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 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
$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
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5522 Cane Swivel Vanity Chair 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
A rather scarce lounge chair form to come to market by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Brass Legs mounted to underside. Solid chair with good weight. Original upholstery. Best to plan t...
Brass
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 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
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
12 Foot Dunbar Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 "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
Midcentury "Quinn" Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 1170, Walnut + Wool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Gunlocke, Jens Risom
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
Edward Wormley Wingback Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Wingback Lounge Chair for Dunbar. A really nice somewhat large scale modern wingback chair. Requires Reupholstery. Some wear to the wood legs. A chip to the rear le...
Wood
Pair of 1950's Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent Collection" Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of 1950s Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley slipper chairs for Drexel , part of his Precedent Collection. The silver elm frames have been ebonized at some point, and reupholstere...
Upholstery, Elm
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa in Holly Hunt Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic clean lined sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have updated with Great Plains Mohair by Holly Hunt.
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
Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$4,800 / set
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 Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
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 for Dunbar Model 495 Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
This sofa has beautiful lines and a gently curved back. A true classic. The fabric is original and in very good condition. It is a rich and high-quality texture that looks like embro...
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
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 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
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An oversized, comfortable lounge chair and ottoman. Manufactured by Dunbar.
Upholstery
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
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar American Mid-Century Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century Lounge / Armchairs with brown upholstery having a seat cushion and button tufted back and resting on an ebonized base with square legs (EDWARD WORMLEY FO...
Wood
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
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 Pair of Armchairs in Green Velvet Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, beech, velvet, United States, 1960s These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixties. The...
Velvet, Beech
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar no. 4756 wing shaped sofa in Mohair and Brass
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare offering from Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This wing shaped sofa, model 4756, was reupholstered in a moss colored mohair and sits on 10" solid brass stiletto legs. Ele...
Brass
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 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
Pair Janus Wing Chairs and Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of "Janus" wing chairs and ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. One of his most iconic designs! In the Janus Collection Wormley modernized the lines of eighteen...
Velvet, Wood
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 for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 19 wide x 23 deep x 32 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 18.25...
Upholstery, 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 Dunbar Mid Century Modern Walnut High Back Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Frame High Back Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Item features an angled stretcher base, solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain, original label, clean moder...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
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
$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 pale fi...
Linen, Mahogany
Dunbar Single Arm Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley La Gondola Sofa for Dunbar
By Rogers & Goffigon, Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1950s, USA, La Gondola sofa. The extra long sofa features a mahogany frame that supports the backrest and seat offering a floating effect to the seat bac...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Chair in Jack Lenor Larsen
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Introducing a dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. The chair features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery wi...
Mahogany, Upholstery
Rare Set of Lounge Chairs in Walnut by Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Troy, MI
Set of 4 rare bentwood lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley Model 5646 Dunbar circa 1950s Curved barrel back seat in bent walnut with integrated sculpted armrests Legs are taper...
Fabric, Walnut
$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
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
1940s Early Edward Wormley Dunbar Petite Slipper Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Great early modernism design by one of the most prominent designers of the period- Edward Wormely for Dunbar. Nice small scale would allow for a variety of applications.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley "Janus" Boucle Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 years of artisanal exper...
Bouclé, Walnut
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Janus Group Ottoman, circa 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Janus Group Ottoman, circa 1955 – Reupholstered Tufted Pillow-Top with Splayed Mahogany Legs Description An iconic mid-century design by Edward Wormley for...
Upholstery, Walnut
Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Model 935 Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning and increasingly rare set of ten armchairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950's. Wormley served as the design director of DUNBAR for over 30 y...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
$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
Rare set of Eight 1950s MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare set of 8 dining room or conference armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model number 842, in mahogany with original red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to s...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century lounge chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric This chair measures: 24 wide x 30.5 deep x 30.75 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/chair...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$4,200 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs- A Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Reupholstered Edward Wormley “New York” Sofa for Dunbar, DUX, Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden
Located in Göteborg, SE
A elegant “New York” (model 5316) sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, produced at Ljungs Industrier / DUX in the 1950s. This iconic mid-century modern piece features a beauti...
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley 'Long John' Bench for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 1946 design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the bench, lovingly termed the “Long John" has a low profile with walnut segmented, tongue-and-groove construction atop four hairpin legs ...
Ash, Walnut
Rare and Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Armchair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chair. Model number 6309, part of the Today and Tomorrow collection, circa 1963. Beautiful channelled mahogany frame with ultra-suede seat and back c...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa This sofa measures: 84.5 wide x 31 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 15.25 and arm height of 23 inches Great Vint...
Metal
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