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 Daybed in Mahogany, Brass, and Blue-Grey Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, daybed, mahogany, reupholstered fabric, brass-plated aluminum, United States, 1950s. This rare design by Edward Wormley exemplifies his commitment to crea...
Aluminum, Brass
Modern Morris Benches by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950’s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern Morris Benches by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, early 1950’s. Original cheetah print fabric. A rare pair of benches with continuos sled legs. Measure...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley For Drexel Precedent Bench With Upholstered Seat ca' 1950's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic and timeless Edward Wormley upholstered bench for Drexel Precedent line, model 200-2, ca' 1950's. Newly restored in natural, clear finish showing the wood grain and new uph...
Upholstery, Elm
1940's Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Regency Style X Form Bench or Stool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early design for Dunbar, mahogany bench or vanity stool model 1050. Curved or X form base with classical styling, with older upholstered seat. Mahogany frame will be restored prior t...
Leather, Mahogany
$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
Edward Worley Tufted Bench for Dunbar Furniture
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley Tufted Brass Bench Re-Upholstered in White Boucle Fabric Paper label and Big D Furniture metal Tag
Upholstery
Long Bermuda Bench By Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Classic and elegant "Bermuda" bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. This is the hard to find long version. Reupholstered in patinated leather with brass nail heads.
Leather, Mahogany
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
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
$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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table / Bench with Stools
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut and mahogany table with brass magazine holders and a matching pair of stools designed to tuck under. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Custom Settee
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
This assemblage of three chairs into a settee with bentwood arms was custom ordered by Stephens Financial for their office in Michigan. New upholstery may be desired.
Upholstery, Ash, Rosewood
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
Pair of Petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Slipper Benches"
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rarely seen pair of petite "Slipper benches" model #684 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Newly upholstered frames on zebra wood legs.
Textile, Zebra Wood
Edward Wormley Brass Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sophisticated brass square frame bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Very good original condition, Model #5428.
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chair, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A swivel lounge chair designed by the iconic Edward Wormely for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new high-grade hand cut foam with all insides full...
Velvet, Mahogany
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
Long Bermuda Bench By Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Classic and elegant "Bermuda" bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. This is the hard to find long version. Reupholstered in patinated leather with brass nail heads.
Leather, Mahogany
Storage Bench by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Roger Sprunger
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A powder blue bench with hinged seat cushion in original stripped upholstery. Interior storage. Includes matching petite pillow.
Walnut, Upholstery
Pair of Mahogany Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
A sophisticated pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Elegant yet simple, the chairs are crafted with solid mahogany framing f...
Mahogany
$8,500 / set
H 32 in W 23.75 in D 30.5 in
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
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.5 in Dm 34 in
1950s Style Edward Wormley Dunbar Round Gray Sectioned Bench
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s round gray bench four triangular sections Velvet on square bronze Lucite legs unmarked, style of Edward Wormley Dunbar USA 15.5 height x 34 in diameter. Fresh new upholstery- r...
Bronze
Edward Wormley Slipper Sofa for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Edward Wormley slipper sofa for Dunbar with off white upholstery and ebonized bentwood legs. Older restoration.
Bentwood, Upholstery
Italian Modular Bench with Upholstered Seats, Italy ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The postwar boom years of the 1950s through to the 1960s were one of the periods of the greatest influence of Italian designers. Design in the 50s paved a way to a more aesthetic app...
Fabric, Wood
$3,450
H 16.5 in W 22.75 in D 22.75 in
"Thebes" X Base Stool / Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Thebes stool / bench / footrest / footstool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This example retains the original yellow and orange geometric design fabric. The finish on t...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic Bracket Back Sofa #5497 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Edward Wormley always saw furniture as expressions of personality and as a paired-down concept for detail of architect...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,200
H 13.5 in W 71 in D 19 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Walnut Bench, Coffee Table, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Long Edward Wormley for dunbar style walnut "long john" Bench. Coffee Table. Bed End. Featuring a longer rectangular slat-style Walnut surface, turned edge...
Walnut
$2,850
H 32 in W 85 in D 33 in
Edward Wormley 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley three seat on tapered walnut legs is from his Dunbar for Modern collection, one of his early fully modern furniture collections. This sofa, was reupholstered by the original owners, in the late 90s to fit their new southwest decor...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover one of Edward Wormley's most famous and elegant chairs. A timeless masterpiece, The Captain Chair. We have fully restored this iconic piece to its original splendor, highlighting the beautiful polished brass, cane back, and curved wood frame. The seat has been meticulously reupholstered in Holland & Sherry performance fabric, ensuring both durability and sophistication. Elevate your space with a piece that embodies the essence of mid-century modern luxury. Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain...
Brass
Edward J. Wormley “Precedent” Lounge Chair for Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Edward J Wormley Manufacturer: Drexel Materials: Walnut-Stained Beech Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New Webbing, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Beech
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960. Restored and reupholstered in gray mohair. Measures 18” tall 54” long 18” deep
Mohair, Mahogany
Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Long John' Bench, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Elegant and versatile, this Long John Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar has been fully restored by Stamford Modern. Crafted from solid walnut, its sleek profile highlights timeless ...
Twill, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench #286 in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping to your zip. Low Bench #286 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished mahogany base. Reupholstered in Mohair.
Brass
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Bench C. 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Bernville, PA
Original vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar solid mahogany six-leg bench with brass accents. Newer cloth fabric and clean original finish. Reupholstering is recommended but not ...
Brass
Mahogany Bench Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar C. 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Bernville, PA
Mahogany bench table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950. Model 2288C. Occasionally referred to as a 'telephone table or bench'. Drawers have original brass and Rosewood hardwar...
Brass
Brass Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid Brass bench for Dunbar by Edward Wormley in new white boucle. Dunbar label affixed to bottom of the bench. This is an excellent piece for an entry way or large bedroom. We hav...
Brass
Edward Wormley Long John Bench for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design Long John Bench for Dunbar Furniture Company. Simple yet sophisticated design bench or coffee table that was an immediate sales succes...
Walnut
Mahogany and Brass Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, half upholstered and open mahogany bench. Details of Brass spacers and original fabric, circa 1970s.
Brass
Edward Wormley 'Long John' Bench for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 1946 design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the bench, lovingly termed the “Long John" has a low profile with walnut segmented, tongue-and-groove construction atop four hairpin legs ...
Ash, Walnut
'Bermuda' Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Long Island City, NY
'Bermuda' Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with cedar wood legs, reupholstered in Dedar Milano Strange Loves 001 fabric. Edward Wormley was an American designer renowned for his w...
Fabric, Cedar
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960. Bench has been completely restored. Measures 59.75" long, 18.75" deep 12" tall
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Bench
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Bench This bench measures: 65.25 wide x 18.5 deep x 14 high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vin...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Black Leather Bench, c1960
By Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wonderful bench was designed for Dunbar by Edward Wormely, c1960. Newley upholstered in dark grey/black Italian leather. On display in our Los Angeles showroom.
Leather, Wood
"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the epitome of mid-century elegance: the "Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. Crafted wi...
Walnut