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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: Century Design Ltd.
Elegant 1940s Edward Wormley, Dunbar for Modern, Curved Sofa on Mahogany Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant mid 1940s Edward Wormley for Dunbar curved sofa on six thick mahogany legs, with older re-upholstery in a Chinoiserie fabric. Upholstery is clean, minor wear, in very nice us...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two-Tone Walnut Console or Sofa Table with Drawer
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar two level console or sofa table with centered single drawer in two-tone walnut. Supported on Parsons style legs, accented with su...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Tuxedo Sofa, Project
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant mid-century Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa with skirt, on sculpted mahogany legs. You can't beat the quality of a Dunbar sofa, built to last...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or Ottoman with Parson Legs & Tufted Seat
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or ottoman. This elegant stool has dark mahogany parson legs with an inside radius and original off white tufted upholstery. Origin...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley three seat on tapered walnut legs is from his Dunbar for Modern collection, one of his early fully modern furniture collections. This sofa, was reupholstered by the original owners, in the late 90s to fit their new southwest decor...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Edward Wormley Mid-Century 1950s Designed Dunbar for Modern Love Seat or Settee
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley love seat or settee from his Dunbar for Modern collection, one of his early fully modern furniture collections. This love se...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

1940's Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Regency Style X Form Bench or Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early design for Dunbar, mahogany bench or vanity stool model 1050. Curved or X form base with classical styling, with older upholstered seat. Mahogany frame will be restored prior t...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Ebonized Trapezoidal Side or Drinks Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Newly refinished Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern mahogany wedge or Trapezoidal end, drinks or side table in dark ebony with cross stretchers on round brass sabots. Marke...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Large Square Coffee Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar large square coffee table or low side with parson legs. Price includes refinishing, custom color option available. No label, guaranteed Dunbar. See my oth...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk with Drop Leaves and File Cabinet in Dark Finish
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Uncommon Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley designed compact desk for Dunbar, with two drop leaf extensions and file cabinet on wheels. Desk has two drawers, one large & medium includ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Brass Handle Armchair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar desk or dining chair with tapered legs and brass handle or handhold, circa 1950s. Shown in all original...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Brass

1970s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ash with Aluminum Frame Upholstered Armchair
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar model #979 CH, Oiled ash frame with flat Aluminum bar cross stretchers, with upholstered arms back and seat. Paper label. Upholstery and ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar, 1940s 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

1970's Dennis Christiansen for Dunbar Gold Tone Leather Sofa Corner Wedge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
RARE Dennis Christiansen for Dunbar gold tone sculptural leather corner or wedge shape sofa chair with curved back and thin profile seat cushion, Dunbar label, circa 1970s. The plush...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Leather

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Listed are a pair of elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs with arms and brass handles. These are in need of restoration, perfect if your looking to add to your set. Also c...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar cabinet with brass Asian hardware. All original dark had rubbed finish on ribbon mahogany, top will be polished and touched up prior t...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Club Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar club chair with older re-upholstery on thick tapered legs. Unrestored, ready for new upholstery, legs show age, should be refinished. Email for up...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Sideboard
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar for modern 1940s bleached mahogany sideboard, center stepped out, inset oval drawer pulls, center interior with drawers and space to store table pads, end cabinet doors hinged on sides and have curved wood door shelves, on leather plinth base. Original key. To be refinished, custom colors options available. Dunbar quality...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Set of Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar circa 1950s on solid brass castors. The lounge chair has a trapezoid shape, wider in the front (27.5" W) and tapers to the back....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rectangular Cocktail Table with Carpathian Elm
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern, Rarely seen Edward Wormley walnut coffee table in dark brown finish with inset Carpathian elm square top and brass sabots, label, model number 6007. Refinished.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Armchairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Elegant neoclassical style occasional arm chairs for Dunbar model No. 116B. As shown in The Other Face of Modernism book on Wormley an in the 19...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Rare and Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Armchair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chair. Model number 6309, part of the Today and Tomorrow collection, circa 1963. Beautiful channelled mahogany frame with ultra-suede seat and back c...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1940s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Set of Four Side Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar set of four elegant side chairs with dark mahogany legs. Current set of four, have original leather seats, need to be r...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Related Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar La Gondola Sofa Model 5719, circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A true classic by Edward Wormley, the La Gondola sofa Model 5719. Designed by Wormley as part of the Janus Collection in the 1950s. This sofa has a walnut frame, solid brass hardware...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture

Materials

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Edward Wormley Dunbar 1940s Emerald Velvet Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa number 4908 circa early 1940s. This example has been masterfully upholstered in a wonderful dark emerald green mohair. This fabric melds seamlessly wit...
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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

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Brass

Gondola Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
A Gondola sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar’s Janus Collection in the 1950s. This sculptural sofa features angled arms and a floating back attached to the base with walnut s...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

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Edward Wormley Tete-a-Tete Sofa for Dunbar White Boucle, 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Tete-a-Tete Sofa for Dunbar White Boucle, 1950.  Restored and reupholstered in white boucle. Mahogany legs with brass feet.
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

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Brass

Chippendale Mahogany Two-Drawer Console Table Sofa Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful and elegant mahogany Chippendale two drawer console table or sofa table measuring 31" in width, 12.25" in depth and standing 3...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Chippendale Dunbar Furniture

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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 495 Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
This sofa has beautiful lines and a gently curved back. A true classic. The fabric is original and in very good condition. It is a rich and high-quality texture that looks like embro...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture

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Upholstery, Mahogany

Dunbar "Big Texan" Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Big Texan" sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and reupholstered in mohair.  
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Mohair

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Split Arm Sofas
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Split Arm Sofas with bracket back supports in solid mahogany with exposed brass screws. We reupholstereded with Gre...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Clean Lined Tuxedo Sofa in the manner of Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Tuxedo Sofa, in the manner of Edward Wormley for Dunbar, unsigned, American, circa 1960s. This sofa is being completely restored and can be completed in your choice of wo...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Serving Table on Casters by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare serving / console table with drawer designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Highly figured walnut top and dark mahogany base and brass casters. We acquired this from the o...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Modular Console Table Circa 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in DELRAY BEACH, FL
Beautiful set of tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Architectural and Mid Century Modern in design. Tables have a simple elegant design. Both tables are marked. One long short console table...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Formica, Ash

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Bamboo Love Seat or Sofa, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Nicely shaped rattan and bamboo frame. This wonderful Vintage Mid-Century Modern love seat or sofa is in very good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. This lovely piece of furniture looks wonderful in a Boho Ibiza style...
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Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture

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Bamboo

Previously Available Items
Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Down Cushion Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa with skirt, but on sculpted mahogany legs. You can't beat the quality of a Dunbar sofa, built to ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Partners Desk with Bookshelf in Ebony with Red Leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Uncommon Edward Wormley for Dunbar, partners or library desk from an Arthur Elrod designed interior. Rear of desk flanked with bookcases on both sides of pedestals and two drawers wi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Formal Tuxedo Down Filled Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar formal, classic and elegant sofa with down filled cushions. Sofa has been reupholstered at some point, so it’s missing the label and is in need of re-upholstery. Guaranteed to be Dunbar, came from a house full of Dunbar. Under the skirted sofa...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Brass

1940s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Regency X Form Bench or Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early design for Dunbar, mahogany bench or vanity stool. X form base with neoclassical styling, and original black leather seat. Mahogany frame will be refinished prior to shipping, ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

1940s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional or Desk Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar occasional or desk chair, model # 2533. Barrel back occasional chair with dark mahogany legs and older yellow wool upholstery. In need of reupholstery, stri...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Sheaf of Wheat" Tables with Travertine Tops
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Matched pair of Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar end or side tables for Dunbar from one owner estate. Original finish, tops are free of major chips or cracks, only a few flea bites to ed...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Full Size Headboard
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley full size headboard with fixed slats or louvers, model no. 4598 from his Dunbar for Modern line in the late 1940s. Original light mahogany, should be refinished. Ha...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Asian Inspired Sideboard, circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Asian inspired sideboard model # 4579. Mahogany with original dark finish that has been restored, has i...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Brass Handle Armchair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar desk or dining chair with tapered legs and brass handle or handhold, circa 1950s. Shown in all original...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Arm Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single midcentury lounge or occasional chair by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar for Modern line, circa 1950s. Model no. 4708. Reupholstered in the 1990s, foam is Fine upholstery should ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Set of Eight Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs, circa 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Amazing set of eight Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs from one owner estate. All original set, includes dark mahogany frames with blue high quality vinyl seats. There are n...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 9' Tuxedo sofa, elegant yet modern, circa 1950s. Hard to beat the quality and craftsmanship of a Dunbar sofa. Fresh from a one owner estate, where most of t...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

  • Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa
  • Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa
  • Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa
  • Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa
H 26.75 in. W 107.5 in. D 35.5 in.

Dunbar furniture for sale on 1stDibs

Dunbar furniture is available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are often made of wood and designed with extraordinary care. There are many options in our Dunbar collection of furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We stock 805 vintage versions of these items, while there is 0 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Dunbar were created during the 20th century in Mid-Century Modern style in North America. Many customers also consider furniture by Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber and Adrian Pearsall if you are looking for additional options. Prices for Dunbar furniture can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. The price for these items starts at $400 and tops out at $42,000, while pieces like these can sell for $5,500 on average.
Questions About Dunbar Furniture
  • 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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