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.
Dining Extension Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
This expertly restored Dunbar dining table seamlessly blends mid-century ingenuity with timeless luxury. Professionally refinished in a rich espresso stain and sealed with a clear sa...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar #6019 Side Table with Removable Trey
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A carpathian elm and walnut model #6019 table with removable Tray and brass cleats by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Rosewood Clover Game Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
The clover game table in rosewood and mahogany by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. 62.5" dia. Refinished. Dunbar chairs available separately.
Rosewood
Expertly Restored-Edward J. Wormley Model-5964 Expanding Dining Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 29.25in H x 48in -108in W x 48in D 4x Leaves - 15in each Materials: Walnut Wood, Brass Sabots ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Centu...
Brass
$5,520Sale Price|20% Off
Dunbar Wormley Dining Table in Rosewood Model 936 C 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
Pair of Low Mahogany and Brass Pedestal Side Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Low Pedestal Occasional Side Tables Stained Mahogany with Brass Trimmed Sabot Model #5928C by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960 D-shaped Metal Tag on underside of each T...
Brass
1950s Walnut and cane executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Mid-Century Walnut and Rosewood Executive Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Edward J. Wormely for Dunbar executive desk in walnut with deeply sculpted inset rosewood drawer pulls, brass shoes, and removable woven cane privacy screen (ca. 1950s, Indiana, USA)...
Brass
$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
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 Murano Tile Occasional Table for Dunbar, c.1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Edward Wormley Murano Tile Occasional Table for Dunbar, circa 1955.
Brass
Mid Century Vanity by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking mid-century modern modular vanity desk featuring a dramatic matte black ebonized finish. The architectural drop-center design features twin four-drawer pedestals with slee...
Mahogany
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
Pair of Shell Console Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A matching pair of bleached mahogany, hand carved shell console tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Three Tier Mahogany Occasional Table, Model 4423
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Toluca Ter, CA
Restored three-tier mahogany occasional table by Edward Wormley, Model 4423, produced by Dunbar in Indiana c. late 1940s. This design bears striking resemblance to a Robsjohn-Gibbin...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slate Pedestal Side Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Dunbar slate top side table consisting of black slate, solid mahogany, and a brass trimmed sabot. This table rarely surfaces, and would make a great end table, bedside table or can e...
Slate, Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Side End Tables - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Side End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 18 wide x 27 deep x 22.25 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Minor Scrat...
Brass
Walnut End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An oversized walnut end table / tea table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
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
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 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
$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
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Precedent Drop Leaf Dining Table by Edward Wormley
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
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
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
$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
Early Dunbar Leather Curved Desk and Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original lilac leather and bleached mahogany curved desk with built in bookshelves. The drawers are hinged and swing open. The original ...
Leather
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
Dunbar Travertine Top Sheaf of Wheat End Tables or Nightstands Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Pair of "Sheaf of Wheat" Model Side Tables, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s. The wood bases are currently being refinished and can be completed i...
Travertine
Ed Wormley for Dunbar Ash and Laminate Console Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart Edward Wormley for Dunbar C1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous bar cart/server with a drop down top which is 27 inches and 54 when raised, shelves for bottles, cupboard for glasses and other necessities. Model # 5433 created out of waln...
Brass
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 Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Desk, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency, or Art Deco writing desk By Edward Wormley for Dunbar USA, 1960s Gorgeous laminated walnut case, with burl wood drawer fronts, an...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 6302E Olive Burl Pedestal Table with Dry Bar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A refined and highly functional design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this Model 6302E pedestal table exemplifies the designer’s masterful balance of organic materiality and architect...
Slate
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
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 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"W x 44.25"D x 29.5"H. Extends up to 114"W with two 2...
Walnut
Edward Wormley Round Travertine Side Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Rosewood Roll top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452. All Original
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Handsome Edward Wormley Precedent Collection Bar Cart, Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent collection bar cart. Original light finish with textured glass top and tapered legs on casters. This piece is in vintage condition and do...
Elm
Edward Wormley, Console Table, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Staggering Vintage Bookmatch Burl Elm Dining Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley Round two tier Walnut Coffee table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lynn, MA
Round two tier walnut coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fantastic grains. Ready for use
Walnut
Sheaf of Wheat Travertine Top Coffee Table by Edward Wormley, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 #5427 Mahogany, Brass & Murano Glass Tile Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Dunbar End Side Table with Gertrud and Otto Natzler Ceramic Tiles
By Dunbar Furniture, Gertrud and Otto Natzler, Edward Wormley
Located in Studio City, CA
This very rare and absolutely stunning Edward Wormley designed end/ occasional table for Dunbar Furniture for their "Janus" collection, circa 1956-1957 comes with inlaid, glazed tile...
Ceramic, Wood
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 Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century Model 452 Rosewood Tambour door executive desk This desk measures: 74.5 wide x 28 deep x 35 high, with a chair clearance of 24 inches We take ...
Rosewood
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
Edward Wormley Dunbar Mid Century Modern End Tables, A Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New Windsor, NY
A fine pair of Edward Wormley designed end tables for Dunbar. Each table is signed with the distinct Dunbar, Berne, Indiana gold metal tag. Circa 1960. Triangular book matched veneer...
Wood, Mahogany
Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood tambour roll top desk with brass feet and leather trim. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and Mahogany Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and rosewood side table deigned by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Rosewood
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
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
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
Marble Top Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A low coffee table with three legged mahogany base, brass feet and stone top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Marble
Petite Vanity/Writing Table with Stool Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mahogany vanity/writing table with corresponding naugahyde stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1950s, Indiana, USA). Angu...
Naugahyde, Laminate, Mahogany
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 – Rare Vanity and/or Writing Desk, circa 1945
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar – Rare Vanity and/or Writing Desk, circa 1945 This exquisite desk features a mahogany wood construction with an oil finish, topped with new Edelman cherry c...
Mahogany