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: Central Avenue Modern
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs, Set of 8
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A set of 8 rare dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This set features two arm or "Captain's" chairs along with 6 side chairs. Great form with a gentle curved back an...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
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
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 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
A Pair Dunbar Gueridons With Green Marble Tops
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar gueridons or tripod base tables. Green marble tops.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Marble
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and Red Onyx Mirrored Back Console
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare console table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. The table features traditional design elements that are so often seen in many of his pieces along with Dunbar’s ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Onyx
Vintage Dunbar Nesting Tables in Sap Walnut ca' 1950's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic set of three nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. Sap walnut with nice patina. Natural tops with contrasting dark walnut frames. Largest table measures 2...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
A Pair of Dunbar Three Tier Occasional Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar three tier occasional tables # 4423. Refinished in dark brown walnut.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Janus Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare Edward Wormley side or lamp table made by Dunbar ca’1950’s. Sculptural and elegant design that remains timeless.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Toad Stool Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Gorgeous pair of rare "Toad Stool Tables" designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960's. In keeping with his design philosophy these tables encompass traditional and modernist ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Metal
Dunbar Sheaf Of Wheat Table With Glass Top
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar sheaf of wheat side table. Original 1950’s label. Comes with 3/4” thick 24”glass. Could be used with stone or...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Ash
Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Big Texan” Oversized Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A very large scale chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs features large scale design, with rolled arms, complete with stubby legs in the back and casters in the front. Unique si...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar upholstered (half) and open mahogany (the other half) bench. Brass spacers, original fabric, circa 1970s.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley For Dunbar Snack Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic and hard to find Edward Wormley for Dunbar snack table. Solid brass tripod base, Karelian birch top with typical finial.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Writing Desk By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful and rare walnut desk designed by Edward Wormley, manufactured by Dunbar ca' 1950's. Single drawer, dark walnut original finish, with nice graining. Edges are raised to give...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Unusual Dunbar Sofa Or Console Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual Dunbar sofa or console table. Made of rosewood and karelian birch. Lower shelf for extra storage.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Birch, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brass Leg Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A wonderful pair of chairs with accompanying ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Features a generous and comfortable seat, button back, and solid brass tapered legs. Rare to find s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armless “Morris” Settees
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare pair of settees designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Settees feature an armless profile complete with two mahogany "sled" like legs. These occasionally come up in so...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Small Louvered Chest of Drawers
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Small chest of drawers, consisting of louvered walnut fronts and mahogany case. Five drawers total with the top being velvet lined to store various pieces if jewelry. Second drawer c...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Long Bermuda Bench By Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Classic and elegant "Bermuda" bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. This is the hard to find long version. Reupholstered in patinated leather with brass nail heads.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Dunbar Nesting Tables in Sap Walnut
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic set of three nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's with original green label. Sap walnut with nice patina.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Low Chest in Walnut by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A beautiful low chest by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1960's. Walnut with excellent graining, floating long rosewood handles with a sculpted design, brass sabots. The cabinet's back...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tiered Coffee Table, Walnut with Rosewood Drawer Pull
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Elegant coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Table features a rectangular shape with unique leg detail. Below are two open shelves on either side of a drawer accented ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Floor Lamp
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Floor lamp designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Features a "snack" table base consisting of brass legs, walnut stem, carpathian elm burl wood table top trimmed in walnut. Light com...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Eight Caned Back Dunbar Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic set of eight (8) Dunbar dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley and made by Dunbar ca' 1950's. Large scale with generous seats, klismos style legs and caned backs these chairs are luxurious and elegant. Newly restored and reupholstered in distressed green leather...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Unusual Side Tables by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of unusual tables by Dunbar ca' 1970's. Large scale-perfect as end tables or lamp tables, walnut tops, legs have a stuctural cut out detail.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stylish and elegant slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. Upholstered in Fret custom Italian silk velvet, luxurious to the touch, (samples available). Chocolate bra...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
A Pair of Dunbar Occasional Tables Asian Style with Cork Tops
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual and rare pair of side tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1940s. Mahogany with original cork tops, Asian Style with green Dunbar labels.
Category
1940s American Chinoiserie Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized Sheaf of Wheat Table with Glass Top
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Sheaf of Wheat Table Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. TAble has been freshly ebonized. Brass ring and hardware gently cleaned. Replacement glass top is 3/8” thick
...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Club Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning pair of oak framed chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, referred to as “Edward’s Chair”. New fabric and great original finish. Chairs...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pedestal Table/ Bar with Key
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Custom Dunbar table designed by Edward Wormley. Featuring a faceted front with locking door. Inside reveals an adjustable height shelf, and the door has a storage cubby, ideal for a ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Burl
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rare Janus Drink Table with Burl Top
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare drink table designed by Edward Wormley for a Dunbar’s “Janus” line, circa 1960s. Features a two-tone color palette with dark base and carpathian elm burl top.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Burl
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Large Tulip Lamp Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant and unusual lamp table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Ash pedestal, chrome petals, and rosewood feet. Very good vintage condition with exceptionally minimal wear.
Inconsi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 12-Drawer Dresser
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning model 5272A by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Bleached mahogany dresser consists of 12 drawers with drawer pulls built out of the sides of the drawers..
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Morris" Armchairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare and unusual Edward Wormley for Dunbar adjustable back lounge chairs. Known as "Morris" chairs they allow for 3 positions-l...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Scarce Large Scale Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Edward Wormley designed for Dunbar Furniture.
Large scale highback lounge chairs featuring a carved front cushion, exaggerated size, over short, stubby mahogany legs accented wit...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Dunbar Custom Credenza Rosewood Curved Front
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare credenza designed by Edward Wormley and custom made by Dunbar for Mellin Furniture Galleries, Warren, Michigan, circa 1969. Curved front rosewood doors, walnut case with plast...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley For Dunbar "Morris" Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar multi position recliner known as the "Morris" chair. Classic reinterpretation the lounge chair has three positions. Mahogany in dark, original finish...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Brass Pendant Adjustable Lamp
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual pendant lamp in polished brass attributed to Harry Gitlin for Ledlin Lighting Inc. Brass ring allows for easier function and adds decorative appeal. Perforated shade.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Frames redone in high gloss black lacquer finish. New upholstery. ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Edward Wormley Dunbar Party Server Bar
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "party server" or bar cabinet on wheels. Rare and iconic early Wormley design. When extended the top becomes 53.5"L.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Angled Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley fro Dunbar angled ottoman #5701 in original black leather. Ash frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Tables with Natzler Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar occasional tables with Natzler tiles from the Janus Collection. Custom ordered from Dunbar, tiles described as "Jade." Mahogany construction ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
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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