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Edward Wormley Buffets

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
Edward Wormley Woven Front Commode Credenza
Edward Wormley Woven Front Commode Credenza

Edward Wormley Woven Front Commode Credenza

$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.

Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Stunning Edward Wormely Chest/Buffet/Credenza in Black Lacquer
Stunning Edward Wormely Chest/Buffet/Credenza in Black Lacquer

Stunning Edward Wormely Chest/Buffet/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...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Dunbar Custom Credenza Rosewood Curved Front
Edward Wormley Dunbar Custom Credenza Rosewood Curved Front

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

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...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Woven Front Cabinet
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Woven Front Cabinet

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 Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

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Designer Edward J Wormley Manufacturer Dunbar Designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s, this exceptional cabinet reflects Wormley’s philosophy of blending modern desig...

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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Marble Credenza
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Marble Credenza

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By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

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Antique French, Louis XVI Chest of Drawers Commode Buffet Bar
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Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire

Antique French Louis XVI style bar buffet topped with a white Carrara marble, fluted legs finished with golden bronze clogs. One dovetailed drawer, two doors and a practical storage ...

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Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet
Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet

Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet

$9,600Sale Price|20% Off

H 33 in W 33 in D 18 in

Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet

By Edward Wormley

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful green marble and burl cabinet, believed to be an Ed Wormly piece for Dunbar. Beautiful condition. Same era as: Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouve, Pierre Pauline, Serge Moui...

Category

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Unique Figured Teak Hand-Made Sheraton Style Demilune Buffet Commode
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H 37 in W 54 in D 21 in

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Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This unique figured teak hand-made Sheraton style demilune buffet commode is a striking example of fine craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Designed in the classical Sheraton tradit...

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Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley in Mahogany, C. 1960s
Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley in Mahogany, C. 1960s

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...

Category

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Materials

Brass

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in St. Louis, MO

Mid-Century Modern Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar cabinet with brass Asian hardware. All original dark had rubbed finish on ribbon mahogany, top will be polished and touched up prior t...

Category

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Materials

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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Sideboard Credenza
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By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Gorgeous mahogany, with sliding doors. Measures: 81.5"W x ...

Category

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Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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$8,700Sale Price|40% Off

H 32 in W 88.1 in D 18 in

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...

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Black Lacquer and Brass Credenza Buffet by Mastercraft
Black Lacquer and Brass Credenza Buffet by Mastercraft

Black Lacquer and Brass Credenza Buffet by Mastercraft

By Mastercraft

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Exceptional vintage Mastercraft buffet crafted in high-gloss black lacquer and architectural solid brass that is beautifully patinaed. This substantial piece showcases a long, low pr...

Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza

$4,560Sale Price|22% Off

H 29 in W 63 in D 20 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza

By Edward Wormley

Located in Pasadena, TX

Elegantly crafted credenza made of walnut. Credenza features distinctive half moon drawer and door pulls.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

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Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza

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 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Finish has a lot of wear and scratches...

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Previously Available Items
Bar Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Bar Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Bar Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Sold

H 40.24 in W 73.5 in D 23.5 in

Bar Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A beautiful model 5466 mahogany and walnut bar cabinet with marble top and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully res...

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

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Cabinet / Hutch by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Cabinet / Hutch by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Cabinet / Hutch by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare and refined two piece cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The top portion has inset antique Chinese printing blocks with a row...

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Large Bar Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Large Bar Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Large Bar Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Sold

H 40.25 in W 92 in D 23.25 in

Large Bar Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A large scale mahogany cabinet with brass hardware designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This massive chest has locking bar / bottle storage along with a...

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Dunbar Cabinet by Edward Wormley
Dunbar Cabinet by Edward Wormley

Dunbar Cabinet by Edward Wormley

Sold

H 36.5 in W 80 in D 22 in

Dunbar Cabinet by Edward Wormley

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

Edward Wormley for Dunbar cabinet with sliding cane doors and cantilevered top.

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Rare Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Rare Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Rare Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare and elegant walnut cabinet with bleached rosewood woven front doors and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Walnut Edward Wormley Dunbar Flip Top Rolling Buffet Bar Cart Server
Mid Century Walnut Edward Wormley Dunbar Flip Top Rolling Buffet Bar Cart Server

Mid Century Walnut Edward Wormley Dunbar Flip Top Rolling Buffet Bar Cart Server

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Dayton, OH

"Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture bar cart or server. Made of walnut featuring a two tier design with a flip top, lower drawer, Micarta insert and large rolling...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Credenza
Edward Wormley Credenza

Edward Wormley Credenza

Sold

H 32.5 in W 66.5 in D 20 in

Edward Wormley Credenza

By Edward Wormley, Drexel

Located in Fulton, CA

Mid-Century Modern credenza designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel. "Precedent" series, circa. 1950's. Fine craftsmanship and materials. Solid hardwood interior woods, dovetail constr...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Hardwood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Modern Brass Handle Sideboard / Buffett
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Modern Brass Handle Sideboard / Buffett

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Modern Brass Handle Sideboard / Buffett

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Houston, TX

Great two-tone sideboard designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960s. Restored within the last 5 years. Features for sliding doors and two drawers.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Dunbar Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley
Dunbar Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley

Dunbar Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley

Sold

H 38.5 in W 60.675 in D 18 in

Dunbar Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A mahogany cabinet with rosewood woven doors and brass hardware designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood

Dunbar Sliding Door Cabinet by Edward Wormley
Dunbar Sliding Door Cabinet by Edward Wormley

Dunbar Sliding Door Cabinet by Edward Wormley

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A walnut sliding door cabinet with large drawer and brass feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Buffets

Edward Wormley Cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955
Edward Wormley Cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955

Edward Wormley Cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955

Sold

H 34.25 in W 38 in D 20.5 in

Edward Wormley Cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Edward Wormley cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955. This piece has been professionally restored.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Buffets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley buffets for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley buffets 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 buffets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original buffets by Edward Wormley were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider buffets by Dunbar, Mastercraft, and Paul McCobb. Prices for Edward Wormley buffets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $7,200 and can go as high as $18,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,650.

Creators Similar to Edward Wormley

Questions About Edward Wormley Buffets
  • 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.