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Dunbar Benches

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 'Long John' Bench, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Elegant and versatile, this Long John Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar has been fully restored by Stamford Modern. Crafted from solid walnut, its sleek profile highlights timeless ...
Category

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

Materials

Twill, Walnut

Mahogany Bench Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar C. 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Bernville, PA
Mahogany bench table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950. Model 2288C. Occasionally referred to as a 'telephone table or bench'. Drawers have original brass and Rosewood hardwar...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Daybed in Mahogany, Brass, and Blue-Grey Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, daybed, mahogany, reupholstered fabric, brass-plated aluminum, United States, 1950s. This rare design by Edward Wormley exemplifies his commitment to crea...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Bench C. 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Bernville, PA
Original vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar solid mahogany six-leg bench with brass accents. Newer cloth fabric and clean original finish. Reupholstering is recommended but not ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Brass

Walnut and Teak Coffee Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Walnut and teak coffee table or bench designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar. Expertly refinished. The walnut top is inlayed with a teak veneer design (see photos). We also h...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Teak, Walnut

Signed Dunbar Furniture Rosewood Bench Attributed to Edward Wormley, Ca. 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
A rosewood bench by Dunbar, ca. 1960, with original seat cushion and what appears to be a Jack Lenor Larsen jacquard fabric. This all-wood version of Dunbar's bench is most often at...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960. Bench has been completely restored. Measures 59.75" long, 18.75" deep 12" tall
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Wood

"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the epitome of mid-century elegance: the "Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. Crafted wi...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench, 1960. Restored and reupholstered in gray mohair.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

1940's Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Regency Style X Form Bench or Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early design for Dunbar, mahogany bench or vanity stool model 1050. Curved or X form base with classical styling, with older upholstered seat. Mahogany frame will be restored prior t...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Table or Bench with Magazine Display
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional Dunbar coffee table or bench (Model 5933a) with built-in brass rods for suspending magazines. Another option would be to recess a glass top over the rods to use as a s...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bermuda Bench as Found Condition
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley design for Dunbar furniture of Berne Indiana. Elegant design rectangular bench on tall taper legs with high sides. I am offering the bench in solid and stable as found...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley 'Long John' Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 1946 design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the bench, lovingly termed the “Long John" has a low profile with walnut segmented, tongue-and-groove construction atop four hairpin legs ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Ash, Walnut

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Thebes' Stools in Bouclé, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of 'Thebes' stools Model no. 5002 designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar of Berne, Indiana. These iconic benches are the epitome of fine craftsmanship. These are in gre...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Custom Settee
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
This assemblage of three chairs into a settee with bentwood arms was custom ordered by Stephens Financial for their office in Michigan. New upholstery may be desired.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Ash, Rosewood

Pair of Petite Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Slipper Benches"
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rarely seen pair of petite "Slipper benches" model #684 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Newly upholstered frames on zebra wood legs.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Textile, Zebra Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Bench with Boucle' Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A great looking solid bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this mahogany masterpiece exudes timeless elegance. Restored to its original splendor, i...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar Rosewood Bench 1965
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Lee Sprunger for Dunbar Rosewood Bench 1965 This elegant plank bench designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar features extended vertical sides that allow for cushion placement, ad...
Category

1960s Minimalist Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Rosewood

Huge 10 Foot Dunbar Custom Made Upholstered Bench
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Huge 10 foot Dunbar custom made Mid-Century Modern upholstered L shaped bench...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Wood

Related Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chair, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A swivel lounge chair designed by the iconic Edward Wormely for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new high-grade hand cut foam with all insides full...
Category

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

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany and Steel Armchair, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern club or lounge chair By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, circa 1950s Solid African mahogany frames, with brushed steel stre...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Long John Bench by Dunbar, 1960. Bench has been completely restored. Measures 59.75" long, 18.75" deep 12" tall
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bermuda Bench as Found Condition
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley design for Dunbar furniture of Berne Indiana. Elegant design rectangular bench on tall taper legs with high sides. I am offering the bench in solid and stable as found...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley Dunbar Mahogany Armchair Mid Century Restored
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A very versatile mid century mahogany armchair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar freshly reupholstered in a stunning tribal pattern fabric.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the epitome of mid-century elegance: the "Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. Crafted wi...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic Bracket Back Sofa #5497 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Edward Wormley always saw furniture as expressions of personality and as a paired-down concept for detail of architect...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Rolling Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A round ottoman on casters with removable center cushion designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautifully restored and upholstered in silk velvet.
Category

1950s Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Fabric

Mahogany and Cane Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Mahogany and Cane Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950’s. The armrests are rosewood. Measures 26” wide 30.5” deep 31.5” tall to top back pillow, seat height 16” seat depth...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany, Rosewood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 85 wide x 31 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 27 inches All pieces of furniture can ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley 'Long John' Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 1946 design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the bench, lovingly termed the “Long John" has a low profile with walnut segmented, tongue-and-groove construction atop four hairpin legs ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Edward J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar circa 1950s on solid brass castors. The lounge chair has a trapezoid shape, wider in the front (27.5" W) and tapers to the back....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench #286 in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping to your zip. Low Bench #286 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished mahogany base. Reupholstered in Mohair.
Category

1960s Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Long John Bench for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design Long John Bench for Dunbar Furniture Company. Simple yet sophisticated design bench or coffee table that was an immediate sales succes...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mahogany and Brass Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, half upholstered and open mahogany bench. Details of Brass spacers and original fabric, circa 1970s.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Brass

'Bermuda' Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Long Island City, NY
'Bermuda' Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with cedar wood legs, reupholstered in Dedar Milano Strange Loves 001 fabric. Edward Wormley was an American designer renowned for his w...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Benches

Materials

Fabric, Cedar

'Bermuda' Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
'Bermuda' Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
H 26.25 in W 28.5 in D 11.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Bench
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Bench This bench measures: 65.25 wide x 18.5 deep x 14 high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vin...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley, Bench, Walnut, Mohair, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and grey beige mohair bench designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, USA, 1950s. Seat height: 13.75”
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Edward Wormley Bench by Dunbar, Model 5429
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design bench for Dunbar, Model 5429. Classic design by Wormley in brass square frame on capped feet. Newer Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery that presents very well, ready ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Brass

Rare Short John Bench / Table W/ Drawer for Dunbar by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Oakland, CA
Rare "Short John" version of Edward Wormley's Long John bench and or coffee table, in walnut with a bottom drawer. Bent plywood legs, the top has a slight raised edge. Rich brown col...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Vanity Bench/ Stool in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant vanity bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Executed in a rosewood frame with new blush/ pink mohair upholstery. Very practical piece of furniture. Other notabl...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Mohair

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Elegant "Thebes Benches", 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Pair of elegant "Thebes Benches" model 5002 in mahogany with hand-turned stretchers and cream leather by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1950's. These...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Upholstered Mahogany Bench
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Upholstered Mahogany Bench This bench measures: 65.5 wide x 19 deep x 16 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches All pieces of furniture ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Long John Bench / Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Restored
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Long John Bench designed by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, 1950s. Use as a bench or a coffee / cocktail table. Beautiful solid mahogany with bentwood hairpin legs. Expert...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Dunbar benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Dunbar benches 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 benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches 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 benches by Harvey Probber, Widdicomb Furniture Co., and Milo Baughman. Prices for Dunbar benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,300 and can go as high as $13,750, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,675.
Questions About Dunbar Benches
  • 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.

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