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.
Edward Wormley, Armchairs, Wood, Mohair, Cane, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, cane and mohair armchairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, USA, c. 1950s. Minor wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions...
Mohair, Cane, Wood
Edward Wormley Model 4907 sofa for Dunbar Mid Century
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the Model 4907 sofa exemplifies the designer’s masterful balance of modern restraint and traditional comfort. Introduced in the mid-20th centur...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley, Dining Chairs, Wood, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in High Point, NC
A set of six wood and green velvet dining room chairs or side chairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Drexel, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.75"H x 20.75"W...
Velvet, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Oak and Cane Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New Windsor, NY
A set of four distinct oak and cane back dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Berne, Indiana. Each chair still retains the gold metal tag on the underside of each sea...
Upholstery, Oak, Cane
$6,650Sale Price|30% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Modern Tweed & Mahogany Bracket Back Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dayton, OH
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Atomic Era Bracket Back Sofa, circa 1950s. Features streamlined track arms, original tweed plaid button tufted upholstery and two large seat cushions. The...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5522 Cane Swivel Vanity Chair 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Troy, MI
Rare model 5522 desk chair or vanity stool from the First Lady Series Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1950s Laminated wood and cane molded backrest with round seat on a ...
Brass
Edward Wormley For Drexel Precedent Bench With Upholstered Seat ca' 1950's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic and timeless Edward Wormley upholstered bench for Drexel Precedent line, model 200-2, ca' 1950's. Newly restored in natural, clear finish showing the wood grain and new uph...
Upholstery, Elm
Gorgeous Set of 10 Vintage Klismos Cane Dining Chairs by Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare, an exceptional, meticulously restored set of ten (10) cane back Klismos dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. The set consists of ...
Cane, Walnut
Dunbar Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for the Janus Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of sophisticated and very well crafted slipper chairs having tufted backs upholstered in a light taupe and cream woven fabric with sculptural ebony toned mahogany legs . From ...
Upholstery, Wood
Midcentury "Quinn" Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 1170, Walnut + Wool
By Jens Risom, Dunbar Furniture, Gunlocke, Edward Wormley
Located in Decatur, GA
"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...
Wool, Upholstery, Walnut
Deco Mahogany and Bouclé Wingback Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 103B
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant, scarcely seen wingback chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar model 103B (ca. 1941, USA). Composed of a stained mahogany base with thin front tapered legs and gently splayed bac...
Bouclé, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Tête-à-Tête” Sofa, Model 5009, circa 1955 Mid Century
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant and sculptural Tête-à-Tête sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1955. This iconic mid-century design exemplifies Wormley’s mastery of proportion and his abili...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic mid-century modern sofa designed by Edward Wormley from his 1958 Dunbar - Conversation Pieces Collection, this sofa model #261 still has its original Jack Lenor Larsen colorf...
Brass
Mid-Century Walnut Sectional Sofa w/ Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Add a touch of mid-century charm to your living space with this inviting sectional sofa, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s. This piece is all about both style and fl...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Janus Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
This pair of Janus chairs, designed by Edward Wormley, and manufactured by Dunbar furniture company, 1950s, have been expertly restored, refinished, and reupholstered in a beautiful...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Oasis Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Very Rare. Priced for Reupholstery.
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare, Iconic "Oasis Sofa" designed by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, 1950s. Super stylish curved design that's both functional and comfortable. This ultra rare example ...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Even Arm Sofa Model 4907A/ Brass Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 108" long, 4 back Cushions Sofa with the desirable Brass Legs! Often described as the most beautiful sofa of it's time! Design is still classic and timele...
Brass
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
Set of Six Edward Wormley Mid Century Dunbar Dining Chairs Circa 1940-50’s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Bernville, PA
Set of six Mid Century Dunbar dining chairs from the late 1940’s early 1950’s by Edward Wormley. The set is in excellent original condition. Beautiful reddish pink velour upholstery...
Velvet, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs and Ottoman Ottoman Measurements: 29.25 length 25.25 depth 17.25 height
Acrylic, Wood
Mahogany and Cane Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Mahogany and Cane Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950’s. The armrests are rosewood. Measures 26” wide 30.5” deep 31.5” tall to top back pillow, seat height 16” seat dept...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany, Rosewood
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 ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chair, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A swivel lounge chair designed by the iconic Edward Wormely for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new high-grade hand cut foam with all insides full...
Velvet, Mahogany
Gorgeous Restored Set of 8 Cane Dining Chairs by Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1948
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) cane back Klismos dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of this magnitude is the collector's equivalent to capturing a Purple Unicorn. Expertly crafted solid walnut construction with stellar lines and detail. Finished in a dark walnut stain - aged to absolute perfection. Delicate cane panel inset back. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and coveted chair...
Cane, Walnut
No. 4735 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Set of Four
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Roanoke, VA
Rare set of four No. 4735 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs were acquired from estate with full Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining set. Rarely seen!
Textile
Dunbar Club Chairs with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage large-scale pair of Dunbar club chairs with the original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric, 1970s. Tuxedo style design with loose cushions and bronze platform base. Both chairs are in...
Upholstery
Remarkable Set of 12 Vintage Klismos Cane Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of twelve (12) cane back Klismos dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of this mag...
Cane, Walnut
12 Foot Dunbar Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Twelve feet long! Custom made Dunbar sofa designed by Edward Wormley. This was reupholstered 10 years ago and has seen very little use since. We have refinished the base since these ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Vinyl Leopard Print Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century three seat sofa, upholstered in a brown and black leopard print vinyl with two removable seat cushions, resting on three sets of square walnut legs. (EDWARD J WO...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Mahogany Sofas / Daybeds by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of mahogany framed sofas / daybeds designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Reupholstered in Zink / Sappheo / Cypress.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tet-a-Tete
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tet-a-Tete. Ready for fabric of your choice. Mahogany legs with brass caps, Dunbar decking.
Brass
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960. Bench has been completely restored. Measures 59.75" long, 18.75" deep 12" tall
Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Sofas in Raf Simons Velvet w/ Leather
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An outstanding pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Model 6329 Angle sofas newly upholstered in a Raf Simons teal velvet with leather trim. Conceived in 1957, The Janus sofa wa...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Sofa Model 4906, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Edward Wormley Model 4906 sofa, made by Dunbar in the USA, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
Swivel Lounge Chair, Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Almost White, Expertly Restored
By Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar swivel lounge chair. Expertly restored and reupholstered. Deep, comfortable chair on a beautiful mahogany base. No expense was spared in both the original m...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Sofa in Raf Simons Velvet with Leather Trim
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An outstanding Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Model 6329 Angle sofa newly upholstered in a Raf Simons teal velvet with leather trim. Conceived in 1957, The Janus sofa was introdu...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Dunbar Channel Back Settee ca' 1940's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare and unusual settee By Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1940's. Distinguishing feature is the channel back, mahogany legs, heavy construction-with hand tied springs, built to last.
Upholstery, Mahogany, Rosewood
Edward Wormley Sectional Sofa for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960's USA. This two-piece sectional sofa has the stately mahogany bracket back design that sets this Edward Wormley sofa apart. This sofa has vi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Eight Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Expertly Restored.
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 8 dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This stunning set has been expertly reupholstered and refinished. Dark African mahogany frames, mohair upholstery with...
Mohair, Mahogany
Pair of Rare Model #4907 Sofas by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Circa 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your living space with this exceptional pair of sofas attributed to iconic mid-century designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Crafted in the 1950s, these sofas embody ...
Brass
Four Ash and Rosewood Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four Ash armchairs with rosewood details. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Ash, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Dining Chairs (Model 935)
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
This is such a beautiful dining chair with exquisite craftsmanship and detail. The iconic Dunbar Horseshoe chair by Edward Wormley will grace an...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Rosewood
Edward Wormley, Dunbar Sofa, Brown Velvet with Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Greensboro, NC
Dunbar sofa, designed by Edward Wormley. This sofa was a custom length/custom order. It has been reupholstered in a brown cotton velvet with new cushions combining foam and down. Bra...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Daybed in Mahogany, Brass, and Blue-Grey Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, daybed, mahogany, reupholstered fabric, brass-plated aluminum, United States, 1950s. This rare design by Edward Wormley exemplifies his commitment to crea...
Aluminum, Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Tall back lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar furniture. Beautiful crisp lines frame the chair with grace and style. Edward Wormley’s designs are still often mimicked ...
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
$5,192 / set
PAIR OF 5762 ARMCHAIRS FOR DUNBAR Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Forest, BE
Edward Wormley was an American designer of modern furniture. In 1926, he briefly studied at the Ar Institute of Chicago, but had to leave after three terms due to financial issues. I...
Leather, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in camel wool, mahogany, United States, design 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa is designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood and Mahogany Settee Bench
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood and Mahogany Settee Bench This settee measures: 52.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 27 ...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Rosewood
Edward Wormley 'New York' Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture / DUX of Sweden, sofa model 5316, faux leather, metal, wood, United States, design 1952 This three-seat sofa was designed by Edward Wormley for D...
Metal
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1960s, embodying the pinnacle of mid-century elegance. Wormley, Dunbar's legendary design director, crafte...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of "Y" Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A set of "Y" armchairs, designed by the Iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new caning, walnut frame work fully restored, stained in d...
Brass
Edward Wormley "New York" Sofa Version 5316 for DUX, Sweden 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden
Located in Utrecht, NL
Edward Wormley took the best elements from classical, historical Scandinavian and other European furniture design and translated them into a Modern vernacular. The result was furnitu...
Fabric, Wood, Linen
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Barstools - Set of 3
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Barstools - Set of 3 Each bar stool measures: 20.75 wide x 20 deep x 37.5 high, with a seat height of 28 and arm height/chai...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley/Dunbar Furniture oversized Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large button tufted ottoman Hand printed original Velvet upholstery
Upholstery
$10,000 / set
Edward Wormley Model 5701 Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This spectacular design by Ed Wormley from his Janus collection for Dunbar, the model 5701 lounge chair and ottoman is a generous chair with a relaxing, deep seat and sumptuous cushi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ( model 4710A ). These chairs have been newly restored, refinished and reupholstered, and are in excellent ready...
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.
Fabric
Stunning Signed Dunbar Three Seater Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning signed Dunbar 3 seater sofa. This piece is upholstered in it's original celery green woven wool in very nice to excellent condition. The loose seat cushions are quite firm ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Iconic swivel lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunbar Furniture Company, model 5609 c. 1950/60's. The chair features a dark wood four leg base, with an upholstered se...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Lounge Chairs, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Series Lounge Chairs, 1957. Original upholstery. Front legs have a beautiful carved pattern. Measure 30.5" wide 25" deep 26" tall, seat heig...
Upholstery, Wood