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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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
$2,975Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Upholstery, Rosewood
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 for Dunbar Mahogany Bench with Boucle' Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A great looking solid bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this mahogany masterpiece exudes timeless elegance. Restored to its original splendor, i...
Upholstery, Mahogany
1940's Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Regency Style X Form Bench or Stool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table or Bench with Magazine Display
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional coffee table or bench (Model 5933a) designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with built-in brass rods for suspending magazines. Another option would be to recess a glass ...
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 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
Huge 10 Foot Dunbar Upholstered Bench
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 Custom Settee
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Thebes' Stools in Bouclé, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Sectional Sofa for Dunbar, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
$7,000
H 26 in W 95 in D 33 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic mid-century modern sofa designed by Edward Wormley from his 1958 Dunbar - Conversation Pieces Collection, this sofa model #261 still has its original Jack Lenor Larsen colorf...
Brass
Long Bermuda Bench By Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Classic and elegant "Bermuda" bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. This is the hard to find long version. Reupholstered in patinated leather with brass nail heads.
Leather, Mahogany
$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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1960s, embodying the pinnacle of mid-century elegance. Wormley, Dunbar's legendary design director, crafte...
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
$2,200
H 13.5 in W 71 in D 19 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Walnut 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...
Walnut
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover one of Edward Wormley's most famous and elegant chairs. A timeless masterpiece, The Captain Chair. We have fully restored this iconic piece to its original splendor, highlighting the beautiful polished brass, cane back, and curved wood frame. The seat has been meticulously reupholstered in Holland & Sherry performance fabric, ensuring both durability and sophistication. Elevate your space with a piece that embodies the essence of mid-century modern luxury. Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain...
Brass
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table or Bench with Magazine Display
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional coffee table or bench (Model 5933a) designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with built-in brass rods for suspending magazines. Another option would be to recess a glass ...
Mahogany
Pair of Benches by Edward Wormely for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Long John' Bench, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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...
Walnut
Edward Wormley, Bench, Walnut, Mohair, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Edward Wormley Bench by Dunbar, Model 5429
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design bench for Dunbar, Model 5429. Classic design by Wormley in brass square frame on capped feet. Newer Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery that presents very well, ready ...
Brass