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Edward Wormley Tables

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
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Carpathian Elm Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Carpathian Elm Coffee Table A beautiful and rare Edward Wormley burled triangular top coffee table fo...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Elm, Burl

American Walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar Double Pedestal Desk w/ Folding Return
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar double pedestal desk w/ folding return. Uniquer folding return desk feature, nice architectural design back, beautiful amber honey tone finish.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Serving Cart # 242-9 By Edward Wormley for Drexel, 1947
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
1947 Serving Cart by Edward Wormley for Precedent for Drexel. Factory no. 252-5 Stenciled label Additional information: Materials: Elm Documentation: Signed Origin: United States Pe...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Elm

Edward Wormley Magazine Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley magazine table for Dunbar, Berne Indiana. Classic mid-century design by Edward Wormley, sophisticated yet modern. Newly refinished with original order tags intact, rea...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Travertine Marble-top Wedge End Table by Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley For Dunbar Travertine End Table With A Wedge-shaped Beige Travertine Top On A Wooden Base With Connecting Stretchers And Four Dowel Legs Ending In Black Leather-wrappe...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Travertine

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Figured Maple and Rosewood Cocktail Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare Wormley table bentwood burl maple with ebonized rosewood tapered legs. Tray style.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Rosewood

Set of 2 Cantilever End Tables by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
A set of two cantilever top end tables--one with shelf and the other without—for a less "matched" look. Made by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Made of mahogany and pr...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Excellent Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Classic roll top desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with leather footrest. This stately executive desk is beautifully constructed of rosewood and mahogany. With two sliding roll-tops,...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Triangular Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A triangular coffee table with burled Carpethian elm top and walnut legs with brass caps. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Elm, Mahogany

Dunbar Asian Style Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Dunbar Asians style end table, American, circa 1940s. Retains Dunbar branded mark underneath. This early Dunbar table shows Edward Wormley's Asian design ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar midcentury side table This table measures: 31.25 wide x 31.25 deep x 23 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley Executive Tambour-Door Rosewood Desk for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood executive desk by Edward Wormley c.1950s, USA, for Dunbar. The desk has three shallow drawers that run the length of the desk. The top of the desk features two roll top tamb...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Green Marble Cocktail Table / Coffee Table, c. 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Deland, FL
The quintessential cocktail table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. A green marble top resting on an ebony black base. Table retains the original Dunbar maker's mark.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Dunbar's low walnut "Janus" end table of Asian inspiration, with raised edges to the legs and diagonal "cloud-lift" stretchers.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Marble Top Wedge Side Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wedge shaped side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C.1950s, USA. This end table features a trapezoidal Carrera marble top, which sits atop dark contrasting mahogany legs with angl...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble

Elusive Set 3 Nest / Stackings Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare and stunning set of 3 nest / stacking tables designed by Edward Wormley, made by the Dunbar Furn. Corporation,, Wonderful stacked wood laminate construction, painted metal legs, Ingenious designmmm Great label explaining colors, Fern, Pompeiian Red and Maple Sugar...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Metal

Burl Olive Wood Glass Top Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar # 6302G
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A faceted burl olive wood pedestal base with glass top, coffee or low table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar model # 6302G. Metal tag & paper label on bottom of base. Photo to be added...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Glass, Olive

Edward Wormley Dubar off White Leather Top Dark Walnut Cocktail Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Edward Wormley for Dunbar large round off-white leather too dark walnut base cocktail table, with gold metal tag to underside. Model 5219 Dunbar catalog.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Pair of Wedge Shaped Travertine Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of wedge shaped travertine top tables with mahogany bases and leather wrapped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Travertine

A Drop-Leaf Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A mahogany drop-leaf table with ebonized gate-leg base. Measures: Console table depth of 16.5" deep when closed.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Telephone Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized and polished dark mahogany telephone cabinet or vanity table having a storage drawer and an innovative fold-out bench.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Early Edward Wormley Step End Tables / Nightstands for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley step end tables for Dunbar.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Rolling Bar Cart
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pistachio green rolling bar cart from the Precedent series by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1960. 3 tiered rolling cart featuring a textured glass top and casters. Precedent by Drexel...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Rosewood Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar sculpted rosewood table with glass top.
Category

1970s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Travertine Dining Table / Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early bleached mahogany and travertine table / desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Travertine

Architectural Walnut and Black Laminate Console by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Miami, FL
Architectural table No. 5403 in walnut with black laminate top and shelves designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut, Laminate

Asymmetrical Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low console or table with a spare mahogany frame that supports an asymmetrical top with brass capped feet.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Brass

Tambour Drum Table With Storage by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1944
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A remarkable end table discreet bar with butterfly hinged top drawers and a tambour cabinet with adjustable shelf.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Cork Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and elegant square low table with a raised cork top on a mahogany 'Parsons' base.  
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Cork

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cocktail Table with Brass Stretcher, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
We have fully restored this beautiful cocktail table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. It has a mahogany frame and a walnut top, a shelf underneath the top and a brass stretcher that sur...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Brass

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Extension Dining Set 6 Chairs 2 Leaves
By Edward Wormley
Located in Monrovia, CA
1950s Dunbar, designer Edward Wormley extention dining table with 2 leaves model 5462 with 6 chairs model 5480. Rare Mid-Century Modern 1950s Edward Wormley extension dining table...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Wood

Vanity Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A cherry dressing table or vanity, with a beautifully bevelled drawer, Lucite pull and gallery edges, over double-forked base with chromed suppor...
Category

1960s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Steel

Edward Wormley Precedent Line Coffee Table for Drexel
By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
An early, modernist Wormley form for Drexel. This vintage item should go to a refinisher. Edward Wormley executed designs for both Dunbar and Drexel.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wood Framed Inset Top End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century end / side table with a slightly rounded rectangular top with a lighter stained wooden inSet top supported by a darker wooden frame with a shaped apron with four...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Dunbar Console or Sofa Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and walnut console table with rosewood pulls. The table features book holders on either side and three drawers. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant rosewood and mahogany campaign desk having three drawers and two rosewood roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash,...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Brass

Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany low table with a lower shelf and singe drawer on cylindrical dowel legs.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany

End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley End Table By Dunbar In Walnut Case And Shelf Supported By Mahogany Legs With Round Carpet Caster Feet And Rosewood And Brass Drawer Pull.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Brass

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bar Cart
By Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bar cart by Dunbar. Glass top with two leaves. Made of mahogany.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Lamp Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish Mid-Century Modern Dunbar lamp table features rich mahogany finish, dovetailed drawers, and uniquely sculpted single drawer design. Unique drawer pull and raised edge st...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Low Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low table or bench with an ebonized walnut frame which rises slightly above the table surface and can hold a loose cushion if used as a bench.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Early Elegant Custom Edward Wormley Console for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant Wormley console with 9 x 9 travertine marble tile insets to form one long marble rectangular form. Most likely a custom form. This console bares the early green Dunbar label.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley Walnut Coffee Table with Stone Inlay for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley extending coffee table for Dunbar, c.1960s, USA. The walnut table features a brass edge detailing around all sides of table. Once extended the table reveals two stone ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Stone, Brass

Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Sheaf of Wheat” Marble Top Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Marble Coffee Table Signed Classic and timeless design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, "Sheaf of Wheat" coffee table/side ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Marble

Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rectangular dark walnut low table having a black laminate top and distinctive triangular legs.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fine and uncommon pair of end tables having sculptural exposed frames in stained mahogany and expressive floating tops of molded birch with upturned edges.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Birch

Magazine Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A triangular ash table with an inset cream leather top over two web strap magazine holders.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Ash, Leather

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany End Tables - Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 27 wide x 27.5 deep x 22.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we cal...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Tiered End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A two-tiered round end table on three legs with single drawer. Shelf height is 16.5".
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Impressive Two Tier Triangular Wedge Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A geometrically pure and finely detailed two-tiered table in bleached walnut of triangular form with distinctive beveled edging at a 45 degree angle.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A bleached walnut 'Parsons' end table.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly detailed and finely crafted set of nesting tables in light walnut.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Occasional Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1941
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An interesting and uncommon occasional table on casters having a cruciform structure intersected by two circular planes, the top of the table surfaced with leather.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Brass

Mahogany Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An octagonal mahogany writing desk designed by Edward Wormley with a single drawer. Made by Dunbar in the USA, circa 1957.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare low Dunbar "Parson's" end table with the original yellow-orange lacquered frame and a black epoxy top with a constellation of random walnut doy inlays.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Hexagonal Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This table is an early design by Ed Wormley for Dunbar is a cylindrical form of mahogany with hexagonal faceted sides. It can serve as a side table, or with the addition of a larger ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Slate

Edward Wormley Side Table with Metal Detail by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
In classic Wormley fashion, this walnut side table has very refined, subtle details. In this case the cut-away corners have a channel running down the legs with an inset metal detail...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley Round Wooden End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century round wooden side / end table with a circular top with beveled edge resting on three vertical rectangular supports connected to a triangular scooped side base. (...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley tables 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 tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original tables 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 tables by Dunbar, Paul McCobb, and Knoll. Prices for Edward Wormley tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $750 and can go as high as $58,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,400.
Questions About Edward Wormley Tables
  • 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.

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