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.
Eight Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Expertly Restored.
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pull-Up Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar pull-up lounge chairs. Model 971 Jansus line collection. Wormley's Boutique line. Original chocolate brown leather with...
Leather
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 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
Pair of 1950's Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent Collection" Slipper Chairs
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
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
Pair of Mahogany and Blue Mohair Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early pair of model 5000 "Sophia" slipper chairs by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1955, Indiana, USA). Redone in a luxurious powder blue mohair with button tufted seats and backs...
Mohair, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Listed are a pair of elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs with arms and brass handles. These are in need of restoration, perfect if your looking to add to your set. Also c...
Brass
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
Pair of "Alexandria" Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this 1960s pair of "Alexandria" armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. They feature elegantly sinuous frames sculpted from solid mahogany with black satin ...
Upholstery, Wood
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4872a Lounge Chair With Solid Aluminum Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s model 4872A lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This chair comes from the recently demolished Edward Mccormick Blair House in Chicago Illinois desig...
Aluminum
Edward Wormley For Drexel Precedent Bench With Upholstered Seat ca' 1950's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic and timeless Edward Wormley upholstered bench for Drexel Precedent line, model 200-2, ca' 1950's. Newly restored in natural, clear finish showing the wood grain and new uph...
Upholstery, Elm
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
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
Edward Wormley Dunbar Lounge Chair, Walnut & Cotton, 1950s Modern
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Southampton, NJ
An outstanding 1950s Lounge armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar fully restored with new textured cotton upholstery. The original signed Dunbar decking has been carefully maintained...
Cotton, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Dining Chairs (Model 935) in Mohair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
This is such a beautiful dining chair with exquisite craftsmanship and detail. The iconic Dunbar Horseshoe chair by Edward Wormley will grace an...
Mohair, Mahogany, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Wingback Mahogany Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Mid Century Wingback Mahogany Lounge Chair and Ottoman The chair measures: 28.5 wide x 34 deep x 40.25 high, with a seat height of 18 inches and arm ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$7,500 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Thebes Stools
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Thebes Stools designed by Edward Wormley manufactured by Dunbar Mahogany legs with Boucle Upholstery The Estate we purchased from had...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Wingback Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Wingback Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 30.5 wide x 28 deep x 36.5 high, with a seat height of 17 inches Great Vintag...
Upholstery, Wood
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
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 Model 4907 Sofa by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Set of 6 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane Back Freshly Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 4907A Mid Century Brass Leg Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 4907A Mid Century Brass Leg Sofa This sofa measures: 109 wide x 36 deep x 28.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 28.75 inches ...
Brass
$2,950Sale Price|40% Off
Edward Wormley Dunbar Swivel Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley dunbar swivel lounge chair.
Upholstery
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
Set of Six Edward Wormley Cane Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A refined set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, featuring dark-finished wood frames with gently curved caned backs and elegantly tapered legs. The restraine...
Leather, Cane, 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
Oasis Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Very Rare. Priced for Reupholstery.
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
1940's Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Regency Style X Form Bench or Stool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early design for Dunbar, mahogany bench or vanity stool model 1050. Curved or X form base with classical styling, with older upholstered seat. Mahogany frame will be restored prior t...
Leather, Mahogany
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
Stylish Petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Sofa Miid-Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa. This sofa measures 27"t x 87"l x 30"d with a seat height of 17"t
Upholstery, Walnut
Beige Bouclé Sophia Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar - a Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of neutral lacquered mahogany model 5000 or Sophia slipper chairs with tufted seat and back. Newly refinished and reupholstered in a light écru off-white, ivory, sand or bone bo...
Mahogany, Fabric
Swivel Lounge Chair, Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Almost White, Expertly Restored
By Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar swivel lounge chair. Expertly restored and reupholstered. Deep, comfortable chair on a beautiful mahogany base. No expense was spared in both the original m...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
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
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
$15,750Sale Price|30% 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
Edward Wormley, Dunbar, Six Riemerschmid Dining Chairs, Walnut, Leather, 1940s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
Edward Wormley, Dunbar, Set of Six 'Riemerschmid' Dining Chairs, Walnut, Leather 1950s The model 4797A, originally designed by Wormley for Dunbar in 1947, draws inspiration from Ric...
Leather, Walnut
Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley on Brass Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$14,000 / set
Set of Four Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four dark walnut dining armchairs with tapered legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The seat cushions have been reupholstered with blue and green velvet with a lin...
Upholstery, Walnut, Velvet
$3,900Sale Price / set|40% 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
$4,800 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Pair Edward Wormley Dark Walnut and off white cord chairs for Drexel co,fabric in and off white ultra suede.
Fabric, Wood
$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
Early Pair of Grey Mohair Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Restored
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant from every angle! A very rare and early pair of swiveling club chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1940's. These clean-lined chairs elevate comfortable lounging to new...
Mohair, Wood
Long Bermuda Bench By Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Classic and elegant "Bermuda" bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. This is the hard to find long version. Reupholstered in patinated leather with brass nail heads.
Leather, Mahogany
A Pair Of Wormley Dunbar Chairs From The Janus Collection Ca' 1960's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. From the Janus collection model #484. Walnut legs, exposed on the back.
Upholstery, Walnut
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 Dunbar Alexandria Armchairs, Mahogany & Walnut, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Alexandria" Arm Chairs, Model 6004, circa 1960, mahogany and walnut frame with burgundy vinyl seat, "Edward Wormley for Dunbar" label to underside....
Upholstery, Mahogany, Walnut
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
$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
$8,400Sale Price / set|42% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Pair of Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection pair of armchairs. Very rare pair of chairs all redone, newly refinished and reupholstered in a velvet. Beautiful elegant chair with except...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bleached Mahogany & Cane Swivel Vanity Stool c. 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful and elegant as ever mid century vanity stool designed by Edward Wormely and produced by Dunbar in the 1950s. The caning is ori...
Cane, Mahogany, Mohair, Upholstery
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
$9,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Eight Edward Wormley Mahogany, Leather and Brass Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of eight mahogany wood and apricot leather curved panel back dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Set is comprised of two arm chairs and six...
Mahogany, Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 1038 Mid Century Wingback Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 1038 Mid Century Wingback Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 29.5 wide x 30 deep x 45 high, with a seat height of 21 and arm height/chair clear...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Dining Armchair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut dining armchair with splayed back legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The seat cushion has been newly reupholstered in a Pierre Frey textured fabric - a perfect t...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
1950s Edward Wormley Dunbar Green Wool Sofa model 5138 Mahogany Base
By Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s tuxedo even arm sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model 5138. The sofa floats on a solid mahogany base and is upholstered with new foam and a high end green wool fabric from...
Wool, Mahogany
Stellar ALL ARM Set of 8 Vintage 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 eight (8) cane back Klismos ARM dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of this m...
Cane, Walnut