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Dunbar Desks

American

Revered for its handcrafted and highly collectible mid-century modern sofas, coffee tables and other furnishings, Dunbar Furniture was founded in 1910 in Berne, Indiana, but it didn’t gain widespread recognition until the ’30s, following the introduction of its president to a designer who would leave an indelible mark on the company’s legacy: Edward Wormley.

After a stint at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Oswego, Illinois-born Wormley worked as an interior designer for Marshall Field’s before joining Dunbar in 1931. Initially focused on developing the company’s cheapest furniture line, which could be bought with soap coupons, he was soon leading Dunbar Furniture into a new era of residential furniture for modern American homes. He would serve as the company’s design director for over three decades, designing about 150 pieces each year.

During that time, he oversaw the production of designs in a wide range of materials, with influences ranging from Scandinavian modernism to Art Deco. There were modern upholstery pieces, like swiveling lounge chairs and low-slung sofas, and experiments with textural wood on bar carts and cabinets as well as minimal, sculptural tables and functional office furniture. A passionate collector of Tiffany Studios lamps, Wormley used their glass tiles in Dunbar tables in 1956. He also worked on the reproduction of pieces by designers such as Jean-Michel Frank and Richard Riemerschmid.

One standout Dunbar Furniture collection was Janus, introduced in the 1960s, with Austrian-born ceramicists Otto and Gertrud Natzler. These pieces see the Natzlers’ uniquely artful ceramic tiles set into several styles of wooden tables. They remain some of the most sought-after mid-century modern Dunbar pieces on the vintage market today. During the peak of his design career and, indeed, the height of Dunbar Furniture’s history, Wormley amassed a whopping 30 Good Design awards between 1950 and 1955 through the “Good Design” exhibition, hosted by the Chicago Merchandise Mart and the Museum of Modern Art. Dunbar today produces a limited selection of archival Wormley designs, but many sales of original Dunbar pieces are through the resale market.

Find a collection of authentic vintage Dunbar Furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Dunbar
1950s Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lafayette, IN
Grand style and grand scale combine in this wonderful executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Desk features walnut construction, brass and mahogany pulls, and the renowned Dunba...
Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut and Rosewood Executive Desk
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut and Rosewood Executive Desk This desk measures: 84 wide x 40 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 25 inches All pieces of furnitur...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Rosewood, 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 Dunbar Desks

Materials

Oak, Rosewood

Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century Executive Oak Desk
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Countryside, IL
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century Executive Oak Desk This desk measures: 84.25 wide x 33 deep x 29.25 inches high, with a ch...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Oak

Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Dunbar Desks

Materials

Brass

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 Dunbar Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Rosewood and Polished Aluminum Desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Restored.
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Kansas City, MO
Brazilian rosewood and aluminum floating top desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Three shallow drawers are carved out of the desk top: two side drawers and one wide center drawer. I...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Aluminum

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 Dunbar Desks

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk with Drop Leaves and File Cabinet in Dark Finish
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Uncommon Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley model no.301-A designed compact desk for Dunbar, with two drop leaf extensions and model no.302-A pedestal file cabinet on wheels. Desk has...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk and Return
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
1960s Edward Wormley desk and ensuite return, label, currently being refinished, desk. Measures: 72 W x 36.5 D x 29 H. Return 60 W x 30.5 D x 29 H.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Wood

Related Items
Dunbar Roger Sprunger Rosewood and Stainless Steel Desk
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Pasadena, TX
A Mid-Century Modern executive desk in the style of Roger Sprunger. Rosewood with stainless steel double pedestal base. Three drawers including one file and two regular with two pull...
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1970s American Vintage Dunbar Desks

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Danish Modern Executive Rosewood Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous Danish modern executive rosewood desk, designed in Denmark, circa 1960’s. The Brazilian rosewood desk has been carefully restored to reveal its natural beauty and incredible...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

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Danish Modern Executive Rosewood Desk
Danish Modern Executive Rosewood Desk
H 28.75 in W 59.75 in D 31.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Scandinavian Desk
By Ganddal Mobelfabrik
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Stunning 1970s modern rosewood desk by Ganddal Mobelfabrik, in vintage original condition. Rich, vibrant tone and grain with intense color and contrast. Floating top and finished bac...
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Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Desks

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Ste Marie and Laurent Mid Century Modern Rosewood and Chrome Executive Desk
By Ste. Marie and Laurent
Located in Denville, NJ
We photograph and list inventory in the condition it arrives at our warehouse to streamline operations and focus on restoration for current orders. This also enables us to maintain a...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

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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

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Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
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Baker Mahogany Executive Partners Desk, Georgian, Writing Table
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Large mahogany executive partners desk by baker, writing table in the Georgian Fashion. A stunning new Baker mahogany partners desk having fu...
Category

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Mid-Century Modern Oak Campaign Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With four large drawers, sculpted legs, and a black-stained writing surface, this vintage campaign desk is perfect for any home office or study. ...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Oak

Florence Knoll-Inspired Executive Desk: Mid-Century Modern Elegance
By Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the definitive charm of the 1960s with our executive desk, inspired by the legendary Florence Knoll. This piece is a modern tribute to the sleek and innovative de...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza Model, 5668A, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A mid-century modern gem, this mahogany credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar exudes timeless elegance. Meticulously restored, its sleek design and ample storage make it a versatile ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Desks

Materials

Mahogany

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...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

1968 Executive Desk
1968 Executive Desk
H 30 in W 72 in D 36 in
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...
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Late 18th Century English George III Antique Dunbar Desks

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George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
H 41 in W 38.5 in D 23 in
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar 136" Monumental Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar 136" Monumental Credenza Big "D" Dunbar metal label inside 136.50" length 29.50" high 20" deep
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1960s Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Oak

Previously Available Items
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century Ebonized Oak Executive Desk
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Countryside, IL
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century Ebonized Oak Executive Desk This desk measures: 74.25 wide x 33 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair clearance of 26 inches All pieces of furniture...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Kneehole Leather-Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lafayette, IN
Rare, early kneehole writing desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Desk features Mahogany and oak construction, solid brass hardware, inlaid leather top and unique, rounded 'waterfall' ...
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1940s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

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Brass

Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century Desk
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Countryside, IL
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century desk This desk measures: 84.25 wide x 36.25 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 24.25 inches All p...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Wood

Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century Desk
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century Desk
H 30 in W 84.25 in D 36.25 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Writing Desk
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar writing desk model 5472, Walnut uprights with brass details supports black stained Tawi-wood top with three pencil drawers with solid horizontal tubular bra...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Brass

Dunbar Exceptional Mahogany Desk with Inset Leather Top 1960s 'Signed'
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted desk in dark mahogany with inset leather top and sculpted oval chrome and brass pulls as well as brass feet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1960's (signed ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Mid Century Modern Oak & Marble Executive Desk & Credenza Office Set by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lafayette, IN
Fantastic custom-made office set deigned by Jack Dunbar and Lydia dePolo for Dunbar Furniture. Dunbar & dePolo had both previously worked for the architecture firm of Skidmore, Owing...
Category

1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Marble

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 Dunbar Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Kneehole Leather-Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lafayette, IN
Rare, early kneehole writing desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Desk features Mahogany and oak construction, solid brass hardware, inlaid leather top and unique, rounded 'waterfall' ...
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1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Brass

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 ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Walnut

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 Dunbar Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Executive Desk
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Dunbar Desks

Materials

Wood

Rosewood & Stainless Steel Desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large-scale Mid-Century Modern executive desk designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Gorgeous rosewood with stainless steel double pedestal base. Four drawers including one file,...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

Dunbar desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Dunbar desks 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 Dunbar desks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks by Dunbar 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 desks by Florence Knoll, Knoll, and Harvey Probber. Prices for Dunbar desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,499 and can go as high as $12,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,148.
Questions About Dunbar Desks
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Dunbar furniture is made in High Point, North Carolina. The original location of the company was Berne, Indiana. Its relocation occurred after Currey & Co. bought Dunbar from founder James Wormley in 1970. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Dunbar furniture.

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