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.
$4,500 / set
Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This pair of Edward Wormley easy chairs have a wonderful profile combining a casual slipper chair with a wing-back. Stylish, comfortable and well built by Dunbar they are the perfec...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1960s, embodying the pinnacle of mid-century elegance. Wormley, Dunbar's legendary design director, crafte...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$6,350 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have an absolutely stunning pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These chairs have been freshly reupholstered in a wonderful nubby white boucle...
Bouclé
$3,750Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is an exquisite Pair of Slipper Chairs by the renowned designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. These iconic chairs have been meticulously refinished and are in over...
Suede, Walnut
1940s Early Edward Wormley Dunbar Petite Slipper Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Great early modernism design by one of the most prominent designers of the period- Edward Wormely for Dunbar. Nice small scale would allow for a variety of applications.
Upholstery, Mahogany
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Dunbar Slipper Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Springs, CA
slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dubar. Button tufted tight seat and back in ivory boucle. Wood base refinished in dark walnut
Wood
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
Pair of Mahogany and Blue Mohair Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early pair of model 5000 "Sophia" slipper chairs by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1955, Indiana, USA). Redone in a luxurious powder blue mohair with button tufted seats and backs...
Mohair, Mahogany
Beige Bouclé Sophia Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar - a Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of neutral lacquered mahogany model 5000 or Sophia slipper chairs with tufted seat and back. Newly refinished and reupholstered in a light écru off-white, ivory, sand or bone bo...
Mahogany, Fabric
$7,207Sale Price / set|20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Lacquered mahogany legs with newly reupholstered button tufted seat and back. ...
Mahogany
$3,400Sale Price|22% Off
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Lounge Chairs, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Series Lounge Chairs, 1957. Original upholstery. Front legs have a beautiful carved pattern. Measure 30.5" wide 25" deep 26" tall, seat heig...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley, Slipper Chair, Aluminum, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
An aluminium and white bouclé fabric slipper chair designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, 1950s. 17" seat height
Aluminum
Pair of Blue Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
1950's Classic American mid-century Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs model #127. With its timeless yet fashion-forward appeal these chairs are one of the most recognized desi...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in Holly Hunt Great Plains Weave
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of iconic slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have reupholstered these in a Holly HUnt Great Plains woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include mainly off-wh...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Slipper Benches"
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rarely seen pair of petite "Slipper benches" model #684 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Newly upholstered frames on zebra wood legs.
Textile, Zebra Wood
$4,800 / set
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley slipper chairs for Dunbar with dark mahogany bases and original black velvet upholstery. The upholstery has faded to an interesting shade of aubergine. Includes downfi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, New Charcoal Gray Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of two armless Slipper chairs / lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. The medium grey. Upholstery has been recently updated and in fine condition with no is...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-Century Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful and elegant pair of armless slipper chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This set appears to have been reupholstered (beautifully and professionally) at some point...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in French Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of iconic slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have reupholstered these in a French woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include off-white, black , taupe and a...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$9,800 / set
Pair of Dunbar Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Gold Tag” slipper chairs, in a weaved off-white and light wheat colored Chenille fabric. Together with two pillows and tufted button design. Dark w...
Foam, Walnut, Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of button-tufted slipper chairs on espresso colored frames with loose lumbar pillows designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company. Please confirm item location (NY or...
Upholstery
Armless Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless slipper chair from the Janus collection with button tufted upholstery and beautifully carved integral walnut base. Model 5775.
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stylish and elegant slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. Upholstered in Fret custom Italian silk velvet, luxurious to the touch, (samples available). Chocolate bra...
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. ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley slipper chairs for Dunbar with dark mahogany bases and original black velvet upholstery. The upholstery has faded to an interesting shade of aubergine. Includes downfi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Lacquered mahogany legs with newly reupholstered button tufted seat and back. ...
Mahogany
Pair of Blue Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
1950's Classic American mid-century Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs model #127. With its timeless yet fashion-forward appeal these chairs are one of the most recognized desi...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,850 / set
H 32.75 in W 23.88 in D 33.25 in
Beige Bouclé Sophia Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar - a Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of neutral lacquered mahogany model 5000 or Sophia slipper chairs with tufted seat and back. Newly refinished and reupholstered in a light écru off-white, ivory, sand or bone bo...
Mahogany, Fabric
$14,000 / set
H 30 in W 26 in D 27 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in Holly Hunt Great Plains Weave
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of iconic slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have reupholstered these in a Holly HUnt Great Plains woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include mainly off-wh...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Lounge Chairs, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair Janus Series Lounge Chairs, 1957. Original upholstery. Front legs have a beautiful carved pattern. Measure 30.5" wide 25" deep 26" tall, seat heig...
Upholstery, Wood
Dunbar Mid Century Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted Mid Century upholstered slipper chair with button back seat cushion and dark ebony finished wood framed legs with rounded tips . Having a smaller matching back lu...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Slipper Benches"
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rarely seen pair of petite "Slipper benches" model #684 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Newly upholstered frames on zebra wood legs.
Textile, Zebra Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Slipper Chairs 1950's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs (Pair), Model 5000A, 1950s Details: Solid mahogany bases, tapered backs, button-tufted, reupholstered in Great Plains boucle. Includes knife-...
Bouclé, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs, A Pair in Dedar Milano Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Oakland, CA
Classic slipper lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. These chairs are iconic pieces of mid-century modern design, and are updated with "Tiger Beat...
Fabric, Walnut
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...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Sold
H 29.5 in W 26 in D 25 in
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century White Tufted Janus Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A pair of Janus boucle slipper chairs by Edward Wormely for Dunbar Furniture. A lovely pair of white slipper chairs with a classic mid cen...
Wood
Tufted Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautiful details on this design with curving front frame and deep and dimensional hardwood frames. Both are signed wi...
Silk, Mahogany
Sold
H 29 in W 27 in D 30 in
Pair of Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs with Original Jack Lenor Larson Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with mahogany feet and covered in the original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric.
Fabric, Mahogany
Sold
H 33 in W 23 in D 32 in
Pair Slipper Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original, Signed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful and elegant pair of armless slipper / lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These are in completely original condition: original yellow silk fabric and origi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Slipper Chair
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Dunbar slipper chair. This is a very delightful chair from furniture brand Dunbar. This slipper chair features a green upholstery construction with rows of three buttons going up a...
Fabric
Pair Dunbar Lounge Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Dunbar Lounge Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley, 1960. Walnut legs restored and newly reupholstered in blue boucle.
Bouclé, Walnut
Pair of Slipper or Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of slipper or lounge chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s Dunbar Furniture Model 5000-A from the Decorator Group. Tufted upholstery, piping and pillows need re upholstery ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in Off-White
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Newly upholstered in a high quality off white with grid pattern fabric. These chairs are great in any room and scale is ideal.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Janus Lounge Chairs for Dunbar, circa 1955
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Edward Wormley Janus slipper lounge chairs for Dunbar, Circa 1955. This pair has been professionally restored in cream bouclé.
Bouclé, Wood