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Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

American, 1907-1995

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.

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Creator: Edward Wormley
Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany desk with brass hardware and floating glass shelf. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Edward J Wormley for Dunbar / Janus Japanese Wood Block, Walnut, and Rosewood
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century two-section china cabinet / hutch with an upper walnut case with four rosewood cabinet fronts featuring inset Japanese wood blocks depicting pastoral scenes with adjacent...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Rosewood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar American Mid-Century New World 5 Drawer Wooden Chest
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century wooden chest of drawers with 5 drawers with oval cutout drawer pulls, resting on a pedestal base. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY NEW WORLD COLLECTION)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Woven Front Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A large mahogany cabinet with woven bleached rosewood sliding doors on original brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Edward Wormley Mid-Century Walnut and Leather 7-Drawer Chests
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century 7-drawer chests with walnut veneer, and drawers in graduating size with thin plywood drawer pulls on the sides of each drawer front, resting on a brown l...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Co Walnut and Natzler Tile Eight-Drawer
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...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Co. Walnut Low Chest of Drawers
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century walnut low chest of drawers with three sets of four drawers, one set wider and central, flanked on either side by two narrower sets of drawers. (EDWARD WORMLEY F...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century Model 452 Rosewood Tambour door executive desk This desk measures: 74.5 wide x 28 deep x 35 high, with a chair clearance of 24 inches All ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Pair of Night Stands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of ebonized 'French polish' mahogany nightstands with adjustable inner shelf and opposing hinges.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

#6027 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Super Structure Display Cabinet
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Super Structure display cabinet Stunning cabinet constructed of dark walnut with a brass plated plinth base. Concave fron...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Lacquered Low Chest by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A handsome and versatile custom chest attributed to Roger Sprunger for Dunbar, newly reimagined in a warm faux ivory finish that lends the piece a refined, textural elegance. With it...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Brass Hardware, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Pair of Leather and Walnut Chests Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of chests in walnut with leather wrapped baseboards and blond handles. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1955.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Maple Three-Drawer Slant Front Chest
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century maple slant front chest with three drawers with semi-circular wooden drawer pulls, resting on four tapered square wooden legs....
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Maple

Chest Of Drawers By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
4 drawer cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with distinctive laminated end pulls, on tapered dowel legs.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Pair of Edward Wormley Rosewood and Walnut Chests
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century 7-drawer chest with graduated drawer sizing, thin plywood drawer pulls on the sides of each drawer front, all in rosewood and walnut veneer, resting on f...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Walnut

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.  
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Dunbar Rosewood High Chest with Brass Ring Drop Pulls
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern five drawer Dunbar chest by Ed Wormley. Rosewood mahogany two-tone combination. Brass ring drop pulls.  
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Walnut Cabinet by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
Simple, clean-lined and versatile, this Ed Wormley cabinet by Dunbar features two bi-fold doors concealing one compartment with two shelves. Subtle ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Book Case Designed for Dunbar, circa 1953
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Camden, ME
Tapering three-shelved walnut bookcase / plate stand designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Green Dunbar Berne Indiana metal tag is on the reverse. The bookcase is in excellent con...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Wardrobe Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An asymmetrical dresser in solid walnut with exposed finger jointed joinery, having a shelved compartment accessed by bi-fold doors flanked by a b...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Chest of Drawers on Hairpin Legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Ferndale, MI
Chest of drawers on hairpin legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Scarce Wormley Design. Measures: 45" wide also available.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Restored Nighstand Chests 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...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Iconic Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Crafted with timeless elegance, this piece boasts clean lines, rich wood grain, and sleek brass accents. Perf...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood

84" Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
7' vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar executive desk and credenza In 1931 Leander Dunbar realized the need to create furniture...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

Tall Tambour Cabinet with Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and refined ebonized mahogany wardrobe having tambour doors with integrated handles a top two (2) drawers with cut out handles.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Dunbar Tambour Cabinets by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of cerused tambour door serpentine cabinets designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Tambour Drum Table With Storage by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1944
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A remarkable end table discreet bar with butterfly hinged top drawers and a tambour cabinet with adjustable shelf.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

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.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Janus Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An rectilinear light walnut two-door cabinet having Chinese-influenced hardware and open and adjustable shelves, the form sitting on a plinth base.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design credenza for Dunbar Furniture, Berne Indiana. Made with high quality construction technique's and materials. Featuring a fitted interior comprising nine drawers...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Modernist sideboard cabinet unique bronze hardware by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A walnut server with central compartment having a removable glass-bottom serving tray & one adjustable shelf, flanked by two banks of four drawers over one long drawer all with brass...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and well proportioned eight (8) drawer bleached mahogany cabinet having distinctive laminated end pulls, on tapered dowel legs.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Two-Piece Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany secretary No. 6065 with pull-out writing desk and multiple drawers/shelves on a leather-wrapped plinth base, shown with superstructure, No. 6086, to serve as a b...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly austere and finely crafted chest of drawers in bleached walnut having a two-over-three configuration channelled recessed pulls and dowel-form legs crafted of anodized al...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Telephone Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized and polished dark mahogany telephone cabinet or vanity table having a storage drawer and an innovative fold-out bench.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and well proportioned eight (8) drawer cabinet in ebonized mahogany, having distinctive laminated end pulls, on tapered dowel legs.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 959 Tambour Door Cabinet
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the Model 959 tambour door cabinet is a beautifully refined mid-century cabinet that has clean lines, warm vertical tambour doors, and a rich t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Flatware Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant rectilinear light walnut two-door cabinet having Chinese-influenced hardware and a rare configuration of twelve cushioned flat drawers.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Party Server for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
The Edward Wormley bar cart is a timeless piece of furniture that embodies both style and function. It is a versatile piece that is perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Edward Wormley Dunbar Double Sliding Door Cabinet
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley solid walnut cased cabinet with two sliding doors supported on four legged brass frame with walnut caps on the feet. Original Dunbar label on the back.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

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...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Marble, 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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

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...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Dunbar Dresser with Leather Handles by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early walnut dresser with leather covered handles. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Fine Edward Wormley Chest of Drawers / Dressers for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine Pair of Edward Wormley Chest of Drawers or Dressers for Dunbar. Leather wrapped designer handles. Dovetailed Drawers. Incredible detailed craftsmanship. Note the fine edged ou...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood

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.
Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Woven Front Commode Credenza
Edward Wormley Woven Front Commode Credenza
$4,224 Sale Price / item
52% Off
Edward Wormley Dunbar Woven Front Chest, Mahogany, Brushed Nickel, Signed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormely for Dunbar woven front chest, mahogany and brushed nickel, signed. Medium scale commode, No. 4465, with two woven front sliding doors,...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Nickel

Cinnabar Laquered Cabinet w/ antique Japanese print by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A two-level cabinet having fantastic storage and scale, with a rich custom cinnabar lacquer. The lower level has bi-folding doors concealing a bank of drawers; the upper section features doors with inset antique Chinese printing blocks.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley case pieces and storage cabinets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Edward Wormley case pieces and storage cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original case pieces and storage cabinets by Edward Wormley were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider case pieces and storage cabinets by Dunbar, George Nelson, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. Prices for Edward Wormley case pieces and storage cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,499 and can go as high as $30,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,000.
Questions About Edward Wormley Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Edward Wormley used a variety of materials over the course of his career. Among them were laminated wood, brass, marble and silk. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently, his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work have an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets them apart from other furnishings of the era. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Edward Wormley furniture.

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