Skip to main content

Dunbar Buffets

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.

to
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
394
59
57
38
29
Creator: Dunbar
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Chicago, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain front mahogany sideboard on a Plinth Base, Features: Two drawers and one double drawer with removable dividers, Four sliding doors with 3 storage compa...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Culver City, CA

This is a credenza that exudes power, presence, and a little bit of that old-money mystique. Designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this mahogany and walnut masterpiece...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Related Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza

$3,800

H 32 in W 61.5 in D 18.5 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in San Francisco, CA

Edward Wormley design credenza for Dunbar Furniture, Berne Indiana. Made with high quality construction technique's and materials. Featuring a fitted interior comprising nine drawers...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Sideboard Model 671 A for Dunbar Custom Order 1953
Edward Wormley Sideboard Model 671 A for Dunbar Custom Order 1953

Edward Wormley Sideboard Model 671 A for Dunbar Custom Order 1953

$6,880Sale Price|46% Off

H 36 in W 72 in D 18.25 in

Edward Wormley Sideboard Model 671 A for Dunbar Custom Order 1953

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Camden, ME

An Edward Wormley walnut and Japanese fir sideboard , model 671A for Dunbar, circa 1953. A rare exquisite Japanese inspired walnut cabinet with two drawers with cast bronze pulls and...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Glass Front Bookcase
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Glass Front Bookcase

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Glass Front Bookcase

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

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 Buffets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut and Chinese Print Block Floating Credenza
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut and Chinese Print Block Floating Credenza

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut and Chinese Print Block Floating Credenza

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

A wall mounted floating credenza consisting of a walnut case, 4 doors accentuated with Chinese printers block and an accent of continuous rosewood face...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Walnut Cabinet by Dunbar
Edward Wormley Walnut Cabinet by Dunbar

Edward Wormley Walnut Cabinet by Dunbar

$2,800

H 29.5 in W 32 in D 20 in

Edward Wormley Walnut Cabinet by Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

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 Buffets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Dunbar Custom Credenza Rosewood Curved Front
Edward Wormley Dunbar Custom Credenza Rosewood Curved Front

Edward Wormley Dunbar Custom Credenza Rosewood Curved Front

By Edward Wormley

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A rare credenza designed by Edward Wormley and custom made by Dunbar for Mellin Furniture Galleries, Warren, Michigan, circa 1969. Curved front rosewood doors, walnut case with plast...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley in Mahogany, C. 1960s
Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley in Mahogany, C. 1960s

Basket Weave Credenza by Edward Wormley in Mahogany, C. 1960s

By Edward Wormley

Located in Westport, CT

Very rare four-door mahogany credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, featuring striking brass basket weave front panels. The center doors open to reveal a spacious shelf, while the si...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Credenza

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 Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Credenza
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Credenza

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Credenza

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern three-piece executive credenza, which includes one eight-drawer cabinet and two three-drawer cabinets with large file drawers. By Edward Wormley fo...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Two Midcentury Ebonized Walnut Woven Front Credenzas, Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Two Midcentury Ebonized Walnut Woven Front Credenzas, Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Two Midcentury Ebonized Walnut Woven Front Credenzas, Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$24,000Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 18 in W 61.5 in D 28.75 in

Two Midcentury Ebonized Walnut Woven Front Credenzas, Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

Two signed Edward Wormley for Dunbar ebonized walnut woven front credenzas with brass fittings. One is a darker walnut than the other so they are not exactly matching in coloration. ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Sideboard Credenza
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Sideboard Credenza

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Sideboard Credenza

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

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 ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Previously Available Items
Rare Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Rare Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Rare Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare and elegant walnut cabinet with bleached rosewood woven front doors and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.

Category

1950s Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Walnut Edward Wormley Dunbar Flip Top Rolling Buffet Bar Cart Server
Mid Century Walnut Edward Wormley Dunbar Flip Top Rolling Buffet Bar Cart Server

Mid Century Walnut Edward Wormley Dunbar Flip Top Rolling Buffet Bar Cart Server

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Dayton, OH

"Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture bar cart or server. Made of walnut featuring a two tier design with a flip top, lower drawer, Micarta insert and large rolling...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Modern Brass Handle Sideboard / Buffett
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Modern Brass Handle Sideboard / Buffett

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Modern Brass Handle Sideboard / Buffett

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Houston, TX

Great two-tone sideboard designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960s. Restored within the last 5 years. Features for sliding doors and two drawers.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Oak & Chrome Credenza by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Oak & Chrome Credenza by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Oak & Chrome Credenza by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar

By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Lafayette, IN

Impressive 1970s Credenza designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Credenza features gorgeous curly oak veneer, chrome ends, chrome pulls, and a wonderful minimalist design. This would...

Category

1970s American Minimalist Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Chrome

Edward Wormley Cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955
Edward Wormley Cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955

Edward Wormley Cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955

Sold

H 34.25 in W 38 in D 20.5 in

Edward Wormley Cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Edward Wormley cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955. This piece has been professionally restored.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Brass

Cabinet / Credenza by Edward Wormley, Brass and Mahogany.  Excellent Condition.
Cabinet / Credenza by Edward Wormley, Brass and Mahogany.  Excellent Condition.

Cabinet / Credenza by Edward Wormley, Brass and Mahogany. Excellent Condition.

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Kansas City, MO

Designed as a dining room buffet / sideboard, this Edward Wormley for Dunbar storage cabinet can be used in any part of the house. The things that make it specific to being a dining ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Brass

Elegant Woven Front Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Elegant Woven Front Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Elegant Woven Front Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant woven front credenza, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1950s. It offers a voluminous amount of storage with three deep divided drawers at the top and th...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley "Basket Weave" Front Credenza for Dunbar
Edward Wormley "Basket Weave" Front Credenza for Dunbar

Edward Wormley "Basket Weave" Front Credenza for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Edward Wormley basket weave front mahogany credenza for Dunbar furniture.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Brass

Credenza or Buffet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Oiled Walnut
Credenza or Buffet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Oiled Walnut

Credenza or Buffet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Oiled Walnut

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in South Charleston, WV

Arguably one of the most impressive designs from the works of Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1955. For use as a credenza or buffet, the dining table and chairs that accompanied thi...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Brass

Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Burled Olivewood Credenza
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Burled Olivewood Credenza

Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Burled Olivewood Credenza

By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger

Located in South Bend, IN

A stunning burled olivewood credenza designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. The credenza features gorgeous wood grain and clean, sleek modern lines....

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Cabinet, Buffet or Sideboard by Edward Wormley, Expertly Restored and Refinished
Cabinet, Buffet or Sideboard by Edward Wormley, Expertly Restored and Refinished

Cabinet, Buffet or Sideboard by Edward Wormley, Expertly Restored and Refinished

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Kansas City, MO

Edward Wormley storage cabinet / credenza. Three sliding cane panels reveal drawers and adjustable shelves. Expertly refinished and restored. Excellent condition.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Dunbar buffets for sale on 1stDibs.

Dunbar buffets 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 buffets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original buffets by Dunbar were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider buffets by John Widdicomb, Edward Wormley, and American of Martinsville. Prices for Dunbar buffets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,225 and can go as high as $8,960, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,800.
Questions About Dunbar Buffets
  • 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.
  • 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.