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 for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
By Edward Wormley
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. ...
Wool, Mahogany
A Vintage Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Morris" Adjustable Armchairs 1940's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare and unusual Edward Wormley for Dunbar adjustable back lounge chairs. Known as "Morris" chairs they allow for 3 positions-low, medium, high. Made of mahogany and natura...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Daybed in Mahogany, Brass, and Blue-Grey Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Set of Six Dining Chairs - Mahogany + Naugahyde
By Edward Wormley
Located in Decatur, GA
Set of Six Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Dining Chairs, New Cognac Naugahyde Upholstery An elegant set of six Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs in mahogany, showcasing the ...
Naugahyde, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Pair of Bent Plywood Lounge Chairs for Dunbar, 1968
By Edward Wormley
Located in São Paulo, BR
Pair of lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley in 1968 and produced by Dunbar in the United States, with frames in bent plywood and upholstered seats. The structure is made of cur...
Upholstery, Plywood
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, c. 1940
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, c. 1940 An early sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, dating to approximately 1940. This substantial example features a generous seating ...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Model 4907 sofa and Ottoman 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 Captain's Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design Captain's chair model 5480 for Dunbar, Berne Indiana. Sophisticated and refined design by Edward Wormley during his heyday at Dunbar Furniture Company, circa 19...
Upholstery, Cane, Oak
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Edward Wormley Model #5719, La Gondola Sofa, Dunbar, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Culver City, CA
Some sofas sit in a room. This one floats in it. Released by Dunbar in 1957 as a limited edition piece, the La Gondola is arguably Edward Wormley's most iconic design ~ and coming f...
Leather, Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wingback Chairs in Cartier Pierre Frey Textile
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptionally rare pair of sculptural wingback lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. Among Wormley’s more dramatic seating designs, the chairs feature ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley "Model 1038" Wingback Chair for Dunbar, 1940s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Coronado, CA
An early and uncommon wingback lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1940s. This dramatic chair features a large, exaggerated curved back which creates a round, c...
Mohair, Wood
Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Norwalk, CT
An elegant Mid-Century Modern sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, embodying the designer's signature balance of refined sophistication and exceptional comfort. With its clean...
Upholstery, Beech
Set of Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Curved-Back Dining Chairs, 1948
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Curved-Back Dining Chairs, 1948 An elegant set of Ten dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, comprising Model 4580 side c...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
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
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
$1,176Sale Price / set|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Oak and Cane Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Riemerschmid Set of 8 dining armchairs dark mahogany
By Edward Wormley
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
A great set of vintage Riemerschmid armchairs with Scalamandre tiger pattern fabric. Two chairs with arm damage as photographed. Can discount if you purchase 6 chairs only. Local p...
Mahogany
Set of Six Edward Wormley Mid Century Dunbar Dining Chairs Circa 1940-50’s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofa This sofa measures: 82 wide x 36 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height 17 inches Great Vintage Condition - Upholstery is in Exc...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, sofa, model 5150, fabric, metal, United States, 1950s. The sofa exudes a simple and elegant style, reminiscent of the classic design elements typically a...
Metal
A Classic Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa With Rosewood Legs Model 4907
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa, model 4907, with six rosewood legs. Nine feet long.
Upholstery, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six Dining Chairs, Model 935 "Horseshoe Chairs" 1965c.
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six Dining Chairs,Model 935 "Horseshoe Chairs" 1965c. An elegant and highly sculptural set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furnit...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Rosewood
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Tufted Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lounge chair designed by American furniture designer, Edward J. Wormley, for Dunbar in the United States, circa 1950s. This Classic lounge chair is reupholstered i...
Brass
$7,530Sale Price|40% Off
Edward Wormley Sofa - Dunbar Model 486 - Walnut Bracket Back Mid Century Modern
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage mid century modern bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Model 486, circa 1950s. - Solid black walnut bracket back and legs have been fully restored and are in flaw...
Wool, Walnut
$9,800 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley design swivel lounge chairs for Dunbar, model #5609 Refinished and reupholstered in a cotton velvet fabric.
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5485A Mid Century Mahogany Angle Arm Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5485A Mid Century Mahogany Angle Arm Sofa This sofa measures: 96 wide x 33 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 27.5 inc...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Sofa Model 4906, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Edward Wormley Model 4906 sofa, made by Dunbar in the USA, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide.
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...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Dunbar, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Dunbar, 1960’s. Chair and ottoman are on casters and also original upholstery. Measure 29” tall 29” wide 37” deep, seat height 16.6” 22” ...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Executive Office Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Executive Office Chair for Dunbar “In Clover” 932 Executive chair button tufted leather, solid walnut base, brass casters, tilts and sw...
Leather, Wood
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
Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A small sofa / settee designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Iconic form with tapered brass legs. Fully restored and upholstered in Designtex / Lambert / Smoke.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Vanity Swivel Chair By Edward Wormley For Drexel
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This swivel vanity chair was designed by American designer Edward Wormley for Drexel's notable Precedent line, one of the few collections Edward Wormley produced outside of his work ...
Mohair, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 8 Each chair measures: 21 wide x 23 deep x 34.25 inches high, with a seat height of 20 and arm height/ch...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Chaise Lounge by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A chaise lounge designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Ash base with rosewood feet. Fully restored and upholstered in a soft chenille fabric with down pillow.
Ash
$8,400 / set
Dunbar Model 7350 Sofas by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar Model 7350 sofas by Edward Wormley. Vintage 1970’s sofas with more recent grey & pink silk upholstery. Original labels are no longer on ...
Silk
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs in Holland & Sherry
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful and comfortable pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chairs newly upholstered in a Holland & Sherry luxury wool. Stunning!
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Dunbar Gondola Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Toledo, OH
Dunbar Gondola sofa, designed by Edward Wormley, manufactured by Dunbar, very good to excellent condition. This sofa has a very solid walnut frame. The ...
Walnut
5480 Captain's Chair designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A chair is an argument about how to sit—and more broadly, how to live. The Captain's Chair by Edward Wormley makes its case with understated eloquence: that American furniture tradit...
Brass
Dunbar Tete-a-Tete Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Tete-a-Tete sofa / daybed with walnut base and brass feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Herringbone Tweed / Navy & Taupe fabric.
Mahogany
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 Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Barstools - Set of 3
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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 Dunbar “Party Sofa” Model 5407, 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar ‘Party Sofa” Model 5407, 1950’s. Original upholstery in great condition. Measures 26.5” tall 100” wide 36.5” deep seat height 17.5” arm height 26.5”
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic Bracket Back Sofa #5497 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Edward Wormley always saw furniture as expressions of personality and as a paired-down concept for detail of architect...
Upholstery, Walnut
$14,000 / set
Edward Wormley Tear Drop Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful matched pair of tear drop lounges model #5106. Professionally re-upholstered.
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s Edward Wormley Dunbar Green Wool Sofa model 5138 Mahogany Base
By Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s tuxedo even arm sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model 5138. The sofa floats on a solid mahogany base and is upholstered with new foam and a high end green wool fabric from...
Wool, 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
Fabulous 2-Piece Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Low Mid-Century Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous 2 piece long low Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa. This is perfect for you designers who need to reupholster. The bones are magnificent but the fabric needs updating. Long ...
Wood, Upholstery
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 Tête-à-tête, Dunbar-1950s, model 5944
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Raleigh, NC
This classic mid-century tête-à-tête by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture allows two people to sit facing each other in comfortable conversation. The piece rests on a rich stained...
Brass
Edward Wormley, Sofa, Fabric, Aluminum, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A beige fabric and aluminum sofa designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric ideally replaced. Overall Dimens...
Aluminum
$30,000 / set
Wing Chair by Edward Wormley with Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
A "Janus" wing chair by Edward Wormley A wing chair by Edward Wormley restored in a luxurious Rogers & Goffigan Belgian linen fabric. The mahogany base has been bleached to a pal...
Linen, Mahogany
$14,000 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover one of Edward Wormley's most famous and elegant chairs. A timeless masterpiece, The Captain Chair. We have fully restored this iconic piece to its original splendor, highlighting the beautiful polished brass, cane back, and curved wood frame. The seat has been meticulously reupholstered in Holland & Sherry performance fabric, ensuring both durability and sophistication. Elevate your space with a piece that embodies the essence of mid-century modern luxury. Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain...
Brass
$14,169Sale Price|20% Off
vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York"
By Dux of Sweden, Edward Wormley
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York" Rare sofa by American designer Edward J. Wormley, designed in 1952 for Dunbar Furniture USA. Produced at Ljungs Industrier / DUX C...
Fabric, Wood
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
Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Sofa By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid-century modern sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture has been updated with a new single streamlined seat cushion. The Dunbar frame, circa 1950s, features a long low, f...
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley and Produced by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A newly upholstered sofa made by Dunbar and designed by Edward Wormley, circa 1965.
Walnut
Edward Wormley 'Janus' Lounge Armchair, Walnut & Cane, Tan Leather
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century 'Janus' lounge / armchair with a wooden frame with dark walnut veneer, a rounded caned back, and a tan leather button tufted seat cushion and round back cushion,...
Wood, Walnut, Leather, Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5244 Mid Century Mahogany Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5244 Mid Century Mahogany Sofa This sofa measures: 80.5 wide x 38 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 24 inches Fair V...
Upholstery, Mahogany