Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

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.

Creator: Edward Wormley

Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar King Size Headboard in Cane

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A lovely modern design king size headboard by Edward Miller for Dunbar. It features a solid dark brown stained mahogany frame with beautiful caning. All original and in great shape.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Free-Standing Queen Size Bed with Drawers

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar, queen size bed with drawers, oak, leather, brass, United States, 1960s Rare queen-size bed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar de...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Elm Magazine Library Table

By Edward Wormley, Drexel

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent mid century elm magazine library table The table measures: 25 wide x 16 deep x 26.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood, Elm

Lovely Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Nightstand Mid-Century Modern

By Drexel, Edward Wormley

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Lovely pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel precedent end tables or nightstands. These pieces are in vintage condition and do show wear to the finish-we recommend refinishing or lacquer...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Designs for Dunbar: Market Notes January 1956

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in New York, NY

Small format brochure published in January 1956 showcasing nearly 50 new Edward Wormley designs for Dunbar Furniture, presented at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. Highlights include th...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Paper

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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Magazine Tree Table

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Utrecht, NL

Magazine tree, model 4765 by American designer Edward Wormley executed in birch and sap grain walnut, designed in 1947 for Dunbar Furniture USA. A very special, functional and aesth...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Dunbar Mid-Century French Regency Louis XVI Carved Mahogany Twin Size Headboards

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of mid-century French Regency Louis XVI style carved mahogany twin size headboards By Edward Wormley for Dunbar USA, Circa 1940s Each measures: 41.75"W x 1.75"D x ...

Category

1940s American Louis XVI Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Mahogany

World Globe by Edward Wormley

By Edward Wormley

Located in New York, NY

The ultimate world globe designed by Edward Wormley for Rand McNally, USA, circa 1950. Features a rotating globe mounted on a walnut base with brass capped legs. Marked "Rand McNally...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized King Size Headboard, Newly Refinished

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern king size headboard By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Newly ebonized mahogany, with unique louvered Front Design. ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Lacquered Wood Commodes

By Edward Wormley

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of American mid-century dark lacquered wooden commodes / chests with 6 louver-front drawers in descending height. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY)(PRICED AS PAIR)

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany King Headboard w/Arm Rests, 1950

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Headboard w/Arm Rests, 1950’s. Upholstered back and arm rests. Dunbar tag. Measures 42.5” tall 81” wide 4” deep

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Louvered Five Drawer Nightstand

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A louvered front five drawer nightstand designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Matching dresser available separately.

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, 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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Nightstands for Dunbar in Walnut with Mahogany Frame Ebony Pulls

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

These extraordinarily beautiful and generously proportioned nightstands were designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and manufactured in the 1960s. Bookmatched American walnut woodgra...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century 2 Piece Cane King Headboard

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century 2 Piece Cane King Headboard This headboard measures: 52.5 wide x 3 deep x 36.5 inches high ?All pieces of f...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Cane, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Adjustable Headboard

By Edward Wormley

Located in Pasadena, TX

Wormley has pioneered in a broad field of design, he was one of those unique designers who was sensitive to the interplay involved in selling modernism and still preserving the nostalgic touch of intimacy, warmth and detail. His first Dunbar chairs, produced in 1932, were reproductions of antique designs, but when they became popular Wormley augmented the set with new pieces to form a full line of furniture for almost every room in the house. Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Adjustable Headboard...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nightstand, 1960

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Chicago, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nightstand, 1960’s. Original great condition with 4 leuvered drawers, velvet lined jewelry divider in top drawer and base is wrapped in leather. Measures 2...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Wood

Edward Wormley Drexel Precedent Nightstand

By Edward Wormley

Located in Pasadena, TX

Precedent four drawer nightstand. Beautiful in design and material, the Precedent series was designed by Edward Wormley in 1947. Nightstand features wood construction, four pull-o...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Bronze

Rand McNally Globe by Edward Wormley / Dunbar

By Rand McNally & Co., Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

Rand McNally Globe by Edward Wormley / Dunbar A Tri-Leg Atomic design with Brass Capped Feet. This globe does not Illuminate. It is a Metal Globe. Uncertain if this is the origin...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Ed Wormley of Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Illuminated Globe Light Fixture

By Edward Wormley

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Walnut and brass tripod or tri-leg base stand Mid-Century Modern illuminated globe by Ed Wormley.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Rand McNally Illuminated Globe with Stand by Edward Wormley

By Edward Wormley, Rand McNally & Co.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Illuminating globe on a mahogany stand designed by Edward Wormley for map company Rand McNally. The globe features three mahogany legs with stainless steel capped feet. The globe has...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent End Tables

By Edward Wormley, Drexel

Located in Buffalo, NY

Refined simplicity designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel. The end tables are part of the Precedent collection that he produced in the 1950s. Professionally restored, stunning off whi...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Globe by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Featured in Catalog)

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Globe by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Illustrated in in Dunbar Catalog. Included catalog photos in listing at end. Some damage and repair to the wood frame. Notably the top wood ri...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Early Edward Wormley Step End Tables / Nightstands for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

Early Edward Wormley step end tables for Dunbar.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

The Dunbar Book of Contemporary Furniture

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in New York, NY

First edition of the lavish 1956 Dunbar Furniture catalog, showcasing Edward Wormley designs for sofas, chairs, tables, cabinets, desks, shelves, room dividers, benches, and bedroom ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Paper

Pair of Night Stands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A pair of ebonized 'French polish' mahogany nightstands with adjustable inner shelf and opposing hinges.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wooden Frame Caned Panel Full-Size Bed Headboard

By Edward Wormley

Located in Queens, NY

"American Mid-Century full-sized headboard with a dark stained wooden frame with curved top rail and central caned panel. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY) Minor damage ...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley Exhibition Catalog

By Edward Wormley

Located in New York, NY

76-page catalog from the exhibition "Edward Wormley: The Other Face of Modernism," held at the Lin Weinberg Gallery in 1997. The exhibit helped re-introduce Wormley's work to the mar...

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Paper

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Co. King-Size Mahogany Louver Headboard

By Edward Wormley, Breaad, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Queens, NY

Mid-Century American king-size headboard with unique horizontal louvered panels of light mahogany extending the width of the bed. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY) Wear ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Mahogany

Bleached Mahogany Nightstands with Leather Bases by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautiful set of early minimalist nightstands designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Constructed of bleached mahogany cases with inset matching hardware and leather wrapped bases. Pr...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of Rare Edward Wormley Dunbar for Modern Elegant Nightstands or End Tables

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Restored Pair of Chests by Edward Wormley, circa 1947

By Edward Wormley, Drexel

Located in Atlanta, GA

A beautiful pair of Modern chests by Edward Wormley for Drexel, circa 1947. Expertly constructed in silver elm and finished in cream lacquer. The functional size and scale allow for ...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Pair of Teak and Mahogany Mid Century Nightstands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This striking pair of mid-century Minimalist teak and mahogany wood nightstands features a single drawer and cubby hole, with a sleek profile designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunba...

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Teak

Headboard with Built-in Armrests by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An innovative and elegant king size headboard in darkened mahogany having channeled upholstery, adjustable back rests and two pairs of drop-down arms.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Magazine Tree by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An olive green stained walnut magazine tree with cantilevered shelves.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Magazine Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A triangular ash table with an inset cream leather top over two web strap magazine holders.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Ash, Leather

Edward Wormley more furniture and collectibles for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley more furniture and collectibles 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 more furniture and collectibles, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original more furniture and collectibles by Edward Wormley were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider more furniture and collectibles by Dunbar, Widdicomb Furniture Co., and T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. Prices for Edward Wormley more furniture and collectibles can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $225 and can go as high as $22,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,900.

Creators Similar to Edward Wormley

Widdicomb Furniture Co.

Shop All Widdicomb Furniture Co. More Furniture and Collectibles

Herman Miller

Shop All Herman Miller More Furniture and Collectibles

Dunbar

Shop All Dunbar More Furniture and Collectibles

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Shop All T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings More Furniture and Collectibles

John Widdicomb

Shop All John Widdicomb More Furniture and Collectibles

George Nelson

Shop All George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Harvey Probber

Shop All Harvey Probber More Furniture and Collectibles

American of Martinsville

Shop All American of Martinsville More Furniture and Collectibles

John Stuart

Shop All John Stuart More Furniture and Collectibles

Questions About Edward Wormley More Furniture and Collectibles

What materials did Edward Wormley use?
1 Answer
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.

More Edward Wormley Furniture

Edward Wormley Seating

Edward Wormley Tables

Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Edward Wormley Lighting

Edward Wormley Mirrors

Edward Wormley Decorative Objects

Edward Wormley Asian Art and Furniture

Edward Wormley Sofas

Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Edward Wormley Side Tables

Edward Wormley End Tables

Edward Wormley Armchairs