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.
Pair of 1950's Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent Collection" Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of 1950s Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley slipper chairs for Drexel , part of his Precedent Collection. The silver elm frames have been ebonized at some point, and reupholstere...
Upholstery, Elm
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1960s, embodying the pinnacle of mid-century elegance. Wormley, Dunbar's legendary design director, crafte...
Upholstery, Mahogany
1940s Early Edward Wormley Dunbar Petite Slipper Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Great early modernism design by one of the most prominent designers of the period- Edward Wormely for Dunbar. Nice small scale would allow for a variety of applications.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stylish and elegant slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. Upholstered in Fret custom Italian silk velvet, luxurious to the touch, (samples available). Chocolate bra...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Lounge Chairs, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Series Lounge Chairs, 1957. Original upholstery. Front legs have a beautiful carved pattern. Measure 30.5" wide 25" deep 26" tall, seat heig...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,800 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Frames redone in high gloss black lacquer finish. New upholstery. ...
Beige Bouclé Sophia Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar - a Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of neutral lacquered mahogany model 5000 or Sophia slipper chairs with tufted seat and back. Newly refinished and reupholstered in a light écru off-white, ivory, sand or bone bo...
Mahogany, Fabric
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Elegant Slipper Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek and comfortable pair of classic Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Older restoration of mahogany legs and recovering of upholstery shows minor scuffs and scratches to bases a...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Dunbar Mid Century Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted Mid Century upholstered slipper chair with button back seat cushion and dark ebony finished wood framed legs with rounded tips . Having a smaller matching back lu...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Dunbar Slipper Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dubar. Button tufted tight seat and back in ivory boucle. Wood base refinished in dark walnut
Wood
Pair of Blue Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
1950's Classic American mid-century Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs model #127. With its timeless yet fashion-forward appeal these chairs are one of the most recognized desi...
Upholstery, Wood
$24,000 / set
Four Tear Drop Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four tear drop slipper chairs on brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Nova / Celestial.
Brass
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is an exquisite Pair of Slipper Chairs by the renowned designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. These iconic chairs have been meticulously refinished and are in over...
Suede, Walnut
$6,350 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have an absolutely stunning pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These chairs have been freshly reupholstered in a wonderful nubby white boucle...
Bouclé
$9,009 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Lacquered mahogany legs with newly reupholstered button tufted seat and back. ...
Mahogany
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
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
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
Edward Wormley, Slipper Chairs, Beech, Mohair, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of beech and green mohair slipper lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Drexel, USA, 1950s. Seat height: 20.5” .
Mohair, Beech
$5,500 / set
Edward Wormley Dunbar Pair of Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Miami, FL
A striking pair of Mid-Century Modern slipper chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, featuring clean, architectural lines and exceptional craftsmanship. The chairs rest on sol...
Velvet, Wood
$4,500 / set
Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
This pair of Edward Wormley easy chairs have a wonderful profile combining a casual slipper chair with a wing-back. Stylish, comfortable and well built by Dunbar they are the perfec...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair Dunbar Lounge Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Dunbar Lounge Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley, 1960. Walnut legs restored and newly reupholstered in blue boucle.
Bouclé, Walnut
Edward Wormley, Slipper Chair, Aluminum, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
An aluminium and white bouclé fabric slipper chair designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, 1950s. 17" seat height
Aluminum
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
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
$4,800 / set
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley slipper chairs for Dunbar with dark mahogany bases and original black velvet upholstery. The upholstery has faded to an interesting shade of aubergine. Includes downfi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in Holly Hunt Great Plains Weave
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 Holly HUnt Great Plains woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include mainly off-wh...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of slipper chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Mahogany
$3,400Sale Price|22% Off
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Signed with brass tag. Features tufted back with piping. Original f...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wood Frame Slipper Lounge Chairs, a Pair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar wood frame slipper lounge chairs - a pair. Item features nice deep frames, solid wood base, tapered and angled backs. Original label, very nice vintage pair...
Fabric, Wood
$5,200 / set
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...
Upholstery, Wood
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.
Upholstery, Wood
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 for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in French Fabric
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 French woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include off-white, black , taupe and a...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Slipper Benches"
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of button-tufted slipper chairs on espresso colored frames with loose lumbar pillows designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company. Please confirm item location (NY or...
Upholstery
$9,800 / set
Pair of Dunbar Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Foam, Walnut, 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.
Upholstery, Walnut