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 Model 5002 Mid Century Thebes Mahogany Stools - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5002 Mid Century Thebes Mahogany Stools - Pair Each stool measures: 23 wide x 23 deep x 17 high Great Vintage Condition - Legs have Minor Scratches/...
Upholstery, Mahogany
"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
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
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
Two Pairs of Solid Mahogany Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chair and Footstool, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Historic set of lounge chair and ottoman designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, reupholstered in embossed velvet by Holly Hunt. Walnut refinishe...
Velvet, Walnut
$10,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 114.5 in D 71.5 in
Sexy Jack Lenor Larsen Red Velvet Sofa Sectional
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Super sexy Jack Lenor Larsen abstract red velvet sofa sectional. This is one of a kind masterpiece is attributed to Milo Baughman for Directional...
Upholstery
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
$6,000
H 26 in W 95 in D 33 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Jack Lenor Larsen, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic mid-century modern sofa designed by Edward Wormley from his 1958 Dunbar - Conversation Pieces Collection, this sofa model #261 still has its original Jack Lenor Larsen colorf...
Brass
$701 / set
H 15.75 in W 25.2 in D 14.97 in
Pair of Midcentury Leopard Velvet Vintage Stools, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful leopard high-quality upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. We can prepare this stools also in another option of fabric and wood. Please check the last pictures with color samples.
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$44,995 / set
H 39.5 in W 29 in D 33 in
Pair Janus Wing Chairs and Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of "Janus" wing chairs and ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. One of his most iconic designs! In the Janus Collection Wormley modernized the lines of eighteen...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Dunbar Style Ottomans with Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic midcentury ottomans or foot stools. Very heavy and thick brass legs, in the style of Dunbar.
Brass
Pair of Mid Century Leopard Velvet Stools, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velour jacquard upholstery in leopard print. About the fabric: Wildlife is taking a place in your interiors through the Leopa...
Velvet, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ottomans
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ottomans model #5314, ultra suede and mahogany priced as a pair
Mahogany
$3,595
H 27 in W 52.5 in D 21.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood and Mahogany Settee Bench
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood and Mahogany Settee Bench This settee measures: 52.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 27 ...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Rosewood
$2,750Sale Price|50% Off
H 32.5 in W 22.75 in D 29 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chair circa 1950s with Original Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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....
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$3,250
H 29.25 in W 27.5 in D 36.5 in
Edward J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Sold
H 15.25 in W 22.5 in D 22.25 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brown Leather Thebes Stools, 1950s - A Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A pair of solid mahogany and thick suede leather Thebes stools / ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The “x” shape at the base creates a beautiful symmetry representative...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley Green Leather Ottomans for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The tufted seat cushions are upholstered in a dark olive green leather, a beautiful compliment to the rich mahogany frame...
Leather, Mahogany
Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Absolutely stunning bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This piece has been professionally refinished and reupholstered in an amazing leather hide. Retains Dunbar labeling.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 18 in W 19 in D 20 in
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Foot Stools/Benches with Upholstered Top
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
Edward Wormley for Dunbar pair of foot stools/ benches. Walnut with upholstered in Rogers & Gofigon fabric, circa 1955.
Upholstery
Edward Wormley “Thebes” Stool for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Thebes stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, newly reupholstered in woven cotton fabric.
Cotton, Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Toadstool, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Amarillo, TX
Rare toadstool by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in shearling wool. Manufacturer's label to underside. USA, circa 1950s. Measures: 21 D x 17 H in. Wood, stainless steel, white w...
Stainless Steel
Three 1940s Foot Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
A group of 3 foot stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar made in 1940 with a lacquered mahogany frame, newly upholstered in a zebra pattern hair on hide.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Custom Brass Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Edward Wormley for Dunbar custom brass ottoman, circa late 1950s. This example has a patinated brass square frame and is upholstered in off white Turkish cotton.