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.
to
21
21
20
1
21
19
2
5
11
3
2
19
16
8
8
7
21
21
21
21
21
32
21
17
13
11
Creator: Dunbar
Dealer: Century Design Ltd.
Rare 1940s Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Partners Desk Leather Top & Drawers
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Simply put, perhaps the most elegant desk designed by Edward J. Wormley. This very rare and early partner's desk, designed for Dunbar, c. 1940, model number 4600. Leather wrapped desk...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Rare Edward Wormley Dunbar for Modern Elegant Nightstands or End Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare and very elegant pair of nightstands or end tables designed by Edward Wormley in dark stained mahogany with travertine tops, single drawer has open circular brass pull, from his...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
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
Elegant 1940s Edward Wormley, Dunbar for Modern, Curved Sofa on Mahogany Legs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Sideboard
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Mahogany, Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk with Drop Leaves and File Cabinet in Dark Finish
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Uncommon Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley model no.301-A designed compact desk for Dunbar, with two drop leaf extensions and model no.302-A pedestal file cabinet on wheels. Desk has...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Rare and Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Armchair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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 for Dunbar Classic Modern Mahogany, Brass and Cane Bench or Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
This elegant stool, bench or ottoman was designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunbar Furniture Company in 1950, model number 5006A. This stool, based on the Ancient Roman Curule seat ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 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 J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Elegant Armchairs for Dunbar in Dark Expresso x 2
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
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 , and in the 1940s...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1940's Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Regency Style X Form Bench or Stool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 1950s Asian Influence Walnut Extension Dining Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s Mid-Century Modern with Asian influence walnut top with beveled edge extension dining table with two 15" leaves on ebonzied base and leather s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
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
Related Items
1960's Pair of Vintage Chests by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in London, GB
A magnificent pair of vintage chests, these were made in the USA by Dunbar furniture, they were designed by Edward Wormley.
Edward Wormley was one of the leading pioneers of mid-cen...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lafayette, IN
Grand style and grand scale combine in this wonderful executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Desk features walnut construction, brass and mahogany pulls, and the renowned Dunba...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Mister Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Diego, CA
A superb example of a Mid-century modern design, the mahogany tamboured Mister cabinet has an undulating face, expressive hairpin legs, and a useful sixteen drawer configuration. New...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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 ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Lovely Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Nightstand Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel precedent end tables or nightstands. These pieces are in vintage condition and do show wear to the finish-we recommend refinishing or lacquer...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
H 29 in W 20 in D 17.5 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...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Six Cane Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1940s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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
Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
This elegant sofa is a classic 1950s design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. It features a tufted back and a long bench seat resting on tapered walnut fee...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century nightstand
This nightstand measures: 23 wide x 18 deep x 23.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can b...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
Two Edward Wormley cabinets with corrugated wood sliding doors and center drawer section in a grey brown finish
Each cabinet is 20" deep by 49" wide by 31.25 high.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Large Extension Dining Table 2 - 24" leaves
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley - Dunbar for Modern large Asian influenced Mid-Century extension dining table, shown in original bleached mahogany frame with contrasting book matched walnut veneer to...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
H 29.25 in W 66.25 in D 44.32 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Mahogany / Brass Triangle Sofa or Corner Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, all original wedge / triangle shape corner or sofa table in original dark mahogany on brass sabots. Top shows wear, top can be refinished for additional co...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
H 33.25 in W 33.25 in D 46.25 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two-Tone Walnut Console or Sofa Table with Drawer
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
H 28.13 in W 56 in D 19.75 in
Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Tuxedo Sofa, Project
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Upholstery, Mahogany
H 28.88 in W 90.5 in D 35.5 in
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 seat ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
H 32.5 in W 56.75 in D 33 in
Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Down Cushion Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 las...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
H 88.88 in W 90.5 in D 35.5 in
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
H 19.63 in W 19.32 in D 19 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Partners Desk with Bookshelf in Ebony with Red Leather
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 with pullout writing surfaces. Main side contains center drawer, with four drawers per side, with file depth drawers on both left and right sides. Measurements per drawer are listed below after all text. Each drawer having a round brass pull and inlaid wood insert. Original red leather top, divided into three sections, same leather is used to wrap base. Retain brass Dunbar label. Original finish, with touch up, if perfection is sought, consider refinishing.
Elrod placed this Edward Wormley for Dunbar Partners desk...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
H 30.13 in W 57.25 in D 30.25 in
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 lab...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Formal Tuxedo Down Filled Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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 co...
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.