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.
Set of Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Curved-Back Dining Chairs, 1948
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$1,176Sale Price / set|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Oak and Cane Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New Windsor, NY
A set of four distinct oak and cane back dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Berne, Indiana. Each chair still retains the gold metal tag on the underside of each sea...
Upholstery, Oak, Cane
Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Solid Oak Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A nice set of four Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By Dunbar Furniture USA, 1970s Solid oak frames, with upholstered seats and backs. Two chairs with high end blue leather ...
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
Gorgeous Set of 10 Vintage Klismos 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 ten (10) cane back Klismos dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. The set consists of ...
Cane, Walnut
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Dunbar, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Dunbar, 1960’s. Chair and ottoman are on casters and also original upholstery. Measure 29” tall 29” wide 37” deep, seat height 16.6” 22” ...
Upholstery
Set of Six Edward Wormley Mid Century Dunbar Dining Chairs Circa 1940-50’s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Bernville, PA
Set of six Mid Century Dunbar dining chairs from the late 1940’s early 1950’s by Edward Wormley. The set is in excellent original condition. Beautiful reddish pink velour upholstery...
Velvet, Mahogany
Set of Six Edward Wormley Cane Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A refined set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, featuring dark-finished wood frames with gently curved caned backs and elegantly tapered legs. The restraine...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Set of Four Antler Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and rare set of four horned antler chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Known as 5580 model these dining chairs are crafted from rich mahogany with newly caned sea...
Cane, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six Dining Chairs, Model 935 "Horseshoe Chairs" 1965c.
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six Dining Chairs,Model 935 "Horseshoe Chairs" 1965c. An elegant and highly sculptural set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furnit...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Rosewood
No. 4735 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Set of Four
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Roanoke, VA
Rare set of four No. 4735 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs were acquired from estate with full Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining set. Rarely seen!
Textile
Remarkable Set of 8 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) Iconic modern cane dining chairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950. Singl...
Cane, Mahogany
$1,137Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair Dunbar Captains Arm Chairs by Roger Sprunger
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Fraser, MI
Pair Dunbar armchairs designed by Roger Sprunger.
Walnut, Fabric
$34,999 / set
Set of Eigth John Saladino for Dunbar Petal Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, John Saladino
Located in Dallas, TX
An extremely rare seating group of eight Petal chairs model no. 7814 designed by New York interior designer and architect John Saladino for Dunbar. The fu...
Velvet
All Arms- Miraculous Set of 14 Arm Klismos Cane Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare, an exceptional, meticulously restored set of fourteen (14) cane back Klismos ARM dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of th...
Cane, Walnut
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
Eight Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Expertly Restored.
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 8 dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This stunning set has been expertly reupholstered and refinished. Dark African mahogany frames, mohair upholstery with...
Mohair, Mahogany
Rare set of Eight 1950s MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare set of 8 dining room or conference armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model number 842, in mahogany with original red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to s...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Remarkable Set of 14 Klismos Cane Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley, circa 1948
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare, an exceptional, meticulously restored set of fourteen (14) cane back Klismos dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of this m...
Cane, Walnut
$3,150Sale Price / set|70% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare set of 8 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining chairs in great condition. Upholstery as found, re-upholstery available.
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 19 wide x 23 deep x 32 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 18.25...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of 6 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane Back Freshly Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hudson, NY
Set of 6 freshly upholstered dining chairs model 5296 and 5297 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company. Stunning curved back design with sculpted back legs that are s...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
$14,000 / set
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...
Upholstery, Walnut, Velvet
Stunning Set of 14 Klismos Cane Side Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley, circa 1948
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent set of dining chairs is unique on the World market. The set is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously profession...
Cane, Walnut
Set of Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs in Linherr Hollingsworth
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Experience the epitome of mid-century elegance with this set of eight dining chairs designed by Edward J Wormley for the esteemed Dunbar Furniture Company. Featuring the impeccable M...
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Listed are a pair of elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs with arms and brass handles. These are in need of restoration, perfect if your looking to add to your set. Also c...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 935 Walnut and Rosewood Chairs - Set of 8
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 935 Walnut and Rosewood Chairs - Set of 8 Each chair measures: 24.5 wide x 22 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair ...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
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
Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Set of Six, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Amarillo, TX
Edward Wormley, two armchairs, and four side chairs. Dunbar, USA. Mahogany and leather. Signed with applied gold rectangular metal manufacturer's label to the seat bottom [Dunb...
Leather, Mahogany
Rare Pair Dunbar Dining Chairs in Original Black Leather, Mahogany Frames, Signed
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare and desirable high back Dunbar dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley. Both chairs are completely original. The original black leather has no tears, scuffs, or repairs and show slight stretching on the seats. The mahogany frames show light signs of use in the form of light scratches and nicks, but no distractions. These are excellent examples of this important design, clearly well cared for over the years. Acquired from the original owner. Signed with the gold Dunbar metal...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Dining Chairs (Model 935)
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
This is such a beautiful dining chair with exquisite craftsmanship and detail. The iconic Dunbar Horseshoe chair by Edward Wormley will grace an...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Rosewood
Set of Six Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs in Boucle'
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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, Dunbar, Six Riemerschmid Dining Chairs, Walnut, Leather, 1940s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Stamford, CT
Edward Wormley, Dunbar, Set of Six 'Riemerschmid' Dining Chairs, Walnut, Leather 1950s The model 4797A, originally designed by Wormley for Dunbar in 1947, draws inspiration from Ric...
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley Dining Armchair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut dining armchair with splayed back legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The seat cushion has been newly reupholstered in a Pierre Frey textured fabric - a perfect t...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$3,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Roger Sprunger Jack Larsen Dunbar Guest Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pair of Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Guest Arm Chairs A pair of Mid-Century Modern arm chairs designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Ebonized wooden frames with X stretchers. Original ...
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 8 Each chair measures: 21 wide x 23 deep x 34.25 inches high, with a seat height of 20 and arm height/ch...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
$18,850Sale Price / set|35% Off
Early Set of 4 Edward Wormley Riemerschmid Chairs, Dunbar Furniture, 1947
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Richard Riemerschmid
Located in Culver City, CA
Set your sights on these absolutely stunning, gloriously reupholstered, and ridiculously stylish chairs designed by none other than Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, of Berne, Ind...
Leather, Walnut
Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Model 935 Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning and increasingly rare set of ten armchairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950's. Wormley served as the design director of DUNBAR for over 30 y...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
Uncommon Dunbar 'Janus' Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Model 935 Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning and increasingly rare set of eight armchairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950's. Wormley served as the design director of DUNBAR for over 30...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut X-Base High Back Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 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
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
Pair of Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Cane and Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - 6
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Cane and Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 19.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 34.25 high, with a seat height of 17.2...
Cane, Mahogany
$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
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
Ebonized Dining Set in Olive Velvet by Edward Wormley, Dunbar, 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
This set is absolutely divine! Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950's this set was manufactured to be of the absolute highest quality, and to last forever... which it ki...
Velvet, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Dunbar Horseshoe dining or desk chair model 935
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley design for Dunbar furniture Horsehoe chairs model 935 . This is a first generation chair . Backrest and arm are laminated wood as opposed to later version of solid wo...
Leather, 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 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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 20 wide x 22.5 deep x 31.25 high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches Each captains ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$9,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Eight Edward Wormley Mahogany, Leather and Brass Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of eight mahogany wood and apricot leather curved panel back dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Set is comprised of two arm chairs and six...
Mahogany, Leather
$4,600 / set
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Side Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful set of four side chairs designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar in a dark stained ash.
Ash
Gorgeous Restored Set of 8 Cane Dining Chairs by Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1948
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Saber Leg Dining Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fraser, MI
Rare saber leg dining chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Listing is for 1 chair. Unrestored condition.
Fabric, Walnut
Remarkable Set of 12 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Remarkable Set of 10 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of ten (10) Iconic modern cane dining chairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950. Single...
Cane, Mahogany
Remarkable Set of 12 Vintage Klismos Cane Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of twelve (12) cane back Klismos dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1948. A set of this mag...
Cane, 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
$5,400 / item
Walnut Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions, retaining the original black leather upholstery.
Teak