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 Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Sideboard Credenza
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 ...
Mahogany
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Metal
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Sideboard
By Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Exqusite 1950s credenza or sideboard by Dunbar. One of the very best mid century American sideboards we’ve ever seen. Designed by Edward Wormley. This is model 5668A. Features 4 s...
Walnut
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...
Mahogany, Lacquer
Dunbar Credenza by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sideboard, Rare Model
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a beautifully restored sideboard by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The cabinet has plenty of storage and is executed in a rich mahogany with darker banded wood on edges. Cabinets has 4 front doors...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Sideboard
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
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 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.
Brass
$6,650Sale Price|30% Off
Modular Six-Piece Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 l...
Brass
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley Walnut and Olive Ash Burl Tall Cabinet for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Described in Dunbar catalogs as "#6027 High Piece" this incredible curved front cabinet is constructed of walnut with olive ash burled lower cabin...
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.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sideboard in Tawi Wood, Rare
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Not often seen, a fully restored sliding door sideboard by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The cabinet features four sliding doors with loads of interior storage. The top section has two ...
Brass
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...
Brass
Edward Wormley Credenza with Rippled Cabinets for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1950s, USA. The two-tone credenza features five birch drawers at the center of the piece and a mahogany top and sides with two sliding textured doors. Th...
Mahogany, Birch
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
$6,880Sale Price|46% Off
Edward Wormley Sideboard Model 671 A for Dunbar Custom Order 1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Brass
$9,560Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Black Lacquer Modular Credenza, Mid-Century
By John Stuart Inc., Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Renzo Rutili
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 Furniture Woven Front Dark Brown Mahogany Credenza
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
Drop Tambour Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and uncommon drop tambour front cabinet of bleached walnut having recessed finger pulls, the cabinet with drawers, shelves and vert...
Walnut
Edward Wormley Bedroom Dresser for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive Edward Wormley for Dunbar bedroom dresser offers spacious storage in a rich wood finish. Beautifully detailed wood finish accented by brass ...
Mahogany
$2,795
H 34.5 in W 48 in D 15 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Glass Front Bookcase
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase or display cabinet By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Bleached mahogany, with glass front doors and orig...
Brass
$3,595
H 41.13 in W 65.38 in D 13.63 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut and Rosewood Cabinet With Chinese Blocks
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 walnut, with rosewood drawers, and antique Chinese print...
Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley Walnut Cabinet by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 ...
Brass
$4,050
H 34 in W 86 in D 20 in
Drexel Heritage Empire Style Sideboard or Bar Cabinet With Carved Lions
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Empire or Egyptian Revival style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Drexel Heritage, "Pavilion" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Walnut and birch, with e...
Birch, Walnut, Giltwood
$3,753
H 31.11 in W 83.08 in D 20.28 in
Danish Design Credenza / Sideboard by Bernhard Pedersen in Teak 1950 Brown Beige
By Bernhard Pedersen & Son
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous Danish design credenza/sideboard in teak designed and produced by Bernhard Pedersen. Bernhard Pedersen is known for very high quality Danish furniture and this piece perfect...
Teak
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.
Mahogany
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Burled Olivewood Sideboard or Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning burled olivewood credenza designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar, this exquisite piece exemplifies mid-century modern elegance. The credenza features gorgeous wood grain an...
Metal
$11,020 / item
H 27.96 in W 71.26 in D 15.75 in
Retro Style Buffet Credenza, Barcode Design in Colored Glass
By Orfeo Quagliata
Located in Naucalpan, Edo de Mex
The Buff-Heyyy is a retro style credenza designed by Orfeo Quagliata in collaboration with Taracea Furniture. An object of fused glass created wit...
Glass, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$7,800
H 32 in W 81.25 in D 18 in
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 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...
Brass
unique edward wormley sideboard
By Edward Wormley
Located in Munich, DE
built on special order for a british duchess this edward wormley sideboard is looking slightly different, than the others you might know. it has a different size and square wooden le...
Brass
Edward Wormley Credenza/ Sideboard for Dunbar, 1940s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A very early (late 1930s- early 1940s) sideboard designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This piece is a testament to his design philosophy of embracing new and holding onto what is t...
Mahogany
Sold
H 32.75 in W 66.5 in D 20.25 in
Edward Wormley for Drexel Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
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...
Brass
Sold
H 33.25 in W 66.25 in D 18.13 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sideboard Credenza
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 Walnut, with original brass hardware. Measures: 66.25"W x ...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane Front Credenza
By Edward Wormley
Located in Greensboro, NC
A mahogany and cane fronted sliding door credenza by Ed Wormley for Dunbar. Excellent vintage condition with elegantly caned panel sliding doors showing little to no wear, and boasting unusual copper hanging ring...
Cane, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century 8 Drawer Dresser
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward wormley for dunbar mid century 8 drawer dresser. This dresser measures: 65.25 wide x 18 deep x 35.25 inches high. All pieces o...
Brass
Sold
H 36 in W 70.75 in D 18.25 in
Sideboard / Credenza Model 671A by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Rare, Original
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Dunbar credenza / storage / media cabinet designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, 1950s. Walnut case, 7" walnut legs. Four drawers with original imported Japanese ...
Cane, Maple, Walnut, Pine
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sideboard in Mahogany
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Not often seen, a fully restored sliding door sideboard by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The cabinet features four sliding doors with loads of interior storage. The top section has two drawers each with two brass and wood decorative knobs...
Brass
Sold
H 35 in W 41.5 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Basketweave Pattern Brass & Bookmatched Walnut Signed Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern chest was designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunbar Furniture Company in the United States circa 1955. It features a volumetric rectangular body sitt...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Classic Edward Womley for Dunbar walnut credenza with drawer section in the center with wood and brass pulls and doors on each side with adjustable shelving.
Brass
Sold
H 32.5 in W 66.75 in D 20.25 in
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 dresser By Edward Wormley for Drexel, "Precedent" Collection USA, 1950s Black lacquered elm wood, with original har...
Elm, Lacquer
Sold
H 36.25 in W 81.5 in D 18 in
Dunbar Walnut / Brass Woven Front Credenza Sideboard by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A beautiful medium toned walnut credenza sideboard with four sliding doors having interwoven strips of walnut with brass details. The three top drawers have built in pulls and behind...
Walnut