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 Alexandria Chair by Dunbar, Mid-Century, 1955
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$12,000
Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Dunbar sofa can be paired as a sectional with matching chaise longue 5525 we have offered in another listing.
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Loveseat Settee Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$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
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
$5,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Edward Wormley Walnut Open-Arm Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Two architectural open arm lounge chairs in walnut by Dunbar, with green and blue horizontal stripe upholstery.
Walnut
$6,700Sale Price|50% Off
Edward Wormley Janus Lounge Chair, Black Leather, Dunbar, 1957 Design
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Edward Wormley black leather Janus lounge ch air, Model 5701, Dunbar, 1957 ash, leather; 33.75 H × 30.5 W × 34 D in; Stitched manufacturer's mark to decking ...
Leather, Ash
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
$14,000 / set
Set of Four Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$9,500 / set
Four Dunbar Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four mahogany armchairs with cane backs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
Wingback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Wingback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s Seldom-seen Wormley design of a winged, high back club, lounge or easy chair. Sculptural form, extra wide seat, upholstered...
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5002 Mid Century Thebes Mahogany Stools - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5002 Mid Century Thebes Mahogany Stools - Pair Each stool measures: 23 wide x 23 deep x 17 high Great Vintage Condition - Legs have Minor Scratches/...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chair and ottoman model 6142
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
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
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar Elegant Leather Office Chairs 10 Available
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Roger Sprunger
Located in Hudson, NY
10 available- Priced per chair Absolutely stunning butter soft leather Roger Sprunger for Dunbar office chairs on smooth gliding casters. All original chairs are in very good condit...
Metal
$8,750Sale Price|30% Off
Completely Restored Blue Velvet Grand Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa with tapered rosewood legs and newly upholstered in a plush soft blue velvet. Every inch of this grand sofa has been painstakingly restored/replaced a...
Velvet
All Arms- Miraculous Set of 14 Arm Klismos Cane Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare, an exceptional, meticulously restored set of fourteen (14) cane back Klismos ARM dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of th...
Cane, Walnut
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
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pull-Up Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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 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
$8,400Sale Price / set|42% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Pair of Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4872a Lounge Chair With Solid Aluminum Legs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar circa 1950s on solid brass castors. The lounge chair has a trapezoid shape, wider in the front (27.5" W) and tapers to the back....
Upholstery
Early Pair of Leather Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
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 heights of sophistication...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Vintage Caneback Side Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Fine Pair of Vintage Dunbar Chairs by Edward Wormley. Dimensions are approximate. Will confirm.
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus collection lounge chair.
Fabric
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
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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5002 Mid Century Thebes Mahogany Stools - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5002 Mid Century Thebes Mahogany Stools - Pair Each stool measures: 23.5 wide x 23 deep x 17 high, with a seat height of 17 inches Fair Vintage Cond...
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
Mid Century Executive Swivel Office Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Discover the pinnacle of mid-century design with this exquisite Executive Swivel Office Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, a testament to the era's innovation and Wormley's enduring...
Metal
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$9,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Eight Edward Wormley Mahogany, Leather and Brass Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$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, 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
Dunbar Edward Wormley Deep Blue Alpaca Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY Rare Mid-Century Rich Royal Blue Alpaca Three-seat Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar sits on square chrome legs. It has one tufted seat cushion and three loose ba...
Chrome
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
Four 'Riemerschmid' Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four walnut Riemerschmid armchairs with leather seats. Designed by Edward Womrley for Dunbar in 1947. Fully restored.
Walnut
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Sofa, Leopard Print Vinyl, Walnut Legs, USA
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century three seat sofa, upholstered in a brown and black leopard print vinyl with two removable seat cushions, resting on three sets of square walnut legs. (EDWARD J WO...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa This sofa measures: 86 wide x 29 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 22.75 inches ...
Upholstery, Wood
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
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 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley three seat on tapered walnut legs is from his Dunbar for Modern collection, one of his early fully modern furniture collections. This sofa, was reupholstered by the original owners, in the late 90s to fit their new southwest decor...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, New Charcoal Gray Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of two armless Slipper chairs / lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. The medium grey. Upholstery has been recently updated and in fine condition with no is...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chaise Longue Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar chaise longue sofa.
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 Tilt-Back Sheridan Lounge Chair in Walnut Cane & Brass
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant lounge chair was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the late 1960s and was only produced for a very short time. The frame is crafted from solid American claro waln...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Swiveling Stool / Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley for Dunbar swiveling stool / chair in beautiful original condition. The leather and cane have a wonderful patina and the original finish has been lightly refurbished.
Leather
Gorgeous Restored Set of 8 Cane Dining Chairs by Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1948
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) cane back Klismos dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of this magnitude is the collector's equivalent to capturing a Purple Unicorn. Expertly crafted solid walnut construction with stellar lines and detail. Finished in a dark walnut stain - aged to absolute perfection. Delicate cane panel inset back. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and coveted chair...
Cane, Walnut
Pair of Tear Drop Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of tear drop slipper chairs on brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Nova / Celestial. Two pairs available.
Brass
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