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 452 Rosewood Mid Century Executive Desk
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Bernville, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid-century Model 452 Rosewood Tambour door executive desk. An exceptional example of American mid-century design, this iconic Model #452 executive desk was...
Brass
$2,699Sale Price|54% Off
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lafayette, IN
Grand style and grand scale combine in this wonderful executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Desk features walnut construction, brass and mahogany pulls, and the renowned Dunba...
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5911 Gentleman’s Chests Original Finish
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Don't miss these they don't come around often!! This elegant matching pair of Gentleman’s chests was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model 5911. A classic example of Wormley’s...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood and Brass Executive Desk
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood and Brass Executive Desk This desk measures: 80 wide x 37.75 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches Good Vintage Condi...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut and Rosewood Dresser Chest of Drawers 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Troy, MI
A rare chest of drawers designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1950s Contrasting mahogany case in dark espresso finish and walnut drawer fronts Finished with rosewood and brass...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six Drawer Louvered Chest, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
This classic mid-century modern chest of drawers was designed by legendary American designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Crafted in rich mahogany with a beautiful natural finish that ...
Mahogany
1960s MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar Large Executive Desk & Return - Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern 1960s Edward Wormley for Dunbar executive desk, ensuite return. Dark finish over mahogany, to be refinished prior to shipping. Rosewood drawer pulls, brass sabot ...
Brass
Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley in Mahogany, C. 1960s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Very rare four-door mahogany credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, featuring striking brass basket weave front panels. The center doors open to reveal a spacious shelf, while the si...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Culver City, CA
This is a credenza that exudes power, presence, and a little bit of that old-money mystique. Designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this mahogany and walnut masterpiece...
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Sideboard
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Wormley for Drexel, his Precedent collection sideboard-buffet, originally designed in the late 1940s. Center drawers with end cabinet doors and interior shelves. P...
Elm
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain front mahogany sideboard on a Plinth Base, Features: Two drawers and one double drawer with removable dividers, Four sliding doors with 3 storage compa...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany credenza with solid brass hardware. Nine drawers with center cabinet.
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Chinese Printing Blocks
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut cabinet with brass cleats, rosewood drawers and antique Chinese printing blocks. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Basketweave Rosewood and Mahogany Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Basketweave Rosewood and Mahogany Credenza This credenza measures: 80 wide x 18 deep x 32.75 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Piece has Sc...
Mahogany, Rosewood
Edward Wormley Dunbar Tambour Door Mahogany Walnut Brass Credenza Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A Mid-Century tambour front cabinet or credenza designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture of Bernie, Indiana. Mahogany frame with walnut doors and top. The tambour doors have a...
Brass
Early Dunbar Leather Curved Desk and Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original lilac leather and bleached mahogany curved desk with built in bookshelves. The drawers are hinged and swing open. The original ...
Leather
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany & Oak Waveform Cabinets, 1950's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Bainbridge, NY
American Mid Century Modern refinished Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two Tone Chests - Cabinets. Featuring matched tone rectangular forms with Mahogany sides and top surface, sliding rip...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six-Drawer Dresser
By Edward Wormley
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six Drawer Dresser . Nicely configured shallow to deep graduated drawers . Each drawer front angled over the next .
Walnut, Wood
Server Bar by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A multifunctional walnut bar cart on casters by Edward Wormley for Dunbar– Model 5433. The cabinet has two cedar shelves which can be adjusted up or down. One drawer above the cabine...
$12,000 / set
Pair of Chests by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of beautifully restored walnut and mahogany dressers with brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Brass Hardware, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful sideboard cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, made of sandalwood with solid brass hardware. Cabinet has drawers on each side, center Lucite pull out shelf and on...
Brass
Important Edward Wormley For Dunbar Drop-Leaf Desk in Tawi Walnut & Steel 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Before this desk was built in the early 1950s, top-class American furniture design was typically unrecognizable compared to the mid century design that exploded in the late 1950s. Across the pond in Europe, the mid century revolution had already happened, yielding huge success in the form of designers and architects like Ettore Sottsass and many more. This inspired Dunbar to produce this desk: one of the most conservatively designed Dunbar models ever at the time. Then, it probably looked incredibly sleek and handsome. Now, it stands as a piece of history not only for Dunbar, but for American design as a whole. In classic Dunbar fashion, the construction of the desk is absolutely in the top of its class. Known for overbuilt pieces, this desk takes it to another level. A frame of black enameled square tubular steel supports a mahogany cabinet with four drawers of the same material, attached with beautiful solid brass hardware. The top is of a rare form of walnut called tawi, which has an interesting grain structure that's visibly more smooth than figured walnut, and is secured to the base with no less than 12 high-quality brass screws. The hinges for the drop side are also uncessesarily intricate, and feature exceptional stability and smoothness. When the drop side is extended, it feels like a perfect natural extension of the main work surface. To top it all off, the drop side has sliding support panel on the underside made of solid rosewood, one of the most expensive and premium woods. Signed in the interior of the second drawer with a metal label. An extraordinary construction for an extraordinary piece of history. In good condition. Top has been refinished and is ready for another generation of use. Structurally excellent. Drawers slide smoothly with almost no dip when extended. Drop side is sturdy and hinges feel great. If desired, we can restore this desk even more. We can repaint the frame black, we can refinish the cabinet, polish brass, etc. As it stands, it has a nice original patina that adds to the character of the desk. Let us know what you'd likle to see! We have decades of experience restoring vintage furniture...
Brass, Steel
Dunbar Chest with Natzler Tiles by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Gertrud and Otto Natzler
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare chest designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Solid walnut construction with exposed joinery and brass pulls with ceramic tiles by Greta and Otto Natzler. Matching smaller dres...
Walnut
$24,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Two Midcentury Ebonized Walnut Woven Front Credenzas, Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Two signed Edward Wormley for Dunbar ebonized walnut woven front credenzas with brass fittings. One is a darker walnut than the other so they are not exactly matching in coloration. ...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Brass Hardware
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored walnut and mahogany cabinet with brass hardware and pull out trey. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers, Nightstands
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully crafted chest of drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These are mahogany and feature 5 drawers, 2 smaller than the other three. Make great n...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Japanese Print Block Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful example from Mr. Wormley's most prolific period. A walnut case surrounds 4 doors highlighted with Antique Japanese Printers Blocks. Hand ca...
Walnut
Restored Bachelor Chest by Edward Wormley, 1940's
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Dallas, TX
Wonderful bachelor's chest by Edward Wormley for his "Precendent" Collection designed for Drexel in 1947. One of the few collections Wormley produced outside of his work with Dunbar. The stately collection comprised over 100 pieces for each room of the home, featuring proprietary curled bar...
Brass
Edward Wormley Walnut Sideboard with Leather Wrapped Base 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Sophisticated mid-century modern buffet cabinet or sideboard designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s–1960s. Executed in richly figured walnut, the cabinet features a clean...
Brass
Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood tambour roll top desk with brass feet and leather trim. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
$5,000Sale Price|26% Off
Chest of Drawers on Hairpin Legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Chest of drawers on hairpin legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Scarce Wormley Design. Measures: 45" wide also available.
Birch, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut and Chinese Print Block Floating Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A wall mounted floating credenza consisting of a walnut case, 4 doors accentuated with Chinese printers block and an accent of continuous rosewood face...
Walnut
Edward Wormley Rosewood and Mahogany Roll Top Desk, Mid-Century Design
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rosewood and mahogany desk with two tambour roll top outer sections with brass hardware that open to reveal workspace and compartments, with an open central work...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza This credenza measures: 61.5 wide x 18 deep x 32.25 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Very Minor Scratches on t...
Mahogany
Mid Century Precedent Chests/Dressers by Edward Wormley for Drexel, c1940s
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Pair Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Bachelor Chests – Refinished Elm w/ Brass Pulls – Mid Century Modern 1960s Exceptional pair of...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart Edward Wormley for Dunbar C1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous bar cart/server with a drop down top which is 27 inches and 54 when raised, shelves for bottles, cupboard for glasses and other necessities. Model # 5433 created out of waln...
Brass
A Pair Of Small Dressers By Edward Wormley For Dunbar Ca' 1940's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic, small three drawer dressers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1940's. Bleached mahogany, restored in a medium/dark finish. Leather wrapped bases. These have many us...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Dunbar Custom Credenza Rosewood Curved Front
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare credenza designed by Edward Wormley and custom made by Dunbar for Mellin Furniture Galleries, Warren, Michigan, circa 1969. Curved front rosewood doors, walnut case with plast...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stone Top Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut cabinet with inlayed doors, marble top and large brass glides. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
Edward J Wormley Walnut Chest by Dunbar, Mid-Century, Circa 1955, USA
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century walnut cabinet comprised of two adjacent sections with two roll doors, the left with 4 larger pull out drawers, and the right with 8 dra...
Bentwood
Dunbar Room Divider by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A two piece mahogany room divider with Japanese wood block printers plates. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
Pair Restored Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut & Leather 8-Drawer Cabinets
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of dressers was designed by decorated design icon Edward Wormly for equally revered manufacturer Dunbar Furniture. Known for hundreds of successful designs and exceptional ...
Leather, Walnut
$4,224Sale Price / item|52% Off
Edward Wormley Woven Front Commode Credenza
By Edward Wormley
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Edward Wormley woven front bleached and cerused mahogany cabinet / commode with aluminum legs. Two available, priced individually.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Walnut Eight-Drawer Chest with Brass and Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century walnut eight-drawer chest comprised of a narrow set of drawers on the left and a wider set of drawers on the right , all with drawer pulls made of brass and Natzler ceramic half-moon burgundy tiles...
Metal, Brass
Edward Wormley, Cabinet, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A bleached mahogany cabinet designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, c. 1950s.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza This credenza measures: 61.5 wide x 18 deep x 32.25 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Finish Is Rough. Chips and Scratche...
Mahogany
Dunbar Cabinet in Burl, Brass Mahogany and Yellow / Gold Lamartine Marble
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Dunbar cabinet designed by Edward Wormley with burl wood case, mahogany frame and legs with gold / yellow Lamartine Marble top. The two doors lock with the original key and open...
Marble, Brass
$8,700Sale Price|40% Off
Mahogany Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare ribbon mahogany and stainless steel basket weave front credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This piece retains its original Dunbar finish which is in excellent condi...
Stainless Steel
$9,560Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Black Lacquer Modular Credenza, Mid-Century
By Edward Wormley, Renzo Rutili, Dunbar Furniture, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This modular credenza by Dunbar is a sight to behold. The fusion of British Colonial, Far East, Regency and Modern create a distinctive harmony, rarely found in such tasteful proport...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Display Shelf/ Room Divider Super-Structure Model 5223
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Versatile Room Divider/ Display Shelf, Super-Structure Model number 5223 Designed to be used on top of a cabinet, or on the floor. This simple elegant Pie...
Glass, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Precedent Dresser for Drexel, stunning custom hardware / finish
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning chest of drawers from Drexel’s notable Precedent line, one of the few collections Edward Wormley produced outside of his work with Dunbar. The stately collection comprised over 100 pieces for each room of the home, featuring proprietary curled bar...
Brass
Stunning Edward Wormely Credenza in Black Lacquer
By Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Beautiful multi-purpose case piece by Edward Wormley for Drexel, circa 1947. Wonderful design allows for use as a chest, buffet or credenza. Restored in black lacquer to provide co...
Brass
Dunbar Credenza by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This long cabinet features dark stained oak with bright ask doors. Ample storage with three cabinets and three drawers, all adorned with brass hardware. Please confirm location with ...
Ash, Oak
Edward Wormley Mahogany Credenza with Woven Front, Mid-Century 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century (1950s) mahogany credenza with woven design front panels that slide to reveal a blond wood interior with a large central cabinet and two drawer Sets on either si...
Wood, Mahogany, Lacquer
Rare Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Behold an exceptional treasure of design history, a vintage mid-century modern walnut dresser crafted by the iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. This exquisite piece is an...
Metal
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Ebonized 32", 38" or 48" Chests
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Singles of Edward Wormley for Drexel chests from the Precedent Collection with brass tone hardware, circa 1947. Size shown in photos is 32" W , also have 38"w and 48" W available ...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two Tone Dresser in Mahogany and Rosewood Circa 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Three drawer dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with two-tone contrasting Honduran mahogany drawer fronts, top and sides, and rosewood trimmed case, circa 1960s.
Mahogany, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers/Tall Dresser with Brass Pulls
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elegant tall dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Featuring 5 drawers each with a pair of solid brass drawer pulls. Constructed out of solid wood and veneer. Dunbar is one of the ...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and Brass Commode Console Chest of Drawers
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood and Brass Commode Console Chest of Drawers This chest of drawers measures: 33 wide x 17 deep x 32.5 high Good Vintage Condition – Fin...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Louvered Six Drawer Dresser
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A louvered front six drawer dresser designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Matching nightstand available separately.
Mahogany