Edward Wormley Furniture
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Chair in Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. The chair features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and mohair upholstery with button-tufted backs....
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Mahogany
Pair of Dunbar Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Gold Tag” slipper chairs, in a weaved off-white and light wheat colored Chenille fabric. Together with two pillows and tufted button design. Dark w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Foam, Walnut, Fabric
$9,800 / set
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Sheaf of Wheat” Marble Top Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Marble Coffee Table Signed
Classic and timeless design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, "Sheaf of Wheat" coffee table/side ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of Edward Wormley Leather Armchairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
These gorgeous Wormley revolving/swivel lounge chairs model no. 5609, are truly exceptional. Distinctive Design by a Mid-Century Modern Master, showcasing Wormley's signature blend o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
$19,430 / set
Edward Wormley End Table by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
A beautifully detailed table with great proportions, this Ed Wormley end table by Dunbar features a walnut case and shelf supported by mahogany leg...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Restored Nighstand Chests by Edward Wormley, 1940
s
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Wonderful bachelor's chest by Edward Wormley for his "Precendent" Collection designed for Drexel in 1947. One of the few collections Wormley produced outside of his work with Dunbar. The stately collection comprised over 100 pieces for each room of the home, featuring proprietary curled bar...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Dunbar Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored pair of Dunbar Thebes stools designed by Edward Wormley.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$7,500 / set
Rosewood Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar sculpted rosewood table with glass top.
Category
1970s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Dunbar Lounge Chairs Model 609 by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of rare lounge chairs model 609 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original leather-like vinyl upholstery on Ash frame with brass hardware.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Ash
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cocktail Table with Brass Stretcher, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Furniture
Materials
Brass
A Pair of Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs with tufted upholstery and matching lumbar pillow. The seat issuing square front legs and splayed back legs. Upholstery as is.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Excellent Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Classic roll top desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with leather footrest. This stately executive desk is beautifully constructed of rosewood and mahogany. With two sliding roll-tops,...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Palle Suenson Side Table in Solid Teak with Edward Wormley Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Robert Sonneman
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Palle Suenson, side table, teak, Denmark, c. 1940
Striking Scandinavian Modern side table by Danish architect and designer Palle Suenson (1904-1987). This particular table is spec...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Metal
Early Elegant Custom Edward Wormley Console for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley American Mid-Century Convertible Stacking Occasional Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century Rectangular Convertible Stacking Occasional Tables with solid oak tops and sides (PRICED AS Pair) (EDWARD WORMLEY)
When fully extended, the top is 27.5"...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley and Produced by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A newly upholstered sofa made by Dunbar and designed by Edward Wormley, circa 1965.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley End Table By Dunbar In Walnut Case And Shelf Supported By Mahogany Legs With Round Carpet Caster Feet And Rosewood And Brass Drawer Pull.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armchairs in Pink Striped Upholstery
By Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, stained ash, fabric, United States, 1960s
These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixtie...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Ash
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This comfortable pair of Mid-Century slipper chairs feature the iconic design of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Vintage fabric on simple modern frames make an impressive addition to home...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$3,640 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Category
20th Century Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Architectural Designer Desk Chair By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Architectural Designer Desk Chair By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Wood shows some wear. I think will benefit from some touching up from a refinishe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley Rosewood and Walnut Chests
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century 7-drawer chest with graduated drawer sizing, thin plywood drawer pulls on the sides of each drawer front, all in rosewood and walnut veneer, resting on f...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
$16,500 / set
Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Iconic Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Crafted with timeless elegance, this piece boasts clean lines, rich wood grain, and sleek brass accents. Perf...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Rolling Bar Cart
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pistachio green rolling bar cart from the Precedent series by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1960.
3 tiered rolling cart featuring a textured glass top and casters.
Precedent by Drexel...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4872a Lounge Chair With Solid Aluminum Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s model 4872A lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This chair comes from the recently demolished Edward Mccormick Blair House in Chicago Illinois desig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Fine Edward Wormley Mirror for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
A fine Edward Wormley mirror for Dunbar. Thin wood profile.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Furniture
Materials
Glass, Olive
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Secretary
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Very rare desk secretary designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Functional five drawers and letter slots on turned brass knobs and feet. With original Dunb...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley armchairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Edward Wormley armchairs
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$6,600 / set
Dunbar Model No. 294W Desk Chair / Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Deland, FL
The Model No. 294W chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar is the intersection of sophistication and quality. The frame is crafted from mahogany and the seat is found in period upholstery.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar circa 1950s on solid brass castors. The lounge chair has a trapezoid shape, wider in the front (27.5" W) and tapers to the back....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Edward Wormley furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley furniture 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 furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture 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 furniture by Dunbar, Paul McCobb, and Herman Miller. Prices for Edward Wormley furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $225 and can go as high as $119,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,846.
Creators Similar to Edward Wormley
Questions About Edward Wormley Furniture
- 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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Edward Wormley Sofas
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Edward Wormley Side Tables
Edward Wormley End Tables
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Edward Wormley Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Edward Wormley Dining Room Chairs
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Edward Wormley Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Edward Wormley Dining Room Tables
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs
Edward Wormley Cabinets