Edward Wormley Seating
American, 1907-1995
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.
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Creator: Edward Wormley
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Beige Upholstered Fluted Leg Lounge Armchair
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 ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs
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 ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Walnut
$11,250 / set
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar High Back Taupe Lounge Armchair and Ottoman
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of Dunbar Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of mahogany and leather Thebes stools designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather
$7,500 / set
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Metal, Brass
Set of three Dunbar Thebes Stools in the Original Leather, Mahogany. Signed.
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare set of three completely original, one owner, x base Thebes Stools designed by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, 1950s. Signed with the Dunbar metal...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
PAIR OF 5762 ARMCHAIRS FOR DUNBAR Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Forest, BE
Edward Wormley was an American designer of modern furniture. In 1926, he briefly studied at the Art
Institute of Chicago, but had to leave after three terms due to financial issues. ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
$5,607 / 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.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$8,500 / set
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Desk Chair #5482 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lynn, MA
Rare luxurious desk chair model #5482 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Ebonized mahogany frame with padded arm rests and down filled support cushion. Subtle brass accents. Dunb...
Category
20th Century American Other Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Brass
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.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Walnut
$12,500 / set
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4872a Lounge Chair With Solid Aluminum Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Edward Wormley Antler Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design antler dining chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580.
Rare and attractive design chair by Wormley in the height of his design career. Frames are bleached mahogany with...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
$12,000 / 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.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$15,000 / set
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Walnut
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.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Dunbar Lounge Chairs Model 609 by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of rare lounge chairs model 609 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original leather-like vinyl upholstery on Ash frame with brass hardware.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Ash
Edward Wormley Slipper Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
$14,680 / set
Twelve Edward Wormley Dining Chairs by Dunbar, Restored
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A handsome set of two arm chairs model no. 4593 and ten side chairs model no. 4592, making a full set of twelve chairs. Resigned by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, USA. Th...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This comfortable pair of Mid-Century slipper chairs feature the iconic design of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Vintage fabric on simple modern frames make an impressive addition to home...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$3,640 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Edward Wormley Faceted Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Faceted Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Dunbar. A nice compact design with the desirable ottoman that sit on hexagon formed legs.
Manner of Milo Baughman
This chair ne...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery
A Pair of Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs with tufted upholstery and matching lumbar pillow. The seat issuing square front legs and splayed back legs. Upholstery as is.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Cane
Pair of Dunbar Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Gold Tag” slipper chairs, in a weaved off-white and light wheat colored Chenille fabric. Together with two pillows and tufted button design. Dark w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Foam, Walnut, Fabric
$9,800 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley armchairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Edward Wormley armchairs
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$6,600 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in French Fabric
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 French woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include off-white, black , taupe and a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Palle Suenson Side Table in Solid Teak with Edward Wormley Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Robert Sonneman
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Palle Suenson, side table, teak, Denmark, c. 1940
Striking Scandinavian Modern side table by Danish architect and designer Palle Suenson (1904-1987). This particular table is spec...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Wood
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.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$7,500 / set
Panel Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four (4) elegant and generously proportioned dining chairs with wooden panel backs, having spare, square-legged mahogany frames and tailored, form fitting upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armchairs in Pink Striped Upholstery
By Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, stained ash, fabric, United States, 1960s
These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixtie...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Fabric, Ash
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Blue Upholstered Slipper / Side Chairs
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Fabric
Armless Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless slipper chair from the Janus collection with button tufted upholstery and beautifully carved integral walnut base. Model 5775.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 251 Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully newly upholstered in Donghia velvet, color "Whiskey". Great for you living room, family room or office. A comfortable, relaxing swivel chair with great styling.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Cane, Oak
Channel Back Sofa by Edward Wormley
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Pair Edward Wormley Dark Walnut and off white cord chairs for Drexel co,fabric in and off white ultra suede.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$4,800 / set
Pair of Uncommon Dunbar Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of upholstered armchairs fluted with dark fluted mahogany legs and "tusk" arm supports.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Lacquered Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1948
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon pivot-back lounge chair in lacquered mahogany with vintage velvet geometric upholstery. Designed in 1948 by Edward Wormley.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless button tufted lounge chair of generous proportion having exposed walnut base. Model: 5000.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,600 / item
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chair circa 1950s with Original Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable armless lounge slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in beautiful plaid upholstery. A true collectors piece with no modifications and in excellent vintage condition....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Walnut
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
Category
20th Century Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Armless 'Sled' Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1934
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless sofa or bench or banquet on laminated mahogany "sled" feet.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Four Panel-Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four (4) mahogany panel-back chairs retaining their original leather upholstery. Dunbar item no. 6337.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Leather
Model 6328 Elegant Dunbar High Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany dining chair with twisted front legs, with an upholstered high back rest and oval seat.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Highback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high backed, button-tufted lounge chair in the original black leather upholstery with mahogany legs and side stretchers.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
A-frame Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A horseshoe back armchair with white leather upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Janus High Back Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of 'Janus' high back chairs with the original blue silk faille upholstery, on light walnut legs with cloud lift stretchers.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Edward Wormley seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Edward Wormley seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Edward Wormley were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Dunbar, Milo Baughman, and Adrian Pearsall. Prices for Edward Wormley seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $760 and can go as high as $119,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.
Creators Similar to Edward Wormley
Questions About Edward Wormley Seating
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Edward Wormley used a variety of materials over the course of his career. Among them were laminated wood, brass, marble and silk. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently, his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work have an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets them apart from other furnishings of the era. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Edward Wormley furniture.
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