Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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.
42
to
1
42
42
42
42
41
42
29
1
5
18
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
42
17
15
14
14
41
40
653
142
115
60
58
Creator: Edward Wormley
Chest by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut dresser with rosewood handle and brass feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers/ Dresser
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning walnut Dunbar chest designed by Edward Wormley. Four large scale drawers. Legs feature Japanese style- studio/ craftsman details. Leather wrapped handles (dark brown) show s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley Precedent Dresser for Drexel, stunning custom hardware / finish
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
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 o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Ebonized 32", 38" or 48" Chests
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
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
...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pink Lacquered Chest of Drawers, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern six-drawer dresser or chest of drawers
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1950s
Pink lacquered mahogany, with lucite and brass drawer pu...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Restored Pair of Chests by Edward Wormley, circa 1947
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful pair of Modern chests by Edward Wormley for Drexel, circa 1947. Expertly constructed in silver elm and finished in cream lacquer. The functional size and scale allow for ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Black Lacquered Bachelor Chest, Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern five-drawer dresser chest
By Edward Wormley for Drexel, "Precedent" Collection
USA, 1948
Black lacquered elm wood, with original brass hard...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful chest of drawers designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
The cabinet 5 drawers, the top drawer comes with separations for different garments.
The piece is in good vintage condition and it retains the original Dunbar tag.
Measurements:
36 inches wide x 18 inches deep...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Modern Chest of Drawers/Secretary by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Mid Century Modern Chest of Drawers/Secretary by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, a stunning piece of furniture that's sure to elevate any space,this dresser boasts a sleek and sophisticated design that perfectly captures the essence of mid-century modern style.
Featuring five spacious drawers, this chest of drawers is perfect for storing all your essentials. Whether you are looking to organize your clothing, accessories, or other personal items, this dresser has ample space to accommodate it all.
But what really sets this piece apart is its unique secretary...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Small Louvered Chest of Drawers
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Small chest of drawers, consisting of louvered walnut fronts and mahogany case. Five drawers total with the top being velvet lined to store various pieces if jewelry. Second drawer c...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar American Mid-Century New World 5 Drawer Wooden Chest
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, 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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Maple Three-Drawer Slant Front Chest
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, 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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Maple, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Maple Louver Front Chest
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century maple louver front chest with 6 drawers in descending size. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Walnut Chifferobe / Dressing Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century walnut chifferobe / dressing cabinet with a central section with 9 drawers descending in size from top to bottom, flanked on either side by two door cabinets, with a central lid that opens upward to reveal a concealed mirror and a beige painted interior. (EDWARD J WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Mirror, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Co Walnut and Natzler Tile Eight-Drawer
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, 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 Natz...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar American Mid-Century Maple Louver Front Chest
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century maple louver front chest with 6 drawers in descending size. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley American Mid-Century Eight Drawer Wooden Chest
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century eight-drawer chest with a dark stained wooden case. (EDWARD WORMLEY)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley Rosewood and Walnut Chests
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, 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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley Mid-Century Walnut and Leather 7-Drawer Chests
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, 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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Walnut Louver Front 6-Drawer Commode / Chest
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century 6-drawer walnut louver front commode / chest with a dark stained lacquered finish. (Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Co. Walnut Low Chest of Drawers
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, 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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Edward Wormley Ebonized Dresser for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1970s, USA. The mahogany dresser has been newly refinished and ebonized. It features three smaller drawers along the top of the dresser and four full len...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two Tone Dresser in Mahogany and Rosewood Circa 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany, Rosewood
Low Chest in Walnut by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A beautiful low chest by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1960's. Walnut with excellent graining, floating long rosewood handles with a sculpted design, brass sabots. The cabinet's back...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood, 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chest with Natzler Ceramic Pulls
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model 5770 Janus Collection chest of drawers featuring brass pulls with inset purple-blue demi-lune Natzler ceramic tiles, and exaggerated dovetail knuckle joints on tops, sides, and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Chests for Dunbar Espresso Lacquered Mahogany with Leather Bases
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of six drawer bachelor chests with inset hardware designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in a dark espresso stain with a clear satin lacquer finish and leather plinth bases. Solid Oak interiors.
These would serve well as oversized nightstands.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Leather, Mahogany, Oak
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized Mahogany Dresser Chest, Newly Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized mahogany five-drawer chest of drawers
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
USA, 1950s
Measures: 34.13"W x 20"D x 31"H.
Newly refinished...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Matching Dresser Set in Mahogany Wood
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar matching dresser set in mahogany wood, model 5272 triple dresser 12-drawer storage with matching smaller companion four dr...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
1950s Solid Walnut Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Primavera Mahogany Commode
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5-drawer cabinet, mahogany wood with tapered brass legs.
[metal tag Dunbar].
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
1950s Bleached Mahogany Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Dunbar Cabinet, Mahogany and Brass, Four Doors, One Drawer, Excellent
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Storage chest or cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Expertly refinished mahogany case with solid brass hardware. Two wide center drawers reveal an adjustable shelf. Two o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Dunbar Rosewood High Chest with Brass Ring Drop Pulls
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Small Precedent Dresser by Edward Wormley for Drexel
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this small four-drawer dresser for Drexel's Precedent Collection. Composed of silver elm, it features large brass-plated zinc pulls.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
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, two top exterior drawers and a f...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Nickel
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Birch, Walnut
Faux Ivory Low Chest by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
Wonderful custom Dunbar chest designed by Edward Wormley redone in a faux ivoy finish. Great scale which could easily be used behind a sofa or under a window.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
Edward Wormley commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers by George Nelson, Herman Miller, and Paul McCobb. Prices for Edward Wormley commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,850 and can go as high as $18,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,900.
Creators Similar to Edward Wormley
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Edward Wormley Furniture
Edward Wormley Cabinets
Edward Wormley Credenzas
Edward Wormley Dressers
Edward Wormley Sideboards
Edward Wormley Desks
Edward Wormley Seating
Edward Wormley Tables
Edward Wormley Lighting
Edward Wormley Mirrors
Edward Wormley Wall Decorations
Edward Wormley Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Edward Wormley Decorative Objects