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 Daybed in Mahogany, Brass, and Blue-Grey Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, daybed, mahogany, reupholstered fabric, brass-plated aluminum, United States, 1950s. This rare design by Edward Wormley exemplifies his commitment to crea...
Aluminum, Brass
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960. Bench has been completely restored. Measures 59.75" long, 18.75" deep 12" tall
Wood
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
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...
Leather, Mahogany
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
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Thebes' Stools in Bouclé, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of 'Thebes' stools Model no. 5002 designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar of Berne, Indiana. These iconic benches are the epitome of fine craftsmanship. These are in gre...
Bouclé, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Custom Settee
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
This assemblage of three chairs into a settee with bentwood arms was custom ordered by Stephens Financial for their office in Michigan. New upholstery may be desired.
Upholstery, Ash, Rosewood
$2,636Sale Price|28% Off
Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Upholstered L-Shaped Bench, 10ft, 1970s
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Huge 10 foot Dunbar custom made Mid-Century Modern upholstered L shaped bench...
Wood
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...
Velvet, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Sectional Sofa for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960's USA. This two-piece sectional sofa has the stately mahogany bracket back design that sets this Edward Wormley sofa apart. This sofa has vi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Dunbar Lounge Chair designed by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location. Mid Century Modern Lounge Chair. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
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...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley Brass Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sophisticated brass square frame bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Very good original condition, Model #5428.
Brass
$4,595
H 30.5 in W 23.75 in D 22 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4 Each chair measures: 23.75 wide x 22 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height/chair clea...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Pair of Benches by Edward Wormely for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of benches model 5002 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Stools are constructed of walnut and have been professionally restored in a medium walnut finish, both have been newly uphols...
Upholstery, Walnut
1940s Early Edward Wormley Dunbar Petite Slipper Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Great early modernism design by one of the most prominent designers of the period- Edward Wormely for Dunbar. Nice small scale would allow for a variety of applications.
Upholstery, Mahogany
$1,800
H 20 in W 23 in D 16 in
Edward Wormley For Drexel Precedent Bench With Upholstered Seat ca' 1950's
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic and timeless Edward Wormley upholstered bench for Drexel Precedent line, model 200-2, ca' 1950's. Newly restored in natural, clear finish showing the wood grain and new uph...
Upholstery, Elm
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is an exquisite Pair of Slipper Chairs by the renowned designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. These iconic chairs have been meticulously refinished and are in over...
Suede, Walnut
$7,795
H 37.5 in W 20.75 in D 20 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Barstools - Set of 3
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Barstools - Set of 3 Each bar stool measures: 20.75 wide x 20 deep x 37.5 high, with a seat height of 28 and arm height/chai...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960. Restored and reupholstered in gray mohair. Measures 18” tall 54” long 18” deep
Mohair, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Long John' Bench, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Elegant and versatile, this Long John Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar has been fully restored by Stamford Modern. Crafted from solid walnut, its sleek profile highlights timeless ...
Twill, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench #286 in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping to your zip. Low Bench #286 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished mahogany base. Reupholstered in Mohair.
Brass
Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Bench C. 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Bernville, PA
Original vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar solid mahogany six-leg bench with brass accents. Newer cloth fabric and clean original finish. Reupholstering is recommended but not ...
Brass
Mahogany Bench Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar C. 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Bernville, PA
Mahogany bench table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950. Model 2288C. Occasionally referred to as a 'telephone table or bench'. Drawers have original brass and Rosewood hardwar...
Brass
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar Rosewood Bench 1965
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar Rosewood Bench 1965 This elegant plank bench designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar features extended vertical sides that allow for cushion placement, ad...
Bouclé, Rosewood
Edward Wormley Long John Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design Long John Bench for Dunbar Furniture Company. Simple yet sophisticated design bench or coffee table that was an immediate sales succes...
Walnut
Mahogany and Brass Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, half upholstered and open mahogany bench. Details of Brass spacers and original fabric, circa 1970s.
Brass
'Bermuda' Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Long Island City, NY
'Bermuda' Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with cedar wood legs, reupholstered in Dedar Milano Strange Loves 001 fabric. Edward Wormley was an American designer renowned for his w...
Fabric, Cedar
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Bench
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Bench This bench measures: 65.25 wide x 18.5 deep x 14 high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vin...
Brass
"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Walnut
Edward Wormley, Bench, Walnut, Mohair, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and grey beige mohair bench designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, 1950s. Seat height: 13.75”
Mohair, Walnut