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 Flip-Top Expandable Table and Brass Castors
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant and highly functional, this Edward Wormley for Dunbar flip-top table exemplifies the designer’s mastery of refined modernism and thoughtful versatility. Crafted in richly gra...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut extension dining table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Measures: 66.5"W x 44.25"D x 29.75"H. Extends up to 114.5"W with ...
Walnut
Expertly Restored-Edward J. Wormley Model-5964 Expanding Dining Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 29.25in H x 48in -108in W x 48in D 4x Leaves - 15in each ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing h...
Brass
Walnut Dining Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A ten foot dining table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with expressively grained walnut top and base with brass cleats. The table has three 12'" leaves. Beautifully refinished.
Walnut
$8,500 / set
Pair of Side Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of mahogany side tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
$1,807Sale Price|35% Off
Mid Century Modern Bar Cart By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Drexel, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Houston, TX
Mid Century Modern Bar Cart By Edward Wormley For Dunbar,. Offered is a handsome mid century blond wood bar cart or serving cart from the Precedent series designed by Edward Wormley ...
Wood
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1960s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with brass-capped feet. Measures: 54"W x ...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern hexagonal dining table or game table in gorgeous book-matched rosewood By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1960s Measures 51.75"W x 45"D ...
Rosewood
Edward Wormley Tall Janus Occasional Table with Natzler Tiles for Dunbar 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare, tall version of the Janus Occasional table, Model 6047, designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunbar Janus line in 1960. The table contains twenty five original Gertrude and Otto...
Ceramic, Walnut
Edward Wormley, Console Table, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and brass console table designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, 1950s. Dimensions: 27.375” H x 59.875” W x 21.875” D
Brass
$5,800 / set
A Pair of Dunbar Three Tier Occasional Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar three tier occasional tables # 4423. Refinished in dark brown walnut.
Mahogany
1950s Walnut and cane executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Walnut, cane, brass, and rosewood executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950s. Massive desk with executive proportions. Large 72"x38" desktop surface with imp...
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Tables with Natzler Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar occasional tables with Natzler tiles from the Janus Collection. Custom ordered from Dunbar, tiles described as "Jade." Mahogany construction ...
$5,600 / item
Pair of Wormley for Dunbar Long John Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Very rare pair of Long John tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Both have been professionally refinished, each has a drawer with the Classic ...
Walnut
4947 Golightly Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A table gathers light, defines intimate space, creates a moment of pause. The Model 4947 Golightly Table by Edward Wormley understands this fundamental truth through its deceptively ...
Wood, Ash, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel American Mid-Century Blond Wood Magazine Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century blond wood magazine / end tables with rectangular tops above five short shelves. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DREXEL)(PRICED AS Pair)...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut extension dining table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Measures: 66"W x 44.25"D x 29.5"H. Extends up to 114"W with two 2...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Elm Magazine Library Table
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent mid century elm magazine library table The table measures: 25 wide x 16 deep x 26.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...
Wood, Elm
Edward Wormley Murano Tile Occasional Table for Dunbar, c.1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Edward Wormley Murano Tile Occasional Table for Dunbar, circa 1955.
Brass
Three Tier Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A three tier table in dark mahogany by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
$5,520Sale Price|20% Off
Dunbar Wormley Dining Table in Rosewood Model 936 C 1950/1960's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Stunning rosewood dining table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. The table features a rich and vibrant rosewood veneer top on an architectural pedestal base, with original metal disk...
Rosewood
Walnut & Chrome Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exquisite coffee table designed by the renowned Edward Wormley for Dunbar dates back to the 1950s. This stunning piece showcases a harmonious blend of walnut and mahogany, reflect...
Chrome
American Modern Brass /Wood/Glass Coffee Table, Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern Brass /Wood/Glass Coffee Table, Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Metal, Brass
Edward Wormley Coffee Table with Tiffany Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant coffee table incorporating seven beautiful iridescent Tiffany Tiles.This group of furnishing was inspired by a visit by to the gamble resid...
Walnut
Rosewood Roll top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452. All Original
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk in very good completely original condition. Two rolltops, one on each side and three drawers. Large work se...
Brass
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Precedent Drop Leaf Dining Table by Edward Wormley
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Attractive white elm drop leaf dining table, designed by Edward Wormley as part of the classic Precedent series, manufactured by Drexel. The table features two large drop leaves, eac...
Elm
Sheaf of Wheat Travertine Top Coffee Table by Edward Wormley, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Vintage "Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table," a timeless piece designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. This exquisite table features a luxurious travertine top, known for it...
Travertine
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut and Brass Side End Tables - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut and Brass Side End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 28 wide x 28 deep x 22.25 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Tables have S...
Brass
Elegant Edward Wormley Rosewood Dinette / Game Table for Dunbar
By Harvey Probber, Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Edward Wormley dinette or game table for Dunbar. Appears to be rosewood. wear to the finish. May desire to have restored some.
Wood
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brass, Ash Wood and Glass Tulip Side Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare variation of the more commonly seen tulip end table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Where as the original iteration of this table utilizes wood risers, this version uses brass. A ...
Brass
Ed Wormley for Dunbar Ash and Laminate Console Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New Windsor, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ash and laminate modular console table. Two white laminate shelves and solid ash open frame low console table. Circa 1960. Signed with gold metal tag, Dunba...
Laminate, Ash
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An elegant two tiered mahogany table on three legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
Mid-Century Walnut and Rosewood Executive Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Edward J. Wormely for Dunbar executive desk in walnut with deeply sculpted inset rosewood drawer pulls, brass shoes, and removable woven cane privacy screen (ca. 1950s, Indiana, USA)...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 6302E Olive Burl Pedestal Table with Dry Bar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A refined and highly functional design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this Model 6302E pedestal table exemplifies the designer’s masterful balance of organic materiality and architect...
Slate
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5632 Walnut, Mahogany with Natzler Tiles Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5632 Mid Century Walnut and Mahogany with Natzler Tiles Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 77.25 wide x 18.75 deep x 17.25 inches high Great V...
Ceramic, Mahogany, Walnut
Pair of Birdseye Maple Burl and Resin Cube Side Tables by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Mateo, CA
Cube side tables or pedestals made by Dunbar. Edward Wormley designed these unusual and uncommon tables. These have a birds eye maple burl top and band along the bottom. The black is...
Epoxy Resin, Birdseye Maple
A Pair of Dunbar Occasional Tables Asian Style with Cork Tops
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual and rare pair of side tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1940s. Mahogany with original cork tops, Asian Style with green Dunbar labels.
Mahogany
Handsome Edward Wormley Precedent Collection Bar Cart, Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent collection bar cart. Original light finish with textured glass top and tapered legs on casters. This piece is in vintage condition and do...
Elm
Dunbar Tripod Table Edward Wormley Constellation Group
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping to your location. Tripod Table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Ebonized Walnut, Ash Legs, Black Formica Top.
Brass
Edward Worlmey Lamp Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An edward Wormley Lamp Table Manufactured by Dunbar Original Tag and Label present Wonderful burled venner top
Walnut
Wormley for Dunbar Cantilevered End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Cantilevered end table by Wormley for Dunbar. Original condition, and finish.We have separately listed the other end table, and matching coffee ta...
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two Tier Square Wooden End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century two-tier blond wood end / side table with a square top and lower shelf supported by four triangular legs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY) Scuffing...
Wood
Edward Wormley Rosewood Occasional Table for Dunbar with Murano Glass Tile Top
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar solid Brazilian Rosewood occasional table with green Murano Glass mosaic tile top and brass banding. Retains green rectangular Dunbar metal label. A ve...
Cut Glass, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century 2-Tier Burlwood and Mahogany Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century 2-Tier Burlwood and Mahogany Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 27.75 deep x 27.75 inches high We take our photos in a control...
Mahogany, Burl
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Janus Sofa Corner Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Janus Sofa Corner Table This table measures: 74 wide x 28.25 deep x 30 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Small Areas of Stain Wea...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and Mahogany Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and rosewood side table deigned by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Rosewood
$3,612Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley Long John Shelf for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Long John Shelf can be used as shelf or console. Walnut wood with great sapwood striped details.
Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Wooden Open Frame End / Side Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century dark wood end / side tables with rectangular tops with rounded corners, pedestal bases, and an open frame design. (EDWARD ...
Wood
Edward Wormley Sheaf of Wheat Side Table with Green Marble Dunbar 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural "Sheaf of Wheat" side table designed by Edward Wormley Dunbar Furniture Company USA circa 1950s Openwork base of dark stained wood slats joined at the center by a solid b...
Marble, Brass
Edward Wormley, Coffee Table, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut coffee table designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, USA, c. 1950s. Light chipping present, with touch-ups carried out. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.5"H x 66...
Wood, Walnut
1940s Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Mahogany Bookshelf End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
From the 1940s Dunbar Enduring Modern catalog is model # 2193, a single large end table with lower tier bookshelf by Edward J. Wormley. Rounded legs, has divider in center to hold bo...
Mahogany
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.
$3,800 / set
Pair of Unusual Side Tables by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of unusual tables by Dunbar ca' 1970's. Large scale-perfect as end tables or lamp tables, walnut tops, legs have a stuctural cut out detail.
Mahogany, Walnut
$2,200Sale Price|35% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Burl Wood Centre or Cocktail Round Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Plainview, NY
Edward Wormley Mid Century Modern for Dunbar burl wood center or cocktail round Table. A timeless 1950s mid century modern faceted burl olive wood pedesta...
Glass, Wood, Burl
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Square Wooden Double Shelf End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century square lacquered wooden end / side tables with an open shelf below the square top, resting on a solid stepped base that creates as a taller lower shelf. ...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Walnut Dining Table, Newly Restored
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table in book-matched walnut By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Measures: 52.5" W x 40.25" D x 29.25" H. Extends ...
Walnut
Staggering Vintage Bookmatch Burl Elm Dining Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
A breathtaking restored heavy-duty Parsons style extension dining table by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1975. Exquisite bookmatched Butterfly patterned elm veneer ov...
Elm, Maple
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley For Dunbar “Long John” Walnut Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1950s walnut coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar….often called the “Long John”. It is one of his more iconic pieces....
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table with Murano Glass Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early bleached mahogany table with green Murano glass tile top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Murano Glass, Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart Edward Wormley for Dunbar C1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous bar cart/server with a drop down top which is 27 inches and 54 when raised, shelves for bottles, cupboard for glasses and other necessities. Model # 5433 created out of waln...
Brass