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 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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus collection lounge chair.
Fabric
$8,500 / set
Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Pair of Janus Collection Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar – Model 5705
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Janus Collection Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar – Model 5705 An exceptional pair of all-original lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, part of his ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Green and Beige Striped Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 3-seat sofa with beige, light green, and brown striped upholstery with three back and three seat cushions. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY).
Fabric, Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood Toadstool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood Toadstool This ottoman measures: 14.75 wide x 14.75 deep x 19.5 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a con...
Upholstery, 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
Early Wingback Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c. 1940s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Dining Chairs (Model 935)
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Rosewood
$9,800 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley design swivel lounge chairs for Dunbar, model #5609 Refinished and reupholstered in a cotton velvet fabric.
Upholstery
$4,125Sale Price / set|44% Off
Pair of Edward Wormley "Bucket Seat" Leather and Mahogany Club Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar camel leather and mahogany armchairs. Original channeled leather seats and backs with mahogany legs and stretchers. Rare design from Wormley and Dun...
Leather, Mahogany
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
$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
1950s Edward Wormley Dunbar Green Wool Sofa model 5138 Mahogany Base (2 avail)
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
$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
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
$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
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
$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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$8,800 / set
Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design for Dunbar set of six mahogany and cane dining chairs, comprising five side and one armchair. Perfectly refinished...
Cane, Mahogany
Rolling Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A round ottoman on casters with removable center cushion designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautifully restored and upholstered in silk velvet.
Fabric
Leather Swivel Lounge Chairs Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Add some playful elegance to your space with these swiveling Dunbar chairs designed by Edward Wormley, circa 1960's. His signature style, defined by clean lines and architectural sim...
Leather, Wood
Set of Six Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs in Boucle'
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of 6 dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, upholstered in a high-quality boucle' in spice and black, epitomizes the pinnacle of mid-century design. Dunbar was one of the ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armless “Morris” Settees
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare pair of settees designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Settees feature an armless profile complete with two mahogany "sled" like legs. These occasionally come up in so...
Bentwood
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
Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Beautiful Original Condition, Tan Silk Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Tufted seat and back sofa designed by Edward Wormley. Dark stained African mahogany cross stretcher base with floating ends. The silk blend original fabric is in amazingly good condi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Vinyl Leopard Print Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
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
$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 J Wormley for Dunbar 'in Clover' Tufted Gray Leather Office Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century "In Clover" office / executive chair with a gray leather button tufted seat with a high back and scroll arms resting on a rolling / swiveling walnut base with br...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Dunbar Wing Back Janus Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A perfectly restored pair of wing back Janus lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished walnut bases with down seats. Reupholstered in Holland & Sherry / Brunsw...
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
Pair of Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Janus" Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the Janus armchairs designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company. These armchairs features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and metalli...
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut, Cane, and Tan Leather 'Janus' Lounge Armchair
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
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1960s, USA, two-piece sectional sofa. The sofa features split arm rests and an exposed sculpted ebonized wood frame. This sofa has been fully reupholster...
Velvet, Walnut, Upholstery
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar 'in Clover' Tufted Black Leather Office Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century "In Clover" office / executive chair with a black leather button tufted seat with a high back and scroll arms resting on a rolling / swiveling walnut base with b...
Metal, Brass
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1961
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
With a nod to the immense popularity of Charles Eames's swivel lounge chair and ottoman, Wormley capitalized on the popularity of his own stationary, winged lounge chair and ottoman ...
Leather
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Thebes' Stools in Bouclé, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of 'Thebes' stools Model no. 5002 designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar of Berne, Indiana. These iconic benches are the epitome of fine craftsmanship. These are in gre...
Bouclé, Wood
$24,000 / set
Four Tear Drop Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four tear drop slipper chairs on brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Nova / Celestial.
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs in Holland & Sherry
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful and comfortable pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chairs newly upholstered in a Holland & Sherry luxury wool. Stunning!
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "A" Frame Arm Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "A" Frame Arm Chair, Horseshoe curved back with original leather-covered armrests, solid mahogany frame, brass exposed screws...
Leather, Mahogany
Exceptional Pair of Ash Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1967
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent lounge chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, expertly upholstered and comp...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
Upholstery
Dunbar Angle Sofa #4756 on Aluminum Legs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A gutter back armless sofa on aluminum legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt, Lush, Foggy velvet.
Velvet
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Chair (1960's)
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Chair (1960's) Base: Solid walnut with Shepard double-wheel casters Features: Tilt, swivel, and lock mechanism Design Details: Button-tufted leather...
Leather, Walnut
Set of Six Cane Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1940s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and unusual set of six dining chairs with a cane wrapped barrel back and an upholstered seat atop four slender legs.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Black Leather
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Toledo, OH
Iconic 1950's party sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This is the Model 5407 Chesterfield style sofa in black leather. Original leather. The wide arms and long le...
Leather
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar Elegant Leather Office Chairs 10 Available
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger, Edward Wormley
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
Set of 6 Edward J Wormley Gray Fabric Upholstered Dining Side Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 6 American Mid-Century dining side chairs with gray textured fabric upholstered backs and seats, resting on four walnut square tapered legs. (EDWARD J WORMLEY)(PRICED AS SET).
Wood, Walnut, Upholstery, Fabric
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Saber Leg Dining Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Rare saber leg dining chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Listing is for 1 chair. Unrestored condition.
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of slipper chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Mahogany
American Mid-Century Ed Wormley Ebonized With White Upholstery Armchair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century ebonized wood continuous roundback armchair with white upholstery (EDWARD WORMLEY for DUNBAR)
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
$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
Gorgeous Dunbar Arm Chair Edward Wormley Mid-century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous Dunbar chair designed by Edward Wormley. This lovely chair was reupholstered in a salmon chenille about 20 years ago and still looks great. The back cushion is filled with...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or Ottoman with Parson Legs & Tufted Seat
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or ottoman. This elegant stool has dark mahogany parson legs with an inside radius and original off white tufted upholstery. Origin...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Dunbar Horseshoe dining or desk chair model 935
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley design for Dunbar furniture Horsehoe chairs model 935 . This is a first generation chair . Backrest and arm are laminated wood as opposed to later version of solid wo...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley Dunbar Horseshoe dining chairs model 935
By Edward Wormley
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Edward Wormley design for Dunbar furniture Horsehoe chairs model 935 . Attractive from any angle . Legs taper so subtly from thicker at the floor to thin at the top . Button ...
Leather, Wood