Edward Wormley Credenzas
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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Period: 20th Century
Creator: Edward Wormley
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Cane Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Cane Credenza
This credenza measures: 81.5 wide x 18 deep x 32 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call res...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Curved Front Burlwood, Mahogany and Brass Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Curved Front Burlwood, Mahogany and Brass Credenza
This credenza measures: 65.5 wide x 19 deep x 33.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5465 Sideboard
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5465 Mahogany Sideboard, designed 1957, three drawers, tambour door, and one door opening to compartment with shelf, with bronze base, "DUNBAR / BERNE...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Bronze
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
This credenza measures: 61.5 wide x 18 deep x 34 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vin...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany credenza with solid brass hardware. Nine drawers with center cabinet.
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4-Piece Black Lacquer Asian Modern Modular Credenza
By John Stuart Inc., Edward Wormley, Renzo Rutili, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chattanooga, TN
At 8' 4" long, 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 ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Rare Olive Burl Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and beautiful two-door cabinet with solid brass knockers and Spanish marble top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Has two adjustable shelves and the original 'D' key.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Marble
Edward Wormley Credenza Model 5668A for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design credenza model 5668A for Dunbar. Ebonized walnut case with newly caned front sliding doors and four drawers across the top. Comprising a fitted interior for mas...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Cane, Walnut
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.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut cabinet with leather wrapped handles and spruce sliding doors. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Drexel Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Edward Wormley for Drexel, "Precedent" Collection
USA, 1940s
Black lacquered elm wood, with original...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Sliding Door Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Sliding Door Credenza
This credenza measures: 41.5 wide x 18 deep x 34 inches hi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mcm Bleached Mahogany Sliding Door Credenza, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid-century bleached mahogany sliding door credenza - pair.
Each credenza measures: 41.5 wide x 18 deep x 34 inches high.
All pieces of furniture can ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Black Lacquered Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
USA, 1950s
Mahogany in black lacquered finish. Cabinet locks and key is in...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany, Lacquer
Wormley Designed Precedent Credenza by Drexel
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Impressive credenza, sideboard, server, designed by Edward Wormley, made by Drexel as part of the classic Precedent line. The cabinet features center bank of five drawers, flanked by...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Metal
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5665 Credenza
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this handsome Edward Wormley Model 5665 Credenza featuring it original 1950's finish; walnut case; three upper drawers with recessed pulls and divided interiors; three sliding doors of interwoven, laminated walnut veneer; three pull-out tray drawers behind the end doors; adjustable shelves behind the center door; passage in the back panel for cables; and Dunbar metal...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Restored
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Mahogany storage cabinet with woven sliding doors and drawers designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The two sliding doors have fronts woven with thin pieces of mahogany and nickel p...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Nickel
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Brass and Elm Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Drexel precedent mid century brass and elm credenza
Credenza measures: 66.75 wide x 20 deep x 32.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
Two Edward Wormley cabinets with corrugated wood sliding doors and center drawer section in a grey brown finish
Each cabinet is 20" deep by 49" wide by 31.25 high.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany
Two Signed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized Walnut Woven Front Credenzas
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Two signed Edward Wormley for Dunbar ebonized walnut woven front credenzas with brass fittings. One piece is a darker walnut than the other so they are not exactly matching in colora...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
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 Credenzas
Materials
Bronze
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
This buffet is absolutely stunning! This ebonized mahogany and walnut sideboard / buffet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features heavy brass accents and pulls in a gorgeous chinoiserie feel.
A piece like this is so elegant and clean it can really seamlessly inject a modern, refined look into any environment. We currently have this piece in our gallery paired with a brass Mastercraft dining table, accented with brass Paul Evans cityscape dining chairs...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Modular Six-Piece Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Very rare and unusual piece by Edward Wormley. This modular credenza in walnut can be put together in a host of different configurations. Detailed with large Moorish style solid bras...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Brass
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 Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
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 Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley Sideboard Model 671 A for Dunbar Custom Order 1953
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Camden, ME
An Edward Wormley walnut and Japanese fir sideboard , model 671A for Dunbar, circa 1953.
A rare exquisite Japanese inspired walnut cabinet with two drawers with cast bronze pulls and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Paper, Walnut
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 Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Stainless Steel
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Sliding Door Sideboard or Credenza Cabinet
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany sideboard. Item features clean Mid-Century Modern lines, brass accents at the base, two dovetail constructed upper drawers. four sliding cabinet do...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Credenza / Server for Dunbar in Bleached Walnut and Brass
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful bleached walnut credenza / server with solid brass hardware designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The top two drawers contain removable felt-lined silverware trays...
Category
1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Brass
A Walnut Sideboard by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Rare Woven Front Credenza by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare woven front credenza with walnut strips interlacing unique rectangular rods. Four (4) drawers with brass pulls over four sliding doors with interior drawers and shelves.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Mahogany and Rosewood Raised Edge Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany cabinet with four large drawers and a center shelved cabinet on plinth base. The pair of ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley credenzas for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley credenzas 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 credenzas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original credenzas 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 credenzas by Dunbar, Calvin, and Florence Knoll. Prices for Edward Wormley credenzas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,400 and can go as high as $30,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,600.
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