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, Console Table, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Refinished Two-Tone Console or Sofa Table with Drawer
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar model # 5294 two level console or sofa table with centered single drawer. Professionally refinished, in two-tone to match origina...
Walnut, Leather, Mahogany
Clean Lined Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined console table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s. This table is a versatile size and can be used as a console or so...
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley Long John Shelf for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Console by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Architectural Console No. 5403 in walnut with black laminate top and shelves designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Retains original DUNBAR labels.
Formica, Walnut
Console by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Architectural Console No. 5403 in dark walnut with black laminate top and shelves designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Retains original DUNBAR labels.
Laminate, Walnut
Ed Wormley for Dunbar Ash and Laminate Console Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Early Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Oriental Cork Coffee Table Paul Frankl
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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.
Walnut, Laminate
Early Vintage Large Scale Edward Wormley Console / Sofa Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Harvey Probber, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Model 5294. An early example of this large scale console / sofa table form by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Leather wrapped feet. Early green Label on inside drawer. This piece needs to...
Wood
Edward Wormley Console Table by Dunbar #5597
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping to your zip. Dunbar Console Table #5597. Designed by Edward Wormley. Walnut infused formica top is a premium technology offered ...
Mahogany, Walnut
Early Elegant Custom Edward Wormley Console for Dunbar manner of Milo Baughman
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.
Wood
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.
Walnut
Tambour Door Storage Console with Drawer by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare curved front console in rich grained rosewood with a single drawer and slatted tambour storage.
Mahogany
Curved Front two-Tier Console in Honduran Mahogany by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 1960's sculptural Dunbar Janus Series two-tier Console. Fully restored to the highest possible standard in a satin lacquer finish. Designed by Edward Wormley. Would also serve ...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Bleached Mahogany Reeded Curule Leg Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
An uncommon and early Edward Wormley design for Dunbar, this reeded Curule leg end table has a three-sided gallery framed top, three part stretcher connecti...
Dunbar Mahogany Console Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Parsons style simple console table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar furniture company. This classic style is always relevant.
Mahogany
Serving Table on Casters by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare serving / console table with drawer designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Highly figured walnut top and dark mahogany base and brass casters. We acquired this from the o...
Brass
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Modular Console Table Circa 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful set of tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Architectural and Mid Century Modern in design. Tables have a simple elegant design. Both tables are marked. One long short console table...
Formica, Ash
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...
Laminate, Walnut
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
$2,800
H 28 in W 50 in D 20 in
Midcentury Two-Tone Metal Brass and Steel Arch Stretcher Console Sofa Table
By Design Institute America
Located in Rockaway, NJ
DIA Mid-Century Modern two-tone metals console or sofa table with glass top.
Metal
$4,995
H 29.13 in W 66 in D 30.25 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Executive Desk
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern executive desk By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous walnut, with carved rosewood recessed drawer pulls. Measures: 66...
Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk in Tawi Walnut & Steel
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and rare drop leaf desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Tawi Walnut & Steel. USA, circa 1950. Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Desk Hardwood veneers Berne, Indiana Angular...
Metal
Ed Wormley for Dunbar Ash and Laminate Console Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 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...
Wood
$3,950
H 15.5 in W 62 in D 14.75 in
Early Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Oriental Cork Coffee Table Paul Frankl
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Mid-Century Executive Walnut Desk by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful mid-century executive walnut desk designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk is made with a timeless design that has been profess...
Brass
$6,004
H 29.93 in W 88.59 in D 31.5 in
Floating Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Extending Desks, 1970s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and sleek Mid-Century Modern executive desks by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. The desks features stunning solid walnut grain and sleek midcentury design. The desk is fi...
Nutwood
$2,125Sale Price|50% Off
H 23 in W 29 in D 18.5 in
1940's Dunbar Furniture Two-Tone Side Table Designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Two-tone side table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa late 1940s. Light mahogany top with ebonized lower frame and single stealthy box drawer...
Wood
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
$2,695
H 30 in W 58.5 in D 23.5 in
Baker Furniture Georgian Carved Mahogany Console or Sofa Table, Newly Refinished
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian style console or sofa table By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Carved mahogany, with shell motif and hairy paw feet. Measures: 58.5"W x 23.5"D x ...
Mahogany
$4,950
H 16.75 in W 48 in D 28 in
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 Console Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Elegant console table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar furniture. Wonderful two-tone color palette along with two tiered design. Would work well as an entry console, or behind a...
Walnut
8' Flip Top Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A custom 8' walnut flip top console table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The top flips over to double in size and is dining height. closed: 96 x 20 x 28.75 open: 96 x 40 ...
Walnut
Sold
H 29.25 in W 54 in D 17 in
Ingenious Console or Dining Table by Edward Wormley Dunbar Refinished Your Color
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ingenious console or dining table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1950s. This clean lined console table quickly and easily opens to a full size dining table. ...
Wood, Walnut
Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany and walnut console table with brass details.
Mahogany
Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut and mahogany console table with leather covered feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
Sold
H 29.75 in W 32 in D 12 in
1940s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bleached Mahogany Shell Form Console Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early signed example of Edward Wormley's work for Dunbar, circa 1941, bleached mahogany hand-carved shell with wave detail around top. Stamped DUNBAR logo to back. Current one shown ...
Mahogany
Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A bleached walnut and mahogany console table with three drawers and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany, Walnut
Sold
H 29.25 in W 31 in D 10.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and Red Onyx Mirrored Back Console
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare console table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. The table features traditional design elements that are so often seen in many of his pieces along with Dunbar’s ...
Onyx
Edward Wormley Ebonized Sofa / Console Table by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Long sofa or console table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Trapezoid-shaped top on a simple base with brass capped feet. Ebonized wood finish with brass capped legs.
Wood
Sold
H 28.13 in W 56 in D 19.75 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two-Tone Walnut Console or Sofa Table with Drawer
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar two level console or sofa table with centered single drawer in two-tone walnut. Supported on Parsons style legs, accented with su...
Brass
Edward Wormley Console Desk with Swivel Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome and elegant design. Limited. They were found at a Bel Air estate together as a set. The desk appears to be a custom order from the Dunbar "5294 buffet table" design, but made with hanging drawers...
Leather, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Hall Console Table, Rosewood
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare console table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. The table features traditional design elements that are so often seen in many of his pieces along with Dunbar’s ...
Mirror, Rosewood