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.
3
to
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
3
3
4
4
3
3
3
Creator: Dunbar
Dealer: ModHaus
Signed Dunbar Furniture Rosewood Bench Attributed to Edward Wormley, Ca. 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Leather Executive Chair Circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Leather executive swivel desk chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Two Tone Dresser in Mahogany and Rosewood Circa 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Three drawer dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with two-tone contrasting Honduran mahogany drawer fronts, top and sides, and rosewood trimmed case, circa 1960s.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Rosewood
Related Items
Chest by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut dresser with rosewood handle and brass feet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chair, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A swivel lounge chair designed by the iconic Edward Wormely for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new high-grade hand cut foam with all insides full...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Bench, Coffee Table, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Long Edward Wormley for dunbar style walnut "long john" Bench. Coffee Table. Bed End. Featuring a longer rectangular slat-style Walnut surface, turned edge...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
One of Edward Wormley's most famous and elegant chairs. A timeless masterpiece. The Captain Chair. We have fully restored to highlight the beautiful polished brass, cane back, curve...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar upholstered (half) and open mahogany (the other half) bench. Brass spacers, original fabric, circa 1970s.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Stunning Modernist Angled Sofa Attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Modernist angled sofa attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Solid brass legs, Amazing quality, construction and design. Retains original fabric. in need or restoration.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain's "Y" Chair, ca. 1955
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain's "Y" chair, ca. 1955. Professionally restored walnut frame with new back caning and new upholstered seat with super soft and luxurious ivory wool f...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
SOLD 04/30/24 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Long John Bench
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Long John bench
This bench measures: 83.75 wide x 19 deep x 12 inches high, with a seat height of 12 inches
All pieces of furniture can be...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wood
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers/ Dresser
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning walnut Dunbar chest designed by Edward Wormley. Four large scale drawers. Legs feature Japanese style- studio/ craftsman details. Leather wrapped handles (dark brown) show s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, 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
H 20.63 in W 20.25 in D 14.24 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960. Restored and reupholstered in gray mohair.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Credenza with Rosewood Pulls, circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
A three door mahogany credenza with rosewood and brass drawer pulls, and three drawers above, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Flip Top Console / Dining Table, Circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Walnut flip top console table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, ca. 1950s.
Measures 72" x 17" x 29.25" high in closed position. When open, can be used as a dining table, at 72" x 34" x ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
H 29.25 in W 72 in D 17 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Desk in Walnut and Rosewood, circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Executive desk with six drawers in walnut with rosewood drawer pulls by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, ca. 1950s. Features a kick screen, a file drawer, two sliding returns, and brass feet.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
H 29.18 in W 60 in D 30.25 in
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar #4809 Trapezoid Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
An uncommon early trapezoidal wedge shape side table in mahogany with glass top by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, ca. 1948. Model number 4809.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six-Drawer High Boy Dresser, circa 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Tall chest of drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model 502, with six graduated drawers of walnut in a contrasting mahogany case, circa 1960s.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Rare Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Greene & Greene" Side Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of side chairs in walnut and rosewood designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1957, model 5717. In this design, with its elegantly Japanesque joinery and spare seat back, W...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut, Upholstery
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lamp Side Table with Brass Sabots, circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
A rare elegant lamp table in mahogany with under shelf, tapered quinate carved legs with brass sabots. Model # 6044, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
H 26.25 in W 29 in D 23 in
Edward Wormley Dunbar Parson's Style Dining Table, circa 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Clean lined midcentury Parsons style dining table in burl wood and mahogany by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960s.
Measures 51.75" long, and expands to 75.75" with inclusion of...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Burl, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Eight-Drawer Dresser, circa 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Eight-drawer dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960s. Two-tone mahogany with a dark case and contrasting drawer fronts. Rosewood and brass drop pulls.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rosewood Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Peabody, MA
Executive writing desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in dark walnut and rosewood. Features a central writing surface with a hinged drop-down panel to extend the surface area (or for p...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Rosewood, Walnut
Slipper Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Elegant and Classic armless lounge chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960s.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Large Two-Tiered Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Two-tiered side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, ca. 1960s, on miniature ball casters. Painted finish with a faint contrasting parquet pattern which appears to have been professi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
- 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.