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: DeAngelis
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Line Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley Janus series lounge chairs for Dunbar, Circa 1957. Sophisticated smaller slipper or lounge chairs with carved snakeskin pattern front legs. A rare design that is eye c...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Coffee Table, Model 5309
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare Edward Wormley design coffee table model 5309 for Dunbar Furniture. Iconic mid-century modern coffee table made by the highest quality American manufacturer's from the period. E...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Captains Chair for Dunbar, Model 5480
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley Captain's Chair for Dunbar Furniture, Model 5480. Elegant looking armchair perfect for a desk or bedroom corner. Made from oak with brass feet and a cane backrest, jus...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Cane, Oak
Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, Model 131
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in San Francisco, CA
Dunbar Furniture bracket back sofa, Model 131 designed by Roger Sprunger. Rare smaller version sofa or loveseat that is perfect for two people. Solid mahogany "L" bracket supports gi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Dunbar X-Base Murano Tile-Top Table
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare X-base mosaic top side table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Co. Both in excellent original condition, base made from solid ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design x-base ottoman for Dunbar Furniture. Timeless and classic design by Wormley offering additional seating for any arrangement. Newly refinished and upholstered in...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
$8,500 / set
Edward Wormley Teardrop Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5106
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design "Teardrop" lounge chairs, Model 5106 for Dunbar Furniture. Uniques shape chairs newly upholstered on polished and lacquered solid brass legs, ready to install.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Antler Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design antler dining chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580.
Rare and attractive design chair by Wormley in the height of his design career. Frames are bleached mahogany with...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
$12,000 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design credenza for Dunbar Furniture, Berne Indiana. Made with high quality construction technique's and materials. Featuring a fitted interior comprising nine drawers...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley For Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design side Table for Dunbar Furniture, Berne Indiana. Named the "Sheaf of Wheat" table line which was a best seller for Dunbar in the mid to late 1950's. A Travertine...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Related Items
Sectional Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1960s, USA, two-piece sectional sofa. The sofa features split arm rests and an exposed sculpted ebonized wood frame. This sofa has been fully reupholster...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Dragonfly Mosaic Tile Round Stone Top Iron Base Patio Side Tables, Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dragonfly Mosaic tile round stone top iron base patio side tables - a pair. Item features a wrought iron round tripod base, distressed coral painted fi...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Stone, Iron
$1,650 / set
H 22.5 in Dm 24 in
Side Table Model 5309 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Midcentury "Quinn" Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 1170, Walnut + Wool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Gunlocke, Jens Risom
Located in Decatur, GA
"Quinn" chair, Model no. 1170 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1965. Sculpted walnut arms transition seamlessly to the upholstered back creating a wonderful silhouette. Frame is so...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wool, Upholstery, Walnut
$760
H 30 in W 25 in D 25 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Tall back lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar furniture. Beautiful crisp lines frame the chair with grace and style. Edward Wormley’s designs are still often mimicked ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Art Deco era tile top table on riveted wrought iron base
Located in Ferndale, MI
Art deco geometric patterned tile top mounted on wrought iron base . Early base with hot riveted joints . Tiles show mild wear but exceptional condition considering age .
Category
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic Bracket Back Sofa #5497 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Edward Wormley always saw furniture as expressions of personality and as a paired-down concept for detail of architect...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair Janus Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Excellent Conditiom
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
This pair of Janus chairs, designed by Edward Wormley, and manufactured by Dunbar furniture company, 1950s, have been expertly restored, refinished, and reupholstered in a beautiful...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
$12,850 / set
H 27.5 in W 27 in D 27 in
Pair Janus Wing Chairs and Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of "Janus" wing chairs and ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. One of his most iconic designs! In the Janus Collection Wormley modernized the lines of eighteen...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
$44,995 / set
H 39.5 in W 29 in D 33 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Even Arm Sofa Model 4907A/ Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 108" long, 4 back Cushions Sofa with the desirable Brass Legs! Often described as the most beautiful sofa of it's time! Design is still classic and timele...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Style 3 Cushion Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Dunbar style sofa 85"
Offered is a Mid-Century Modern sofa with tapered legs. Has 3 removable seat cushions and 3 back cushions. It is in great structurally sou...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
Ottoman Measurements:
29.25 length
25.25 depth
17.25 height
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley Long John Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design Long John Bench for Dunbar Furniture Company. Simple yet sophisticated design bench or coffee table that was an immediate sales succes...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk, Model 4725
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design desk fro Dunbar, Model 4725. Elegant early design by Edward Wormley comprising five drawers, a gallery top trim and original black leather. Newly refinished and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Lounge Chairs, Model 4626
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture swivel lounge chairs, model 4626. Large comfortable chairs with built in half rounded arms and a deep seat. Newly upholstered in a moss mohair or ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Bench by Dunbar, Model 5429
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design bench for Dunbar, Model 5429. Classic design by Wormley in brass square frame on capped feet. Newer Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery that presents very well, ready ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Coffee Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design coffee table for Dunbar Furniture, Berne Indiana. Large and impressive table with a beautiful travertine stone top on a shaped round dark walnut frame on four b...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Edward Wormley King Size Headboard for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design King size headboard for Dunbar Furniture, Berne Indiana. Featuring an ebonized mahogany frame with a caned backrest intended for a king size mattress, no rails ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Credenza Model 5668A for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design credenza model 5668A for Dunbar. Ebonized walnut case with newly caned front sliding doors and four drawers across the top. Comprising a fitted interior for mas...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Side Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design Sheaf of Wheat side table for Dunbar, U.S.A. A unique side or end table for Wormley's commercially successful Sheaf of Wheat line of tables for Dunbar. In very ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Edward Wormley Snack Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design snack table for Dunbar furniture co. Berne Indiana. A versatile table that can be used as a side, corner or serving table.
Made from the highest quality mater...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Captain's Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design armchair or Captain's chair for Dunbar, Model 5480. Elegant and iconic design by Edward Wormley executed in lacquered ash molded plywood with original cane and ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Oak, Plywood
Edward Wormley Constellation Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design constellation side table for Dunbar Furniture, USA. Elegant little table perfect for drinks with a laminate top inlaid with wood circles to immitate stars. Spla...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Captain's Chair for Dunbar, Model 5480
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design armchair or Captain's chair for Dunbar, Model 5480. Elegant and iconic design by Edward Wormley executed in ash plywood with original cane and finish with a new...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
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.