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.
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Magazine Tree Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Utrecht, NL
Magazine tree, model 4765 by American designer Edward Wormley executed in birch and sap grain walnut, designed in 1947 for Dunbar Furniture USA. A very special, functional and aesth...
Birch, Walnut
Magazine Tree by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An olive green stained walnut magazine tree with cantilevered shelves.
Walnut
Magazine Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A triangular ash table with an inset cream leather top over two web strap magazine holders.
Ash, Leather
1960's Pair of Vintage Chests by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in London, GB
A magnificent pair of vintage chests, these were made in the USA by Dunbar furniture, they were designed by Edward Wormley. Edward Wormley was one of the leading pioneers of mid-cen...
Wood
$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 Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Constellation, Mid Century, Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in South Jordan, UT
Heavily patinated, unique Edward Wormley “Constellation” Side Table for Dunbar, Mid-20th Century. An uncommon Wormley design, this refined side table features a circular off white la...
Ash, Walnut
Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Occasional Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Step End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three-tiered step up side table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950. This table is in wonderful condition and can be used as an end ...
Walnut
$2,850
H 23 in W 32 in D 32 in
1940s Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Mahogany Bookshelf End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
From the 1940s Dunbar Enduring Modern catalog is model # 2193, a single large end table with lower tier bookshelf by Edward J. Wormley. Rounded legs, has divider in center to hold bo...
Mahogany
$4,247 / set
H 36.5 in W 52.5 in D 3 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century 2 Piece Cane King Headboard
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century 2 Piece Cane King Headboard This headboard measures: 52.5 wide x 3 deep x 36.5 inches high ?All pieces of f...
Cane, Wood
$1,807Sale Price|35% Off
H 30 in W 37.25 in D 20.38 in
Mid Century Modern Bar Cart By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Drexel, Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Houston, TX
Mid Century Modern Bar Cart By Edward Wormley For Dunbar,. Offered is a handsome mid century blond wood bar cart or serving cart from the Precedent series designed by Edward Wormley ...
Wood
$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
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...
Wood
$2,500
H 29.75 in W 37 in D 20.5 in
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 ...
Glass, Elm
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 25 in W 18 in D 18 in
After Edward Wormley Dunbar Mid Century Modern Stacked Magazine Rack Table 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Peoria, AZ
This Spectacular stacked Magazine Rack is a Rockstar in Mid Century Collector Circles! Super rare and incredibly useful, these are sought after by professional decorators and knowledgeable mcm aficionados! This magazine rack is in fine vintage condition! The wood is well preserved and lustrous. Age appropriate wear for this type of item. Small dings and abrasions to the wood. This designer furnishing trophy has been well preserved in the Southwest Desert in Scottsdale. This design is after Edward Wormley's stacked magazine rack from 1947 for Dunbar. Some collectors like this one better because the open racks are much visually lighter and better suited to personal interiors. This is probably one of the hardest finds for mcm magazine racks...
Rosewood
Edward Wormley Corner Magazine Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Triangular walnut and mahogany corner side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar c.1940s, USA. The table, model - 5634, showcases a triangular table top with rounded corners and a doubl...
Mahogany, Walnut
Magazine Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Triangular walnut and mahogany side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar c.1940s, USA. The table, model - 5313, showcases a triangular walnut table top with rounded corners and a mahog...
Walnut, Mahogany
Dunbar Burl Column Pedestal by Edward Wormley, 1960's
By Edward Wormley
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Edward Wormley for Dunbar burl and glass pedestal or sculpture stand circa mid 1960's, All original finish with exquisite graining. The pedestal can be plu...
Glass, Burl
Sold
H 24.81 in W 27.96 in D 15.56 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1940's, Usa, Magazine Tree, Stamped by Maker
By Edward Wormley
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Designed in the late 1940's by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Inc , a " Magazine Tree " model No. 4765 in sapped walnut shelves with birch supports. Stamped makers mark to the underside o...
Walnut
Sold
H 24.5 in W 28 in L 24.5 in
Edward Wormley Magazine Table in Dark Birch and Walnut 1950s 'Signed'
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Magazine Tree" model No. 4765 in dark birch with sap walnut shelves by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1950’s (signed with original Dunbar label on bottom). This is an iconic Wo...
Birch, Walnut
Sold
H 26 in W 25 in D 16 in
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Magazine End Tables
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection magazine tables or end tables with four pull-out shelves below an open shelf. Dark brown finish on silver elm, to be refinished prior t...
Elm
Sold
H 24.41 in W 33.86 in D 20.08 in
Edward Wormley Midcentury Magazine Rack for Dunbar in Brass and Wood Brown, 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Milano, IT
A timeless Classic. The Dunbar production relies on designer Edward Wormley to design this elegant magazine rack, which at the same time serves as a cabinet or coffee table. The pec...
Brass
Edward Wormley 'Magazine Tree' Shelves for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Utrecht, NL
Magazine tree, model 4765 by American designer Edward Wormley executed in birch and sap grain walnut, designed in 1947 for Dunbar Furniture USA. A very special, functional and aesth...
Birch, Walnut
Edward J. Wormley ‘Precedent’ Magazine Table for Drexel
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous magazine table designed by Edward J. Wormley for Drexel’s “Precedent” line in the United States circa 1940s. This unique table features a solid walnut-stained beech wood fra...
Walnut
Edward J. Wormley Magazine Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modernist magazine table designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States circa 1950’s. Professionally restored by our expert craftsmen, this Mid-Century modern design f...
Walnut
Edward Wormley Magazine Table Model 5313
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Edward Wormley magazine table model 5313. Manufactured by Dunbar, circa 1953. This table retains the original Dunbar tag to the bottom. This piece has been professionally restored.
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Magazine Tree
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Rosewood and walnut special order magazine tree, model number 4765.
Rosewood, Walnut