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.
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Wooden Open Frame End / Side Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century dark wood end / side tables with rectangular tops with rounded corners, pedestal bases, and an open frame design. (EDWARD ...
Wood
4947 Golightly Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A table gathers light, defines intimate space, creates a moment of pause. The Model 4947 Golightly Table by Edward Wormley understands this fundamental truth through its deceptively ...
Wood, Ash, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel American Mid-Century Blond Wood Magazine Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century blond wood magazine / end tables with rectangular tops above five short shelves. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DREXEL)(PRICED AS Pair)...
Wood
Edward Wormley Nightstands for Dunbar in Walnut with Mahogany Frame Ebony Pulls
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$3,800 / set
Pair of Unusual Side Tables by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of unusual tables by Dunbar ca' 1970's. Large scale-perfect as end tables or lamp tables, walnut tops, legs have a stuctural cut out detail.
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley For Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design side Table for Dunbar Furniture, Berne Indiana. Named the "Sheaf of Wheat" table line which was a best seller for Dunbar in the mid to late 1950's. A Travertine...
Travertine, Brass
$4,200 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley Side Tables for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Edward Wormley Side Tables for Dunbar
Wood
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 Mid Century Walnut and Brass Side End Tables - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut and Brass Side End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 28 wide x 28 deep x 22.25 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Tables have S...
Brass
Dunbar Tripod Table Edward Wormley Constellation Group
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping to your location. Tripod Table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Ebonized Walnut, Ash Legs, Black Formica Top.
Brass
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
$5,600 / set
Edward Wormley, Side Tables, Wood, USA, 1960s
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood side tables designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, USA, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 22.0"H x 28.125"W x 28.125"D All items ship from High Poin...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Medium Brown Wooden Three Tier End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century three-tier medium brown finished wooden end table with a rectangular top and two shelves below, with rectangular supports on either side, resting on a pedestal b...
Wood
Edward Wormley Round Travertine Side Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1950s, USA. This table features a round travertine slab top, which rests atop dark contrasting mahogany sheaf of wheat base. Retains ...
Travertine
Edward Wormley #5928 A Table Walnut, Brass and Verde Antico Marble for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lynn, MA
Rare occasional table model #5928 A Table with its luxurious original verde antico marble top designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Walnut base with brass boots. Excellent design.
Marble, Brass
Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Travertine, Mahogany
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 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 ...
Slate
Edward Wormley Tall Janus Occasional Table with Natzler Tiles for Dunbar 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare, tall version of the Janus Occasional table, Model 6047, designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunbar Janus line in 1960. The table contains twenty five original Gertrude and Otto ...
Ceramic, Walnut
Edward Wormley Rosewood Occasional Table for Dunbar with Murano Glass Tile Top
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Occasional Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Forney, TX
A beautiful mid-century custom ordered occasional table, model 426A, designed by Edward Wormley (American, 1907-1995) for Dunbar Furniture; Berne, Indiana. The two-tier Modernist...
Brass
Dunbar Table with Otto and Gertrude Natzler Tiles by Edward Wormley, Signed
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Exquisite side table in African Mahogany with embedded Otto and Gertrude Natzler ceramic tiles designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Look closely at ...
Ceramic, Mahogany
$2,500 / set
Pair of Sheaf of Wheat Tables by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Gorgeous mid-century sheaf of wheat side tables with gorgeous Empress Green Marble tops and brass details, designed in the 1950's by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Tables are in excell...
Marble
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 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 Occasional Table with Murano Mosaic Tiles
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Table with Murano Mosaic Tiles, model 5425, Mahogany wood base, glass tiles with brass edge. Label on underside [Du...
Brass
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
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...
Walnut
4809 Wedge Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A table is an argument about space—how to define it, how to occupy it, how to make it serve. The Model 4809 Wedge Table by Edward Wormley makes its case with quiet authority: pure ge...
Glass, Smoked Glass, Ash, Walnut
Rosewood and Stone X-Base Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A solid rosewood X-base campaign table with leathered marble top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Rosewood
$4,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Edward Wormley Ebonized Mahogany Side Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Edward Wormley ebonized mahogany side table with storage.
Brass
7103 Snack Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR
By Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A Design That Deserves Resurrection Some designs are too good to remain in the archive. The Model 7103 Snack Table, originally conceived by Edward Wormley in 1971 during his final ye...
Ash, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wooden Open Frame End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century wooden end / side tables with a rectangular top with rounded corners, a pedestal base, and an open frame design. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY)(Si...
Wood
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Step End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three-tiered step up side table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950. This table is in wonderful condition and can be used as an end ...
Walnut
Wormley for Dunbar Cantilevered End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Cantilevered end table by Wormley for Dunbar. Original condition, and finish.We have separately listed the other end table, and matching coffee ta...
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Travertine and Light Wood Wedge End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century end / side table with a wedge-shaped beige travertine top resting on a light wood base with connecting stretchers and four dowel legs ending in beige leather wra...
Travertine
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Finished Wooden Two Tier End / Side Table
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 For Dunbar Parsons Style Wooden Stretcher Shelf End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Parsons-style end/side table with a wooden rectangular form with a lower stretcher shelf. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY) Wear and discoloration t...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Finished Three Tier Wooden End / Side Table
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 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...
Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley American Mid-Century Square Wooden End / Side Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century square mahogany end / side tables with an open shelf below the tabletop. (EDWARD WORMLEY)(PRICED AS Pair) Minor wear to finish.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Corner Magazine Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Triangular walnut and mahogany corner side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar c.1940s, USA. The table, model - 5634, showcases a triangular table top with rounded corners and a doubl...
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley Terrazzo Round Side Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round Terrazzo top side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1950s, USA. This table features a terrazzo stone top and mahogany, fluted tripod base. Retains original Dunbar metal la...
Brass
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Side Table, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Sheaf of wheat side table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar very good vintage original condition.
Glass, Walnut
Edward Wormley Midcentury Two Level End Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
A single end table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with square top and a fixed shelf rising on plinth base. USA, circa 1940-1950. Signed with burnished Dunbar name and paper tag to u...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Square Lacquered Wooden Double Shelf End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century square lacquered wooden end / side table with an open shelf below the square top, resting on a solid stepped base that creates as a taller lower shelf. (EDWARD W...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Drexel 'Precedent' Wood and Cork End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century rectangular three-tier end / side tables with blonde wood frames with rounded edges and an inset cork top with two wooden shelves below. (EDWARD WORMLEY ...
Wood, Cork
Edward Wormley Travertine 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 travertine top, which sits atop dark contrasting mahogany base with horizont...
Travertine
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Square Wooden Double Shelf End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century square lacquered wooden end / side tables with an open shelf below the square top, resting on a solid stepped base that creates as a taller lower shelf. ...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Midcentury Side End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar midcentury Side End Table This side table measures: 21 wide x 21 deep x 22.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored v...
Wood
Dunbar Snack Table Floor Lamp, Model 4856, Designed by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hanover, MA
Rare Dunbar floor lamp/snack table combo, Model 4856, designed by Edward Wormley circa 1948. Original Dunbar tag on underside. Slender tapered walnut leg and lamp stem. Round top, 25...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, 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...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Parsons Style Wooden Rectangular End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Parsons-style end table with a wooden rectangular form. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY) Minor wear to finish.
Wood
Edward Wormley For Dunbar Wood Framed Inset Top Low End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century low 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 ...
Wood
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. (...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two Tier Square Wooden End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century two-tier blond wood end / side table with a square top and lower shelf supported by four triangular legs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY) Scuffing...
Wood
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
$3,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Wonderful Pair of Trapezoidal Walnut Side Table with Brass Sabots by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful set of trapezoidal end tables by Edward Wormley with dark walnut tops. The leg bases are ebonized heavyweight wood with antiqued brass fe...
Brass
Magazine Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Triangular walnut and mahogany side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar c.1940s, USA. The table, model - 5313, showcases a triangular walnut table top with rounded corners and a mahog...
Walnut, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5628T Walnut and Tiffany Tile Side Tables - Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5628T Walnut and Tiffany Tile Side Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 20.75 wide x 25 deep x 23.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in ...
Ceramic, Walnut