Dunbar Benches
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
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...
Category
1960s Minimalist Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Bouclé, Rosewood
Edward Wormley Long John Bench for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
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 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Ash, Walnut
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Bench
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, 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...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Brass
Signed Dunbar Furniture Rosewood Bench Attributed to Edward Wormley, Ca. 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
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.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Ash, Rosewood
"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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Benches
Materials
Walnut
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Leather, 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.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bermuda Bench as Found Condition
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley design for Dunbar furniture of Berne Indiana. Elegant design rectangular bench on tall taper legs with high sides. I am offering the bench in solid and stable as found...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Benches
Materials
Wood
Walnut and Teak Coffee Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Walnut and teak coffee table or bench designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar. Expertly refinished. The walnut top is inlayed with a teak veneer design (see photos). We also h...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Teak, Walnut
Huge 10 Foot Dunbar Custom Made Upholstered Bench
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
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...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table or Bench with Magazine Display
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional Dunbar coffee table or bench (Model 5933a) with built-in brass rods for suspending magazines. Another option would be to recess a glass top over the rods to use as a s...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Textile, Zebra Wood
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.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Brass
Related Items
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 Benches
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1950s Walnut Window Bench in the Manner of Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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Solid Mahogany Mid-Century Modern window bench or settee in the manner of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautifully maintained all original caning and finish with warm patina. Restored ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Benches
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Storage Bench by Dunbar
By Roger Sprunger
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A powder blue bench with hinged seat cushion in original stripped upholstery. Interior storage. Includes matching petite pillow.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" 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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa. Early 1940's , early design with great scale, spring seating system, reupholstered and rebuilt reu...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Upholstery
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 Benches
Materials
Mahogany
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...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
H 20.63 in W 20.25 in D 14.24 in
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.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Brass
Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
This elegant sofa is a classic 1950s design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. It features a tufted back and a long bench seat resting on tapered walnut fee...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Walnut and Teak Coffee Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Walnut and teak coffee table or bench designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar. Expertly refinished. The walnut top is inlayed with a teak veneer design (see photos). We also h...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Teak, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
"Thebes" X Base Stool / Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Thebes stool / bench / footrest / footstool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This example retains the original yellow and orange geometric design fabric. The finish on t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
H 16.5 in W 22.75 in D 22.75 in
Previously Available Items
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.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Benches
Materials
Fabric, Cedar
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”
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Edward Wormley Bench by Dunbar, Model 5429
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Brass
Rare Short John Bench / Table W/ Drawer for Dunbar by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Oakland, CA
Rare "Short John" version of Edward Wormley's Long John bench and or coffee table, in walnut with a bottom drawer. Bent plywood legs, the top has a slight raised edge. Rich brown col...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Benches
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity Bench/ Stool in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant vanity bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Executed in a rosewood frame with new blush/ pink mohair upholstery. Very practical piece of furniture.
Other notabl...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Mohair
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Elegant "Thebes Benches", 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Pair of elegant "Thebes Benches" model 5002 in mahogany with hand-turned stretchers and cream leather by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1950's. These...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Upholstered Mahogany Bench
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Upholstered Mahogany Bench
This bench measures: 65.5 wide x 19 deep x 16 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches
All pieces of furniture ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Long John Bench / Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Restored
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Long John Bench designed by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, 1950s. Use as a bench or a coffee / cocktail table. Beautiful solid mahogany with bentwood hairpin legs. Expert...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Mahogany
H 12 in W 84 in D 19 in
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Thebes" Stools in Bouclé, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Edward Wormley "Thebes" stools or benches Model no. 5002 for Dunbar, American, circa 1950s. The pair is in excellent vintage condition and have been reupholstered in a stunning ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar X-Long Mahogany Bench, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Le Shoppe Too presents this beautiful Edward Wormley for Dunbar x-long mahogany wood bench, professionally reupholstered and refinished. In...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Mahogany
Two Mid-Century "Bermuda" Benches by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage 1940's "Bermuda" benches model #4962 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar FurnitureBerne, Indiana. Playful and sculptural the bermuda bench raises the bar for stylish seatin...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Dunbar benches for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar benches 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 benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches by Dunbar were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider benches by Harvey Probber, Widdicomb Furniture Co., and Milo Baughman. Prices for Dunbar benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,300 and can go as high as $13,750, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,675.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Benches
- 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.