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 Brown Leather Thebes Stools, 1950s - A Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A pair of solid mahogany and thick suede leather Thebes stools / ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The “x” shape at the base creates a beautiful symmetry representative...
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5002 Mid Century Thebes Mahogany Stools - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5002 Mid Century Thebes Mahogany Stools - Pair Each stool measures: 23 wide x 23 deep x 17 high Great Vintage Condition - Legs have Minor Scratches/...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley Green Leather Ottomans for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The tufted seat cushions are upholstered in a dark olive green leather, a beautiful compliment to the rich mahogany frame...
Leather, Mahogany
"Thebes" X Base Stool / Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Two Pairs of Solid Mahogany Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
We are offering two pairs of Dunbar stools with vinyl tops and mahogany bases. They would work well as footstools for your sofa or favorite chair. There is a rectangular Dunbar label...
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Ottoman Footrest by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Ottoman, footrest manufactured by Dunbar. This example is structurally sound, and sturdy, it shows cosmetic wear and will need to be reupholstered. Asymmetrical form, upholstered top...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chair and Footstool, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Historic set of lounge chair and ottoman designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, reupholstered in embossed velvet by Holly Hunt. Walnut refinishe...
Velvet, Walnut
$1,188 / item
H 15.95 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Contemporary Sculptural Pouf by WOO - Ottoman DROVA 4 - Wool fabric
By Dmitriy Kozinenko
Located in Kyiv, UA
Ottoman pouf Drova 4, a versatile and stylish addition to your living space. Handcrafted with precision in Ukraine, this cube pouf embodies the perfect fusio...
Steel
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chair, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Taylor King MCM Ottoman Footstool
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 MCM Upholstered...
Cotton
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
Pair of Dunbar Style Ottomans with Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic midcentury ottomans or foot stools. Very heavy and thick brass legs, in the style of Dunbar.
Brass
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...
Upholstery, Walnut
Rolling Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A round ottoman on casters with removable center cushion designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautifully restored and upholstered in silk velvet.
Fabric
Edward Wormley Sofa Model 4906, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Edward Wormley Model 4906 sofa, made by Dunbar in the USA, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
Kristian Vedel Modus Rosewood Ottoman
By Kristian Solmer Vedel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pretty Kristian Vedel Modus rosewood ottoman from the 1960s. Black tufted leather cushion is in good condition with age-appropriate wear. The rosewood f...
Leather, Rosewood
Ottoman pouf Drova 6 Wool fabric by Woo
By Dmitriy Kozinenko
Located in Kyiv, UA
Ottoman Pouf Drova: A Perfect Blend of Design and Functionality Introducing the Ottoman Pouf Drova, a versatile and stylish addition to any living space. Handcrafted with precision ...
Fabric, Plywood, Foam
$2,950
H 20.63 in W 20.25 in D 14.24 in
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 Model 4907 sofa for Dunbar Mid Century
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the Model 4907 sofa exemplifies the designer’s masterful balance of modern restraint and traditional comfort. Introduced in the mid-20th centur...
Upholstery
Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Absolutely stunning bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This piece has been professionally refinished and reupholstered in an amazing leather hide. Retains Dunbar labeling.
Leather, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Toadstool, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Amarillo, TX
Rare toadstool by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in shearling wool. Manufacturer's label to underside. USA, circa 1950s. Measures: 21 D x 17 H in. Wood, stainless steel, white w...
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Modern Low Accent Stool or Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A nice design. Great to use as a foot rest. It has been reupholstered with a nice emerald green fabric. The legs have the original patina or ware. They have not been polished. N...