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: Century Design Ltd.
Elegant 1940s Edward Wormley, Dunbar for Modern, Curved Sofa on Mahogany Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant mid 1940s Edward Wormley for Dunbar curved sofa on six thick mahogany legs, with older re-upholstery in a Chinoiserie fabric. Upholstery is ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Janus Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with Natzler Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare Janus side table with 25 inset tiles by Otto and Gertrud Natzler. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Base of walnut with brass edging on legs.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
1940s Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Mahogany Bookshelf End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
From the 1940s Dunbar Enduring Modern catalog is model # 2193, a single large end table with lower tier bookshelf by Edward J. Wormley. Rounded legs, has divider in center to hold bo...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rare 1940s Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Partners Desk Leather Top & Drawers
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Simply put, perhaps the most elegant desk designed by Edward J. Wormley. This very rare and early partner's desk, designed for Dunbar, c. 1940, model number 4600. Leather wrapped desk...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rare Janus Cabinet in the Style of Greene & Greene
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rare Janus cabinet, model 5811 This Janus collection piece is highly influenced by the Greene & Greene designed Arts and Crafts period furniture...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley three seat on tapered walnut legs is from his Dunbar for Modern collection, one of his early fully modern furniture collections. This sofa, was reupholstered by the original owners, in the late 90s to fit their new southwest decor...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Set of Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model number 842, set of eight armchairs in mahogany with red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to shipping. These chairs were used around a ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Classic Modern Mahogany, Brass and Cane Bench or Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
This elegant stool, bench or ottoman was designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunbar Furniture Company in 1950, model number 5006A. This stool, based on the Ancient Roman Curule seat ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs, set of eight, two armchairs and six side chairs, sculpted mahogany chairs with upholstered seats, arm chairs 33" H x 22" D x 23.5" W with sea...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1940s Round or Oval Dining Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1940s mahogany 50" round dining table that opens up to 74" oval with 24" leaf. Legs are flush with 3" apron, retains...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or Ottoman with Parson Legs & Tufted Seat
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or ottoman. This elegant stool has dark mahogany parson legs with an inside radius and original off white tufted upholstery. Origin...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Ebonized 32", 38" or 48" Chests
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Singles of Edward Wormley for Drexel chests from the Precedent Collection with brass tone hardware, circa 1947.
Size shown in photos is 32" W , also have 38"w and 48" W available
...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Listed are a pair of elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs with arms and brass handles. These are in need of restoration, perfect if your looking to add to your set. Also c...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk and Return
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
1960s Edward Wormley desk and ensuite return, label, currently being refinished, desk.
Measures: 72 W x 36.5 D x 29 H.
Return
60 W x 30.5 D x 29 H.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
1940's Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Regency Style X Form Bench or Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early design for Dunbar, mahogany bench or vanity stool model 1050. Curved or X form base with classical styling, with older upholstered seat. Mahogany frame will be restored prior t...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Flip-Top Serving or Bar Cart
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Description: Serving cart, two drawers, base in mahogany with brass
castors, top in walnut with flip-top for extra serving surface, gold Dunbar
label, model number 215, white laminat...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Sideboard
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Wormley for Drexel, his Precedent collection sideboard-buffet, originally designed in the late 1940s. Center drawers with end cabinet doors and interior shelves. P...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Elm
Early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Elegant Armchairs for Dunbar in Dark Expresso x 2
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Elegant Neoclassical Style occasional arm chairs for Dunbar model No. 116B. As shown in "The Other Face of Modernism" book on Wormley , and in the 1940s...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar cabinet with brass Asian hardware. All original dark had rubbed finish on ribbon mahogany, top will be polished and touched up prior t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s Asian Influence Walnut Extension Dining Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s Mid-Century Modern with Asian influence walnut top with beveled edge extension dining table with two 15" leaves on ebonzied base and leather s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Pair of Rare Edward Wormley Dunbar for Modern Elegant Nightstands or End Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare and very elegant pair of nightstands or end tables designed by Edward Wormley in dark stained mahogany with travertine tops, single drawer has open circular brass pull, from his...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Rare and Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Armchair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chair. Model number 6309, part of the Today and Tomorrow collection, circa 1963. Beautiful channelled mahogany frame with ultra-suede seat and back c...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Club Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar club chair with older re-upholstery on thick tapered legs. Unrestored, ready for new upholstery, legs show age, should be refinished. Email for up...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Arm Chairs - Precedent Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel dining arm chairs for his Precedent Collection circa 1950s, can be used as occasional chairs. Silver Elm refinished in a dark espresso with new tan...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Elm
Dunbar Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar end table.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Sideboard
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar for modern 1940s bleached mahogany sideboard, center stepped out, inset oval drawer pulls, center interior with drawers and space to store table pads, end cabinet doors hinged on sides and have curved wood door shelves, on leather plinth base. Original key. To be refinished, custom colors options available. Dunbar quality...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Leather
Edward J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar circa 1950s on solid brass castors. The lounge chair has a trapezoid shape, wider in the front (27.5" W) and tapers to the back....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Three Nesting Tables in Sap Walnut
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Beautiful set of three nesting tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with SAP walnut tops, and picked mahogany frames. Model number 4783, which denotes they were designed in 1...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Nightstands or Small Chests
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of silver elm nightstands in dark brown finish with brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for the Precedent collection by Drexel, design...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Expandable Lacquered Hunter Green Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar coffee table with pull-out extensions (expands 12" on each end). Lacquered in hunter green, hand rubbed finish. Extended is 67-7/8.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Lacquer
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk with Drop Leaves and File Cabinet in Dark Finish
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Uncommon Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley model no.301-A designed compact desk for Dunbar, with two drop leaf extensions and model no.302-A pedestal file cabinet on wheels. Desk has...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Precedent Collection for Drexel Bar Cart Server in Dark Espresso
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection bar cart or server. Refinished in dark espresso on silver elm with textured glass top and tapered legs on casters. Edward Wormley also ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Glass, Elm
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
Questions About Edward Wormley Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Edward 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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Edward Wormley Sofas
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Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Edward Wormley Dining Room Chairs
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