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 Dunbar MCM Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Jack Lenor Larsen, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge chair and ottoman with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric The chair measures: 32 wide x 48 deep x 42.5 high, with a seat height of 17 inches Th...
Metal
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Janus Group Ottoman, circa 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Janus Group Ottoman, circa 1955 – Reupholstered Tufted Pillow-Top with Splayed Mahogany Legs Description An iconic mid-century design by Edward Wormley for...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood Toadstool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Rosewood Toadstool This ottoman measures: 14.75 wide x 14.75 deep x 19.5 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a con...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or Ottoman with Parson Legs & Tufted Seat
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or ottoman. This elegant stool has dark mahogany parson legs with an inside radius and original off white tufted upholstery. Origin...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Green Leather Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The tufted seat cushion is upholstered in a dark olive green leather, a beautiful compliment to the rich mahogany frame. The frame...
Leather, Mahogany
$8,500 / set
Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design x-base ottoman for Dunbar Furniture. Timeless and classic design by Wormley offering additional seating for any arrangement. Newly refinished and upholstered in...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Large Edward Wormley Donut Ottoman for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Miami, FL
Original Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar. Foam and fabric are new, springs are original. Expertly reupholstered. Original casters. Center cushion is removable.
Fabric, Wood
$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
$4,756Sale Price / set|20% Off
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Dunbar, USA 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Berlin, DE
Edward Wormley lounge chair with ottoman by Dunbar, USA 1960s Dunbar lounge chair with ottoman. The measurements given apply to the Lounge Chair. The ottoman measures 60cm depth, 60...
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century lounge chair and ottoman The lounge chair measures: 27 wide x 30 deep x 39 high, with a seat height of 17 inches and arm height of 23 inches ...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Toadstool for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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.
Wool, Wood
Dunbar Lounge Chair designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location. Mid Century Modern Lounge Chair. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Fabric, Mahogany
$44,995 / set
H 39.5 in W 29 in D 33 in
Pair Janus Wing Chairs and Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of "Janus" wing chairs and ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. One of his most iconic designs! In the Janus Collection Wormley modernized the lines of eighteen...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Silk Parsons Ottomans or Stools
By Milo Baughman
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of Silk Parson Ottomans or stools. Gingham silk upholstery covers the pair. very good condition. In the Billy Baldwin style with button top. This ...
Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Wood
$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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ottomans
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ottomans model #5314, ultra suede and mahogany priced as a pair
Mahogany
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
1960s Vintage Lounge Chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1960s Vintage Wing Back Lounge Chair upholstered in a stunning vintage Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery. Stained walnut base.
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
$3,250
H 29.25 in W 27.5 in D 36.5 in
Edward J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar circa 1950s on solid brass castors. The lounge chair has a trapezoid shape, wider in the front (27.5" W) and tapers to the back....
Upholstery
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs and Ottoman Ottoman Measurements: 29.25 length 25.25 depth 17.25 height
Acrylic, Wood
Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Milo Baughman, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
A rather scarce lounge chair form to come to market by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Brass Legs mounted to underside. Solid chair with good weight. Original upholstery. Best to plan t...
Brass
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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Mid Century Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Mid Century Ottoman This ottoman measures: 23 wide x 18 deep x 12.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much d...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The tufted seat cushion is upholstered in a dark green mohair, a beautiful compliment to the rich mahogany frame. The frame showc...
Mohair, Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley Green Leather Ottomans for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Sold
H 17.25 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s Thebes Stool Ottoman mid century modern
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s Thebes ottoman / stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company out of Berne Indiana. A tufted square cushion with saddled sides floats over tapered legs with rounded ball feet and a carved x cross brace. Edward Wormley was known for his subtle details that blended traditional and modern. This ottoman consisting of ebonized solid mahogany and a vibrant turquoise vintage fabric...
Fabric, Mahogany
Dunbar Thebes Stool designed by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for accurate shipping to your location. Dunbar Thebes Stool. Designed by Edward Wormley.
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 16 in W 23 in D 23 in
Set of three Dunbar Thebes Stools in the Original Leather, Mahogany. Signed.
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare set of three completely original, one owner, x base Thebes Stools designed by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, 1950s. Signed with the Dunbar metal...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 30 in W 38 in D 34 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Club Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dayton, OH
"Edward Wormley for dunbar lounge chair and ottoman, Circa 1960s. Features an open frame made from walnut and original burnt orange striped down filled upholstery. Provenance : Je...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Ottomans
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
These are in great shape and fabric is too. A rare hard to find pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection ottomans/benches.
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley lounge chair with ottoman for Dunbar. Model 129. Was reupholstered in recent years as shown however most likely will prefer to recover in different fabric. Manner of M...
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Janus collection lounge chair and ottoman, model 5701 Reupholstered in Holly Hunt, Great Plains cotton-poly weave with combed open grained ashwood frame an...
Brass
Pair of Dunbar Benches, Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of benches by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored mahogany bases with brass accents and new upholstery.
Brass
Elegant Edward Wormley Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley lounge chair with ottoman for Dunbar. Upholstery is original. Pretty clean but most likely dated. Reupholstery is recommended.
Upholstery