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.
10
to
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
6
5
4
4
10
10
114
78
35
11
10
Creator: Dunbar
Dealer: Stamford Modern
Sheaf of Wheat Travertine Top Coffee Table by Edward Wormley, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Vintage "Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table," a timeless piece designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. This exquisite table features a luxurious travertine top, known for it...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Travertine
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
Set of Matching Mirrors by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Rare set of matching mirrors designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. Mahogany framing and caning fully restored. Original mirrors i...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the epitome of mid-century elegance: the "Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. Crafted wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Floating Cabinets by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Elevate your interior with these exquisite mid-century floating cabinets, masterfully designed by the iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s and meticulously restored to their...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chairs in Grey Alpaca Velvet, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning pair of swivel chairs that encapsulate the essence of mid-century modern design: the exquisite creations of renowned designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. Meticul...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Loveseat in Grey Velvet, circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Mid-Century Modern Loveseat designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored and reupholstered in grey cotton velvet by Holly Hunt.
Other designers...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Occasional Wedge Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
The rarely found Wedge end table designed by Edward Wormely for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Executed in walnut, features leather-wrapped feet. completely ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chair and Footstool, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Historic set of lounge chair and ottoman designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, reupholstered in embossed velvet by Holly Hunt. Walnut refinishe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Expandable Game Table W/ Chairs, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A rarely found games table executed in mahogany, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1950. Features an expandable mechanism that brings the table from 32" square to 62"...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Chenille, Mahogany
Related Items
Bamboo mirror, 1950s-60s
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Bamboo framed mirror. Good conditions.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Edward Wormley Dunbar Swivel Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley dunbar swivel lounge chair.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Italian Teak Mirror, 1950s
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Italian Teak mirror, 1950s. The wood frame is made out off one piece of solid Teak.
Designer: Unknown
Manufacturer: Unknown
Country: Italy...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Teak
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Bench, Coffee Table, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Pair Of 1950s Decorative Wood Mirrors
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of 1950s wood decorative mirrors. Etched design in frame.
Category
1950s Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wood
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Boston, MA
Edward Wormely for Dunbar cabinet, circa 1950s. Presented in mahogany, showing lovely woodgrain details. Two doors open to three adjustable selves. Perfect size for various uses. Met...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1950s Italian Brass Mirror
Located in London, London
Mirror
Brass frame
Patination to brass
Italy 1950s
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Illuminated Flower Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll from 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
This illuminated flower mirror was designed by Emil Stejnar during the early 1950s, and manufactured in Austria by Rupert Nikoll. It features a round mirror, which appears to float, ...
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Steel
1950s Italian Brass Mirror
Located in London, London
Mirror
Brass
Italy 1950s
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Sheaf of Wheat Metal Coffee Table with Glass Top, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sheaf of wheat coffee table from 1950s Italy with gilt metal base and round glass top.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Metal
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, Blush Velvet and mahogany
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare variation of the bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture company of Berne Indiana circa 1950s. This A-frame bracket is similar to the designs of Jens Risom, t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
H 31.25 in W 90 in D 32.5 in
Previously Available Items
Mahogany Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning mahogany coffee table designed by the renowned Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s, now fully restored by the experts at Stamford Modern. This exquisite piece of furnitur...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Lounge Chairs in Grey Alpaca Velvet by Edward Wormley, circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning pair of chairs designed by the iconic Edward Wormley, circa 1950-1959. They showcase the perfect combination of vintage elegance and contemporary sophistication.
Crafted wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Very rare four-door walnut and brass basket weave front credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Middle doors open up to a large shelf, and the side d...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
An iconic set of lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. These feature exposed bleached mahogany frames which have been completely restored. Reupholster...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Low Profile Sofa by Edward Wormley, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
A low-profile sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. Features plush back and seat offering extreme comfort. Reupholstered in soft wool ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wool, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sheaf of Wheat Coffee Table, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
The Iconic "Sheaf of Wheat" coffee table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s.
Walnut base fully restored, new tempered glass top.
Other designers from this period ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Low Profile Sofa by Edward Wormley, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
A low-profile sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. Features plush back and seat offering extreme comfort. Reupholstered in soft wool ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Wool, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood End Tables, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Stunningly restored set of rosewood and mahogany tiered end tables, featuring brass stretchers, designed by Amerian icon Edward Wormley for the...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chairs in Grey Bouclé, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of swivel chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1950-1959. Featuring sloping curves, newly upholstered in grey "Teddy" bouclé.
Other designers from this era inc...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Bouclé
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 580 Sofa, 1940s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
One of Edward Wormley’s earliest designs. Incredibly comfortable large profile sofa, newly upholstered in luxurious, yet durable tweed by Holly Hunt. Walnut legs fully restored. Manu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Twill
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Wedge Table, No. 650
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Occasional table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1950s. Mahogany with leather feet in newly restored condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Classic Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A classic set of slipper chairs designed by the Iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered in grey twill by Holl...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Furniture
Materials
Twill, 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
- 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.