Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
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 MCM Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century Model 452 Rosewood Tambour door executive desk
This desk measures: 74.5 wide x 28 deep x 35 high, with a chair clearance of 24 inches
All ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Petite Vanity/Writing Table with Stool Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mahogany vanity/writing table with corresponding naugahyde stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1950s, Indiana, USA).
Angu...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Naugahyde, Laminate, Mahogany
Dunbar Large Walnut Executive Desk with Return
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid chrome legs walnut Dunbar desk with return.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Rosewood Roll top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452. All Original
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk in very good completely original condition. Two rolltops, one on each side and three drawers. Large work se...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Floating Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Extending Desks, 1970s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and sleek Mid-Century Modern executive desks by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. The desks features stunning solid walnut grain and sleek midcentury design. The desk is fi...
Category
1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Nutwood
Mid-Century Executive Walnut Desk by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful mid-century executive walnut desk designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk is made with a timeless design that has been profess...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Rosewood and Mahogany Receptionist Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular fully restored and sought-after model #452 'Roll Top' desk was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and features beautifully grained Rosewood and Ebonized Mahogany, designed and made in the 1960s. Most examples of this design are regular desk height however this example was custom made to be a receptionist desk...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Rosewood
Stunning Rare Rosewood and Brass Platform Desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A stunning sleek rosewood desk with three minimal drawers that disappear into the apron. This wonderful desk has the very rare brass pedestal legs. Dunbar metal tag is inside the lef...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Clean Lined Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined console table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s. This table is a versatile size and can be used as a console or so...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant rosewood and mahogany campaign desk having three drawers and two rosewood roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash,...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
American Walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar Double Pedestal Desk w/ Folding Return
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar double pedestal desk w/ folding return.
Uniquer folding return desk feature, nice architectural design back, beautiful amber honey tone finish.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley Executive Tambour-Door Rosewood Desk for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood executive desk by Edward Wormley c.1950s, USA, for Dunbar. The desk has three shallow drawers that run the length of the desk. The top of the desk features two roll top tamb...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Dunbar Contract Division Mid Century Executive Desk
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Dunbar contract division Mid Century executive desk
Desk measures: 72 wide x 36 deep x 28.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture ca...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plexiglass, Wood
Vanity or Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid wood double pedestal desk or vanity with demilune curve to accommodate seating and vertically stacked dowel drawer pulls.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Roll Top Standing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique and elegant lectern in walnut with a roll top cover and a single drawer.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
English Oak and Chrome Desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed for Dunbar by Roger Sprunger, this modern, clean-lined desk places a top of now rare English oak on two slab supports in chrome. Three shallow drawers each have a well for p...
Category
1970s American Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Mahogany Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An octagonal mahogany writing desk designed by Edward Wormley with a single drawer. Made by Dunbar in the USA, circa 1957.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Related Items
1968 Executive Desk
By Warren Platner
Located in Hanover, MA
Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects).
Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm.
Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings.
The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971.
Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One corner edge shows a small separation.
The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel:
G.P.
F.I.
2
And the date Dec. 20, 1968.
See image 18.
Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector.
We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers.
Tim Anderson...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Side Table Model 5309 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Model 5309 rare coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Combination of Wood and brass with the original glass top.
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Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk or Writing Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful and simply designed teak desk from Scandinavia circa 1970's. It features teak construction with finished back. Clean & ready to use condition. No drawer keys present but ...
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1950s Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Desks and Writing Tables
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1963 Danish Writing Desk and Mirrored Vanity, Wood, Oestergaard
By Harry Østergaard
Located in Arosio, IT
A Mid-Century Modern small desk that can also be used as mirrored vanity. It has one tilt mirror (still bearing the original label) and one drawer. Legs are in hardwood and the top i...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
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Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, Made in Italy
By Riva 1920
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Writing desk made completely of solid walnut. The drawers are assembled with dovetail joints (includes 2 top drawers and 3 drawers under the desk). This writing desk is characterized by an “X” joint...
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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.
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern writing desk featured in rich walnut grain. This desk sits on sleek tapered legs and has two spacious drawers. This would be...
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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Dunbar Contract Division Mid Century Executive Desk
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Dunbar contract division Mid Century executive desk
Desk measures: 72 wide x 36 deep x 28.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture ca...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
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Minimalist Modern Desk in Walnut
By Pedro Sottomayor
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A stylish desk for home or office. The clean look is achieved by using the drawers almost hided, and as a part of the desk’s structure, as well as cable storage under...
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2010s European Modern Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century nightstand
This nightstand measures: 23 wide x 18 deep x 23.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can b...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
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Brass
Large Walnut and Aluminum Executive Desk
Located in San Mateo, CA
This desk is likely a custom-made piece. The architectural aluminum legs have black anodized aluminum in the center that become the glide at the bottom. There is a band of aluminum a...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
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Aluminum
Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley Desk in Rosewood for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Diego, CA
Newly restored Edward Wormley Desk designed for Dunbar with ebony brass legs. Beautiful wood grain waterfalls off the side of the desk. Three drawers slide smoothly and tuck neatly i...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Writing Desk
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Writing Desk. Featuring a straight line design, protective walnut laminated top and drawer fronts, three drawers for storage space, or...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
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Brass
A rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Tambour Desk, model 912, circa 1957.
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Tambour Desk, model 912, circa 1957. The rosewood and walnut desk having two tambour roll-tops with a hinged panel at back drops down to fo...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
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Leather, Rosewood, Walnut
H 35 in W 75 in D 28 in
1960s Edward Wormley Desk Ebony & Ivory Oak Dunbar Berne, Indiana
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dunbar desk 1960s USA
Designer Edward Wormley modern two-tone desk
ebony espresso & ivory honey oak wood fabulous modern.
Exceptional design on drawer pulls. Maker metal tag present...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
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Oak
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century Desk
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Mid Century desk
This desk measures: 84.25 wide x 36.25 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 24.25 inches
All p...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Dunbar Desk in Brazilian Rosewood & English Oak, See Photos, Stunning, Signed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Absolutely stunning Brazilian Rosewood and English oak executive desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been painstakingly, expertly restored and refinished to it's original beauty. The contrast of the Rosewood and bleached English Oak is exactly as intended in the original design. The pulls are solid brass. The three drawers work perfectly. Signed with the Dunbar big "D" in brass. See our listing for the matching credenza.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Rosewood
H 29 in W 80 in D 38 in
Rosewood Floating Executive Desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar, c 1970, Signed
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This grand executive desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar features a beautifully refinished Rosewood floating top and drawers with a pair of signature chrome paneled legs, designed and made in the 1970s. Signed with Dunbar tag as can be seen in photos.
The Rosewood top and drawers were refinished in a French Polish, the most expensive and laborious finish available due to the numerous hand applied coats of lacquer but provides the most protective surface to protect against regular daily use and increases the depth and vividness of the exotic Rosewood grain. Such incredible use of luxury materials and quality craftsmanship as you would expect from Dunbar and exemplifies the saying 'they don't make them like they used to'.
This large sized desk for executives features six drawers, three integrated into the floating top with pen and pencil storage and three in the lower flanking drawers which include a larger drawer for files. No key for the locks are present but can be rekeyed if desired.
In beautifully refinished vintage condition, this Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Furniture Rosewood and Mahogany receptionist desk...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
H 29 in W 84 in D 38 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk, Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1950s
Patchwork bleached walnut top, with solid walnut legs and brass-capped feet....
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 29 in W 54 in D 33.5 in
1970s Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Black Writing Desk
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a stunning yet sleek, desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar, circa the 1970s. Striking in its simplicity, this seven-feet long desk is where streamlined desi...
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1970s North American Art Deco Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
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Hardwood, Paint
Teak Console Table by EDWARD WORMLEY for DUNBAR
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Teak Console Table by EDWARD WORMLEY for DUNBAR
Approximate Measurements in Inches
54" wide x 28 1/4" ...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Stunning & Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany & Leather Desk w Bookshelves
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hudson, NY
Expertly restored mahogany desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Stamp present on underside of top drawer. Mahogany construction with leather wrapped base. Absolutely stunning ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
H 30.5 in W 48 in D 24 in
Partners Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany partners desk with original leather top and base and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Dunbar desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables by Edward Wormley, Knoll, and George Nelson. Prices for Dunbar desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,800 and can go as high as $21,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Desks and Writing Tables
- 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.