Dunbar Bookcases
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 Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Glass Front Bookcase
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase or display cabinet
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1950s
Bleached mahogany, with glass front doors and orig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
#6027 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Super Structure Display Cabinet
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Super Structure display cabinet
Stunning cabinet constructed of dark walnut with a brass plated plinth base.
Concave fron...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
$5,520 Sale Price
20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bookcases With Floating Drawers- a Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley designed bookcase for Dunbar. Both shelves have a floating drawer that hangs from below. Beautiful walnut case with a base wrapped in the original leather which sho...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley Dunbar Banded Mahogany Stepped Bookcase 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A well made and designed bookcase by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and sold by Pioneer Furniture Company, "Detroit's Finest Furniture Store".
The bookcase features a subtle stepped silh...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Cerused Oak Cabinet for Dunbar, 1950s USA
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous oak cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Made in the 1950s and still a beautiful and practical piece today. Newly refinished in a cerused Oak, making the wood maintain its ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Leather, Oak
Cabinet 6026 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful and very elegant cabinet model # 6026 designed by Edward Wormely for Dunbar. This cabinet was purchased for the Neptune Gift Shop in New Jersey in 1963 and is constructed o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s USA
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome mahogany cabinet/dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Two shelves flank each side with 5 drawers running down the middle. 2 thick wave panels on...
Category
1950s American Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany, Leather
Edward Wormley Book Case Designed for Dunbar, circa 1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Camden, ME
Tapering three-shelved walnut bookcase / plate stand designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Green Dunbar Berne Indiana metal tag is on the reverse.
The bookcase is in excellent con...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Dunbar Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome walnut cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Three shelves with bottom of cabinet wrapped in tan leather. Newly refinished in grey. Great color and per...
Category
1950s American Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
$3,200
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Restored Edward Wormley Dunbar Walnut & Leather 8-Drawer Dresser or Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This dresser was designed by decorated design icon Edward Wormly for equally revered manufacturer Dunbar Furniture. Known for hundreds of successful designs and exceptional quality, ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
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$6,800
H 36 in W 71 in D 18.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut and Rosewood Cabinet With Chinese Blocks
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
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H 41.13 in W 65.38 in D 13.63 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Sideboard Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1950s
Gorgeous mahogany, with sliding doors.
Measures: 81.5"W x ...
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H 32 in W 81.5 in D 18.25 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lafayette, IN
Grand style and grand scale combine in this wonderful executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Desk features walnut construction, brass and mahogany pulls, and the renowned Dunba...
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1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
$2,975 Sale Price
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H 29 in W 84 in D 42 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
This credenza measures: 61.5 wide x 18 deep x 32.25 inches high
Fair Vintage Condition - Finish Is Rough. Chips and Scratche...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
This credenza measures: 61.5 wide x 18 deep x 32 inches high
Fair Vintage Condition - Finish has a lot of wear and scratches...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Midcentury Mahogany Encyclopedia Low Bookcase, 1960s
Located in Germantown, MD
Midcentury mahogany encyclopedia low bookcase, 1960s measuring 25" in width, 11.5" in depth and 28.5" in height.
Fixed shelf. Shelves clearance is 11.5". Shelf depth is 11" or 8" at...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers/Tall Dresser with Brass Pulls
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elegant tall dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Featuring 5 drawers each with a pair of solid brass drawer pulls.
Constructed out of solid wood and veneer. Dunbar is one of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
$5,600
H 42 in W 35 in D 18 in
Edward Wormley Walnut Cabinet by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
Simple, clean-lined and versatile, this Ed Wormley cabinet by Dunbar features two bi-fold doors concealing one compartment with two shelves. Subtle ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Server Bar by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A multifunctional walnut bar cart on casters by Edward Wormley for Dunbar– Model 5433. The cabinet has two cedar shelves which can be adjusted up or down. One drawer above the cabine...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany credenza with solid brass hardware. Nine drawers with center cabinet.
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bi-Fold Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bi-Fold Oak Cabinet. Great scale and size at only 36" wide and 30.25" tall. Perfect for tight spaces or in an entrance area. Oak veneer with chrome swag ...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
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Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Revolving Bookcase
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern or Arts & Crafts revolving bookcase table
In the manner of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, Circa 1950s
Measures: 30"W x 28"D x 26.5"H.
...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
H 26.5 in W 30 in D 28 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bookcase model 686 in mahogany and leather
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare bookcase designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model no. 686. This bookcase features a mahogany case with subtle fluted edge profile. The suspended drawers are finished in a ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
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Leather, Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rotating Bookcase Table '2/2'
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare revolving bookcase designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Model no. 5405.
Listing is for one table, a second table is available in the same finish. The other table is list...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bookshelf
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great little bookshelf by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1960.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Birch, Mahogany
Mid-Century Bookcase Edward Wormley for Dunbar Etagere, 1970
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mod Etagere circa 1970 found in good condition showing normal signs of previous use. Made in the style of Mid-Century Modern.
An elegant and simple item th...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
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Kingwood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Glass Front Bookcase, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning Mid-Century Modern display cabinet or bookcase
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1960s
Walnut, with glass front doors and original brass hardware.
Me...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Partners Desk with Bookshelf in Ebony with Red Leather
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Uncommon Edward Wormley for Dunbar, partners or library desk from an Arthur Elrod designed interior. Rear of desk flanked with bookcases on both sides of pedestals and two drawers with pullout writing surfaces. Main side contains center drawer, with four drawers per side, with file depth drawers on both left and right sides. Measurements per drawer are listed below after all text. Each drawer having a round brass pull and inlaid wood insert. Original red leather top, divided into three sections, same leather is used to wrap base. Retain brass Dunbar label. Original finish, with touch up, if perfection is sought, consider refinishing.
Elrod placed this Edward Wormley for Dunbar Partners desk...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
H 30.13 in W 57.25 in D 30.25 in
Vintage Low Walnut Bookcase by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage low walnut bookcase by Dunbar.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar End Table with Book Shelf
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley 1940s end table/ bookcase designed for Dunbar Furniture. Retains original finish that shows some wear. Use as is or refinish in your color choice! Retains original label.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Superstructure Breakfront Cabinet or Bookcase
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional custom "superstructure" breakfront wall unit display cabinet or bookcase
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1950s
Natural and stained mahogan...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
H 96.38 in W 84 in D 15 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bookcase
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley designed bookcase for Dunbar. Both shelves have a floating drawer that hangs from below. Walnut case has been refinished, and interior shelves have been cleaned. In...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Dunbar Bookcase Wall Units by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of bookcases designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960. Fully restored. Espresso stained mahogany, glass shelves, and brass details. Glass shelves can be arranged as nee...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Dunbar bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar bookcases 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 bookcases, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bookcases 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 bookcases by Edward Wormley, Maitland Smith, and Paul Evans. Prices for Dunbar bookcases can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,900 and can go as high as $19,495, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,475.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Bookcases
- 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.