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.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 1038 Mid Century Wingback Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 1038 Mid Century Wingback Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 29.5 wide x 30 deep x 45 high, with a seat height of 21 and arm height/chair clear...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of New Reupholstered Dunbar Tuxedo Lounge Chairs in Ultra Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is an even arm Tuxedo lounge chairs by Dunbar Furniture. It has 3 cushioned seats and is on casters for easy movability. It has be newly reupholstered in a rich off white Ultra ...
Fabric
Edward Wormley Captains Chair for Dunbar, Model 5480
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley Captain's Chair for Dunbar Furniture, Model 5480. Elegant looking armchair perfect for a desk or bedroom corner. Made from oak with brass feet and a cane backrest, jus...
Cane, Oak
Pair of Blue Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
1950's Classic American mid-century Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs model #127. With its timeless yet fashion-forward appeal these chairs are one of the most recognized desi...
Upholstery, Wood
American Mid-Century Ed Wormley Ebonized With White Upholstery Armchair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century ebonized wood continuous roundback armchair with white upholstery (EDWARD WORMLEY for DUNBAR)
Wood
Vintage Mid-Century Striped Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This spacious Dunbar style sofa features deep upholstered seats with unique vintage striped fabric. The cutaway armrests and well-proportioned design add to the Mid-Century appeal of...
Upholstery
Four Alexandria Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Elegant Modern at Its Best
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 4 Alexandria Chairs designed by Edward Wormley. One of Wormley's most coveted designs. These can be used as dining / kitchen chairs, game table chairs or side chairs in any ro...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pull-Up Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar pull-up lounge chairs. Model 971 Jansus line collection. Wormley's Boutique line. Original chocolate brown leather with...
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tufted Cantilevered Desk Chair in Spinneybeck Saddle L
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar tufted cantilevered desk chair in spinneybeck saddle leather, reupholstered. Also features solid walnut wood base and ...
Walnut, Leather
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Blue Upholstered Slipper / Side Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century slipper / side chairs, upholstered in a dark blue fabric with button tufting on the seat backs, resting on four square walnut legs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR D...
Fabric
Edward Wormley Green Leather Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The tufted seat cushion is upholstered in a dark olive green leather, a beautiful compliment to the rich mahogany frame. The frame...
Leather, Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair Ottoman Set By Roger Sprunger For Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern armchair and ottoman set was designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Furniture circa 1963. The chair model number is 484. The armchair features a high b...
Fabric, Walnut, Lacquer
$14,680 / set
Edward Wormley Slipper Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
“Furniture is needed for practical reasons, and because it must be there, it may as well be as pleasant as possible to look at, and in a less definable psychological way, comforting ...
Bouclé, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Armchair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Long Island City, NY
LITERATURE Illustrated in EDWARD WORMLEY: The Other Face of Modernism, pg. 41 A 1960s Dunbar swivel armchair designed by Edward Wormley. The base is ebonized mahogany. The back cush...
Upholstery, Mahogany
1957 Edward Wormley Daybed Model 5716 From Wormley Estate for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 5716 Daybed, originally designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This particular example was produced in the United States and dates to the year 1957. The daybed featur...
Foam, Walnut, Fabric
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman The chair measures: 30.5 wide x 33 deep x 33 high, with a seat height of 15 inches and arm height/chair clearance of 2...
Upholstery, Wood
Leather Swivel Lounge Chairs Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Add some playful elegance to your space with these swiveling Dunbar chairs designed by Edward Wormley, circa 1960's. His signature style, defined by clean lines and architectural sim...
Leather, Wood
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.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Dunbar Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Original Leather
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A Dunbar lounge chair and ottoman model 484 designed by Roger Sprunger. Mahogany frame with original leather.
Leather
Cane And Mahogany Dining Chair By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in 1946. Model 4632, features tapered frames in a light mahogany with solid seats and curved backrests inset with cane.
Cane, Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1960s, USA, two-piece sectional sofa. The sofa features split arm rests and an exposed sculpted ebonized wood frame. This sofa has been fully reupholster...
Velvet, Walnut, Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Thebes Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Toledo, OH
Classic Edward Wormley Thebes stool from the 1950's by Dunbar with a fabric seat and brass stretcher. The seat has the original fabric and may need to be recovered. 24" x 24" x 17" h...
Brass
Set of Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Curved-Back Dining Chairs, 1948
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Curved-Back Dining Chairs, 1948 An elegant set of Ten dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, comprising Model 4580 side c...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a. The continuous laminated ash legs wrap around the entire chair and form t...
Bouclé, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut X-Base High Back Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern x-base armchairs or dining captain chairs By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Solid walnut frames with "x" stretchers...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley Dunbar Alexandria Armchairs, Mahogany & Walnut, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Alexandria" Arm Chairs, Model 6004, circa 1960, mahogany and walnut frame with burgundy vinyl seat, "Edward Wormley for Dunbar" label to underside....
Upholstery, Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley Dunbar Alexandria Armchairs, Mahogany & Walnut, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Alexandria" Arm Chairs, Model 6004, circa 1960, mahogany and walnut frame with burgundy vinyl seat, "Edward Wormley for Dunbar" label to underside....
Upholstery, Mahogany, Walnut
Set of Six Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs in Boucle'
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of 6 dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, upholstered in a high-quality boucle' in spice and black, epitomizes the pinnacle of mid-century design. Dunbar was one of the ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley 'Long John' Bench for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 1946 design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the bench, lovingly termed the “Long John" has a low profile with walnut segmented, tongue-and-groove construction atop four hairpin legs ...
Ash, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Signed) Janus Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Signed) Janus Chairs These were reupholstered at one point. May desire to have these reupholstered. Beautiful natural wood grain. Some wear to...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Dunbar Mahogany Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of 6309 lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar as part of the Today and Tomorrow collection, circa 1963. French inspired channeled mahogany frames. Upholstered in Manuel Canovas fabric...
Fabric, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in Holly Hunt Great Plains Weave
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of iconic slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have reupholstered these in a Holly HUnt Great Plains woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include mainly off-wh...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Cantilevered Chairs in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Dallas, TX
Introducing the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort: the Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar pair of cantilever lounge chairs, model 480. These exquisite chairs, known for their di...
Brass
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Holly Hunt Great Plains
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate your living space with the exquisite Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Lounge Chair and Ottoman, newly upholstered in Holly Hunt Great Plains Cardigan—a boucle' fabric renowned for i...
Upholstery, Walnut
$14,000 / set
Set of Four Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four dark walnut dining armchairs with tapered legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The seat cushions have been reupholstered with blue and green velvet with a lin...
Upholstery, Walnut, Velvet
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs in Holly Hunt Boucle'
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
We love these gorgeous chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. A hard-to-find pair! They are super comfortable. We have reupholstered these in a Holly Hunt bouclé which is pale gray. Al...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$12,000 / set
Edward Wormley Antler Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design antler dining chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580. Rare and attractive design chair by Wormley in the height of his design career. Frames are bleached mahogany with...
Cane, Mahogany
$2,750Sale Price|50% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chair circa 1950s with Original Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable armless lounge slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in beautiful plaid upholstery. A true collectors piece with no modifications and in excellent vintage condition....
Walnut
Pair of Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ( model 4710A ). These chairs have been newly restored, refinished and reupholstered, and are in excellent ready...
Brass
Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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.
Upholstery, Walnut
Stellar ALL ARM Set of 8 Vintage Cane Dining Chairs by Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare, an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) cane back Klismos ARM dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of this m...
Cane, Walnut
Pair of Petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Slipper Benches"
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rarely seen pair of petite "Slipper benches" model #684 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Newly upholstered frames on zebra wood legs.
Textile, Zebra Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut X-Base Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six Mid-Century Modern x-base dining chairs By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Solid walnut frames with "x" stretchers, and upholstered ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut X-Base Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of four Mid-Century Modern x-base dining chairs By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Solid walnut frames with "x" stretchers, and upholstered...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut X-Base High Back Side Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern x-base side chairs or dining chairs By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Solid walnut frames with "x" stretchers, and ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$9,500 / item
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.
Steel
$3,600 / item
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless button tufted lounge chair of generous proportion having exposed walnut base. Model: 5000.
Upholstery, Walnut
Rare Set of Lounge Chairs in Walnut by Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Troy, MI
Set of 4 rare bentwood lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley Model 5646 Dunbar circa 1950s Curved barrel back seat in bent walnut with integrated sculpted armrests Legs are taper...
Fabric, Walnut
Highback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high backed, button-tufted lounge chair in the original black leather upholstery with mahogany legs and side stretchers.
Leather, Mahogany
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...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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.
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Arm Chairs or Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar armchairs. Edward Wormley always saw furniture as expressions of personality and as a paired-down concept for detail of architecture and g...
Upholstery
Remarkable Set of 12 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of twelve (12) Iconic modern cane dining chairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950. Sin...
Cane, Mahogany
Chesterfield Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned and highly comfortable rare Chesterfield club chair with button tufted upholstery.
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Yellow Lounge Chair for Dunbar, Reupholstery Needed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Berlin, DE
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair for Dunbar that also can be used as is but we recomend a new dress for this very comfy chair. Please ask for quotes. *This piece is curated by Original B...
Upholstery, Wood
Side Chair by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A graceful and well-crafted side chair in vividly grained ash having a single slat back with a curved and tapered top rail, and patinated brass stretchers and feet.
Brass
Pair of Janus High Back Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of 'Janus' high back chairs with the original blue silk faille upholstery, on light walnut legs with cloud lift stretchers.
Walnut, Upholstery
Gorgeous Restored Set of 8 Cane Dining Chairs by Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1948
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) cane back Klismos dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of this magnitude is the collector's equivalent to capturing a Purple Unicorn. Expertly crafted solid walnut construction with stellar lines and detail. Finished in a dark walnut stain - aged to absolute perfection. Delicate cane panel inset back. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and coveted chair...
Cane, Walnut
$4,200 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs- A Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Great pair of lounge chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Features a seamless blend of traditional and modern elements as so familiar with Wormley's design philosophy- with...
Upholstery, Hardwood
$4,600 / item
No. 4735 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
No. 4735 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Bleached mahogany, fabric. A great model that rarely comes up on the se...
Fabric, Mahogany