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Incredible Edward Wormley design from the celebrated Janus Collection. This modern take on the Arts and Crafts movement employs an unprecedented level of hand finishing, complicated ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Table Model # 5425
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Occasional table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model 5425. Rosewood and Walnut folding x-base with removable mahogany tray top. Labeled with Dunbar gold metal tag
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Swiveling Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sweet early Wormley modern design makes a perfect vanity or desk chair. The fully upholstered seat swivels over dark stained mahogany legs joined by dowel stretches, with capped...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early Dunbar Cocktail Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An early example of Edward Wormley's transition to modern furniture design. Mahogany frame with inset leather top. Dunbar brand to underside.
Category

1940s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather

Dunbar Chrome and Walnut Occasional Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chic and rarely seen Edward Wormley design that can function as a lamp table, end table or small cocktail table. Dunbar label on bottom.
Category

1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chest with Natzler Ceramic Pulls
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model 5770 Janus Collection chest of drawers featuring brass pulls with inset purple-blue demi-lune Natzler ceramic tiles, and exaggerated dovetail knuckle joints on tops, sides, and...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Related Items
1950s Walnut Window Bench Attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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A solid walnut Mid-Century Modern window bench or settee attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Lithe line design constructed of fully restored walnut frame with new fine scale can...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

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Armless Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless sofa or bench or banquet on laminated mahogany "sled" feet.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

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  • Armless Sofa by Edward Wormley
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H 32 in. W 72 in. D 29 in.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Midcentury Travertine Wedge Tables, Pair
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar midcentury travertine wedge tables - pair. Each table measures: 17.25 wide x 27.25 deep x 21.25 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...
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Restored Midcentury Bent "Loop" Rattan Dining Side Chair, Set of Four
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage bent "Loop" rattan dining room side chair with a multi-colored pink seat, included is a set of four chairs. Each chair features a three strand rattan seat back with a mahogan...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Long John Bench
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Diego, CA
Dunbars Long John bench designed by Edward Wormley features a solid walnut construction with bent plywood legs. The edge of the table has a slight raised edge. The table has been pro...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Plywood

  • Edward Wormley for Dunbar Long John Bench
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H 11.75 in. W 59.75 in. D 18.75 in.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Long John Bench
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Long John bench This bench measures: 83.75 wide x 19 deep x 12 inches high, with a seat height of 12 inches All pieces of furniture can be...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar midcentury side table This table measures: 31.25 wide x 31.25 deep x 23 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Wood

  • Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Side Table
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  • Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Side Table
H 23 in. W 31.25 in. D 31.25 in.
Gondola Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
A Gondola sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar’s Janus Collection in the 1950s. This sculptural sofa features angled arms and a floating back attached to the base with walnut s...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Bench with Boucle' Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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

Set of Four Mid-century Side Chairs, France, C. 1960
Located in New York, NY
Set of four unusual mid-century side chairs in solid white oak.
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

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Upholstery, Mahogany

Dunbar "Big Texan" Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Big Texan" sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and reupholstered in mohair.  
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mohair

Previously Available Items
Pair of Dunbar Janus End Tables with Tiffany Tiles
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare pair of walnut side tables, model # 5831, with inlaid Tiffany favrile glass tiles, from Edward Wormley's celebrated Arts & Crafts influenced Janus collection of 1957.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Pedestal Bar Cabinet in Olive Burl model 6302D
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pedestal Cabinet/ Dry Bar by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, introduced in 1963, in natural olive burl with hinged door and dark mahogany interior cabinet. Original paper label on bottom.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Olive

Pair of Dunbar 'Janus' Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dark stain mahogany frame with tufted upholstery seats, shows all the subtle details in wood carving and upholstery for which Dunbar is renowned. From the 1957 Janus line designed by...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

  • Pair of Dunbar 'Janus' Lounge Chairs
  • Pair of Dunbar 'Janus' Lounge Chairs
  • Pair of Dunbar 'Janus' Lounge Chairs
  • Pair of Dunbar 'Janus' Lounge Chairs
H 29 in. W 26.75 in. D 26.5 in.
Dunbar Two-Tier Walnut Occasional Table with Cane Shelf
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
C. 1950, this interesting and rarely seen design uses subtle details in carving and materials to elevate its functionalist form into something sculptural. A great example of designer...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Pair of Walnut Side Tables by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple, perfectly proportioned two-tiered walnut side tables, designed by Edward Wormley. Model 4533 from 1945. Both tables retain paper labels and Dunbar brand.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

  • Pair of Walnut Side Tables by Dunbar
  • Pair of Walnut Side Tables by Dunbar
  • Pair of Walnut Side Tables by Dunbar
  • Pair of Walnut Side Tables by Dunbar
H 20.5 in. W 20 in. D 35 in.
Rare Edward Wormley Rosewood and Brass Floor Lamp for Hansen
By Edward Wormley, Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful, subtle floor lamp, with three-sided, tapering shaft and brass base and fixtures. Three-way cluster socket. Fantastic design. Stamped "Hansen, New York" to underside of base.
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Table with Tray
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From the 1957 Janus line, this elegant side or snack table has a burl Carpathian elm top on dark stained mahogany tripod base. Dunbar gold metal tag to the underside. Tray is 18" ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Elm

Nice Pair of Dunbar Side Tables by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome architectural tiered end tables with adjustable center shelf. Figured mahogany top on dark stained mahogany frame. Each with gold "D" metal tag to underside.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple early modern design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar distinguishes itself my it’s great proportions, chunky geometric shape, and wonderful dappled mahogany veneer. Original finish...
Category

1940s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

  • Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
  • Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
  • Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
  • Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
H 15 in. W 49 in. D 22 in.
Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple early modern design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar distinguishes itself my its great proportions, chunky geometric shape, and wonderful dappled mahogany veneer. Original finish ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

  • Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
  • Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
  • Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
  • Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
H 15 in. W 49 in. D 22 in.
Pair of Edward Wormley Designed Commodes for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome masculine chests of drawers in walnut with dark mahogany trim. Each chest retains its Dunbar gold metal tag.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Pair of Dunbar Three-Tier Walnut End Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early Edward Wormley modern design is one of his most elegant and versatile. Simple architectural lines are visually interesting and effortlessly blend into any interior.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley furniture for sale on 1stDibs

Edward Wormley's furniture is available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are often made of wood and designed with extraordinary care. In our collection of Edward Wormley furniture there are many options to choose from, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. In-stock we have 925 vintage editions of these items, while there is also 0 modern edition to choose from. Many of the original furniture by Edward Wormley were created in North America during the 20th century in the Mid-Century Modern style. If you are looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Herman Miller, Milo Baughman and Dunbar. The prices for Edward Wormley furniture can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at $225 and tops out at $42,000, while pieces like these can sell for $6,424.

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