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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Walnut & Chrome Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA 1950's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 2-Tier Burlwood and Mahogany Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Rosewood Cocktail Table, Newly Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern cocktail table, occasional side table, or tea table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Book-matched rosewood top, with ebonized ...
Rosewood
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 MCM Expandable Lacquered Hunter Green Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar coffee table with pull-out extensions (expands 12" on each end). Lacquered in hunter green, hand rubbed finish. Extended is 67-7/8.
Mahogany, Lacquer
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Stone and Brass Expanding Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Stone and Brass Expanding Coffee Table This expanding coffee table measures: 44 wide x 24.5 deep x 16.25 inches high. There are 2 expand...
Stone, Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two-Tier Walnut and Brass Cocktail Table, Refinished
By Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern two-tier cocktail or coffee table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Carved walnut, with brass stretchers Measures: 48"W x 28"D...
Brass
Edward Wormley Round two tier Walnut Coffee table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lynn, MA
Round two tier walnut coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fantastic grains. Ready for use
Walnut
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
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
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
Elliptical coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Uccle, BE
Large elliptical-shaped coffee table, the black laminate (formica) top surrounded by wood. The top rests on four stainless steel legs with double spacers assembled by screws receivin...
Wood
Burl Elm Pentagonal Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pentagonal coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1970. Burl elm wood table top with walnut trim and a walnut base.
Walnut, Burl
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
Dunbar Coffee Table by Edward Wormley Walnut Brass
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location. Dunbar Coffee Table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Walnut with Brass Trim.
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5309 Mid Century Brass and Rosewood Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5309 Mid Century Brass and Rosewood Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 57.25 wide x 31.5 deep x 16.5 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Tabl...
Brass
Edward Wormley Sandalwood and Blackened Steel Coffee Table for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Bold Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Bold mahogany coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Signed with Dunbar tag. U-shaped legs supporting...
Edward Wormley Walnut Coffee Table with Stone Inlay for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 ...
Stone, Brass
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
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 Leather Top Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A dark mahogany table with inset patinated green leather top deigned by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Round Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and glass coffee table on casters. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
870 Coffee Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A table gathers. It defines space, creates community, anchors daily rituals. The Model 870 Coffee Table by Edward Wormley understands this fundamental truth and expresses it through ...
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pentagonal Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
All original, signed, Dunbar pentagonal coffee table designed by Edward Wormley. Beautiful patina on the original finish.
Mahogany
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.
Brass
Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Circa 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
The Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1960s, is a stunning piece of mid-century modern furniture. Crafted with exceptional attention to detail...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern "Long John" Coffee Table By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long, low, mid-century modern, "Long John" coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features a beautifully grained, walnut paneled top with upturned edges and bentwood hairpin legs....
Walnut
Edward Wormley Dunbar Coffee Cocktail Table 1960s Two Tier Brass Tag
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Forest Grove, PA
Coffee or cocktail Table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The opening between the top and lower shelf is 6.1". The useable flat area of the top, between the side supports, is D...
Wood
Edward Wormley Square Coffee or Cocktail Parsons Table for Dunbar Model #4475
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s, midcentury modern American square-top coffee or cocktail table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture in Berne, Indiana, USA. Timeless Parsons style design in a...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Extension Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, custom cocktail table, 3 positions with polished stone inside brass framed extension leaves. Solid crisscross oiled walnut frame and top. Width without ex...
Stone, Brass
Mahogany and Travertine Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and travertine coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished frame with original stone.
Travertine
Edward Wormley Elliptical Rosewood Coffee Table by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This stunning cocktail table by Edward Wormley exemplifies his refined sensibility and fine detailing as well as the quality of Dunbar's construction. The table was custom ordered wi...
Metal
Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Travertine, Mahogany
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare coffee table version of the Edward Wormley Sheaf of Wheat designs. Round Travertine top and dark mahogany base. Brass connectors. This example is completely original and well ca...
Travertine, Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table with Travertine Top
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany coffee table with travertine top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
A Fine Edward Wormley Coffee Table for Dunbar in Exotic Burl / Milo Baughman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Exotic Burl Grain Coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Exceptional selection of Burl Wood matched on top in 4 sections. A variation on the Parsons stretcher form with Triangul...
Burl
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...
Elm, Burl
Stunning Dunbar Edward Wormley Burled Olivewood Octagon Drum Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Dunbar Edward Wormley burled olivewood octagonal columnar table base supporting a thick round glass top. This table measures: 42 in diameter x 17 in height, glass .75 inch ...
Glass, Burl
Trapezoid Top Wormley for Dunbar Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural trapezoid coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table Bench with Brass Magazine Display
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dunbar coffee table or bench (Model 5933a) with built-in brass rods for suspending magazines. One other option is to recess a glass top over the rods to use as table surface. Signed ...
Brass
"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
Cork Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and elegant square low table with a raised cork top on a mahogany 'Parsons' base.
Mahogany, Cork
Early Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Oriental Cork Coffee Table Paul Frankl
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley Dunbar long oriental cork coffee table. Early green rectangular label attached. This version of this table is rarer in the longer length. Measures: 62" x 14.7...
Cork
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.
Brass
MCM Dunbar Coffee or End Table Square Parsons Style by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern to Modern Dunbar square coffee or end table Parsons’s style with inlaid brass detail by Edward Wormley. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is ...
Brass
Uncommon Edward Wormley Five-Leg Walnut Coffee Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar five-leg walnut coffee table. Another uncommon Wormley design with the addition of a fifth canted leg. Excellent wood grain, recessed apron and brass sabots.
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Interlocking Tables, Coffee / Console
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Buffalo, NY
A rare set of nesting tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This set can be arranged together or separately in multiple configurations, cocktail table and console table, Stun...
Laminate, Walnut
Edward Wormley Table, Bench, Dunbar, Brass, Mahogany
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Cool Dunbar table/ bench/ magazine rack designed by Edward Wormley. Mahogany and brass.
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and walnut Square Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
1950s Dunbar Wheat Sheaf Coffee Table Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar coffee table …#5574… The table base an open cage of laminated ash in a wheat sheaf form with a travertine marble top.. Retains original Dunbar tag in very g...
Travertine
Early Rare Edward Wormley Mahogany Coffee Table, Dunbar Furniture, 1940's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Culver City, CA
Nestled within the exquisite realm of early mid-century modern design, this diminutive Edward Wormley coffee table for Dunbar Furniture emerges as a timeless masterpiece. Crafted fro...
Mahogany
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.
Wood
Dunbar Cocktail Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Dunbar cocktail table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Coffee table in two tone walnut with lower shelf and brass stretcher. Very good original condition. Very light wear to ...
Brass