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.
Pair Janus Wing Chairs and Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Gorgeous Set of 10 Vintage Klismos Cane Dining Chairs by Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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 Lounge Chair and ottoman model 6142
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swiveling Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Early 60's design only produced for a short time! Never having seen one before is always a perk for a Mid-Century Deal...
Brass
$12,000 / set
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with sculptural mahogany bases. Fully restored and upholstered in Dedar / Gimel / Ardoise fabric.
Fabric
Edward Wormley Captains Chair for Dunbar, Model 5480
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley Captain's Chair for Dunbar Furniture, Model 5480. Elegant looking armchair perfect for a desk or bedroom corner. Made from oak with brass feet and a cane backrest, jus...
Cane, Oak
Edward Wormley Open Frame Sofa, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A very rare two-seat Edward Wormley open frame sofa, made by Dunbar, in the USA, 1950s. Newly reupholstered in high quality fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric, Wood
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
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
Pair of Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ( model 4710A ). These chairs have been newly restored, refinished and reupholstered, and are in excellent ready...
Brass
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
1957 Edward Wormley Daybed Model 5716 From Wormley Estate for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 5716 Daybed, originally designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This particular example was produced in the United States and dates to the year 1957. The daybed featur...
Foam, Walnut, Fabric
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
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
$7,207Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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 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
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Wingback Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Milo Baughman, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley, Armchairs, Mahogany, Fabric, USA, 1967
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained mahogany and orange brown fabric armchairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, USA, c. 1967. Seats reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Lounge Chairs, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$14,750Sale Price|20% Off
vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York"
By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden
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 for Dunbar Model 486 Bracket Back Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare bracket back model 486 sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and reupholstered.
Walnut
$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
$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
Remarkable Set of 8 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) Iconic modern cane dining chairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950. Singl...
Cane, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Alexandria Chair by Dunbar, Mid-Century, 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Alexandria Chair. Newly refinished and re-upholstered. Elegant and Beautiful Design that makes any space!
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
$18,000Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully updated and restored. The iconic bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been reupholstered in a stunning high-quality mohair from "The Sign". This sofa ...
Mohair, Mahogany
$7,400 / set
Pair of Benches by Edward Wormely for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of benches model 5002 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Stools are constructed of walnut and have been professionally restored in a medium walnut finish, both have been newly uphols...
Upholstery, Walnut
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 Model 4907 Sofa by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
In our opinion, this Ed Wormely design for Dunbar is one of the most spectacular sofas ever made. Modern, classic, and timeless... this form transcends styles, genres and eras. Nine ...
Brass
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 Dunbar Swivel Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley dunbar swivel lounge chair.
Upholstery
Pair of Cane Back Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored pair of sculptural cane back chairs with mohair upholstery by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Chair in Jack Lenor Larsen
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood and Mahogany Settee Bench
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 for Dunbar Model 4735 Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 4735 Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 25 wide x 22 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 18 inches ...
Upholstery, Wood
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
A Pair of Dunbar Thebes Stools In Jack Lenor Larsen Samarkand Velvet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Here is a pair of Edward Wormley designed "Thebes" stools for Dunbar. The mahogany frames are in clear lacquer & the cushions are newly upholstered in vintage "Samarkand" velvet desi...
Mahogany
$22,000 / item
Six Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of six swivel spindle back arm chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
$14,000 / set
Pair of Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar swivel chairs with walnut bases reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Mokum / Sole Boucle / Seasalt fabric.
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 935 Walnut and Rosewood Chairs - Set of 8
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 935 Walnut and Rosewood Chairs - Set of 8 Each chair measures: 24.5 wide x 22 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair ...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
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 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
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Morris" Armchairs
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-l...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley La Gondola Sofa for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Rogers & Goffigon, Edward Wormley
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
$9,000 / set
Edward Wormley Pair of Sofas / Settees
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
These lovely, lightly scaled sofas or loveseats designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, are not only an uncommon form, having a matched pair available is also very rare. They are stru...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs in Holly Hunt Boucle'
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
We love these gorgeous chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. A hard-to-find pair! They are super comfortable. We have reupholstered these in a Holly Hunt bouclé which is pale gray. Al...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
$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 for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus collection lounge chair.
Fabric
1950s 98" Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5526 armless sofa Mohair and Wool
By Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s iconic armless sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture model 5526. Reupholstered in a green mohair base with neutral diagonal striped wool loose cushions. A ver...
Mohair
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Set of 6 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane Back Freshly Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hudson, NY
Set of 6 freshly upholstered dining chairs model 5296 and 5297 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company. Stunning curved back design with sculpted back legs that are s...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Set of Ten Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of ten dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished walnut frames and reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Los Cabos / Daybreak fabric.
Walnut
Early Wingback Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c. 1940s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
An extremely rare pair of early wingback chairs model no. 1038 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1940s. This set delivers an architectural silhouette - a tall back boasts ...
Upholstery, Wood
$24,000 / set
Pair of Sofas by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of settees designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt mohair.
Mohair