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 Open Frame Sofa, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Lounge Chairs, Ebonized Base
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
Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Model 935 Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning and increasingly rare set of eight armchairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950's. Wormley served as the design director of DUNBAR for over 30...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
Unusual Edward Wormley Long John Bench Walnut Mid-Century Modern 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Long John" short bench or coffee table with custom ordered (original from Dunbar) walnut "adjusto" legs and drawer underneath. Measuring 48"l, 19"d...
Walnut
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
$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
Vintage 1940s Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent" Lounge Chairs - A Set of 2
By Edward Wormley
Located in Monrovia, CA
Vintage 1940s Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent" Lounge Chairs - 2 Pieces Vintage Original Finish On The Wood Frames As Well As Original Vintage Upholstery On The Cushions. All Original Nylon Cording That Zig-Zags Between The Framing. These Vintage Lounge Chairs Does Have Normal Wear To The Wood Frames Throughout The Years Of Use. There Are Some Scuffs Here and There, Some Chipping To The Finish Here And There, and As For The Cushions It Too Is The Original Vintage Upholstery and Still Has A Lot Of Comfort To Them. There Are No Rips, Tears or Holes In The Original Upholstery. The Upholstery Is A Vintage Goldenrod Color Over All. The Webbing Is In Excellent Condition. These Chairs Are Very Comfortable, And Stable. Dimensions Are: Thirty-One and a Half Inches Deep by Twenty-Four Inches Wide by Twenty-Eight and a Half...
Upholstery, Wood
Rare Pair Dunbar Dining Chairs in Original Black Leather, Mahogany Frames, Signed
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare and desirable high back Dunbar dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley. Both chairs are completely original. The original black leather has no tears, scuffs, or repairs and show slight stretching on the seats. The mahogany frames show light signs of use in the form of light scratches and nicks, but no distractions. These are excellent examples of this important design, clearly well cared for over the years. Acquired from the original owner. Signed with the gold Dunbar metal...
Brass
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
Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Model 935 Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning and increasingly rare set of ten armchairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950's. Wormley served as the design director of DUNBAR for over 30 y...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Line Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley Janus series lounge chairs for Dunbar, Circa 1957. Sophisticated smaller slipper or lounge chairs with carved snakeskin pattern front legs. A rare design that is eye c...
Upholstery, Walnut
$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
$19,430 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley Leather Armchairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
These gorgeous Wormley revolving/swivel lounge chairs model no. 5609, are truly exceptional. Distinctive Design by a Mid-Century Modern Master, showcasing Wormley's signature blend o...
Leather, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Armchair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Long Island City, NY
LITERATURE Illustrated in EDWARD WORMLEY: The Other Face of Modernism, pg. 41 A 1960s Dunbar swivel armchair designed by Edward Wormley. The base is ebonized mahogany. The back cush...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Thebes Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Toledo, OH
Classic Edward Wormley Thebes stool from the 1950's by Dunbar with a fabric seat and brass stretcher. The seat has the original fabric and may need to be recovered. 24" x 24" x 17" h...
Brass
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 Wingback Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Milo Baughman, Dunbar Furniture
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 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
Rare set of Four Antler Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of four model 5580 Antler chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Matching pair of Armchairs available separately.
Mahogany
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
Twelve Dunbar Greene & Greene Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An extremely rare set of twelve dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Known as the Greene & Greene chair for it's crafted look with exposed tenon crest rail, rosewood ...
Rosewood, Walnut
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 for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Dark Gray Leather
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley's iconic party sofa for Dunbar. Reupholstered in dark gray leather. A super comfortable sofa with loads of style. A design class...
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane Back and Brass Armchair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
Edward Wormley for Dunbar cane back and brass armchair. Circa 1950's.
Cane, Oak
$38,000 / set
Four Dunbar Alexandria Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare set of four Dunbar Alexandria occasional chairs, model 6004, designed by Edward Wormley. Beautifully restored and upholstered in leather.
Walnut
Rare Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare ottoman / stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished and reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Esposito / Valley Fog.
Fabric
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in Holly Hunt Great Plains Weave
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of button-tufted slipper chairs on espresso colored frames with loose lumbar pillows designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company. Please confirm item location (NY or...
Upholstery
$8,500 / set
Four Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four Edward Wormley for Dunbar high back dining chairs with mahogany bases. Fully restored and reupholstered.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Janus Chair by Dunbar, Mohair, Mahogany, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. The chair features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and mohair upholstery with button-tufted backs....
Mohair, Mahogany
Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany X-Stretcher Thebes Bench
By Edward Wormley
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage "Thebes" bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Berne, Indiana. The solid mahogany legs, with an x - stretcher, rests on button feet. The original fabric is most li...
Fabric, Mahogany
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
$8,500 / set
Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Early Pair of Leather Swivel Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
1957 Edward Wormley Daybed Model 5716 From Wormley Estate for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Leather, Wood
$7,500 / set
Pair of Dunbar Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored pair of Dunbar Thebes stools designed by Edward Wormley.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tufted Cantilevered Desk Chair in Spinneybeck Saddle L
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar tufted cantilevered desk chair in spinneybeck saddle leather, reupholstered. Also features solid walnut wood base and ...
Walnut, Leather
Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions that retain their original textured wool upholstery.
Upholstery, Walnut
Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley and Produced by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A newly upholstered sofa made by Dunbar and designed by Edward Wormley, circa 1965.
Walnut
Pair of Blue Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
1950's Classic American mid-century Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs model #127. With its timeless yet fashion-forward appeal these chairs are one of the most recognized desi...
Upholstery, Wood
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Thebes' Stools in Bouclé, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$14,680 / set
Edward Wormley Slipper Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
“Furniture is needed for practical reasons, and because it must be there, it may as well be as pleasant as possible to look at, and in a less definable psychological way, comforting ...
Bouclé, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Green Leather Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The tufted seat cushion is upholstered in a dark olive green leather, a beautiful compliment to the rich mahogany frame. The frame...
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley "Model 1038" Wingback Chair for Dunbar, 1940s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Coronado, CA
An early and uncommon wingback lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1940s. This dramatic chair features a large, exaggerated curved back which creates a round, c...
Mohair, Wood
Caned and Ebonized Arm Chair Designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A sharp looking ebonized chair with caned side panels designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
$28,000 / set
Set of 4 Edward Wormley Janus Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
The Edward Wormley 5701 chair for Dunbar's Janus Collection is a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. This stunning chair is upholstered in a Holly Hunt's Great Plains heav...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut X-Base High Back Side Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern x-base side chairs or dining chairs By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Solid walnut frames with "x" stretchers, and ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Edward Wormley Dunbar 4-Seat Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$3,600 / item
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless button tufted lounge chair of generous proportion having exposed walnut base. Model: 5000.
Upholstery, Walnut
Uncommon Dunbar 'Janus' Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. Each chair features sculpted dark mahogany frames and the original marble velvet...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Pair of Armchairs in Green Velvet Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, beech, velvet, United States, 1960s These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixties. The...
Velvet, Beech
Highback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high backed, button-tufted lounge chair in the original black leather upholstery with mahogany legs and side stretchers.
Leather, Mahogany
$8,800 / set
Edward Wormley Thebes Stools
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Edward Wormley stools model #5002. Manufactured by Dunbar. Original olive green leather.
Leather, Mahogany
Chesterfield Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned and highly comfortable rare Chesterfield club chair with button tufted upholstery.
Upholstery
Ed Wormley for Dunbar Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Southampton, NJ
Sofa designed by Ed Wormley for Dunbar model 4906 reupholstered in Maharam Kvadrat grey wool textured hopsack. Backrests are down & seat is high quality foam with hand tied frame spr...
Wool, Wood
Edward Wormley Armchairs, Fabric and Wood, Vintage Design, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Edward Wormley armchairs
Fabric, Wood