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 for Dunbar Flip-Top Expandable Table and Brass Castors
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant and highly functional, this Edward Wormley for Dunbar flip-top table exemplifies the designer’s mastery of refined modernism and thoughtful versatility. Crafted in richly gra...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1960s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with brass-capped feet. Measures: 54"W x ...
Brass
Expertly Restored-Edward J. Wormley Model-5964 Expanding Dining Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut extension dining table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Measures: 66.5"W x 44.25"D x 29.75"H. Extends up to 114.5"W with ...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Janus Sofa Corner Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Janus Sofa Corner Table This table measures: 74 wide x 28.25 deep x 30 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Small Areas of Stain Wea...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern hexagonal dining table or game table in gorgeous book-matched rosewood By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1960s Measures 51.75"W x 45"D ...
Rosewood
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 Murano Tile Occasional Table for Dunbar, c.1955
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Edward Wormley Murano Tile Occasional Table for Dunbar, circa 1955.
Brass
$1,807Sale Price|35% Off
Mid Century Modern Bar Cart By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Drexel, Edward Wormley
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
$5,800 / set
A Pair of Dunbar Three Tier Occasional Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar three tier occasional tables # 4423. Refinished in dark brown walnut.
Mahogany
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 Tall Janus Occasional Table with Natzler Tiles for Dunbar 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
1950s Walnut and cane executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Walnut, cane, brass, and rosewood executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950s. Massive desk with executive proportions. Large 72"x38" desktop surface with imp...
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Tables with Natzler Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar occasional tables with Natzler tiles from the Janus Collection. Custom ordered from Dunbar, tiles described as "Jade." Mahogany construction ...
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
$5,600 / item
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
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 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
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 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
Game Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A bleached mahogany game table with cork lined drawers 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
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Elm Magazine Library Table
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent mid century elm magazine library table The table measures: 25 wide x 16 deep x 26.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...
Wood, Elm
$4,600Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley Bleached Mahogany Corner Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Minimalist design bleached mahogany corner table number 4977. Nicely grained woods with open design and expert craftsma...
Mahogany
Three Tier Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A three tier table in dark mahogany by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
Pair of Birdseye Maple Burl and Resin Cube Side Tables by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Mateo, CA
Cube side tables or pedestals made by Dunbar. Edward Wormley designed these unusual and uncommon tables. These have a birds eye maple burl top and band along the bottom. The black is...
Epoxy Resin, Birdseye Maple
$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
Rotating Library Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A bleached mahogany library table with patinated leather top. The table rotates as the top and base remain stationary. Designd by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley #5928 A Table Walnut, Brass and Verde Antico Marble for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brass, Ash Wood and Glass Tulip Side Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare variation of the more commonly seen tulip end table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Where as the original iteration of this table utilizes wood risers, this version uses brass. A ...
Brass
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
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
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Precedent Drop Leaf Dining Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in New York, NY
Attractive white elm drop leaf dining table, designed by Edward Wormley as part of the classic Precedent series, manufactured by Drexel. The table features two large drop leaves, eac...
Elm
Round Tiered Side Table in Mahogany & Walnut by Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Troy, MI
Early model 5926 lamp table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar USA circa 1950s Two tier design with round Walnut surfaces supported by three sculpted mahogany legs with subtle co...
Mahogany, Walnut
Staggering Vintage Bookmatch Burl Elm Dining Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
A breathtaking restored heavy-duty Parsons style extension dining table by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1975. Exquisite bookmatched Butterfly patterned elm veneer ov...
Elm, Maple
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 Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An elegant two tiered mahogany table on three legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Side Table, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Sheaf of wheat side table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar very good vintage original condition.
Glass, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Table with Murano Mosaic Tiles
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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 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
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
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...
Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Occasional Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Wormley for Dunbar Cantilevered End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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
Walnut Dining Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A ten foot dining table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with expressively grained walnut top and base with brass cleats. The table has three 12'" leaves. Beautifully refinished.
Walnut
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
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
Rosewood Roll top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452. All Original
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk in very good completely original condition. Two rolltops, one on each side and three drawers. Large work se...
Brass
$5,520Sale Price|20% Off
Dunbar Wormley Dining Table in Rosewood Model 936 C 1950/1960's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Stunning rosewood dining table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. The table features a rich and vibrant rosewood veneer top on an architectural pedestal base, with original metal disk...
Rosewood
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
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lazy Susan Walnut Dining Table MCM
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptionally rare and architecturally refined fondue table designed by Edward Wormley (American, 1907–1995) for the Dunbar Furniture Company, Berne, Indiana, dating to the late 1...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Flip Top Dining or Game Table, Newly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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 for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany End Tables - Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 27 wide x 27.5 deep x 22.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we cal...
Mahogany
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
$1,750Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of Sheaf of Wheat Tables by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Extension Dining Table Seats 6 To12
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar extension dining table seats 6 to12, This special piece custom for the Los Angeles Showroom (tag underside). Etimoe African Rosewood top with cross grain e...
Wood, Mahogany, Rosewood