Dunbar Side 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
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 Side Chairs
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Blue Upholstered Slipper / Side Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century slipper / side chairs, upholstered in a dark blue fabric with button tufting on the seat backs, resting on four square walnut legs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR D...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Edward Wormley Curved Back Side Chair for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A mahogany ebonized side chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The backrest has been newly caned with a newly upholstered seat cushion. Retains Dunbar brass label.
Edwar...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Chair in Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Side Chairs
Materials
Mohair, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Leather Slipper Side Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of slipper, side chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar feature mahogany frames with high backs, upholstered in butterscotch leather.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1953
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of dining chairs with exposed walnut frames supporting floating laminated seats and sculptural back rests, both covered in vintage upholstery. Designed in 1953 as a component o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Dunbar 'Scoop' Seat Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sinuous upholstered dining chair on tapered legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Ed Wormley Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Ed Wormley chairs.
Category
20th Century American Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Four Side Chairs in Ash, Model 6738, by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed in 1967 by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar, these handsome side chairs, model 6738, have frames of ash whose dark stain enhances the grain of the wood. The tapering curved rail of...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Ash
Dunbar, Mid-Century Modern, Occasional Chairs, Leather, Rosewood, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Manhasset, NY
Dunbar, Mid-Century Modern, Occasional Chairs, Leather, Rosewood, 1950s
This pair of occasional chairs produced by Dunbar in the mid-20th century, showcases a striking design with t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Rosewood
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.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Ash
Roger Sprunger Desk Chair for Dunbar 1967
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in New York, NY
Desk chair model No. 6738 in dark ash with seat upholstered in white linen by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar, American 1967. Refinished and reupholstered in white linen by Lobel Modern.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Linen, Ash
Rare Pair Dunbar Dining Chairs in Original Black Leather, Mahogany Frames, Signed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Brass
Side Chair by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A graceful and well-crafted side chair in vividly grained ash having a single slat back with a curved and tapered top rail, and patinated brass stretchers and feet.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Brass
Related Items
Set of Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model number 842, set of eight armchairs in mahogany with red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to shipping. These chairs were used around a ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Eight Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 8 expertly refinished and reupholstered Dining Chairs in dark Mahogany with Knoll Cato Fabric. Two armchairs and six side chairs make up this stunning set. Two chairs are si...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Side Chairs
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Set of 8 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 8 Dining Chairs in dark Mahogany designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Two armchairs and six side chairs make up this stunning set. Two chairs are signed with the Dunbar Bras...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley Dunbar Love Seats Sofas Jack Lenor Larsen
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Excellent pair of Edward Wormley designed for Dunbar love seat sofas. They retain their original Jack Lenor Larsen velvet fabric in close to excellent...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Janus Collection lounge chairs
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
USA, 20th Century
Ebonized sculpted walnut arms and legs with an exposed frame, and red up...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare set of 10 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining chairs in great condition. Upholstery as found, re-upholstery available.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Frames redone in high gloss black lacquer finish. New upholstery. ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
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.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Side Chairs
Remarkable Set of 8 Iconic Cane Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
H 30 in W 24.75 in D 21 in
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 Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
No. 4735 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Set of Four
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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!
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Textile
Previously Available Items
Dunbar Chic Set of 4 Dining/Game Chairs with Cane Backs 1963 'Signed'
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 dining/game chairs model 6333 in mahogany with trapezoidal cane backs and newly upholstered seats by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1963. (original Dunbar labels on bot...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Mahogany, Cane, Upholstery
Dunbar Rare Set of 6 Bronze Bronze Base Dining Chairs, 1970s
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of 6 sculptural dining chairs, model PC79, with circular bronze base design and channeled upholstery by Dunbar, American 1970's. Recently upholstered in fine white leather. ...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Set of Six Edward Wormley for Dunbar Curved-Back Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of Six Edward Wormley for Dunbar curved-back dining chairs, model 4581 sculpted solid mahogany frames, curved backs ergonomically advanced for it's era, Sculpted front legs, spla...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Set of Three Dunbar 'Captain' Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Set of three Dunbar 'Captain' armchairs by Edward Wormley.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
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 Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Dunbar Wing Back Side Chairs in Holly Hunt Great Plains
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
We reupholstered these chairs in a Holly Hunt silk. Great side chairs or for dining. We can stain the legs as desired.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Swivel Chair, Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Mahogany Cane Leather, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare and exceptional vanity or accent chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chair feature a mahogany frame, cane back, and leather seat. Leather is a light blue, there is a very faint ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Model 406 Leather Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lafayette, IN
This beautiful model 406 lounge chair features walnut frame with original finish, new moss-green leather with wool piping, and unique mini-wingback design. An iconic Wormley original...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
H 29 in W 25 in D 25 in
Rare Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Caneback Side Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Nicely restored Edward Wormley for Dunbar side chairs. Caned backrest and caned arms. Frames nicely refinished and seat re upholstered in white bouclé textile.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chairs in Leather with Brass Handle
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These Edward Wormley for Dunbar chairs are in great condition, with original leather and brass handles. Upholstery options are availabl...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Brass
Rare Swiveling Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare and exceptional vanity or accent chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chair feature a mahogany frame, cane back, and leather seat. Leather is an off-white/ light blue, there is a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Dunbar Captains Armchair by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Armchair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Sculptural form frame made of laminated layers of ash with brass hardware, cane back, and newly upholstered mohair seat.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Side Chairs
Materials
Brass
Dunbar side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar side 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 side chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original side chairs 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 side chairs by Charles Eames, Paul McCobb, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Dunbar side chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,500 and can go as high as $18,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,800.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Side Chairs
- 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.
- 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.