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 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
$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
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Dunbar Slipper Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dubar. Button tufted tight seat and back in ivory boucle. Wood base refinished in dark walnut
Wood
Large Limited Edition Sofa "La Gondola" by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A limited edition "La Gondola" Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, produced in 1957. Model 5719 is part of the Janus Collection, seen by man...
Mahogany
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tufted 'Party' Club Chair in Black Leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 for Dunbar Pair of Elegant Slipper Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek and comfortable pair of classic Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Older restoration of mahogany legs and recovering of upholstery shows minor scuffs and scratches to bases a...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Loveseat Settee Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Loveseat Settee Sofa This loveseat measures: 51 wide x 32.5 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 22.5 inc...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Sofa in Raf Simons Velvet with Leather Trim
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$4,762Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have an absolutely stunning pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These chairs have been freshly reupholstered in a wonderful nubby white boucle...
Bouclé
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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa / Daybed
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A one arm sofa / daybed with brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Fabric
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
$8,400Sale Price|40% Off
Three Seat Sofa Designed by Michael Taylor for Baker
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Early and scarcely seen three-seat sofa with fixed back cushions and flared tapering arms designed by Michael Taylor for Baker. A very comfortable sofa with incredibly clean lines. R...
Upholstery
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
$4,500 / set
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus collection lounge chair.
Fabric
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
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 Lounge Chair #4796 for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormely lounge chair model #4796 produced by Dunbar Furniture Company "Dunbar For Modern" Line, production date of 8/2/1950 - 10/23/1950. Rare hard to find Early Dunbar for M...
Velvet, Wood
$3,400Sale Price|22% Off
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Signed with brass tag. Features tufted back with piping. Original f...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Deco Mahogany and Bouclé Wingback Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 103B
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Dunbar, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 6392A Mid Century Janus Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 6392A Mid Century Janus Sofa This sofa measures: 103 wide x 34 deep x 31.25 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches Great Vintage Condition - Sofa Ba...
Upholstery
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
$4,200 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs- A Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Great pair of lounge chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Features a seamless blend of traditional and modern elements as so familiar with Wormley's design philosophy- with...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Rare Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wingback Chairs in Exclusive Cartier
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning, expertly restored pair of early wingback chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, featuring a custom Cartier-exclusive textile and refinished espresso bases. This heirloom-qu...
Mahogany
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
$8,500 / set
Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design x-base ottoman for Dunbar Furniture. Timeless and classic design by Wormley offering additional seating for any arrangement. Newly refinished and upholstered in...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Elegant Armchairs for Dunbar in Dark Expresso x 2
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Elegant Neoclassical Style occasional arm chairs for Dunbar model No. 116B. As shown in "The Other Face of Modernism" book on Wormley , and in the 1940s...
Mahogany
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair in Moss Green Wool Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chair with unique setback front legs, and clad in moss green wool upholstery. Extremely comfortable with deep seat cushion and slight angle of the th...
Wood, Wool
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
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
Dunbar Single Arm Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a wonderful example of a period sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Circa 1960s, it is a single left arm sofa and sits on two wood runne...
Fabric, 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
Edward Wormley Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs Manufactured by Dunbar Furniture Original Striped Fabric in clean condition Mahogany laminated base Marked Dunbar Fabric under seat cushion
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
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
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 Yellow Lounge Chair for Dunbar, Reupholstery Needed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Berlin, DE
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair for Dunbar that also can be used as is but we recomend a new dress for this very comfy chair. Please ask for quotes. *This piece is curated by Original B...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Bracket Back Sofa for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Diego, CA
Introducing the newly restored Bracket-Back three-seat sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar—a refined expression of mid-century modern design that balances architectural presence with e...
Fabric, Walnut, Bouclé
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
$4,550Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Lounge Chairs Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a lovely pair of lounge chairs from Dunbar's highly regarded Janus line designed by Edward Wormley. The chairs were refinished and reupholstered in the last 10 years or so, b...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 31 wide x 31 deep x 34 high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 22...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$9,009 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Lacquered mahogany legs with newly reupholstered button tufted seat and back. ...
Mahogany
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Cognac Leather Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
_______________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 ...
Leather, Wood, Walnut, Mahogany
Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley on Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Fully restored in beautiful fog grey mohair over polished brass legs. Sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s.
Brass
Dunbar Mid Century Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted Mid Century upholstered slipper chair with button back seat cushion and dark ebony finished wood framed legs with rounded tips . Having a smaller matching back lu...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Set of Four Antler Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and rare set of four horned antler chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Known as 5580 model these dining chairs are crafted from rich mahogany with newly caned sea...
Cane, Mahogany
Pair of Rare Model #4907 Sofas by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Circa 1950's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Handsome Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa Model 4906 Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome even arm sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with brass legs. Model 4906. This piece retains its original fun fur teddy bear fabric in usable condition. The foam in cushions ...
Brass
La Gondola Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Restored, Gray Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley's famous La Gondola sofa. One of the best sofa designs of the entire modern design movement. Expertly refinished and reupholstered in a light to medium grey mohair. Pl...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Completely Original Alexandria Chair Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare opportunity. All original example of the Alexandria Chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Retains the original, high quality black leather seat with attractive wear. This...
Mahogany, Leather
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