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: WYETH
Wardrobe Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A masterful three-sectioned wardrobe in bleached mahogany. Having a central seven-bank of drawers and flanking closets-one with adjustable glass shelves, the other with shelving and ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Listen-To-Me Chaise by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1948
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant chaise lounge with an undulating cushion in vintage upholstery with a cherry and maple base and solid brass supports. Model: 4873.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walnut Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions, retaining the original black leather upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Teak
Modernist sideboard cabinet unique bronze hardware by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A walnut server with central compartment having a removable glass-bottom serving tray & one adjustable shelf, flanked by two banks of four drawers over one long drawer all with brass...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Janus Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An rectilinear light walnut two-door cabinet having Chinese-influenced hardware and open and adjustable shelves, the form sitting on a plinth base.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Headboard with Built-in Armrests by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and elegant king size headboard in darkened mahogany having channeled upholstery, adjustable back rests and two pairs of drop-down arms.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern high-back chair and ottoman set designed by Edward Wormley featuring mahogany bases and original orange upholstery. Made by Dunbar in the USA, circa 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Wardrobe Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An asymmetrical dresser in solid walnut with exposed finger jointed joinery, having a shelved compartment accessed by bi-fold doors flanked by a b...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and well proportioned eight (8) drawer bleached mahogany cabinet having distinctive laminated end pulls, on tapered dowel legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Flatware Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant rectilinear light walnut two-door cabinet having Chinese-influenced hardware and a rare configuration of twelve cushioned flat drawers.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions that retain their original textured wool upholstery.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Telephone Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized and polished dark mahogany telephone cabinet or vanity table having a storage drawer and an innovative fold-out bench.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Tambour Door Storage Console with Drawer by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare curved front console in rich grained rosewood with a single drawer and slatted tambour storage.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rocking Chaise Lounge by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An adjustable rocking chaise with caned seat and back with bent ash frame and a cushion upholstered in grey savak with natural leather welting.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cane, Ash
Armless Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless slipper chair from the Janus collection with button tufted upholstery and beautifully carved integral walnut base. Model 5775.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Magazine Tree by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An olive green stained walnut magazine tree with cantilevered shelves.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Drop Tambour Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and uncommon drop tambour front cabinet of bleached walnut having recessed finger pulls, the cabinet with drawers, shelves and vert...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
A-Frame' Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern Classic 'A-Frame' armchair with a woven caned backrest, upholstered black leather seat and brass capped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar in t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Dining Set for Six by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A drop-leaf console table opens to seat, six (6) for dining. Set complete with two banquette chairs and four side chairs.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
A-frame Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An architectural and substantial armchair having an exposed walnut "A"-shaped frame supporting an upholstered seat and generous floating and curving back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Set of 10 Spindle Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A classic set of ten (10) dining chairs, each features solid walnut wood construction, spindle back detail with brass stretchers. Set includes 8 side chairs and 2 armchairs, all reta...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Tambour Drum Table With Storage by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1944
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A remarkable end table discreet bar with butterfly hinged top drawers and a tambour cabinet with adjustable shelf.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Octagonal Gaming Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An octagonal gaming or entry table with a leather wrapped cruciform base with brass levelers, and the solid walnut top having an inlaid rosewood Starbur...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1961
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
With a nod to the immense popularity of Charles Eames's swivel lounge chair and ottoman, Wormley capitalized on the popularity of his own stationary, winged lounge chair and ottoman ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather
Tapered Leg Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A tailored two-level square end or lamp table in walnut having splayed tapering legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wood
Janus' End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A walnut 'Janus' end table of Asian inspiration, with raised edges to the legs and diagonal cloud-lift stretchers.
Accented with green inlaid ceramic tiles.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Night Stands by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of ebonized 'French polish' mahogany nightstands with adjustable inner shelf and opposing hinges.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Panel Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four (4) elegant and generously proportioned dining chairs with wooden panel backs, having spare, square-legged mahogany frames and tailored, form fitting upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Vanity or Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid wood double pedestal desk or vanity with demilune curve to accommodate seating and vertically stacked dowel drawer pulls.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wood
Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany low table with a lower shelf and singe drawer on cylindrical dowel legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Set of Six rare Panel Back #6337 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A comfortable set of six dining chairs having gently curved solid wood panel backs and upholstered seats resting on ebonized walnut frames.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Cork Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and elegant square low table with a raised cork top on a mahogany 'Parsons' base.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Cork
Low Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low slipper chair with the original faux alligator texture yellow upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Roll Top Standing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique and elegant lectern in walnut with a roll top cover and a single drawer.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Uncommon Dunbar 'Janus' Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. Each chair features sculpted dark mahogany frames and the original putty suede upholstery wi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Tall Tambour Cabinet with Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and refined ebonized mahogany wardrobe having tambour doors with integrated handles a top two (2) drawers with cut out handles.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Set of Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1953
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of dining chairs with exposed walnut frames supporting floating laminated seats and sculptural back rests, both covered in vintage upholstery. Designed in 1953 as a component o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Armless 'Sled' Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1934
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless sofa or bench or banquet on laminated mahogany "sled" feet.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Impressive Two Tier Triangular Wedge Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A geometrically pure and finely detailed two-tiered table in bleached walnut of triangular form with distinctive beveled edging at a 45 degree angle.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Low Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low table or bench with an ebonized walnut frame which rises slightly above the table surface and can hold a loose cushion if used as a bench.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Dunbar 'Long John' Wall Shelf by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An Edward Wormley designed shelf in solid walnut supported by two (2) laminated mahogany brackets in the original black lacquer finish. Manufactured by Dunbar in the 1960s. Shelf is ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fine and uncommon pair of end tables having sculptural exposed frames in stained mahogany and expressive floating tops of molded birch with upturned edges.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Birch
Model 6328 Elegant Dunbar High Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany dining chair with twisted front legs, with an upholstered high back rest and oval seat.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Desk Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An adjustable and swiveling roll arm desk chair in the original brown leather, having a chromed four point base with casters.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Steel
Lacquered Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1948
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon pivot-back lounge chair in lacquered mahogany with vintage velvet geometric upholstery. Designed in 1948 by Edward Wormley.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and well proportioned eight (8) drawer cabinet in ebonized mahogany, having distinctive laminated end pulls, on tapered dowel legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Uncommon Dunbar 'Janus' Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. Each chair features sculpted dark mahogany frames and the original marble velvet...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant rosewood and mahogany campaign desk having three drawers and two rosewood roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash,...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Swiveling Barrel Back Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair (2) of continuous arm swivel chairs in laminated walnut having tan button tufted leather cushions and a cruciform stretcher detail.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly austere and finely crafted chest of drawers in bleached walnut having a two-over-three configuration channelled recessed pulls and dowel-form legs crafted of anodized al...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
A-frame Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A horseshoe back armchair with white leather upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Dunbar Occasional Arm Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1954
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A model 5517 occasional armchair with exposed mahogany frame supporting a fully upholstered seat, back rest and arms, covered in vintage upholstery. Designed in 1954 as a component o...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rectangular dark walnut low table having a black laminate top and distinctive triangular legs.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Magazine Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A triangular ash table with an inset cream leather top over two web strap magazine holders.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Ash, Leather
Dunbar 'Scoop' Seat Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sinuous upholstered dining chair on tapered legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Chesterfield Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned and highly comfortable rare Chesterfield club chair with button tufted upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless button tufted lounge chair of generous proportion having exposed walnut base. Model: 5000.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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.