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.
Edward Wormley Walnut Nesting Tables model #4785, set of five
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lynn, MA
Set of (5) walnut nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Cataloged as model #4785. Sap walnut tops with ebonized base. Signed Dunbar. Largest -H: 20.50 x W: 26.25 x D: 15.5 H...
Walnut
Brass and Mahogany Nesting Table Set by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Set of Edward Wormley for Dunbar nesting tables,Brass and Mahogany, 1960s. Nesting Tables: 20.75"H x 17.5"W x 13"D
Brass
Set of Three Dunbar Walnut Nesting Tables by Edward Wormley, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This refined set of three Dunbar walnut nesting tables was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1960s and exemplifies Wormley’s masterful balance of understated elegance and ...
Walnut
Walnut Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950's
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly detailed and finely crafted set of nesting tables in light walnut.
Walnut
$3,200 / set
Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
Later production Dunbar, this Edward Wormley design has been updated with glass tops which works beautifully with this nesting configuration, allowing the smaller table to be seen re...
Glass, Mahogany
Elusive Set 3 Nest / Stackings Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare and stunning set of 3 nest / stacking tables designed by Edward Wormley, made by the Dunbar Furn. Corporation,, Wonderful stacked wood laminate construction, painted metal legs, Ingenious designmmm Great label explaining colors, Fern, Pompeiian Red and Maple Sugar...
Metal
$4,800 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful set of Edward Wormley for Dunbar nesting tables. Signed with big brass D. Largest table measurements are below. Sm...
Brass
Dunbar 1970s Ebonised Walnut Brass Stretcher Set of 3 Nesting Side End Tables
By Harvey Probber, Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Dunbar 1970s Ebonised Walnut Brass Stretcher Set of 3 Nesting Side End Tables MINT!
Brass
$6,500 / set
Dunbar Nesting Console Tables
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic pair of nesting console tables by Dunbar. Both consoles can stand alone or be nestled into each other. Great modular set. Rare two ton...
Formica, Walnut
$3,200 / set
Set of Three Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of nice side nesting tables by Dunbar.
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Brass and Mahogany Nesting Table Set
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century brass and mahogany nesting table set The table measure: 28 wide x 20 deep x 22.25 inches high; the nesting tables measure 13 wide x 17.5 deep...
Brass
Edward Wormley Dunbar Mahogany, Brass and Walnut Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Toledo, OH
Mahogany and walnut nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Square brass supports. Very nice condition with light oxidation on brass. Main table measures 20" x 28" x 22" tall. T...
Walnut
$4,800
Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Enhance your living space with this beautiful set of Dunbar nesting tables, featuring elegant walnut tops and a refined mahogany surround. Each piece embodies the high-quality crafts...
Mahogany, Walnut
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 19 in W 20.25 in D 16.5 in
1960s Rosewood and Ceramic Tile Danish Nesting Tables--Set of Three
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a handsome set of mid-century testing tables that were made in Denmark. The set of three is made of rosewood and have tile tops. Each table is illegibly stamped on the unders...
Ceramic, Rosewood
Console by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Architectural Console No. 5403 in walnut with black laminate top and shelves designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Retains original DUNBAR labels.
Formica, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Magazine Tree Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Utrecht, NL
Magazine tree, model 4765 by American designer Edward Wormley executed in birch and sap grain walnut, designed in 1947 for Dunbar Furniture USA. A very special, functional and aesth...
Birch, Walnut
Edward Wormley Dunbar Mahogany, Brass and Walnut Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Toledo, OH
Mahogany and walnut nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Square brass supports. Very nice condition with light oxidation on brass. Main table measures 20" x 28" x 22" tall. T...
Walnut
$1,884Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 47.25 in W 28.75 in D 11.82 in
Fine Set of Five Lacquered and Hand Painted Nesting Tables, Japan, 1920
Located in Brussels, BE
A chinoiserie corner cabinet formed by five small tables and hand painted details. Japan around 1920.
Wood
Edward Wormley Travertine Wedge Side Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wedge shaped side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1950s, USA. This end table features a trapezoidal travertine top, which sits atop dark contrasting mahogany base with horizont...
Travertine
$7,875
H 21.496 in W 26 in D 23 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Table with Murano Mosaic Tiles
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Table with Murano Mosaic Tiles, model 5425, Mahogany wood base, glass tiles with brass edge. Label on underside [Du...
Brass
Magazine Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Triangular walnut and mahogany side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar c.1940s, USA. The table, model - 5313, showcases a triangular walnut table top with rounded corners and a mahog...
Walnut, Mahogany
Set of 3 Nesting Tables
Located in Annville, PA
The Set of 3 Nesting Tables from Niagara Furniture features three tables, all with attractive inlaid mahogany tops. Supported on hand carved, solid mahogany legs which are turned to ...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Round Travertine Side Table for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round side table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1950s, USA. This table features a round travertine slab top, which rests atop dark contrasting mahogany sheaf of wheat base. Retains ...
Travertine
$4,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 24 in W 32 in D 32 in
Edward Wormley Bleached Mahogany Corner Table for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Minimalist design bleached mahogany corner table number 4977. Nicely grained woods with open design and expert craftsma...
Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley Side Tables for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Edward Wormley Side Tables for Dunbar
Wood
Dunbar Janus Set of 3 Nesting Tables by Edward Wormley from Alan Moss
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Set of three (3) nesting tables from the Janus collection by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Features an inset Asian-style top with brass stretcher accented legs. T...
Brass
Edward Wormley Nesting Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar nesting tables, Models 5404 This set is interlocking or can be separated, used as coffee tables, sofa table or a console. Larger table measures 53.50" leng...
Ash
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful set of three nesting tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Tables features a mahogany structure and banding, with a soft walnut top, and finished off with brass str...
Brass
Edward J. Wormley Nesting Tables for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three nesting tables designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States in 1947. This set of three tables model #4785 is made of solid walnut wood with darker walnu...
Walnut
Set of Four Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hudson, NY
A custom ordered series of Dunbar nesting tables with mahogany bases, sap grain walnut tops. The smallest table having four stretchers and the others have three to accommodate nestin...
Mahogany, Walnut
Sold
H 22 in W 25 in D 26 in
Set of Three Trapezoid Nesting Tables in Walnut by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning set of three sturdy trapezoid shaped nesting tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Tops are constructed of walnut with a beautifully beveled edge for a streamlined l...
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Nesting Tables, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Southampton, NJ
Exceptional set of nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Gorgeous mahogany construction with brass stretchers. Two smaller tables measure: 17.5 inches width, 13 inches depth, ...
Brass
Dunbar Nesting Console Tables
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic pair of nesting console tables by Dunbar. Both consoles can stand alone or be nestled into each other. Great modular set. Very modern ...
Formica, Walnut
Set of Nesting Tables Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of nesting tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1950s. The larger table measures 22.25" H x 20" W x 28" D. The smaller tables measure 21" H x 13" x 17.5"...
Nesting Tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Complete set of five tables.
Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Walnut side tables with ebonized border and brass stretcher. One of the tables houses 2 smaller tables which easily slide out when needed. The 2 smaller tables that nest unde...
Brass
Edward Wormley Nesting Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Wormley for Dunbar Nesting Tables, Models 5404This set is interlocking or can be separated, used as Coffee tables, Sofa table or a console. Larger table measures 53.50" length 23"...
Ash