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: Sputnik Modern
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Triangular Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A triangular coffee table with burled Carpethian elm top and walnut legs with brass caps. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Elm, Walnut
Channel Back Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An unusual and early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This channel back lounge chair has mahogany trim and aluminum legs. Fully restored and reupholstered in Designtex / Lambert ...
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Swivel Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early swivel chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with oak base and plush mohair upholstery.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Oak
Dunbar X-Base Table with Murano Glass Tile Top
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare form with folding rosewood base and Murano glass tile top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass, Rosewood
Mahogany Daybed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare daybed in mahogany and mohair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of slipper chairs with mahogany bases. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Tawi Wood Dining Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A ten foot dining table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with expressively grained Tawi wood top and mahogany base with brass cleats. The table has...
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Twelve Dunbar Greene & Greene Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An extremely rare set of twelve dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Known as the Greene & Greene chair for it's crafted look with exposed tenon crest rail, rosewood ...
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Janus Wing Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus wing chair and ottoman with walnut bases. Reupholstered in Knoll Melange wool / Sprout. Down seat cushion.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Eight Ash and Rosewood Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of eight dining chairs in Ash and rosewood with leather seats designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1960s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Ash, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table with Marble Top
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A bleached mahogany coffee table with figurative marble top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of swivel chairs on mahogany bases designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1960s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bleached Mahogany Dining Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A bleached mahogany dining table with dark mahogany base. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Table measures 70" with two 15" leav...
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Woven Front Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A large mahogany cabinet with woven bleached rosewood sliding doors on brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Dunbar Cube Tables by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of early cube tables in Myrtle burl designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Burl
Dunbar Dining Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully grained walnut dining table with leather wrapped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Table measures 60" diameter and has a 20" leaf.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Sofas by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A matching pair of small sofas / settees designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Iconic form with tapered brass legs. Fully restored and upholst...
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Ten Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of ten armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored with refinished walnut bases and upholstered in Designtex / Lambert fabric.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk and Chair in Matching Leather
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An elegant and early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Desk model 4725 in mahogany with original green leather and matching swiveling stool.
Category
1940s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Dunbar Teardrop Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of teardrop slipper chairs with aluminum legs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These are from a newer production made in the last 15 years.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Four Dunbar Janus Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored set of four matching Janus lounge chairs with walnut frames and green velvet upholstery. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Dunbar Room Divider by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A two piece mahogany room divider with Japanese wood block printers plates. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Large Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A large walnut and burled elm coffee table with brass feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Table Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully crafted table designed by Edward Worley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Murano Glass Tile Top Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of brass tables with Murano glass table tops designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rolling Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A round ottoman on casters with removable center cushion designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautifully restored and upholstered in silk velvet.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Edward Wormley for Dunbar model 5316 Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare model 5316 sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in 1953. Floating back with exposed mahogany frame. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Vladimir / Silver Fog ...
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Large Bar Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A large scale mahogany cabinet with brass hardware designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This massive chest has locking bar / bottle storage along with a pull out serving tray.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A tall cocktail table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Dunbar Lounge Chairs Model 609 by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of rare lounge chairs model 609 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original leather-like vinyl upholstery on Ash frame with brass hardware.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Ash
Set of Four Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four curved back dining chairs with mahogany frames. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Large Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An oversized pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chairs with full down back cushions, sitting on four casters. Matching ottoman on casters as well. Fully restored and upholstere...
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Chaise by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A chaise lounge designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Ash
Partners Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany partners desk with original leather top and base and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 6329A Large Angled Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
The larger of the two sizes, this model 6329A angled sofa retains its original fabric in wonderful condition. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany stretcher base.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of slipper chairs with mahogany bases. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Dunbar Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fluted rosewood legs with brass caps.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Chest by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut dresser with rosewood handle and brass feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Early Dunbar Leather Curved Desk and Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original lilac leather and bleached mahogany curved desk with built in bookshelves. The drawers are hinged and swing open. The original ...
Category
1940s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather
Dunbar Rosewood Coffee Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A large square mahogany and rosewood coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Stone Top Dunbar Wedge Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of walnut wedge side tables with stone tops. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Lounge Chairs on Brass Legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic pair of Dunbar high back lounge chair on brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley. Upholstered in Rubelli velvet.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Travertine Dining Table / Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early bleached mahogany and travertine table / desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Console Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful walnut and mahogany console with stone top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Dunbar Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A versatile pair of slipper chairs with mahogany frames and leather/wool upholstery. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1960s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather
Swiveling Stool by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of swiveling vanity stools/chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Reupholstered in blue velvet with maple legs and brass sabots. Priced and sold individually.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Pair of Dunbar Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Dunbar lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Pair of Dunbar Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored pair of Dunbar Thebes stools designed by Edward Wormley.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood tambour roll top desk with brass feet and leather trim. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Stool by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An ash stool with sheepskin cover seat. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Sofa/Chaise by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A one armed sofa or chaise with brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Dunbar Console or Sofa Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and walnut console table with rosewood pulls. The table features book holders on either side and three drawers. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Edward Wormley "a Chair" for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare chair in mahogany with solid brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Brass Bench and Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A brass bench with upholstered leather top and matching brass table with glass top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Priced and sold separately.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Toad Stool Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare toad stool table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Dunbar X-Base Table with Murano Glass Tile Top
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare form with solid rosewood base and Murano glass tile top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Pair of Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of dunbar swivel chairs designed by Edward Wormley with walnut bases. Newly upholstered in holly hunt / teddy / charcoal fabric.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Bouclé
Pair of Nightstands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of mahogany nightstands with floating walnut drawers and marble tops. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Marble
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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