Dunbar Furniture
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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Period: Mid-20th Century
Creator: Dunbar
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Slipper Chairs 1950's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs (Pair), Model 5000A, 1950s
Details: Solid mahogany bases, tapered backs, button-tufted, reupholstered in Great Plains boucle. Includes knife-...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Mahogany
Ebonized Dining Set in Olive Velvet by Edward Wormley, Dunbar, 1950's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Culver City, CA
This set is absolutely divine! Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950's this set was manufactured to be of the absolute highest quality, and to last forever... which it ki...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Low Filer Drawer Cabinet #825 in Walnut
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your zip.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar file drawer chest in Walnut.
Category
1960s Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart Edward Wormley for Dunbar C1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous bar cart/server with a drop down top which is 27 inches and 54 when raised, shelves for bottles, cupboard for glasses and other necessities. Model # 5433 created out of waln...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rare Janus Drink Table with Burl Top
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare drink table designed by Edward Wormley for a Dunbar’s “Janus” line, circa 1960s. Features a two-tone color palette with dark base and carpathia...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Burl
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Black Lacquered Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
USA, 1950s
Mahogany in black lacquered finish. Cabinet locks and key is in...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Lacquer
Small Mid-Century Mahogany 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 Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Side End Table
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Table is good structurally. There are some wear on the finish consistent with the age. 5mm or so section of caning is missing. There are couple of small dents on the top. Condition i...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Eight Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 8 expertly refinished and reupholstered Dining Chairs in dark Mahogany with Knoll Cato Fabric. Two armchairs and six side chairs make up this stunning set. Two chairs are si...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, sofa, model 5150, fabric, metal, United States, 1950s.
The sofa exudes a simple and elegant style, reminiscent of the classic design elements typically a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Metal
Two Midcentury Ebonized Walnut Woven Front Credenzas, Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Two signed Edward Wormley for Dunbar ebonized walnut woven front credenzas with brass fittings. One is a darker walnut than the other so they are not exactly matching in coloration. ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley Console Table by Dunbar #5597
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping to your zip.
Dunbar Console Table #5597.
Designed by Edward Wormley.
Walnut infused formica top is a premium technology offered ...
Category
1950s Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut and Chinese Print Block Floating Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A wall mounted floating credenza consisting of a walnut case, 4 doors accentuated with Chinese printers block and an accent of continuous rosewood face...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, Blush Velvet and mahogany
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare variation of the bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture company of Berne Indiana circa 1950s. This A-frame bracket is similar to the designs of Jens Risom, t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Edward Wormley La Gondola Sofa for Dunbar
By Rogers & Goffigon, Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1950s, USA, La Gondola sofa. The extra long sofa features a mahogany frame that supports the backrest and seat offering a floating effect to the seat bac...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley, Chest of Drawers, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany chest of drawers or dresser, designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Indiana, USA, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Signed) Janus Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Signed) Janus Chairs
These were reupholstered at one point. May desire to have these reupholstered.
Beautiful natural wood grain.
Some wear to...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized King Size Headboard, Newly Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern king size headboard
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1950s
Newly ebonized mahogany, with unique louvered Front Design.
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Signed Dunbar Furniture Rosewood Bench Attributed to Edward Wormley, Ca. 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Peabody, MA
A rosewood bench by Dunbar, ca. 1960, with original seat cushion and what appears to be a Jack Lenor Larsen jacquard fabric. This all-wood version of Dunbar's bench is most often at...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brass Leg Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A wonderful pair of chairs with accompanying ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Features a generous and comfortable seat, button back, and solid brass tapered legs. Rare to find s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Side Table Model 5309 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
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 Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Pair of Lounge Chairs 1965c.
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Pair of Lounge Chairs, c. 1965
Solid mahogany vertical wood slats with sloped arms and curved back.
Upholstery: Newly reupholstered cushions with down-fille...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Mahogany
Set of Four Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four dark walnut dining armchairs with tapered legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The seat cushions have been reupholstered with blue and green velvet with a lin...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut, Velvet
Dunbar Hexagonal Dining Table, designed by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a rare hexagonal dining table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. It has been beautifully restored. The table has a walnut top with an ebonized mahogany ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Remarkable Set of 8 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) Iconic modern cane dining chairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950. Singl...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
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...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Chair (1960's)
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Chair (1960's)
Base: Solid walnut with Shepard double-wheel casters
Features: Tilt, swivel, and lock mechanism
Design Details: Button-tufted leather...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Remarkable Set of 14 Klismos Cane Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley, circa 1948
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent unique set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, newly upholstered...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Vintage Mahogany Highboy Chest of Drawers / Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century highboy dresser/chest of drawers, model #5273A, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1950s, USA).
Composed of a rich walnut-stained mahogany chest (Dunbar factory f...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Magazine Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Magazine table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1959. Constructed of oak, brass with inset leather top, the table is in very good original condition.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bi-Fold Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bi-Fold Oak Cabinet. Great scale and size at only 36" wide and 30.25" tall. Perfect for tight spaces or in an entrance area. Oak veneer with chrome swag ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Set of 6 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane Back Freshly Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hudson, NY
Set of 6 freshly upholstered dining chairs model 5296 and 5297 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company.
Stunning curved back design with sculpted back legs that are s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960. Bench has been completely restored.
Measures 59.75" long, 18.75" deep 12" tall
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pentagonal Janus Coffee Table with Natzler Tiles by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Edward Wormley in 1957 as part of Dunbar's Janus Collection, this fabulous walnut coffee table, model 5625N, features a pentagonal frame inset with five blue ceramic tile...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Walnut
Wardrobe Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A masterful three-sectioned wardrobe in bleached mahogany. Having a central seven-bank of drawers and flanking closets-one with adjustable glass shelves, the other with shelving and ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Janas Coffee Table with Tiffany Glass Tiles for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Diego, CA
Janas Coffee Table with Tiffany Glass Tiles by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Stunning Solid Walnut Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Made with Louis C. Tiffany glass inlayed in...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Floating Cabinets by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
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 Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Illuminated Glass World Globe on Mahogany Stand by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Rand McNally & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mahogany sculptural globe stand supported by brass sabots originally designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in 1953. The globe itself is a 16" Rand McNally Terrestrial globe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Model 935 Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning and increasingly rare set of ten armchairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950's. Wormley served as the design director of DUNBAR for over 30 y...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley Coffee Table with Italian Travertine Top 1952 'Signed'
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Parsons style coffee table model No. 5206, base in dark mahogany with inset Italian travertine top, by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1952 (metal and paper labels on bottom). Ed...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Walnut Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions, retaining the original black leather upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Teak
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Toad Stool Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Gorgeous pair of rare "Toad Stool Tables" designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960's. In keeping with his design philosophy these tables encompass traditional and modernist ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Metal
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Lounge Chairs, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Series Lounge Chairs, 1957. Original upholstery. Front legs have a beautiful carved pattern.
Measure 30.5" wide 25" deep 26" tall, seat height 14...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Dunbar Burl Olive Pedestal Accent Drum Table 6302F Mid Century
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Burl Wood Pedestal Accent Drum Table 6302F. Item features a beautiful faceted columnar exterior, figured burl wood grain veneer, and the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 12-Drawer Dresser
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning model 5272A by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Bleached mahogany dresser consists of 12 drawers with drawer pulls built out of the sides of the drawers..
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Dunbar Banded Mahogany Stepped Bookcase 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A well made and designed bookcase by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and sold by Pioneer Furniture Company, "Detroit's Finest Furniture Store".
The bookcase features a subtle stepped silh...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Dunbar Round Occasional Tables by Edward Wormley in Stainless Steel Midcentury
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of exceptionally rare and unusual round occasional tables in walnut and rosewood with Micarta tops and stainless steel structure. Tables with a single drawer and rosewood feet...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Edward Wormley Sandalwood and Blackened Steel Coffee Table for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Edward Wormley designed coffee table with nine inset blackened steel plates on a sandalwood Parsons style frame. Manufactured by Dunbar, 1950s. The sandalwood has been stripped ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Steel
Edward Wormley Terrazzo Round Side Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round Terrazzo top side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1950s, USA. This table features a terrazzo stone top and mahogany, fluted tripod base. Retains original Dunbar metal la...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Walnut Sliding Door Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Seize the opportunity to own a slice of design history with this exquisite vintage mid-century modern credenza, masterfully designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar, hailing from the creative zenith of the 1960s. This credenza is a testament to Wormley's philosophy that functional furniture should not forsake beauty. Having received a meticulous restoration, the rich walnut wood displays a lustrous finish, with even the backing revitalized to showcase its full glory from every angle.
This svelte case piece stretches 72 inches in width, stands 28 inches high, and reaches 15 inches in depth—a refined and slim profile that distinguishes it from its more robust counterparts. It features a trio of leather off-white doors that slide with satisfying precision to reveal a trio of adjustable shelves, offering versatile storage solutions for the discerning collector or design enthusiast.
Edward Wormley's association with Dunbar Furniture brought about an era of accessible, yet sophisticated designs that were inherently modern yet timeless. Wormley's work is characterized by its sublime craftsmanship and elegance, a homage to the harmony between function and form—a narrative that this credenza exemplifies.
Envision this piece as the centerpiece in a minimalist setting, its clean lines and warm walnut tones contrasting with the cool austerity of modern design. Equally, it would serve as a sophisticated anchor in an eclectic interior, bridging the gap between various eras and styles. From a chic Bauhaus-inspired space to a cozy Scandinavian nook...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Important Edward Wormley For Dunbar Drop-Leaf Desk in Tawi Walnut & Steel 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Before this desk was built in the early 1950s, top-class American furniture design was typically unrecognizable compared to the mid century design that exploded in the late 1950s. Across the pond in Europe, the mid century revolution had already happened, yielding huge success in the form of designers and architects like Ettore Sottsass and many more. This inspired Dunbar to produce this desk: one of the most conservatively designed Dunbar models ever at the time. Then, it probably looked incredibly sleek and handsome. Now, it stands as a piece of history not only for Dunbar, but for American design as a whole.
In classic Dunbar fashion, the construction of the desk is absolutely in the top of its class. Known for overbuilt pieces, this desk takes it to another level. A frame of black enameled square tubular steel supports a mahogany cabinet with four drawers of the same material, attached with beautiful solid brass hardware. The top is of a rare form of walnut called tawi, which has an interesting grain structure that's visibly more smooth than figured walnut, and is secured to the base with no less than 12 high-quality brass screws. The hinges for the drop side are also uncessesarily intricate, and feature exceptional stability and smoothness. When the drop side is extended, it feels like a perfect natural extension of the main work surface. To top it all off, the drop side has sliding support panel on the underside made of solid rosewood, one of the most expensive and premium woods. Signed in the interior of the second drawer with a metal label. An extraordinary construction for an extraordinary piece of history.
In good condition. Top has been refinished and is ready for another generation of use. Structurally excellent. Drawers slide smoothly with almost no dip when extended. Drop side is sturdy and hinges feel great.
If desired, we can restore this desk even more. We can repaint the frame black, we can refinish the cabinet, polish brass, etc. As it stands, it has a nice original patina that adds to the character of the desk. Let us know what you'd likle to see! We have decades of experience restoring vintage furniture...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Pair of Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Janus" Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing the Janus armchairs designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company. These armchairs features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and metalli...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bi-fold Cabinet #815 in Walnut
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your zip.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bi-fold Cabinet #815 in Walnut.
Category
1960s Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rosewood Roll top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452. All Original
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley Mahogany and Grey Wool Barrel Back Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar barrel back arm chairs in mahogany and blue/gray wool upholstery. Great understated design that reveals unique qualities, would...
Category
1950s American Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Club Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning pair of oak framed chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, referred to as “Edward’s Chair”. New fabric and great original finish. Chairs...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Edward Wormley, Dunbar, Mid-Century Modern, Rosewood, Chinese Cabinet, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Manhasset, NY
Edward Wormley, Dunbar, Mid-Century Modern, Rosewood, Chinese Cabinet, 1960s
A tall cabinet designed by Edward Wormley (American, 1907-1995) for Dunbar showcasing antique Chinese pr...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Dunbar furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar furniture 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 furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture 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 furniture by Edward Wormley, Paul McCobb, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Dunbar furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $225 and can go as high as $119,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,998.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify Dunbar furniture, search your piece for maker's markings. Some pieces feature a D-shaped metal tag, while others bear a metal plaque with the brand name etched on its surface, with or without the company's location: Berne, Indiana. Dunbar also branded its name onto the wood frames of certain furnishings. Upholstered pieces will most likely have the brand name on a label sewn onto a cushion. If you have difficulty locating a maker's mark, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer will assist you. Shop a variety of Dunbar furniture on 1stDibs.
- 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.