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.
$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
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 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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa / Daybed
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A one arm sofa / daybed with brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Fabric
Rare set of Eight 1950s MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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 Dunbar Alexandria Armchairs, Mahogany & Walnut, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$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
Early Pair of Grey Mohair Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Restored
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
Dunbar ArmChair 5513 and Ottoman by Edward Wormley. Great Original Fabric!
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Outstanding example of the Dunbar armchair model 5513 and matching ottoman. Both pieces retain the original fabric with the foam cushioning expertly replaced. The frames have been ...
Brass, Wrought Iron
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
$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
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
Four Alexandria Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Elegant Modern at Its Best
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 4 Alexandria Chairs designed by Edward Wormley. One of Wormley's most coveted designs. These can be used as dining / kitchen chairs, game table chairs or side chairs in any ro...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Mid-Century Lounge Armchair, Taupe Upholstery, USA
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century lounge armchair with plush upholstery in a textured taupe and beige with a small skirt concealing four fluted legs. (EDWARD J WORMLEY ...
Upholstery, Wood, Fabric
$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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 31 wide x 31 deep x 34 high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 22...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Lounge Chairs on Brass Legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic pair of Dunbar high back lounge chair on brass legs designed by Edward Wormley. Fully restored and upholstered in a deep blue chenille fabric.
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Remarkable Set of 10 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of ten (10) Iconic modern cane dining chairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950. Single...
Cane, Mahogany
$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
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Tufted Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lounge chair designed by American furniture designer, Edward J. Wormley, for Dunbar in the United States, circa 1950s. This Classic lounge chair is reupholstered i...
Brass
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Club Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar club chair with older re-upholstery on thick tapered legs. Unrestored, ready for new upholstery, legs show age, should be refinished. Email for up...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$14,390Sale 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 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
$9,009 / set
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Curved Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Great Barrington, MA
The highest level of craftsmanship. Dunbar. It's all in the subtleness of this sofa. The curved frame. The lines. The proportions.
Linen
Edward Wormley Swivel Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Swivel Chair, laminated flat spindles, seat and crest rail with, X base with solid mahogany tapered legs. Newly upholstered button tufted seat with Spinneybeck leather...
Leather, Mahogany
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: 91 wide x 32 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 23 inches Great Vintage C...
Metal
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5407 Mid Century Black Leather Party Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5407 Mid Century Black Leather Party Sofa This sofa measures: 100 wide x 36 deep x 23.5 inches high, with a seat height of 14.5 and arm height of 23....
Leather, Wood
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
Mid Century Edward Wormley Dunbar Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high quality lounge chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. In stunning original upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional...
Upholstery
Dunbar Edward Wormley Pair of Janus line armchairs mahogany mid century Berne
By Edward Wormley
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Carved detailed Dunbar, Berne IN design by Edward Wormley. Needs reupholstery
Mahogany
Gorgeous Restored Set of 8 Cane Dining Chairs by Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1948
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 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 Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Janus" Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Set of Six, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Amarillo, TX
Edward Wormley, two armchairs, and four side chairs. Dunbar, USA. Mahogany and leather. Signed with applied gold rectangular metal manufacturer's label to the seat bottom [Dunb...
Leather, Mahogany
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
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
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
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
Stunning Set of 14 Klismos Cane Side Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley, circa 1948
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent set of dining chairs is unique on the World market. The set is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously profession...
Cane, Walnut
$9,000 / set
Edward Wormley Pair of Sofas / Settees
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Model 495 Sofa, Mahogany, Mid-Century
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
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
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Dijon Colored Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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. Color is listed as "Dijon"...
Mohair, Mahogany
$3,300Sale Price / set|26% Off
One pair of Edward Wormley Dunbar foot stools or ottomans two pair available
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Price is for one pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar stools or ottomans . Recently finished in dark stain base with X stretcher supports recently re upholstered seats . Most retain Dun...
Upholstery, Wood
Four Swivel Stools / Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four Edward Wormley for Dunbar swiveling stools / chairs with mahogany legs and chrome sabots. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hun...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Loveseat Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning signed Dunbar 2 seater loveseat sofa. This piece is upholstered in it's original celery green woven wool in very nice to excellent condition. The loose seat cushions are qui...
Upholstery, Walnut
Set of Four Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of four cane back dining chairs with mahogany frames. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautifully restored.
Cane
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in Holly Hunt Great Plains Weave
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of iconic slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have reupholstered these in a Holly HUnt Great Plains woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include mainly off-wh...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Rare Slightly Curved Sofa by Wormley for Dunbar with Brass Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Milo Baughman, Harvey Probber, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Seldom seen curved sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Supported by 6 Brass legs. Sofa requires reupholstery. When reupholstering there is a wood stretcher that needs replacement. ...
Brass
Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a. The continuous laminated ash legs wrap around the entire chair and form t...
Bouclé, Mahogany
$11,840Sale Price|38% Off
Ebonized Mid-Century Modern Executive / Campaign Desk by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Deland, FL
Commanding and practical this impressive campaign-style desk by Dunbar has recently undergone a complete restoration. Designed by the inimitable Edward Wormely at the zenith of Dunba...
Walnut
Edward Wormley, Slipper Chair, Aluminum, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
An aluminium and white bouclé fabric slipper chair designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, 1950s. 17" seat height
Aluminum
Mid-Century Edward Wormley Dunbar 4-Seat Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Baltimore, MD
An Exceptional Vintage Mid-Century Modern 4-Seat Sofa – Sleek Architectural Silhouette, designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Measuring an impressive 93" long, this ra...
Fabric, Upholstery
Edward Wormley 'In Clover' Black Leather Office Chair, Walnut Base
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
Edward Wormley Channel Back Sofa, Brass Legs, Blue Upholstery, c1940s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
An early channel back sofa with brass legs and covered in blue fabric by Edward Wormley. Model #4757 designed in 1947. The fabric is tired and should...
Brass