Skip to main content

Dunbar Vanities

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
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
3
3
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
401
30
18
11
8
Creator: Dunbar
Mid Century Vanity by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Mid Century Vanity by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Mid Century Vanity by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$4,950

Mid Century Vanity by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A striking mid-century modern modular vanity desk featuring a dramatic matte black ebonized finish. The architectural drop-center design features twin four-drawer pedestals with slee...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Mahogany

Telephone Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Telephone Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Telephone Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$4,800

Telephone Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An ebonized and polished dark mahogany telephone cabinet or vanity table having a storage drawer and an innovative fold-out bench.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Mahogany

Related Items
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Woven Front Cabinet for Dunbar
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Woven Front Cabinet for Dunbar

Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Woven Front Cabinet for Dunbar

$3,895

H 36.25 in W 41.5 in D 18 in

Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Woven Front Cabinet for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Designer: Edward J Wormley Manufacturer: Dunbar Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, Metal Accents Designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the 1950s, this exceptional cabi...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, Newly Refinished

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, Newly Refinished

$4,995

H 29.75 in W 51.75 in D 45 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, Newly Refinished

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern hexagonal dining table or game table in gorgeous book-matched rosewood By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1960s Measures 51.75"W x 45"D ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Rosewood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished

$6,995

H 29.75 in W 114.5 in D 44.25 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut extension dining table By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Measures: 66.5"W x 44.25"D x 29.75"H. Extends up to 114.5"W with ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk in Tawi Walnut & Steel
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk in Tawi Walnut & Steel

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk in Tawi Walnut & Steel

$38,250

H 29 in W 54 in D 30 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk in Tawi Walnut & Steel

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in New York, NY

An exceptional and rare drop leaf desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Tawi Walnut & Steel. USA, circa 1950. Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Desk Hardwood veneers Berne, Indiana Angular...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Occasional Table
Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Occasional Table

Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Occasional Table

$1,150

H 22 in W 27.5 in D 27.5 in

Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Occasional Table

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Forney, TX

A beautiful mid-century custom ordered occasional table, model 426A, designed by Edward Wormley (American, 1907-1995) for Dunbar Furniture; Berne, Indiana. The two-tier Modernist...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet
Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet

Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet

$9,600Sale Price|20% Off

H 33 in W 33 in D 18 in

Burl and Walnut Edward Wormley for Dunbar Marble Cabinet

By Edward Wormley

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful green marble and burl cabinet, believed to be an Ed Wormly piece for Dunbar. Beautiful condition. Same era as: Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouve, Pierre Pauline, Serge Moui...

Category

Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Marble

Console by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
Console by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s

Console by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s

$4,400

H 23.9 in W 53.5 in D 23 in

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.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Edward Wormley, Cabinet, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
Edward Wormley, Cabinet, Mahogany, USA, 1950s

Edward Wormley, Cabinet, Mahogany, USA, 1950s

$7,900

H 32.25 in W 61.5 in D 18 in

Edward Wormley, Cabinet, Mahogany, USA, 1950s

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in High Point, NC

A bleached mahogany cabinet designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, c. 1950s.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Mahogany

1950s Walnut and cane executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
1950s Walnut and cane executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture

1950s Walnut and cane executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture

$6,500

H 29 in W 72 in D 38 in

1950s Walnut and cane executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Cedar Falls, IA

Walnut, cane, brass, and rosewood executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950s. Massive desk with executive proportions. Large 72"x38" desktop surface with imp...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Brass

1940s Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Mahogany Bookshelf End Table
1940s Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Mahogany Bookshelf End Table

1940s Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Mahogany Bookshelf End Table

$2,850

H 23 in W 32 in D 32 in

1940s Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Mahogany Bookshelf End Table

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in St. Louis, MO

From the 1940s Dunbar Enduring Modern catalog is model # 2193, a single large end table with lower tier bookshelf by Edward J. Wormley. Rounded legs, has divider in center to hold bo...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand

$1,647

H 23.75 in W 23 in D 18 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Nightstand

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Franklin Park, 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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Brass

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware

$4,500

H 34 in W 38 in D 20 in

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

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 Vanities

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity / Desk
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity / Desk

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity / Desk

Sold

H 31.5 in W 36 in D 18.375 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity / Desk

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Dallas, TX

An ash vanity or desk with oak drawer, rosewood trim and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Category

1950s Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Oak

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Vanity Desk
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Vanity Desk

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Vanity Desk

Sold

H 27 in W 48 in D 18 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Vanity Desk

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, double pedestal, tri-tone, vanity writing desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features a medium mahogany body sitting on slender, ebonized bases with lacquered beig...

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity Dresser, 1941
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity Dresser, 1941

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity Dresser, 1941

Sold

H 29 in W 54 in L 29 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity Dresser, 1941

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in South Bend, IN

Offering a very rare and early vanity and mirror by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The vanity offers seven drawers for ample storage. It has original brass pulls with an inset glass top and sits on casters. The large matching mirror...

Category

1940s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Materials

Mahogany

Dunbar Desk/Vanity
Dunbar Desk/Vanity

Dunbar Desk/Vanity

Sold

H 32 in W 36 in D 18 in

Dunbar Desk/Vanity

By Dunbar Furniture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dunbar Desk/Vanity. Original finish.

Category

1960s Vintage Dunbar Vanities

Dunbar vanities for sale on 1stDibs.

Dunbar vanities 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 vanities, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original vanities 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 vanities by and Herman Miller. Prices for Dunbar vanities can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,800 and can go as high as $7,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,150.
Questions About Dunbar Vanities
  • Where is Dunbar Furniture made?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • How do I identify Dunbar furniture?
    1 Answer
    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.