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/Dunbar Furniture oversized Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large button tufted ottoman Hand printed original Velvet upholstery
Upholstery
$10,000 / set
Edward Wormley Model 5701 Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This spectacular design by Ed Wormley from his Janus collection for Dunbar, the model 5701 lounge chair and ottoman is a generous chair with a relaxing, deep seat and sumptuous cushi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Janus Group Ottoman, circa 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Janus Group Ottoman, circa 1955 – Reupholstered Tufted Pillow-Top with Splayed Mahogany Legs Description An iconic mid-century design by Edward Wormley for...
Walnut, Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood Toadstool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood Toadstool This ottoman measures: 14.75 wide x 14.75 deep x 19.5 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a con...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Edward Wormley Dunbar MCM Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge chair and ottoman with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric The chair measures: 32 wide x 48 deep x 42.5 high, with a seat height of 17 inches Th...
Metal
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
Pair of Rolling Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of large rolling ottomans with oak bases and mohair upholstery. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Oak
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
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Leather Ottomans Model 5314, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Leather Ottomans, Model #5314, 1960’s. Original burnt sienna color leather with beautiful patina, as shown in pictures. Measure 30” x 30” 16” tall
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or Ottoman with Parson Legs & Tufted Seat
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or ottoman. This elegant stool has dark mahogany parson legs with an inside radius and original off white tufted upholstery. Origin...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century lounge chair and ottoman The lounge chair measures: 27 wide x 30 deep x 39 high, with a seat height of 17 inches and arm height of 23 inches ...
Upholstery, Wood
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 Toadstool
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Commonly referred to as the "Toadstool". The stoolis supported by bent wood legs unified by a metal rod attached via brass knobs. ...
Metal, Brass
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.
$8,500 / set
Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Large Edward Wormley Donut Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Original Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar. Foam and fabric are new, springs are original. Expertly reupholstered. Original casters. Center cushion is removable.
Fabric, Wood
$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
$4,692Sale Price / set|20% Off
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Dunbar, USA 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Berlin, DE
Edward Wormley lounge chair with ottoman by Dunbar, USA 1960s Dunbar lounge chair with ottoman. The measurements given apply to the Lounge Chair. The ottoman measures 60cm depth, 60...
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Toadstool Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate your living space with a rare ottoman designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, commonly referred to as the "Toadstool." This exquisite piece is supported by bent wood legs unif...
Metal, Brass
Edward Wormley Toadstool for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Amarillo, TX
Edward Wormley Toadstool ottoman Dunbar. Stained oak, enameled steel, wool. USA 38 D x 15 H inches. Edward Wormley for Dunbar toadstool ottoman upholstered in wool.
Wool, Wood
$7,000
H 26 in W 95 in D 33 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Dunbar Furniture, 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
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Dunbar Lounge Chair designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location. Mid Century Modern Lounge Chair. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Fabric, Mahogany
Mid Century Modern Ottoman, Dunbar Larsen Style
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
All original mid century ottoman on wheels.
Fabric, 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
$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 Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
1960s Vintage Lounge Chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1960s Vintage Wing Back Lounge Chair upholstered in a stunning vintage Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery. Stained walnut base.
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley 'Long John' Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Edward Wormley Model 4907 sofa for Dunbar Mid Century
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the Model 4907 sofa exemplifies the designer’s masterful balance of modern restraint and traditional comfort. Introduced in the mid-20th centur...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs- A Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Great pair of lounge chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Features a seamless blend of traditional and modern elements as so familiar with Wormley's design philosophy- with...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Dunbar, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Dunbar, 1960’s. Chair and ottoman are on casters and also original upholstery. Measure 29” tall 29” wide 37” deep, seat height 16.6” 22” ...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Mid Century Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Mid Century Ottoman This ottoman measures: 23 wide x 18 deep x 12.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much d...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The tufted seat cushion is upholstered in a dark green mohair, a beautiful compliment to the rich mahogany frame. The frame showc...
Mohair, Upholstery, Mahogany
Rare set of Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of three ottomans / stools designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished and reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Esposito / Valley Fog. ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 17.25 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s Thebes Stool Ottoman mid century modern
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s Thebes ottoman / stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company out of Berne Indiana. A tufted square cushion with saddled sides floats over tapered legs with rounded ball feet and a carved x cross brace. Edward Wormley was known for his subtle details that blended traditional and modern. This ottoman consisting of ebonized solid mahogany and a vibrant turquoise vintage fabric...
Fabric, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tufted ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare tufted ottoman on fluted rosewood legs with brass feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Reupholstered in green velvet.
Rosewood
Dunbar Thebes Stool designed by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for accurate shipping to your location. Dunbar Thebes Stool. Designed by Edward Wormley.
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 16 in W 23 in D 23 in
Set of three Dunbar Thebes Stools in the Original Leather, Mahogany. Signed.
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 30 in W 38 in D 34 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Club Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
"Edward Wormley for dunbar lounge chair and ottoman, Circa 1960s. Features an open frame made from walnut and original burnt orange striped down filled upholstery. Provenance : Je...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley Design X-Base Ottoman/Stools for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design X-base ottoman or stools for Dunbar Furniture co. Rare pair of mahogany and leather x-base or Thebes stools, an iconic design by Edward Wormley during his rei...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Ottomans
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
These are in great shape and fabric is too. A rare hard to find pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection ottomans/benches.
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A lounge chair and ottoman designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Wool
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley lounge chair with ottoman for Dunbar. Model 129. Was reupholstered in recent years as shown however most likely will prefer to recover in different fabric. Manner of M...
Upholstery