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 Sheaf of Wheat Side Table with Green Marble Dunbar 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Dunbar Snack Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Snack table with brass tripod legs and finial, Carpitian Elm top with walnut edge and center post. Model number 4856, early green Dunbar label.
Walnut
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century nightstand This nightstand measures: 23 wide x 18 deep x 23.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can b...
Brass
Edward Wormley Clover Leaf Magazine Stand
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley Clover Leaf Magazine Stand Sap Wood Walnut and Laminated Bentwood magazine Holders A useful and elegant example Early Green Label
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5632 Walnut, Mahogany with Natzler Tiles Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sculptural Janus Table with Natzler Tiles Model
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare sculptured walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Table with blue-green Natzler tiles. C. 1957.
Ceramic, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two-Tier Walnut & Rosewood Coffee Table / TV Stand
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
1960s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two-Tier walnut & rosewood elegant rectangular parson style coffee table, with subtle inset legs. The legs / end frame structure appear to be rose...
Rosewood, Walnut
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.
Elm, Mahogany
Dunbar Murano Tile Top Game Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare Murano glass tile top game / dining table with brass edging and tapered mahogany legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with early green Dunbar label. This is the largest Murano tile table...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Round Occasional Tables in Stainless Steel Midcentury
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of exceptionally rare and unusual round occasional tables in walnut and rosewood with Micarta tops and stainless steel structure. Tables with a single drawer and rosewood feet...
Stainless Steel
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Magazine Tree Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Utrecht, NL
Magazine tree, model 4765 by American designer Edward Wormley executed in birch and sap grain walnut, designed in 1947 for Dunbar Furniture USA. A very special, functional and aesth...
Birch, Walnut
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
Vintage Boho Edward Wormley for Dunbar Terrazzo Top Side Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Presenting a truly iconic piece of American design: this Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stone Top Side Table. A testament to Wormley's unparalleled vision and Dunbar's commitment ...
Stone, Brass
Edward Wormley Magazine Tree Birch and Sap Grain Walnut model #4765 for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lynn, MA
A rare and striking design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The birch and sap grain walnut magazine tree model 4765 features five shelves cantilevered from a central support. Metal tag ...
Birch, Walnut
Edward Wormley Asymmetric Coffee Table for Dunbar Model 5309
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley Model 5309 coffee table, a stunning example of classic mid-century modern design crafted for Dunbar in 1953. This rare piece showcases Wormley's innovative approach to...
Brass
Unusual Dunbar Coffee Table With Brass And Inlay
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1960's. Polished brass frame with a picture frame top and decorative inlays.
Brass
Edward Wormley End Table, Mid-Century Wood Frame, Inset Top, USA
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...
Wood
$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
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
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and walnut Square Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Classic design from one of periods giants. Bleached rosewood top and walnut frame, parsons coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar furniture. This piece is timeless. It would easil...
Rosewood, Walnut
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Trapezoid Top Wormley For Dunbar Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Original finish Dunbar trapezoid coffee table. We are also separately offering the end tables from this set if you are interested in a full original ...
Wood
$4,200 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley Side Tables for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Pair of Edward Wormley Side Tables for Dunbar
Wood
Rare Restored Executive Desk in Walnut, Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c. 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Deland, FL
This commanding teak executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar is a quintessential example of sophisticated 1950s American modernism. Crafted from solid teak with exceptional grain...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1940s Round or Oval Dining Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1940s mahogany 50" round dining table that opens up to 74" oval with 24" leaf. Legs are flush with 3" apron, retains...
Mahogany
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
Edward Wormley Dunbar End Side Table with Gertrud and Otto Natzler Ceramic Tiles
By Gertrud and Otto Natzler, Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Studio City, CA
This very rare and absolutely stunning Edward Wormley designed end/ occasional table for Dunbar Furniture for their "Janus" collection, circa 1956-1957 comes with inlaid, glazed tile...
Ceramic, Wood
American Walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar Double Pedestal Desk w/ Folding Return
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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.
Walnut
Elegant MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Magazine" End or Side Table in Mahogany
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
True masterpiece, this Edward Wormley for Dunbar model # 5476A "Magazine" End or Side Table in Mahogany with original rich dark finish and brass shoes. Wormley designed this magazine...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Three-Tier End Table, Dark Wood, Circa 1955
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century three-tier dark wooden end table with a rectangular top and two shelves below, with rectangular supports on either side, resting on a pedestal base. (EDWARD WORM...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 4576 Dining Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this beautiful mahogany dining table extends to 126 inches. The drop leaf table measures 29"W x 42"D x 29"H. It includes 5 leaves in the origin...
Mahogany
"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Iconic mid-century "Long John" Coffee Table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Crafted in walnut planks with a slim, central drawer positioned underneath the table top. Can be...
Wood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus coffee table. The table is walnut with a geometric shape and the centre has five, round, Tiffany Studios glas...
Walnut, Glass
Edward Wormley Magazine Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Magazine table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1959. Constructed of oak, brass with inset leather top, the table is in very good original condition.
Brass
Set of Three Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Set of Three Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nesting Tables.
Wood
$16,000 / set
Dining Set for Six by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A drop-leaf console table opens to seat, six (6) for dining. Set complete with two banquette chairs and four side chairs.
Walnut, Upholstery
Marble Top Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A low coffee table with three legged mahogany base, brass feet and stone top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Marble
Edward Wormley Sandalwood and Blackened Steel Coffee Table for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Edward Wormley designed coffee table with nine inset blackened steel plates on a sandalwood Parsons style frame. Manufactured by Dunbar, 1950s. The sandalwood has been stripped ...
Steel
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Carpathian Elm Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Elm, Burl
Edward Wormley Extension Walnut Dining Table for Dunbar, circa 1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Camden, ME
An Edward Wormley walnut extension dining table designed for Dunbar in the early 1950s. The dark walnut base sets on four leather cased feet contrasts with the walnut top which is a ...
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley Nightstands for Dunbar in Walnut with Mahogany Frame Ebony Pulls
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
These extraordinarily beautiful and generously proportioned nightstands were designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and manufactured in the 1960s. Bookmatched American walnut woodgra...
Brass
$1,807Sale Price|35% Off
Mid Century Modern Bar Cart By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Drexel
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 for Dunbar – Rare Vanity and/or Writing Desk, circa 1945
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar – Rare Vanity and/or Writing Desk, circa 1945 This exquisite desk features a mahogany wood construction with an oil finish, topped with new Edelman cherry c...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood Occasional Side Table, Newly Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern occasional side table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Rosewood top, with ebonized banding and legs. Measures: 28" W x 20.8...
Rosewood
Edward Wormley Model 5900 Dining Table by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful example of Ed Wormley's refined aesthetic and Dunbar's quality construction, this dining table has a very pleasing mix of straight lines and elegant curves. The octagonal...
Walnut
$12,800Sale Price|20% Off
Model 5309 Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
Model 5309 rare coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Combination of rosewood and brass with the original glass top.
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar #5427 Mahogany, Brass & Murano Glass Tile Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5427 Mahogany Brass and Murano Glass Tile Coffee Table This extension coffee table table measures: 44 wide x 24.5 deep x 14.5 inches high. There are ...
Brass
Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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,...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1947 Cork Surfaced Mahogany Lamp Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sharon, CT
Early and important Edward Wormley designed for Dunbar Cork Topped 'Lamp Table', Factory Number #3378. Constructed (According to the original Dunbar label)...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s Asian Influence Walnut Extension Dining Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s Mid-Century Modern with Asian influence walnut top with beveled edge extension dining table with two 15" leaves on ebonzied base and leather s...
Mahogany, Walnut
Wormley Game Table for Dunbar, Solid Walnut & Olive Burlwood
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley Game Table for Dunbar, Solid Walnut & Olive Burlwood Gorgeous Dunbar table with a four-panel bookmatched olive burl wood top and a solid...
Walnut, Burl
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Flip Top Dining or Game Table, Newly Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top game table or dining table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar USA, 1950s Walnut, with original brass hinges, leather wrapped feet, and velvet ...
Leather, Walnut
Vintage "Wedge" Table By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A great occasional "wedge" table (ref. 4809) by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, with original dark finish. As ordered by NYC client, with green label.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Two-Tier End Table, Dark Wood, Mid-Century Design, USA
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century two-tier dark finished wooden end / side table with a square top with a shallow gallery above a lower shelf containing a single drawer supported by two reverse t...
Wood
Edward Wormley Precedent Collection for Drexel Bar Cart Server in Dark Espresso
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection bar cart or server. Refinished in dark espresso on silver elm with textured glass top and tapered legs on casters. Edward Wormley also ...
Glass, Elm
Edward Wormley Rosewood Occasional Table for Dunbar with Murano Glass Tile Top
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$3,200 / set
Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
Later production Dunbar, this Edward Wormley design has been updated with glass tops which work beautifully with this nesting configuration, allowing the smaller table to be seen reg...
Glass, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Group, Pair of End Tables on Casters 1958
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar - Janus Group Pair of End Tables on Casters, 1950s Model: 5811 Materials: Solid walnut with offset box joints, oil-finished exterior, brass key, and Dunbar ...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 15.25 inches high All pieces of fu...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Two-Tier Side Table, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century two-tier end / side table with a square top with a shallow gallery above a lower shelf containing a single drawer supported by two reverse tapered legs. (EDWARD ...
Wood