Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail 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
Walnut and Teak Coffee Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Walnut and teak coffee table or bench designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar. Expertly refinished. The walnut top is inlayed with a teak veneer design (see photos). We also h...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Teak, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table or Bench with Magazine Display
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional coffee table or bench (Model 5933a) designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with built-in brass rods for suspending magazines. Another option would be to recess a glass ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Interlocking Tables, Coffee / Console
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
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 ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Stone, 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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
$7,040 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An early, modernist Edward Wormley for Drexel coffee table in a trapezoid shape made for the Precedent Collection.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Uncommon Edward Wormley for Dunbar Flip Top Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Flip top coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. In a dark espresso finish with brass capped feet. Table top starts at a 27” by 18” s...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Dunbar Coffee Cocktail Table 1960s Two Tier Brass Tag
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Low Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pentagonal Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
All original, signed, Dunbar pentagonal coffee table designed by Edward Wormley. Beautiful patina on the original finish.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Two Tier Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century two tier coffee table
This table measures: 42 wide x 27.75 deep x 22 inches high
Al...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Figured Maple and Rosewood Cocktail Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century coffee table
This table measures: 28 wide x 28 deep x 26 inches high
All pieces of furnitur...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
A Fine Edward Wormley Coffee Table for Dunbar in Exotic Burl
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Burl
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Elm, Mahogany
Burl Elm Pentagonal Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Walnut, Burl
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley "Long John" Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Long John" bench/table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with slat-style top, turned edge and great curved legs. This is the long version.
(Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - wit...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Teak
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar #5427 Mahogany, Brass & Murano Glass Tile Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, 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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Glass, Olive
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.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
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 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
$2,880 Sale Price
40% Off
Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
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.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Cork
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.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Coffee table by Edward Wormley / Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Zurich, CH
Beautiful elongated coffee table with ceramic inlays by Edward Wormley, has been refinished in original stain color.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Ceramic, Walnut
Early Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Oriental Cork Coffee Table
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Cork
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 ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Glass, Burl
$3,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Edward Wormley coffee and cocktail tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley coffee and cocktail 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 coffee and cocktail tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original coffee and cocktail 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 coffee and cocktail tables by Dunbar, Knoll, and Paul McCobb. Prices for Edward Wormley coffee and cocktail tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,400 and can go as high as $23,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,850.
Creators Similar to Edward Wormley
Questions About Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Edward 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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