Skip to main content

Edward Wormley Desks and Writing 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.

21
to
2
20
1
21
21
21
16
21
18
2
2
13
3
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
18
8
7
7
7
15
15
1
1
659
62
40
39
37
Creator: Edward Wormley
Mid-Century Executive Walnut Desk by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful mid-century executive walnut desk designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk is made with a timeless design that has been profess...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Writing Desk By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful and rare walnut desk designed by Edward Wormley, manufactured by Dunbar ca' 1950's. Single drawer, dark walnut original finish, with nice graining. Edges are raised to give...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Rosewood Roll top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452. All Original
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk in very good completely original condition. Two rolltops, one on each side and three drawers. Large work se...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk, Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Patchwork bleached walnut top, with solid walnut legs and brass-capped feet....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk and Chair in Matching Leather
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An elegant and early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Desk model 4725 in mahogany with original green leather and matching swiveling stool.
Category

1940s Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century Model 452 Rosewood Tambour door executive desk This desk measures: 74.5 wide x 28 deep x 35 high, with a chair clearance of 24 inches All ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Petite Vanity/Writing Table with Stool Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mahogany vanity/writing table with corresponding naugahyde stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1950s, Indiana, USA). Angu...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Naugahyde, Laminate, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Executive Tambour-Door Rosewood Desk for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood executive desk by Edward Wormley c.1950s, USA, for Dunbar. The desk has three shallow drawers that run the length of the desk. The top of the desk features two roll top tamb...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Clean Lined Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined console table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s. This table is a versatile size and can be used as a console or so...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Early Dunbar Leather Curved Desk and Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original lilac leather and bleached mahogany curved desk with built in bookshelves. The drawers are hinged and swing open. The original ...
Category

1940s Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather

Partners Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany partners desk with original leather top and base and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Rosewood and Mahogany Receptionist Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular fully restored and sought-after model #452 'Roll Top' desk was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and features beautifully grained Rosewood and Ebonized Mahogany, designed and made in the 1960s. Most examples of this design are regular desk height however this example was custom made to be a receptionist desk...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood

American Walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar Double Pedestal Desk w/ Folding Return
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar double pedestal desk w/ folding return. Uniquer folding return desk feature, nice architectural design back, beautiful amber honey tone finish.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Floating Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Extending Desks, 1970s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and sleek Mid-Century Modern executive desks by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. The desks features stunning solid walnut grain and sleek midcentury design. The desk is fi...
Category

1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Nutwood

Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood tambour roll top desk with brass feet and leather trim. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.  
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

1950s Demilune Vanity or Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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 Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Travertine

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 Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Walnut Lectern by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique and elegant lectern in walnut with a roll top cover and a single drawer.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

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 Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Side Table Model 5309 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rovereta, SM
Model 5309 rare coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Combination of Wood and brass with the original glass top.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Dunbar Contract Division Mid Century Executive Desk
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Dunbar contract division Mid Century executive desk Desk measures: 72 wide x 36 deep x 28.5 inches high All pieces of furniture ca...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood

Danish Modern Executive Brazilian Rosewood Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful Danish modern executive rosewood desk designed and manufactured in Denmark, circa 1960s. This desk has a very particula...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
Located in Denton, TX
Rare 19th century French walnut roll top desk in the style of Louis XV. The tambour door locks with a key. Also finished on the back so it can be ...
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
H 40.75 in W 46.5 in D 26.5 in
Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Occasional Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Rosewood Occasional Table for Dunbar with Murano Glass Tile Top
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar solid Brazilian Rosewood occasional table with green Murano Glass mosaic tile top and brass banding. Retains green rectangular Dunbar metal label. A ve...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cut Glass

Clean Lined Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined console table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s. This table is a versatile size and can be used as a console or so...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Vintage 7ft 1970s Mid-Century Modern Rosewood & Oak Executive Desk by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lafayette, IN
This beautifully-made executive desk features a design reminiscent of Roger Sprunger and the unparalleled build-quality for which Dunbar is renowned. The clean, Minimalist lines are...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Rosewood

American Walnut & Brass Vintage Executive Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Revive the hustle and bustle of the mid-century American workplace with this jaw-dropping walnut executive desk. Boasting a newly refinished walnut top measuring over 14 square feet ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
Located in Essex, MA
Nice old piece very nicely polished and tuned up in good working order. Rectangular top with tambour roll top opening to expose a pull out writing surface with adjustable ratcheted c...
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
H 41 in W 38.5 in D 23 in
1968 Executive Desk
By Warren Platner
Located in Hanover, MA
Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm. Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings. The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971. Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One one corner edge shows a small separation. The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel: G.P. F.I. 2 And the date Dec. 20, 1968. See image 18. Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector. We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers. Tim Anderson...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

1968 Executive Desk
1968 Executive Desk
H 30 in W 72 in D 36 in
Shanghai Desk in Ziricotte Wood, Leather Top and Silver Patined Leg
By Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Shanghai desk in Ziricotte wood, leather top and silver patined leg. The inside is made in Sycomore. Information about the covid 19. At this point, the ...
Category

2010s French Modern Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items
1960s Edward Wormley Desk Ebony & Ivory Oak Dunbar Berne, Indiana
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dunbar desk 1960s USA Designer Edward Wormley modern two-tone desk ebony espresso & ivory honey oak wood fabulous modern. Exceptional design on drawer pulls. Maker metal tag present...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Dunbar Desk in Brazilian Rosewood & English Oak, See Photos, Stunning, Signed
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Absolutely stunning Brazilian Rosewood and English oak executive desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been painstakingly, expertly restored and refinished to it's original beauty. The contrast of the Rosewood and bleached English Oak is exactly as intended in the original design. The pulls are solid brass. The three drawers work perfectly. Signed with the Dunbar big "D" in brass. See our listing for the matching credenza.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Rosewood

Stunning & Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany & Leather Desk w Bookshelves
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hudson, NY
Expertly restored mahogany desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Stamp present on underside of top drawer. Mahogany construction with leather wrapped base. Absolutely stunning ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Desk in Walnut and Rosewood, circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Executive desk with six drawers in walnut with rosewood drawer pulls by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, ca. 1950s. Features a kick screen, a file drawer, two sliding returns, and brass feet.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Edward Wormley Drop-Leaf Executive Desk for Dunbar in Walnut and Mahogany
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production green label executive desk Model #5265. The desk has two drop leaves that open to create a larger workspace and was advertised in a catalog as a multipurpose desk th...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Dunbar Writing Desk Designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a Dunbar writing desk designed by Edward Wormley. This desk has the original order ticket taped under the drawer and features the original ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity / Desk
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
An ash vanity or desk with oak drawer, rosewood trim and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity / Desk
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity / Desk
H 31.5 in W 36 in D 18.375 in
Streamline Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
An asymmetrical cantilevered mahogany desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Executive Desk
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century executive desk Desk measures: 60 wide x 27 deep x 29.25 inches high with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches All pieces of furniture can be had...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Rosewood and Mahogany Executive Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1963, Signed
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This grand executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features beautiful Rosewood and Mahogany with brass feet, designed and made in the 1960s. Such incredible use of luxury materials and quality craftsmanship as you would expect from Dunbar in the 1960s. This large sized desk features five drawers, some with internal organizing compartments, one filing drawer, and two pull out writing surfaces. Signed with a metal manufacturer's tag to interior of center drawer which reads 'Dunbar Berne Indiana'. Brass lock in center drawer with key, in working order. In good vintage condition, this Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and Mahogany receptionist desk...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Black Lacquered Walnut Executive Desk, Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut executive desk By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Measures: 84.13" W x 36" D x 30" H. Expertly ref...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk with Brass Base
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
An oak and ash desk with brass base and hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1960s Vintage Edward Wormley Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley desks and writing 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 desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables by Edward Wormley were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by Dunbar, George Nelson, and Knoll. Prices for Edward Wormley desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,800 and can go as high as $21,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $11,500.

Recently Viewed

View All