Dunbar Chairs
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
Midcentury "Quinn" Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 1170, Walnut + Wool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Gunlocke, Jens Risom
Located in Decatur, GA
"Quinn" chair, Model no. 1170 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1965. Sculpted walnut arms transition seamlessly to the upholstered back creating a wonderful silhouette. Frame is so...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Wool, Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Brass
Set of Four Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horned Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic and rare set of four horned antler chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Known as 5580 model dining chairs crafted from mahogany with a caned seat. Arguably these are ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley "Alexandria" Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sinuous “Alexandria” chairs in mahogany designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar Furniture circa 1961. One of Wormley’s signature des...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
Set of Four Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut, Velvet
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Chair in Jack Lenor Larsen
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Introducing a dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. The chair features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery wi...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Signed with brass tag. Features tufted back with piping. Original f...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century lounge chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
This chair measures: 24 wide x 30.5 deep x 30.75 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/cha...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar Pair of Cantilever Lounge Chairs
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar pair of cantilever lounge chairs, model 480, oakwood and Mahogany two-toned base structures, oil finish, reupholstered with spi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pull-Up Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Leather
'A-Frame' Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern Classic 'A-Frame' armchair with a woven caned backrest, upholstered black leather seat and brass capped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar in t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Swiveling Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sweet early Wormley modern design makes a perfect vanity or desk chair. The fully upholstered seat swivels over dark stained mahogany legs joined by dowel stretches, with capped...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Brass
1960s Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
With a nod to the immense popularity of Charles Eames's swivel lounge chair and ottoman, Wormley capitalized on the popularity of his own stationary, winged lounge chair and ottoman ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Leather
Mahogany Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this handsome mahogany armchair for Dunbar, juxtaposing modern linearity with curvaceous classic form. It has been expertly reupholstered in Knoll's Rivington...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Chair in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. The chair features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and mohair upholstery with button-tufted backs....
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Mohair, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Antler Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Club Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of side upholstered side chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Medium brown lightly textured fabric and dark brown lacquered wood base. Chairs have been completely redone. Wonder...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Wood
1950s Occasional Armchair Model No 5517 Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A model 5517 occasional armchair with exposed mahogany frame supporting a fully upholstered seat, back rest and arms, covered in vintage upholstery. Designed in 1954 as a component o...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Pair of Armchairs in Green Velvet Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, beech, velvet, United States, 1960s
These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixties. The...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Edward Wormley Set of 4 Dining/Game Chairs in Walnut and Rosewood 1963 'Signed'
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 dining/game chairs model no 935 in walnut and rosewood with upholstered seats by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1963 (original Dunbar labels on bottom). These chairs ar...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
Large Armchair by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Square lounge chair with high arms and chrome feet. Large soft cushioning, beige upholstery.
(Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dea...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Edward Wormley Chair for Dunbar Model 2424B
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Sleekly sculptural chair with a radically slender, curved seat back designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar Furniture, c. 1940. An early modernist design by Wormley, in an organic design idiom, that transforms a traditional wingback chair...
Category
1940s American Organic Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Toadstool for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Amarillo, TX
Edward Wormley
Toadstool ottoman
Dunbar.
Stained oak, enameled steel, wool.
USA
38 D x 15 H inches.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar toadstool ottoman upholstered in wool.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Wool, Wood
Set of 6 Dunbar Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern cane back chocolate brown dunbar dining chairs.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Pair of Edward Wormley Mahogany and Grey Wool Barrel Back Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar barrel back arm chairs in mahogany and blue/gray wool upholstery. Great understated design that reveals unique qualities, would...
Category
1950s American Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
1950s Tufted Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless button tufted lounge chair of generous proportion having exposed walnut base. Model: 5000.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Horseshoe Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Stunning rare pair of Horseshoe armchairs, Model 935, by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. In cerused rosewood and walnut with loose cushions
Category
Mid-20th Century American Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood, Walnut
Pair of Janus High Back Chairs by Edward Wormley
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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
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....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Dunbar Mid Century Occasional Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Dunbar Mid Century Occasional Lounge Chair
This chair measures: 25.25 wide x 25.75 deep x 31.5 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 2...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Dunbar chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar chairs 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 chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs 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 chairs by Edward Wormley, Charles Eames, and Adrian Pearsall. Prices for Dunbar chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $760 and can go as high as $24,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,800.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Chairs
- 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.