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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
Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Travertine, Mahogany
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Wood Stepped Oblong End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century stepped end / side table with an oblong profile and smaller demilune upper shelf connected to the table top by two dowel supports, resting on three reverse taper...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

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 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

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Light Wooden Open Frame End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century blond wood end / side table with a rectangular top with rounded corners, a pedestal base, and an open frame design. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY)...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Light Finished Wooden Two Tier End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century two-tier end / side table with a square top with a shallow gallery above a lower shelf containing a single drawer supported by two reverse tapered legs. (EDWARD ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

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...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Dunbar Walnut Coffee or End Table Model # 3374 by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Blond Wooden Open Frame End / Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century blond wood end / side table with a rectangular top with rounded corners, a pedestal base, and an open frame design. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY)...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Dunbar Edward Wormley Polygon End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
A mahogany end table with polygon top. Made by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1960. Signed with Dunbar brass tag. Dark brown finish. Dimensions: 20" L × 19" D x 19.5" H. Loc...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Walnut Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950 s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly detailed and finely crafted set of nesting tables in light walnut.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

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

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Midcentury Travertine Wedge Tables, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar midcentury travertine wedge tables - pair. Each table measures: 17.25 wide x 27.25 deep x 21.25 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Travertine

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

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Side End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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

Elusive Set 3 Nest / Stackings Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare and stunning set of 3 nest / stacking tables designed by Edward Wormley, made by the Dunbar Furn. Corporation,, Wonderful stacked wood laminate construction, painted metal legs, Ingenious designmmm Great label explaining colors, Fern, Pompeiian Red and Maple Sugar...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Expandable Green Green Dining Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare expandable dining table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Known as the Greene & Greene table for its crafted look with exposed tenons. The table folds open on the ends an...
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

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

Uncommon Edward Wormley for Dunbar Flip Top Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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

Pair of Dunbar Game / End Tables with Natzler Tiles
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar large scale end tables or small game tables with inset Natzler ceramic tiles. Priced and sold individually.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

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

Twelve Dunbar Greene Greene Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An extremely rare set of twelve dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Known as the Greene & Greene chair for it's crafted look with exposed tenon crest rail, rosewood ...
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

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

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century coffee table This table measures: 28 wide x 28 deep x 26 inches high All pieces of furnitur...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern "Long John" Coffee Table By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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

Vanity Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A cherry dressing table or vanity, with a beautifully bevelled drawer, Lucite pull and gallery edges, over double-forked base with chromed suppor...
Category

1960s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Steel

End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 "Long John" Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Long John" bench/table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with slat-style top, turned edge and great curved legs. This is the long version. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - wit...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Teak

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

Serving Cart # 242-9 By Edward Wormley for Drexel, 1947
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
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 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

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

A Fine Edward Wormley Coffee Table for Dunbar in Exotic Burl
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Exotic Burl Grain Coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Exceptional selection of Burl Wood matched on top in 4 sections. A variation on the Parsons stretcher form with Triangul...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Burl

Vintage Boho Edward Wormley for Dunbar Terrazzo Top Side Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Presenting a truly iconic piece of American design: this Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stone Top Side Table. A testament to Wormley's unparalleled vision and Dunbar's commitment ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Stone, 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

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bar Cart
By Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bar cart by Dunbar. Glass top with two leaves. Made of mahogany.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany

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

Telephone Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized and polished dark mahogany telephone cabinet or vanity table having a storage drawer and an innovative fold-out bench.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Set of 3 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Iron Wood Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 3 American Mid-Century nesting tables with finished wooden plank tops resting on iron frames. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY)(PRICED AS Set) Wear to finish.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Iron

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Figured Maple and Rosewood Cocktail Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare Wormley table bentwood burl maple with ebonized rosewood tapered legs. Tray style.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Rosewood

Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant rosewood and mahogany campaign desk having three drawers and two rosewood roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash,...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Brass

Asymmetrical Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low console or table with a spare mahogany frame that supports an asymmetrical top with brass capped feet.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Walnut Coffee Table with Stone Inlay for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley extending coffee table for Dunbar, c.1960s, USA. The walnut table features a brass edge detailing around all sides of table. Once extended the table reveals two stone ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Stone, Brass

Vanity or Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid wood double pedestal desk or vanity with demilune curve to accommodate seating and vertically stacked dowel drawer pulls.
Category

1950s 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

Tiered End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A two-tiered round end table on three legs with single drawer. Shelf height is 16.5".
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A bleached walnut 'Parsons' end table.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mahogany Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An octagonal mahogany writing desk designed by Edward Wormley with a single drawer. Made by Dunbar in the USA, circa 1957.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare low Dunbar "Parson's" end table with the original yellow-orange lacquered frame and a black epoxy top with a constellation of random walnut doy inlays.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

Occasional Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1941
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An interesting and uncommon occasional table on casters having a cruciform structure intersected by two circular planes, the top of the table surfaced with leather.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Brass

Tapered Leg Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A tailored two-level square end or lamp table in walnut having splayed tapering legs.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Wood

End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fine and uncommon pair of end tables having sculptural exposed frames in stained mahogany and expressive floating tops of molded birch with upturned edges.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Birch

End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Dunbar's low walnut "Janus" end table of Asian inspiration, with raised edges to the legs and diagonal "cloud-lift" stretchers.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Tables

Materials

Walnut

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.
Questions About Edward Wormley Tables
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Edward 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.