Edward Wormley Tables
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 Travertine and Dark 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 dark wooden base with connecting stretchers and four dowel legs ending in black leather wr...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Travertine
Edward Wormley Precedent Collection for Drexel Bar Cart Server in Dark Espresso
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection bar cart or server. Refinished in dark espresso on silver elm with textured glass top and tapered legs on casters. Edward Wormley also ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Glass, Elm
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Circular Blond Maple Two-Tier End / Side T
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century wooden pedestal desk with four drawers with wooden drawer pulls, a shelf on the right-hand side below the tabletop, and a cabinet to the left with an extendable ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Wood, Maple
Edward Wormley for Dunbar American Mid-Century Dark Walnut Janus Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century cabinet with a dark stained walnut cabinet with two hinged doors, a dovetail connected top, and key hole, resting on four ball casters. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBA...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Dunbar Walnut Coffee or End Table Model # 3374 by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Elegant Dunbar walnut coffee or end table with triangle legs and black polished laminate top, model # 3374 designed by Edward Wormley.
Original sticker with serial number under the...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Wood
Set of 2 Cantilever End Tables by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
A set of two cantilever top end tables--one with shelf and the other without—for a less "matched" look. Made by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950.
Made of mahogany and pr...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Wood
Coffee table by Edward Wormley / Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Zurich, CH
Beautiful elongated coffee table with ceramic inlays by Edward Wormley, has been refinished in original stain color.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Ceramic, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern "Long John" Coffee Table By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long, low, mid-century modern, "Long John" coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features a beautifully grained, walnut paneled top with upturned edges and bentwood hairpin legs....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Tall Travertine End Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of tall wedge shaped travertine top tables with mahogany bases and leather wrapped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Travertine
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Two Tier Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Two Tier Coffee Table
This table measures: 48 wide x 27.75 deep x 22 inches high
Restor...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus coffee table. The table is walnut with a geometric shape and the centre has five, round, Tiffany Studios glas...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Walnut, Glass
Serving Cart # 242-9 By Edward Wormley for Drexel, 1947
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
1947 Serving Cart by Edward Wormley for Precedent for Drexel. Factory no. 252-5 Stenciled label
Additional information:
Materials: Elm
Documentation: Signed
Origin: United States
Pe...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Elm
Edward Wormley Janus Occasional #5630 Walnut and Sap Walnut Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lynn, MA
Edward Wormley Janus Occasional Table for Dunbar. Cataloged as #5630 table. Striking grain pattern and color. Bottom shelf supported underneath by subtle brass supports. Octagonal s...
Category
20th Century American Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Brass
Uncommon Edward Wormley for Dunbar Flip Top Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Flip top coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. In a dark espresso finish with brass capped feet. Table top starts at a 27” by 18” s...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Brass
Magazine Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar magazine table with bentwood holders.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Walnut
Burl Elm Pentagonal Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pentagonal coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1970.
Burl elm wood table top with walnut trim and a walnut base.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Dunbar Dining Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully grained walnut dining table with leather wrapped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Table measures 60" diameter and has a 20" leaf.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Travertine Dining Table / Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early bleached mahogany and travertine table / desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Travertine
Dunbar Console or Sofa Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and walnut console table with rosewood pulls. The table features book holders on either side and three drawers. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Brass and Mahogany Nesting Table Set
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century brass and mahogany nesting table set
The table measure: 28 wide x 20 deep x 22.25 inches high; the nesting tables measure 13 wide x 17.5 deep...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley "Janus" Occasional Tables with Natzler Tiles for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Extraordinary and rare, a pair of oversized Dunbar occasional tables in walnut and brass with 36 inlaid, glazed earthenware handmade circular jade tiles executed by Gertrud and Otto ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Ceramic, Walnut
$25,600 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Side End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Side End Table
22 wide x 28 deep x 22.25 high
See below for 5 ways to save!
FREE RESTORATION: When you purchase a piece ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Brass
Stunning Dunbar Edward Wormley Burled Olivewood Octagon Drum Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Dunbar Edward Wormley burled olivewood octagonal columnar table base supporting a thick round glass top.
This table measures: 42 in diameter x 17 in height, glass .75 inch ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
Materials
Glass, Burl
$3,960 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Tables
Materials
Marble
Rare Edward Wormley Lamp Table by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This table lamp by Edward Wormley is an exceedingly rare variation on the model 5410 by Dunbar. The model 5410 was produced with a couple base variations, but this example has severa...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables
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 Tables
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley End Table by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Tables
Materials
Brass
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 Tables
Materials
Rosewood
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 Tables
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 Tables
Materials
Metal
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 Tables
Materials
Brass
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 Tables
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 Tables
Materials
Wood
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 Tables
Materials
Brass
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 Tables
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 Tables
Materials
Glass, Olive
Edward Wormley tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley tables 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 tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original tables 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 tables by Dunbar, Paul McCobb, and Knoll. Prices for Edward Wormley tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $750 and can go as high as $58,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,400.
Creators Similar to Edward Wormley
Questions About Edward Wormley Tables
- 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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