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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: DeAngelis
Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design for Dunbar set of six mahogany and cane dining chairs, comprising five side and one armchair. Perfectly refinished...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Edward Wormley King Size Headboard for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design King size headboard for Dunbar Furniture, Berne Indiana. Featuring an ebonized mahogany frame with a caned backrest intended for a king size mattress, no rails ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Magazine Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley magazine table for Dunbar, Berne Indiana. Classic mid-century design by Edward Wormley, sophisticated yet modern. Newly refinished with original order tags intact, rea...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Line Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley Janus series lounge chairs for Dunbar, Circa 1957. Sophisticated smaller slipper or lounge chairs with carved snakeskin pattern front legs. A rare design that is eye c...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley Antler Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design antler dining chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580. Rare and attractive design chair by Wormley in the height of his design career. Frames are bleached mahogany with...
Category

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

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Coffee Table, Model 5309
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare Edward Wormley design coffee table model 5309 for Dunbar Furniture. Iconic mid-century modern coffee table made by the highest quality American manufacturer's from the period. E...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design x-base ottoman for Dunbar Furniture. Timeless and classic design by Wormley offering additional seating for any arrangement. Newly refinished and upholstered in...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Brass Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sophisticated brass square frame bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Very good original condition, Model #5428.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Captains Chair for Dunbar, Model 5480
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley Captain's Chair for Dunbar Furniture, Model 5480. Elegant looking armchair perfect for a desk or bedroom corner. Made from oak with brass feet and a cane backrest, jus...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Cane, Oak

Edward Wormley Teardrop Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5106
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design "Teardrop" lounge chairs, Model 5106 for Dunbar Furniture. Uniques shape chairs newly upholstered on polished and lacquered solid brass legs, ready to install.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

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Pair Janus Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Excellent Conditiom
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Midcentury "Quinn" Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 1170, Walnut + Wool
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"Quinn" chair, Model no. 1170 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1965. Sculpted walnut arms transition seamlessly to the upholstered back creating a wonderful silhouette. Frame is so...
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Side Table Model 5309 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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Model 5309 rare coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Combination of Wood and brass with the original glass top.
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Side Table Model 5309 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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Eight Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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Set of 8 expertly refinished and reupholstered Dining Chairs in dark Mahogany with Knoll Cato Fabric. Two armchairs and six side chairs make up this stunning set. Two chairs are si...
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Eight Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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Pair of Teak Mid Century Nightstands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This striking pair of mid-century Minimalist teak wood nightstands features a single drawer and cubby hole, with a sleek profile designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunbar furniture c...
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Pair of Teak Mid Century Nightstands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Pair of Teak Mid Century Nightstands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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Introducing the epitome of mid-century elegance: the "Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. Crafted wi...
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Midcentury Side End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
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Set of Four Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horned Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic and rare set of four horned antler chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Known as 5580 model dining chairs crafted from mahogany with a caned seat. Arguably these are ...
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Set of Four Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horned Dining Chairs
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Wormley for Dunbar Coffee Table
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Located in New York, NY
Nice rectangular coffee table, mahogany with cork insert top. This table was designed by Edward Wormley, for the Dunbar Furniture Company. It is an early example of his work for Dunb...
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Wormley for Dunbar Coffee Table
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H 15.5 in W 62.5 in D 15 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century nightstand This nightstand measures: 23 wide x 18 deep x 23.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can b...
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand
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$1,995
H 23.75 in W 23 in D 18 in
Pair Janus Wing Chairs and Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of "Janus" wing chairs and ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. One of his most iconic designs! In the Janus Collection Wormley modernized the lines of eighteen...
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Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley Long John Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design Long John Bench for Dunbar Furniture Company. Simple yet sophisticated design bench or coffee table that was an immediate sales succes...
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk, Model 4725
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design desk fro Dunbar, Model 4725. Elegant early design by Edward Wormley comprising five drawers, a gallery top trim and original black leather. Newly refinished and...
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Lounge Chairs, Model 4626
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Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture swivel lounge chairs, model 4626. Large comfortable chairs with built in half rounded arms and a deep seat. Newly upholstered in a moss mohair or ...
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Edward Wormley Bench by Dunbar, Model 5429
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design bench for Dunbar, Model 5429. Classic design by Wormley in brass square frame on capped feet. Newer Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery that presents very well, ready ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Coffee Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design coffee table for Dunbar Furniture, Berne Indiana. Large and impressive table with a beautiful travertine stone top on a shaped round dark walnut frame on four b...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

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Travertine

Edward Wormley Credenza Model 5668A for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design credenza model 5668A for Dunbar. Ebonized walnut case with newly caned front sliding doors and four drawers across the top. Comprising a fitted interior for mas...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Side Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design Sheaf of Wheat side table for Dunbar, U.S.A. A unique side or end table for Wormley's commercially successful Sheaf of Wheat line of tables for Dunbar. In very ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

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Travertine

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design "Sheaf of Wheat" table for Dunbar Furniture, Berne Indiana. Interesting design that was a retail success for Dunbar offered in several different configurations....
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Travertine

Edward Wormley Snack Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design snack table for Dunbar furniture co. Berne Indiana. A versatile table that can be used as a side, corner or serving table. Made from the highest quality mater...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Captain's Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design armchair or Captain's chair for Dunbar, Model 5480. Elegant and iconic design by Edward Wormley executed in lacquered ash molded plywood with original cane and ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

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Upholstery, Oak, Plywood

Edward Wormley Constellation Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design constellation side table for Dunbar Furniture, USA. Elegant little table perfect for drinks with a laminate top inlaid with wood circles to immitate stars. Spla...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Captain's Chair for Dunbar, Model 5480
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design armchair or Captain's chair for Dunbar, Model 5480. Elegant and iconic design by Edward Wormley executed in ash plywood with original cane and finish with a new...
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.
Questions About Edward Wormley Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Edward Wormley used a variety of materials over the course of his career. Among them were laminated wood, brass, marble and silk. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently, his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work have an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets them apart from other furnishings of the era. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Edward Wormley furniture.

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