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Dunbar Stools

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
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Classic Modern Mahogany, Brass and Cane Bench or Stool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
This elegant stool, bench or ottoman was designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunbar Furniture Company in 1950, model number 5006A. This stool, based on the Ancient Roman Curule seat ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Large Edward Wormley Donut Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

"Thebes" X Base Stool / Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bermuda Bench as Found Condition
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley design for Dunbar furniture of Berne Indiana. Elegant design rectangular bench on tall taper legs with high sides. I am offering the bench in solid and stable as found...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bleached Mahogany & Cane Swivel Vanity Stool c. 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful and elegant as ever mid century vanity stool designed by Edward Wormely and produced by Dunbar in the 1950s. The caning is ori...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Cane, Mahogany, Mohair, Upholstery

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...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

One pair of Edward Wormley Dunbar foot stools or ottomans four available
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Price is for one pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar stools or ottomans . Recently finished in dark stain base with X stretcher supports recently re upholstered seats . Most retain Dun...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Benches by Edward Wormely for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of benches model 5002 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Stools are constructed of walnut and have been professionally restored in a medium walnut finish, both have been newly uphols...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dunbar Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Thebes Stool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Toledo, OH
Classic Edward Wormley Thebes stool from the 1950's by Dunbar with a fabric seat and brass stretcher. The seat has the original fabric and may need to be recovered. 24" x 24" x 17" h...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools

Materials

Brass

Tootsie Roll Stools by Dunbar
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An unusual and expressive 'tootsie roll' stool, ottoman or end table covered in textured striated fabric.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Related Items
Signed Dunbar Furniture Rosewood Bench Attributed to Edward Wormley, Ca. 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Peabody, MA
A rosewood bench by Dunbar, ca. 1960, with original seat cushion and what appears to be a Jack Lenor Larsen jacquard fabric. This all-wood version of Dunbar's bench is most often at...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Long John' Bench, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Elegant and versatile, this Long John Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar has been fully restored by Stamford Modern. Crafted from solid walnut, its sleek profile highlights timeless ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools

Materials

Twill, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960. Restored and reupholstered in gray mohair. Measures 18” tall 54” long 18” deep
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Mohair, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960
$3,200
H 18 in W 54 in D 18 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chair and Footstool, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools

Materials

Velvet, 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.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools

Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
$6,800 / set
H 31.5 in W 24 in D 29.5 in
Edward Wormley 'Long John' Bench for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 1946 design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the bench, lovingly termed the “Long John" has a low profile with walnut segmented, tongue-and-groove construction atop four hairpin legs ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Edward Wormley 'Long John' Bench for Dunbar
Edward Wormley 'Long John' Bench for Dunbar
$3,000
H 11.5 in W 54 in D 19 in
Egyptian Revival Maple Thebes Stool, Liberty & Co.
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 20th century, Egyptian Revival, medium-toned maple, Thebes stool styled after the stools of ancient Egyptian royalty, attributed to Liberty & Co.
Category

Early 20th Century English Egyptian Revival Dunbar Stools

Materials

Maple

Egyptian Revival Maple Thebes Stool, Liberty & Co.
Egyptian Revival Maple Thebes Stool, Liberty & Co.
$3,200
H 14.5 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Walnut Bench, Coffee Table, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Long Edward Wormley for dunbar style walnut "long john" Bench. Coffee Table. Bed End. Featuring a longer rectangular slat-style Walnut surface, turned edge...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Walnut

"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the epitome of mid-century elegance: the "Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. Crafted wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960. Bench has been completely restored. Measures 59.75" long, 18.75" deep 12" tall
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
$1,800
H 12 in W 59.75 in D 18.75 in
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern high-back chair and ottoman set designed by Edward Wormley featuring mahogany bases and original orange upholstery. Made by Dunbar in the USA, circa 1950s.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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
Category

20th Century American Dunbar Stools

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ottomans
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ottomans
$6,500 / set
H 15 in Dm 30 in
Previously Available Items
Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Skokie, IL
A rare pair of "Thebes" stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar of Berne, Indiana. They also work well as ottomans, or used together to form a bench. These stools have been fully restore...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Upholstered Mahogany Bench
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Upholstered Mahogany Bench This bench measures: 65.5 wide x 19 deep x 16 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches All pieces of furniture ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Stool, Ottoman, Dunbar, Mahogany, Grey Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Edward Wormley stool for Dunbar. Mahogany wood and grey fabric.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Thebes" Stools in Bouclé, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Edward Wormley "Thebes" stools or benches Model no. 5002 for Dunbar, American, circa 1950s. The pair is in excellent vintage condition and have been reupholstered in a stunning ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Two Mid-Century "Bermuda" Benches by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage 1940's "Bermuda" benches model #4962 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar FurnitureBerne, Indiana. Playful and sculptural the bermuda bench raises the bar for stylish seatin...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Edward J. Wormley "Thebes" New Full-Grain Boucle Tweed Stools for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of full-grain boucle tweed “Thebes” stools designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States circa 1950’s. Its comfortable and stylish cushions are reupholstered i...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood, Mahogany

Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Thebes" Stools in Bouclé
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Edward Wormley "Thebes" stools or benches Model no. 5002 for Dunbar, American, circa 1950s. The pair is in excellent vintage condition and have been reupholstered in a stunning ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Pair of Dunbar Stools or Ottomans in Nutmeg/Rust Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
These stools have been restored and new upholstery added. A nutmeg mohair with a beautiful sheen.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools

Materials

Mohair, Wood

Swivel Vanity Stool by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A swiveling vanity stool in beautifully patinated original leather. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Leather

Bench Designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Dallas, TX
A bench designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar in polished stainless steel, rosewood and original leather.
Category

1970s Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Leather

Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Vanity Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar swivel vanity stool. A fine example of this form. All original with early Dunbar tag attached. Finish to the...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools

Materials

Wood

1940s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Regency X Form Bench or Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early design for Dunbar, mahogany bench or vanity stool. X form base with neoclassical styling, and original black leather seat. Mahogany frame will be refinished prior to shipping, ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Dunbar stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Dunbar stools 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 stools, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original stools by Dunbar were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider stools by Paul McCobb, Warren Platner, and George Nelson. Prices for Dunbar stools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $900 and can go as high as $14,850, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,888.
Questions About Dunbar Stools
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Dunbar 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.

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