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 '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
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
Rare Edward Wormley Model #5719, La Gondola Sofa, Dunbar, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
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 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 for Dunbar Tufted 'Party' Club Chair in Black Leather
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, lounge chair model 'Party', leather, wood, United States, 1960s. Rare black leather 'Party Chair' by American designer Edward Wormley. This armchair has a...
Leather, Wood
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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 Sofa - Dunbar Model 486 - Walnut Bracket Back Mid Century Modern
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
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
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
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Frames redone in high gloss black lacquer finish. New upholstery. ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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 Party Sofa by Dunbar, Brown Velvet, Modern Design
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Astoria, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Party" Sofa, brown velvet upholstery, labeled "Dunbar / Bernie, Indiana" to underside. 23.5" H x 99" W x 35" D; seat: 15" H. Provenance: From a One Centr...
Upholstery, Velvet
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 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 Model 4907 sofa and Ottoman for Dunbar Mid Century
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 for Dunbar Model 5244 Mid Century Mahogany Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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 Six Dining Chairs, Model 935 "Horseshoe Chairs" 1965c.
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Rare Dunbar Sofa Model 5316 by Edward Wormley. Original Orange Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare and desirable sofa Model 5316 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This completely original example is in very good condition. No tears, holes or stains to the o...
Aluminum
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley "Janus" Boucle Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Boucle Fabric _________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey w...
Bouclé, Walnut, Wood, Fabric
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Custom Model 6793 Club Chairs in Sapphire Blue Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Designer: Edward Wormley Manufacturer: Dunbar Model: 6793 Period: Mid-20th Century Materials: Mohair upholstery, solid mahogany bases A refined and inviting pair of Edward Wormley f...
Mohair, Mahogany
Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stylish and elegant slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. Upholstered in Fret custom Italian silk velvet, luxurious to the touch, (samples available). Chocolate bra...
Mahogany
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
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 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
Edward Wormley Three-Seat Sofa, Striped Upholstery, Mid-Century Design
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 3-seat sofa with beige, light green, and brown striped upholstery with three back and three seat cushions. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY).
Fabric, Upholstery
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is an exquisite Pair of Slipper Chairs by the renowned designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. These iconic chairs have been meticulously refinished and are in over...
Suede, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ivory Velvet Sofa w Hexagonal Walnut Legs, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa (1950s), produced in Berne, Indiana, and embodying the designer's celebrated ability to balance refined modernism with timeless comfort. Res...
Fabric, Wood
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 for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Southampton, NJ
Janus Collection lounge chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Ebonized sculpted walnut arms and legs with an exposed frame, and red upholstery with a button tufted back and curved seat...
Upholstery, Walnut
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar Elegant Leather Office Chairs 10 Available
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Hudson, NY
10 available- Priced per chair Absolutely stunning butter soft leather Roger Sprunger for Dunbar office chairs on smooth gliding casters. All original chairs are in very good condit...
Metal
Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Drexel Precedent by Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in New York, NY
Chic set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley as part of the classic Precedent Line, for Drexel. The set includes two arm chairs, and four side chairs, they are in very go...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 97 wide x 33 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 28 inches Fair Vintage Conditio...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
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 Swivel Lounge Chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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 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
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
"Thebes" X Base Stool / Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Thebes stool / bench / footrest / footstool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This example retains the original yellow and orange geometric design fabric. The finish on t...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Executive Office Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
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
Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This pair of Edward Wormley easy chairs have a wonderful profile combining a casual slipper chair with a wing-back. Stylish, comfortable and well built by Dunbar they are the perfec...
Upholstery, Wood
Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A good Mid-Century Modern sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, with flared back and arms and loose back cushions. Square dark walnut legs with round brass foot. The piece was reupholst...
Upholstery, Walnut
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 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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofas - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofas - Pair Each sofa measures: 82 wide x 36 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height 17 inches Great Vintage Condition - Upholstery i...
Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5305 Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A large model 5305 angled sofa on bleached mahogany frame with leather capped legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Fabric
Pair of Edward Wormley Walnut Open-Arm Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Two architectural open arm lounge chairs in walnut by Dunbar, with green and blue horizontal stripe upholstery.
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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