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Edward Wormley Cabinets

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
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Boston, MA
Edward Wormely for Dunbar cabinet, circa 1950s. Presented in mahogany, showing lovely woodgrain details. Two doors open to three adjustable selves. Perfect size for various uses. Met...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wave Credenza
By Edward Wormley
Located in Boston, MA
Edward Wormely for Dunbar credenza or sideboard, circa 1950s. Presented in mahogany, showing lovely woodgrain details. Wave form sliding doors flank the center drawers. Beautiful cra...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Restored Edward Wormley Dunbar Walnut & Leather 8-Drawer Dresser or Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This dresser was designed by decorated design icon Edward Wormly for equally revered manufacturer Dunbar Furniture. Known for hundreds of successful designs and exceptional quality, ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Edward Wormley, Cabinet, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A bleached mahogany cabinet designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, c. 1950s.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Floating Cabinets by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Elevate your interior with these exquisite mid-century floating cabinets, masterfully designed by the iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s and meticulously restored to their...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Edward Wormley Japanese Print Block Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful example from Mr. Wormley's most prolific period. A walnut case surrounds 4 doors highlighted with Antique Japanese Printers Blocks. Hand carved in Rosewood. Manufacturer'...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Drexel Walnut Office File Cabinets
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of handsome, walnut, office, filing cabinets by Edward Wormley for Drexel roll on casters with front and top loading, drawer and hanging file storage. One cabinet is shallower a...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Dunbar Double Sliding Door Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley solid walnut cased cabinet with two sliding doors supported on four legged brass frame with walnut caps on the feet. Original Dunbar label on the back.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley, Dressers, Elm, USA, 1950s
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of "Precedent Line" elm dressers or chests of drawers, designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Drexel, USA c. 1950s.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Elm

Pair of Dunbar Tambour Cabinets by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of two toned tambour door serpentine cabinets designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Walnut Cabinet by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
Simple, clean-lined and versatile, this Ed Wormley cabinet by Dunbar features two bi-fold doors concealing one compartment with two shelves. Subtle ...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Rare Olive Burl Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and beautiful two-door cabinet with solid brass knockers and Spanish marble top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Has two adjustable shelves and the original 'D' key.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Marble

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Chinese Printing Blocks
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut cabinet with brass cleats, rosewood drawers and antique Chinese printing blocks. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Midcentury Edward Wormley Dunbar Walnut Showcase Curio Display Cabinet Bookcase
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dayton, OH
"This impressive showcase / room divider was a Custom order designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Features a rectangular walnut case raised over large silver tapered metal legs The ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut cabinet with leather wrapped handles and spruce sliding doors. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Dunbar Tambour Cabinets by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of cerused tambour door serpentine cabinets designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Table Top Jewelry Chest, Walnut, Brass Pulls Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Signed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare table top jewelry case / cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Signed with the brass Dunbar metal tag. Walnut case and brass pulls. Two drawers...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Tambour Door Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 959
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A chic and versatile cabinet with blond tamowood top and burnt almond walnut tambour doors on a dark mahogany case. Nice details like the razor-thin brass door pulls, and dappled var...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Woven Front Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A large mahogany cabinet with woven bleached rosewood sliding doors on brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Dunbar Cabinet in Burl, Brass Mahogany and Yellow / Gold Lamartine Marble
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Dunbar cabinet designed by Edward Wormley with burl wood case, mahogany frame and legs with gold / yellow Lamartine Marble top. The two doors lock with the original key and open...
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Brass

Restored Edward Wormley Dunbar White Enamel Walnut Leather Cabinet Dresser 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning large double dresser in restored white enamel case, with warmly contrasting figured and book-matched walnut drawer fronts, having brown leather wrapped handles. This well-...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Enamel

Dunbar Room Divider by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A two piece mahogany room divider with Japanese wood block printers plates. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Restored
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Mahogany storage cabinet with woven sliding doors and drawers designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The two sliding doors have fronts woven with thin pieces of mahogany and nickel p...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Nickel

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chest with Natzler Ceramic Pulls
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model 5770 Janus Collection chest of drawers featuring brass pulls with inset purple-blue demi-lune Natzler ceramic tiles, and exaggerated dovetail knuckle joints on tops, sides, and...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

#6027 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Super Structure Display Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Super Structure display cabinet Stunning cabinet constructed of dark walnut with a brass plated plinth base. Concave fron...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Beautiful Pedestal Cabinet in Olive Burl, 1963
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Pedestal model 6302A in natural olive burl with hinged door and interior cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1963. Comes with original D key. Original paper label on botto...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar cabinet with brass Asian hardware. All original dark had rubbed finish on ribbon mahogany, top will be polished and touched up prior t...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nightstands
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early minimalist nightstands designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautiful bleached mahogany cases with inset matching hardware and leather wrapped bases. Very functional set and ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Two Signed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized Walnut Woven Front Credenzas
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Two signed Edward Wormley for Dunbar ebonized walnut woven front credenzas with brass fittings. One piece is a darker walnut than the other so they are not exactly matching in colora...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Small Mid-Century Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this trim mid-century cabinet in walnut-stained mahogany features recessed door pulls and a matching leather...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Console Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful walnut and mahogany console with stone top. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley, Pair of Rare Dressers, Walnut, Steel, Dunbar, America, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rare modernist cabinets or dressers. In stained walnut, legs in steel. Designed by Edward Wormley. Produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, 1950s. Other designers of the per...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Superstructure Wall Unit or Room Divider, Restored
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional "superstructure" wall unit display cabinet or room divider By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Concave cabinet...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Brass Hardware, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful sideboard cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, made of sandalwood with solid brass hardware. Cabinet has drawers on each side, center Lucite pull out shelf and on...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Dunbar Cabinet, Mahogany and Brass, Four Doors, One Drawer, Excellent
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Storage chest or cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Expertly refinished mahogany case with solid brass hardware. Two wide center drawers reveal an adjustable shelf. Two o...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Primavera Mahogany Commode
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5-drawer cabinet, mahogany wood with tapered brass legs. [metal tag Dunbar].
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Dunbar Woven Front Chest, Mahogany, Brushed Nickel, Signed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormely for Dunbar woven front chest, mahogany and brushed nickel, signed. Medium scale commode, No. 4465, with two woven front sliding doors, two top exterior drawers and a f...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Nickel

Drop Tambour Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and uncommon drop tambour front cabinet of bleached walnut having recessed finger pulls, the cabinet with drawers, shelves and vert...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Dunbar Rosewood High Chest with Brass Ring Drop Pulls
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern five drawer Dunbar chest by Ed Wormley. Rosewood mahogany two-tone combination. Brass ring drop pulls.  
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rare Janus Cabinet in the Style of Greene & Greene
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rare Janus cabinet, model 5811 This Janus collection piece is highly influenced by the Greene & Greene designed Arts and Crafts period furniture...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Table and Stool by Edward Wormley
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 Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Credenza / Server for Dunbar in Bleached Walnut and Brass
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful bleached walnut credenza / server with solid brass hardware designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The top two drawers contain removable felt-lined silverware trays...
Category

1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Janus Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An rectilinear light walnut two-door cabinet having Chinese-influenced hardware and open and adjustable shelves, the form sitting on a plinth base.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Tall Tambour Cabinet with Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and refined ebonized mahogany wardrobe having tambour doors with integrated handles a top two (2) drawers with cut out handles.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Tall Walnut and Olive Burl Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this elegant display cabinet, model #6027, for Dunbar. The olive burl doors of the lower case enclose shelving and a se...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Mahogany and Rosewood Raised Edge Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany cabinet with four large drawers and a center shelved cabinet on plinth base. The pair of ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Walnut and Olive Ash Burl Tall Cabinet for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Described in Dunbar catalogs as "#6027 High Piece" this incredible curved front cabinet is constructed of walnut with olive ash burled lower cabin...
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Cinnabar Lacquered Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A two-level cabinet having fantastic storage and scale, with a rich custom cinnabar lacquer. The lower level has bi-folding doors concealing a bank of drawers; the upper section features doors with inset antique Chinese printing blocks.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Janus Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant rectilinear light walnut two-door cabinet having Chinese-influenced hardware and a rare configuration of twelve cushioned flat drawers.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Two-Piece Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany secretary No. 6065 with pull-out writing desk and multiple drawers/shelves on a leather-wrapped plinth base, shown with superstructure, No. 6086, to serve as a b...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Pair of Nightstands by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of ebonized 'French polish' mahogany nightstands with adjustable inner shelf and opposing hinges.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Three Storage Cabinets by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Completely Original.
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Storage cabinets / dressers. Original bleached mahogany finish with solid brass pulls. Very good completely original condition. All three for $6850! Tw...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Elm Wood Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern elm wood sideboard server, credenza, or bar cabinet By Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent" Collection USA, 1950s Measures: 48"W x 19...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Elm

MCM Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Cabinet in Dark Expresso
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley two-door cabinet in ebonized silver elm with brass hardware, circa 1948. The one shown has recently sold, but have another with slightly different hardware available, ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley cabinets 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 cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original cabinets 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 cabinets by Dunbar, Paul McCobb, and Herman Miller. Prices for Edward Wormley cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,595 and can go as high as $30,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,900.

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