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.
$1,040Sale Price|25% Off
Edward Wormley Drexel Precedent Nightstand
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Precedent four drawer nightstand. Beautiful in design and material, the Precedent series was designed by Edward Wormley in 1947. Nightstand features wood construction, four pull-o...
Bronze
Bleached Mahogany Nightstands with Leather Bases by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful set of early minimalist nightstands designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Constructed of bleached mahogany cases with inset matching hardware and leather wrapped bases. Pr...
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Dunbar Night Stands Walnut With Rosewood Handles Ca' 1950's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic night stands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Single drawer with lower shelf, quality walnut construction, rosewood handles, solid brass gliders. The backs are finishe...
Mahogany, Rosewood
Lovely Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Nightstand Mid-Century Modern
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel precedent end tables or nightstands. These pieces are in vintage condition and do show wear to the finish-we recommend refinishing or lacquer...
Brass
$2,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Teak and Mahogany Mid Century Nightstands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This striking pair of mid-century Minimalist teak and mahogany wood nightstands features a single drawer and cubby hole, with a sleek profile designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunba...
Teak
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Louvered Five Drawer Nightstand
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A louvered front five drawer nightstand designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Matching dresser available separately.
Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Nightstands or Small Chests
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of silver elm nightstands in dark brown finish with brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for the Precedent collection by Drexel, design...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nightstand, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nightstand, 1960’s. Original great condition with 4 leuvered drawers, velvet lined jewelry divider in top drawer and base is wrapped in leather. Measures 2...
Leather, Velvet, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century nightstand This nightstand measures: 23 wide x 18 deep x 23.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can b...
Brass
$10,500 / set
Pair of Night Stands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of ebonized 'French polish' mahogany nightstands with adjustable inner shelf and opposing hinges.
Brass
Edward Wormley Nightstands for Dunbar in Walnut with Mahogany Frame Ebony Pulls
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
These extraordinarily beautiful and generously proportioned nightstands were designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and manufactured in the 1960s. Bookmatched American walnut woodgra...
Brass
Pair of Rare Edward Wormley Dunbar for Modern Elegant Nightstands or End Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare and very elegant pair of nightstands or end tables designed by Edward Wormley in dark stained mahogany with travertine tops, single drawer has open circular brass pull, from his...
Travertine, Brass
Early Edward Wormley Step End Tables / Nightstands for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley step end tables for Dunbar.
Wood
Restored Pair of Chests by Edward Wormley, circa 1947
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful pair of Modern chests by Edward Wormley for Drexel, circa 1947. Expertly constructed in silver elm and finished in cream lacquer. The functional size and scale allow for ...
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent End Tables
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Buffalo, NY
Refined simplicity designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel. The end tables are part of the Precedent collection that he produced in the 1950s. Professionally restored, stunning off whi...
Brass
$2,350
H 36 in W 81.5 in D 2 in
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar King Size Headboard in Cane
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A lovely modern design king size headboard by Edward Miller for Dunbar. It features a solid dark brown stained mahogany frame with beautiful caning. All original and in great shape.
Cane, Mahogany
$3,250
H 28.5 in W 20 in D 17 in
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Nightstands or Small Chests
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of silver elm nightstands in dark brown finish with brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for the Precedent collection by Drexel, design...
Brass
$2,784Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 24.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
Pair of Tai Ming Burl Wood Nightstands by Drexel, Asian Modern Style, 1970s
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome pair of Tai Ming nightstands by Drexel, produced as part of the company’s celebrated Asian-inspired Tai Ming collection in the 1970s. These cabinets beautifully blend trad...
Walnut
Drexel Consensus Collection Nightstand-A Pair
By Drexel
Located in Bensalem, PA
This 1970s nightstand by Drexel comes in warm toned wood, with artful bookmatched veneer top on rectilinear legs and crossed stretcher; single drawer with brass pull included. Markin...
Brass
$2,247
H 26.25 in W 25 in D 16 in
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Elm Magazine Library Table
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
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
Pair of Declaration Nightstands by Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Drexel, Stewart MacDougall, Kipp Stewart
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is an exceptional pair of all original Mid-Century Modern nightstands side tables, designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart McDougall for Drexel furniture. They are part of the Decl...
Brass
$2,750
H 38.5 in W 56.25 in D 1.25 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar American Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Headboard
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce Mid-Century Modern mahogany headboard with rattan caning designed by Edward Wormley (American, 1907-1995) for Dunbar. Stamped plaque to eac...
Rattan, Mahogany
Pair of Mid Century Modern Two Drawer Nightstands by Drexel
By Milo Baughman, Drexel
Located in Freehold, NJ
This pair of mid century modern nightstands by Milo Baughman for Drexel feature hardwood construction, maple veneer with original finish, newly refinished tops, two dovetailed drawer...
Chrome
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century nightstand This nightstand measures: 23 wide x 18 deep x 23.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can b...
Brass
Kipp Stewart Drexel Declaration Nightstand
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A stunning figured walnut night stand by Kipp Stewart for the Drexel Declaration line. The top shelf floats above two drawers with handsome porcelai...
Drexel Heritage Modern Art Deco Nightstands, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of Modern Art Deco sculpted maple nightstands By Drexel Heritage USA, 1980s Measures: 24"W x 17.5"D x 24.5"H. Good original vintage condition.
Maple
Two 1950s Night Stands
Located in Paris, FR
Two 1950s night stands in oak veneer and oak plywood; iron base with legs fitted in gilded brass; one drawer.
Metal, Bronze
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nightstands, Walnut and Leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare pare of nightstands designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1950s. Features a bleached walnut body complete with patinated leather accents for the drawer pull and feet. Th...
Walnut
Sold
H 22.25 in W 22 in D 28 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut and Brass Nightstands or End Tables, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern side tables or nightstands By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Walnut, with brass-capped feet. Each measures: 22"W x 28"D ...
Brass
Pair of Benches / Nightstands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of cabinets with attached benches, perfect as large nightstands. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Mahogany and walnut with original orange vinyl upholstery.
Mahogany
Sold
H 27.25 in W 17 in D 13.5 in
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Night Stands with Bookshelves 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 precision. With ove...
Walnut, Wood, Mahogany
Pair of Nightstands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of night stands in oak, teak and rosewood with brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Oak, Teak
Sold
H 28.5 in W 20 in D 17.5 in
Edward Wormley Pair of Nightstands Precedent Line Drexel, 1950s / 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Camden, ME
Edward Wormley pair of nightstands for the Precedent collection by Drexel, circa 1947 The pair of silver elm nightstands have been refinished in a blac...
Brass
Pair of Nightstands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of mahogany nightstands with floating walnut drawers and marble tops. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Marble
Dunbar Travertine Sheaf of Wheat Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant "Sheaf of Wheat" Model Mid Century table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1950s. Elegant hourglass shaped base surmounted by a beautiful travertine top...
Travertine, Brass
Sold
H 25.75 in W 25 in D 17 in
Pair NIghtstands /End Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. SolidTeak, English Oak
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of night stands / end or side tables designed by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, 1950s. Solid Teak sculptural frames with English Brown Oak...
Oak, Teak
1940's, Mid-Century Modern Nightstands by Edward Wormley, a Pair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-century Modern night stands for sale. Designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel, and manufactured in 1947. These are made of elm, and have solid brass handles. The nightstand...
Elm
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstands, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century nightstands - pair Each nightstand measures: 33 wide x 18 deep x 24 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restore...
Brass
Sold
H 25.25 in W 16 in D 13 in
Pair Mahogany Night Stands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of nightstands designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Each features two openings for placing items as well as a single drawer. These two toned African Mahogany pieces hav...
Mahogany