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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Creator: Dunbar
Dealer: Habitat Gallery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
This is a credenza that exudes power, presence, and a little bit of that old-money mystique. Designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this mahogany and walnut masterpiece...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have an absolutely stunning pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These chairs have been freshly reupholstered in a wonderful nubby white boucle...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Bouclé
Ebonized Dining Set in Olive Velvet by Edward Wormley, Dunbar, 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Early Set of 5 Edward Wormley Riemerschmid Chairs, Dunbar Furniture, 1947
By Edward Wormley, Richard Riemerschmid, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Set your sights on these absolutely stunning, gloriously reupholstered, and ridiculously stylish chairs designed by none other than Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, of Berne, Ind...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Early Rare Edward Wormley Mahogany Coffee Table, Dunbar Furniture, 1940's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Culver City, CA
Nestled within the exquisite realm of early mid-century modern design, this diminutive Edward Wormley coffee table for Dunbar Furniture emerges as a timeless masterpiece. Crafted fro...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cork Top Ebonized Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have this stunning Edward Wormley for Dunbar coffee table. This expertly refinished coffee table features a gridded cork top and an elegantly modern ebonized frame, for a timeless chic look.
The coffee table is quite substantial and effortlessly flexes into more traditional, regency, and even boho chic / beach house style...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Cork
Related Items
Two Midcentury Ebonized Walnut Woven Front Credenzas, Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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. ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
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H 18 in W 61.5 in D 28.75 in
Walnut and Mahogany Sideboard, Model 4579, by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in 1945, this exquisite sideboard, model 4579, appeared in the 1997 exhibition "The Other Face of Modernism." With its bold brass hinges and pul...
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Set of Four Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horned Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic and rare set of four horned antler chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Known as 5580 model dining chairs crafted from mahogany with a caned seat. Arguably these are ...
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
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Walnut Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly detailed and finely crafted set of nesting tables in light walnut.
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
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Wormley for Dunbar Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Nice rectangular coffee table, mahogany with cork insert top. This table was designed by Edward Wormley, for the Dunbar Furniture Company. It is an early example of his work for Dunb...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
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Glass, Mahogany, Cork
Set of Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model number 842, set of eight armchairs in mahogany with red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to shipping. These chairs were used around a ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
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Set of Six Cane Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1940s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and unusual set of six dining chairs with a cane wrapped barrel back and an upholstered seat atop four slender legs.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain front mahogany sideboard on a Plinth Base, Features: Two drawers and one double drawer with removable dividers, Four sliding doors with 3 storage compa...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Dunbar Coffee Table by Edward Wormley Walnut Brass
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location.
Dunbar Coffee Table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut with Brass Trim.
Category
1950s Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of 8 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 8 Dining Chairs in dark Mahogany designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Two armchairs and six side chairs make up this stunning set. Two chairs are signed with the Dunbar Bras...
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1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
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Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Frames redone in high gloss black lacquer finish. New upholstery. ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley Horseshoe Armchairs, a Pair, 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
You will gasp when you see these armchairs--photos just don't do them justice! These gorgeous armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar are Mid-Century Modern mastery at its fi...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
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Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Rosewood and Chrome Executive Desk
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Some pieces of furniture have a vibe all their own; this desk is one of those pieces. Clad in rosewood and polished stainless steel (chrome), this desk epitomizes midcentury luxury. ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Stained Glass
Ebonized Edward Wormley Betwood Bar Cart for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have this absolutely stunning ebonized bar cart by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s, Italy. Often imitated, but never replicated, the fine craftsmanship of this Wormley bar...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
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Rare Set of 8 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized Mahogany Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
A stunning and increasingly rare set of 8 dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This set of 8 ebonized chairs features 2 model 4580 armchairs and 6 model 4632 side chairs. This...
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1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
H 30.75 in W 19 in L 30.75 in
Rare Set of 8 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized Mahogany Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
A stunning and increasingly rare set of 8 dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This set of 8 ebonized chairs features 2 model 4580 armchairs and 6 model 4632 side chairs. This...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Set of Four Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chairs and Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar set of 4 dining chairs and table. The set is all solid walnut with 4 cane / walnut dining chairs (One captai...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
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Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa 4907
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
A gorgeous, increasingly rare 9' long Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa with walnut legs. This sofa was model #4907 and two vintage advertisements from Dunbar's archives can be seen in ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
An absolutely stunning pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar! These vintage chairs have been freshly reupholstered in a new-old-stock nubby fabric that is a cream color...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Burl Wood Bar Cabinet
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
A stunning design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar; this bar could be used as a side table, nightstand or accent piece in any contemporary environment. The piece is crafted from burl woo...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Burl
Mid-Century Mahogany Dunbar Dining Table
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
A stunning Mid-Century dining table by Dunbar with two leaves. Measures: This dining table extends to 102" long. 66" long table, with 2 18" leaves.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-Century Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa with Walnut Plinth Base
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
This stunning Dunbar platform sofa features a walnut base and a chunky wool blend upholstery. A stunning contemporary piece with timeless clean lines and Minimalist style.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
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Mid-Century Dunbar Walnut Plinth Club Chair
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
This stunning Dunbar platform club chair features a walnut base and a chunky wool blend upholstery. A stunning contemporary piece with timeless clean lines and Minimalist style.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Wool
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.