Dunbar Cabinets
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
Recognized Seller Listings
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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Steel
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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
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 Dunbar 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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Janus Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Dunbar 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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Nightstands by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Brass
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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Related Items
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dresser
By Edward Wormley
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Edward Wormely for Dunbar dresser, circa 1950s. Presented in mahogany, showing lovely woodgrain details. Five drawers with dovetail joints. Perfect smaller size. Leather wrapped plin...
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1950s Vintage Edward Wormley for Drexel 'Precedent' Highboy Dresser
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Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent' Highboy Dresser by Drexel, circa 1950s. Features 7 drawers with original brass pulls and dividers. Clean, simple lines, structurally sound. Good ...
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1950s Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet
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Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Restored
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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...
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Triple Dresser in Mahogany Wood
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar triple dresser in mahogany wood,1952 Model 5272 features 12-drawer storage with solid turned tapered legs and curved pulls.
Labe...
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Mid Century Modern Excllusive Wall Unit by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Designed by Edward Wormley with a 'Less is More' aestethic this walnut wallunit offers three shelved cabinets under three tier glass shelving incorporating a center display cabinet w...
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Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers/ Dresser
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning walnut Dunbar chest designed by Edward Wormley. Four large scale drawers. Legs feature Japanese style- studio/ craftsman details. Leather wrapped handles (dark brown) show s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Leather, 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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Walnut
H 38 in W 53 in D 18 in
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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
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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 Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Marble
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized Mahogany Wardrobe Cabinet, c. 1950's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Norwalk, CT
A beautiful functional wardrobe cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c. mid-1950's. This piece in ebonized mahogany features bi-fold cabinet ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Cabinets
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany credenza with solid brass hardware. Nine drawers with center cabinet.
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20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
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Previously Available Items
Rosewood and Chrome Credenza by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar, c 1970, Signed
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exotic grained Rosewood and chrome executive credenza by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar features beautifully refinished Rosewood with a pair of signature chrome paneled legs, designe...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
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H 27.5 in W 41.5 in D 18.5 in
Pair of Cabinets Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This pair of Dunbar cabinets were designed by Edward Wormley. The have been refinished beautifully to include a 2" strip of lighter bleached Mahogany on the front face and sides fram...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Rare Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and elegant walnut cabinet with bleached rosewood woven front doors and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Made by: Dunbar, USA, 1945
Material: bleach mahogany, walnut, brass, glass
Size: 70 w × 18.5 d × 38 h in
Description: Model 4579. Credenza features nine drawers with two center do...
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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Office Credenza with File Drawer in Walnut 1960s 'Signed'
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Office credenza with file drawer in walnut with hand-carved rosewood pulls by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1960's (signed in drawer). This pi...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
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Rosewood, Walnut
Large Oak Cabinet by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A monumental oak credenza with three file drawers in the center. Designed by Roger Sprunger or Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
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1970s Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Oak
Cabinet / Hutch by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and refined two piece cabinet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The top portion has inset antique Chinese printing blocks with a row...
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1950s Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
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1950s Mister Cabinet in Mahogany by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A superb mahogany tamboured mister cabinet with an undulating face, expressive hairpin legs and a useful sixteen drawer configuration.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany, Bentwood
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar His and Hers Dressers
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar his and hers dressers, each case has 11 drawers 22 in total.
Original mahogany-wood with cut-out finger pulls ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
1950s Wall Mounted Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A wall mounted cabinet with two doors, four drawers and open shelving from the Janus collection.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley Dresser
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Wormley for Dunbar; Rare 4 drawer dresser, model 5530. Flush paneled drawer fronts in bleached cherry over solid mahogany wood on chrome-plated tapered legs, Lucite pulls. finished o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
Materials
Chrome
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Four-Drawer Case
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Wormley for Dunbar 4-drawer highly figured rosewood credenza, drawers can all be converted to larger legal sized 18.25" file drawers. Notched pulls with chrome details and vertical e...
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1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Cabinets
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Dunbar cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar 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 Dunbar cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original cabinets 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 cabinets by Edward Wormley, Herman Miller, and Henredon. Prices for Dunbar cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,800 and can go as high as $30,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Cabinets
- Where is Dunbar Furniture made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Dunbar 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.