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 “Party Sofa” Model 5407, 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 '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 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
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 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
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
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, c. 1940
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 for Dunbar Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
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 "Model 1038" Wingback Chair for Dunbar, 1940s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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
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
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
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...
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood, Walnut
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
Set of Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Curved-Back Dining Chairs, 1948
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$1,176Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
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 Mid Century Janus Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Janus Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Pair of Dunbar Model 5480 Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of cane back model 5480 captains chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Oak
$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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Vanity Swivel Chair By Edward Wormley For Drexel
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
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 Pair of Armchairs in Pink Striped Upholstery
By Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, stained ash, fabric, United States, 1960s These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixtie...
Fabric, Ash
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5485A Mid Century Mahogany Angle Arm Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$8,400 / set
Dunbar Model 7350 Sofas by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 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 for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Tête-à-Tête” Sofa, Model 5009, circa 1955 Mid Century
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Tête-à-tête, Dunbar-1950s, model 5944
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
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
$14,000 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
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
$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
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
Pair of Edward Wormley Dunbar Love Seats Sofas Jack Lenor Larsen
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Excellent pair of Edward Wormley designed for Dunbar love seat sofas. They retain their original Jack Lenor Larsen velvet fabric in close to excellent...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Portland, OR
A classic mid century modern tailored sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Custom specifications ordered by renowned Seattle interior design firm, Arthur Morgan Inc. Tuxedo-shaped thr...
Leather, Mahogany, Feathers
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 251 Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully newly upholstered in Donghia velvet, color "Whiskey". Great for you living room, family room or office. A comfortable, relaxing swivel chair with great styling.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Janus Collection lounge chairs By Edward Wormley for Dunbar USA, 20th Century Ebonized sculpted walnut arms and legs with an exposed frame, and red up...
Upholstery, Walnut