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
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
5
5
5
5
5
2
2
5
4
2
2
2
4
4
5
5
5
434
58
57
27
21
Creator: Dunbar
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
Walnut and Mahogany Sideboard, Model 4579, by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in 1945, this exquisite sideboard, model 4579, appeared in the 1997 exhibition "The Other Face of Modernism." With its bold brass hinges and pul...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
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 J. Wormley for Dunbar Sideboard
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar for modern 1940s bleached mahogany sideboard, center stepped out, inset oval drawer pulls, center interior with drawers and space to store table pads, end cabinet doors hinged on sides and have curved wood door shelves, on leather plinth base. Original key. To be refinished, custom colors options available. Dunbar quality...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza with Brass Hardware
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
A warm Edward Wormley for Dunbar credenza in a beautiful mahogany wood with solid brass hardware. There are nine drawers with center cabinet. The quality of the construction is very ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Related Items
Mid Century Walnut Sliding Door Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Seize the opportunity to own a slice of design history with this exquisite vintage mid-century modern credenza, masterfully designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar, hailing from the creative zenith of the 1960s. This credenza is a testament to Wormley's philosophy that functional furniture should not forsake beauty. Having received a meticulous restoration, the rich walnut wood displays a lustrous finish, with even the backing revitalized to showcase its full glory from every angle.
This svelte case piece stretches 72 inches in width, stands 28 inches high, and reaches 15 inches in depth—a refined and slim profile that distinguishes it from its more robust counterparts. It features a trio of leather off-white doors that slide with satisfying precision to reveal a trio of adjustable shelves, offering versatile storage solutions for the discerning collector or design enthusiast.
Edward Wormley's association with Dunbar Furniture brought about an era of accessible, yet sophisticated designs that were inherently modern yet timeless. Wormley's work is characterized by its sublime craftsmanship and elegance, a homage to the harmony between function and form—a narrative that this credenza exemplifies.
Envision this piece as the centerpiece in a minimalist setting, its clean lines and warm walnut tones contrasting with the cool austerity of modern design. Equally, it would serve as a sophisticated anchor in an eclectic interior, bridging the gap between various eras and styles. From a chic Bauhaus-inspired space to a cozy Scandinavian nook...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
H 28 in W 72 in D 15 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Two Edward Wormley cabinets with corrugated wood sliding doors and center drawer section in a grey brown finish
Each cabinet is 20" deep by 49" wide by 31.25 high.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Sideboard Model 671 A for Dunbar Custom Order 1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 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 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Mahogany
H 32 in W 81.5 in D 18.25 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
H 18 in W 61.5 in D 28.75 in
Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Restored
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Mahogany storage cabinet with woven sliding doors and drawers designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The two sliding doors have fronts woven with thin pieces of mahogany and nickel p...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Nickel
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar cabinet with brass Asian hardware. All original dark had rubbed finish on ribbon mahogany, top will be polished and touched up prior t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Sliding Door Credenza
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Sliding Door Credenza
This credenza measures: 41.5 wide x 18 deep x 34 inches hi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Mahogany
H 34 in W 41.5 in D 18 in
Edward Wormley Credenza / Server for Dunbar in Bleached Walnut and Brass
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful bleached walnut credenza / server with solid brass hardware designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The top two drawers contain removable felt-lined silverware trays...
Category
1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut cabinet with leather wrapped handles and spruce sliding doors. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Cane Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Cane Credenza
This credenza measures: 81.5 wide x 18 deep x 32 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call res...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Drop Tambour Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and uncommon drop tambour front cabinet of bleached walnut having recessed finger pulls, the cabinet with drawers, shelves and vert...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Walnut
Previously Available Items
Rare Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
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
H 30 in W 40 in D 19 in
Pair of Cabinets by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Two-Tone Mahogany and Rosewood
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of storage cabinets in two-tone mahogany with rosewood pulls and brass details. These have been expertly refinished and are in excellent ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
H 35.25 in W 33 in D 18.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Modern Brass Handle Sideboard / Buffett
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
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
H 27 in W 80 in D 18.25 in
Edward Wormley Cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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.
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
H 28 in W 69 in D 18 in
Elegant Woven Front Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
Walnut Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Made in USA, circa 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Sturdy and handsome buffet in very good, original condition by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in walnut wood with brass wishbone pulls and original labels.
There are four doors on the low...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Wood
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
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
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.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Buffets
- 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.
- 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.