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 For Dunbar "Morris" Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar multi position recliner known as the "Morris" chair. Classic reinterpretation the lounge chair has three positions. Mahogany in dark, original finish...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 29.25 wide x 34.5 deep x 28.25 high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm height/chair clearance 23 inch...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley High Back Lounge Chair & Ottoman Set, Mid-Century Taupe
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century high back lounge armchair and matching ottoman Set, with textured brown / taupe fabric upholstery with button tufting on the back cushion, matching antimacassars...
Metal, Brass
$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
$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 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
Dunbar ArmChair 5513 and Ottoman by Edward Wormley. Great Original Fabric!
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Side Chair, Caned Back, Upholstered Seat, Mid-Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century side chair with a dark stained wooden frame, beige textured fabric upholstered seat, and caned back, resting on four tapered square legs...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery
Set of Three Barstools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of three swiveling barstools designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original lacquer finish. Reupholstered in vintage Dunbar fabric.
Lacquer
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Angled Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley fro Dunbar angled ottoman #5701 in original black leather. Ash frame.
$4,200 / set
Pair of Dunbar Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar armchairs with brass handles and brass feet.
Mahogany
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
Ebonized Mid Century Modern Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step into a realm of timeless elegance and comfort with this Ebonized Mid-Century Modern Armchair, crafted by the iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s. This exquisite piece ...
Leather, Mahogany
Two Pairs of Solid Mahogany Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
We are offering two pairs of Dunbar stools with vinyl tops and mahogany bases. They would work well as footstools for your sofa or favorite chair. There is a rectangular Dunbar label...
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Saber Leg Dining Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Yellow Cube Club Chairs By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Milo Baughman, Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Yellow Cube Club Chairs By Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Signed Dunbar on upholstery as shown. Upholstrey shows some wear and fading, but I believe good to use as-is with may...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley, Dunbar, Six Riemerschmid Dining Chairs, Walnut, Leather, 1940s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$5,142 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Armchairs, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of Edward Wormley, signed Dunbar armchairs (to underside) known as "Edward's Chair," these handsome examples have stained oak frames and stainless steel stretchers. Very high qu...
Leather, Oak
$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 Caned Back Dining Chairs Set of Ten
By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar caned back dining chairs set of ten, Model 6328 with newly upholstered seats in cotton velvet by Great Plains, Mahogany fram...
Walnut, Velvet, Cane
Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Cane and Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - 6
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Cane and Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 19.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 34.25 high, with a seat height of 17.2...
Cane, Mahogany
$3,520Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley Swivel Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$3,960Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Edward Wormley Mahogany and Grey Wool Barrel Back Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar barrel back arm chairs in mahogany and blue/gray wool upholstery. Great understated design that reveals unique qualities, would...
Mahogany
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
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper lounge chairs. 1941 Design, Model 2424b solid Bleached mahogany legs reupholstered with great plains cotton fabric.
Cotton, Mahogany, Wood
Pair Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, New Charcoal Gray Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Newly Upholstered Loveseat Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Charleston, SC
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 495 loveseat sofa. Beautifully upholstered. You can use with or without the back pillows as the back has 3 tufted buttons. Wood stretcher from fro...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Slipper Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Slipper Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 24 wide x 29 deep x 31 high, with a seat height of 16.25 inches All pieces ...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Mid-Century Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century slipper / side chairs, upholstered in a dark blue fabric with button tufting on the seat backs, resting on four square walnut legs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR D...
Fabric
Mid-Century Lacquered Walnut Barrel Chair By Edward Wormley For Drexel
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-cenutry barrel chair designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel, Precedent Collection features a black lacquered walnut frame with off-white cords that are woven into the back as an i...
Fabric, Walnut, Cord
Set of 4 Edward Wormley Mid-Century Side Chairs with Caned Backs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 American Mid-Century side chairs with light wooden frames, solid wooden seats, and caned backs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY...
Wood
Edward Wormley Swivel Lounge Chair Set, Red Upholstered, Mid-Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century tapered high back lounge armchair and matching wedge-form footstool, upholstered in a bright red textured fabric with button tufting on the headrest and back cus...
Metal, Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 20 wide x 22.5 deep x 31.25 high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches Each captains ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
Upholstery
Rare Pair of Antler Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of model 5580 Antler armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Matching set of four side chairs available separately.
Mahogany
$15,000 / set
Four Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four Thebes stools designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Mahogany bases with lacquered ebony finish. Newer custom upholstery.
Mahogany
$2,800 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful pair of Edward Wormley armchairs. Great side chairs for any room or as dining chairs.
Mahogany, Upholstery
Mid-Century Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley with Plaid Upholstery
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century slipper / side chair with purple, pink, and blue plaid fabric upholstery with button tufting and a matching rectangular throw pillow, resting on four square ebon...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Ebony
Rare Pair Dunbar Dining Chairs in Original Black Leather, Mahogany Frames, Signed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley, Dining Chairs, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A set of six walnut and white fabric dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, 1950s. Seat heigh...
Fabric, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wingback Model 6016 Chairs in Velvet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of Dunbar Wingback Model 6016 lounge chairs in sculpted mahogany and woven cane designed by Edward Wormley, these chairs exemplify mid-century modern elegance. An updated...
Upholstery, 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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Dining Chairs (Model 935)
By Dunbar Furniture, 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...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Rosewood
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of mahogany based slipper chairs upholstered in a champagne silk velvet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Model 7211 Lounge Chairs, Walnut Frame, Mid-Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of rare Edward Wormley Model "7211" lounge chairs, recently reupholstered in beige and gold marble-patterned tufted chenille with walnut stained frame and legs (circa 1975, for ...
Walnut
Mid-Century Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful and elegant pair of armless slipper chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This set appears to have been reupholstered (beautifully and professionally) at some point...
Upholstery, Wood
Brass Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A brass bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar upholstered in Knoll, Arrezzo, Truffle velvet.
Brass
$19,430 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley Leather Armchairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Pair of Dunbar Janus Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored pair of Janus slipper chairs with walnut frames and orange velvet upholstery. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
Edward Wormley Janus Chair by Dunbar, Mohair, Mahogany, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$2,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Four Edward Wormley Precedent by Drexel Dining Chairs 239-4 8 Available
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Edward Wormley designed for Precedent Side Chairs series 239-4 in 1947, neoclassical area. Set of 4 dining chairs, solid wood construction, natural finish. 8 available
Wood
$5,800 / set
Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with brass stretchers, mahogany frames and upholstered seats. Stylish and substantial mid-century modern dining room ch...
Brass
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
Architectural Designer Desk Chair By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Architectural Designer Desk Chair By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wood shows some wear. I think will benefit from some touching up from a refinishe...
Wood
$12,500 / set
Pair of Heart Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and early pair of heart stools designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury #5526 Wormley Dunbar Armless Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Wormley has pioneered in a broad field of design, he was one of those unique designers who was sensitive to the interplay involved in selling modernism and still preserving the nostalgic touch of intimacy, warmth, and detail. Wormley attended the Art Institute of Chicago in 1926. After attending there he worked for Marshall Field`s Design Studio in 1930, and then a year later he began working for Dunbar. His collaboration with Dunbar made him a household name for decades. His first Dunbar chairs, produced in 1932, were reproductions of antique designs, but when they became popular Wormley augmented the set with new pieces to form a full line of furniture for almost every room in the house. He was given a contract under which he would produce two lines of furniture each year, one traditional and one modern 5526 Knowland vintage 6 ft midcentury Dunbar armless sofa...
Wool
Eight High Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of eight high back Model 6328 dining chairs with twisted mahogany front legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished and reupholstered in a linen fabric.
Mahogany
Cane And Mahogany Dining Chair By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in 1946. Model 4632, features tapered frames in a light mahogany with solid seats and curved backrests inset with cane.
Cane, Mahogany
Rare Pair of Slipper Benches by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of petite slipper benches with Ash legs and new mohair upholstery. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mohair
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
Dunbar Model No. 294W Desk Chair / Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Deland, FL
The Model No. 294W chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar is the intersection of sophistication and quality. The frame is crafted from mahogany and the seat is found in period upholstery.
Mahogany