Dunbar Stools
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 Classic Modern Mahogany, Brass and Cane Bench or Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
This elegant stool, bench or ottoman was designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunbar Furniture Company in 1950, model number 5006A. This stool, based on the Ancient Roman Curule seat ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Stool, Ottoman, Dunbar, Mahogany, Grey Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Edward Wormley stool for Dunbar. Mahogany wood and grey fabric.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Large Edward Wormley Donut Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Original Edward Wormley Ottoman for Dunbar. Foam and fabric are new, springs are original. Expertly reupholstered. Original casters. Center cushion is removable.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
"Thebes" X Base Stool / Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Thebes stool / bench / footrest / footstool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This example retains the original yellow and orange geometric design fabric. The finish on t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Stools
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bleached Mahogany & Cane Swivel Vanity Stool c. 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful and elegant as ever mid century vanity stool designed by Edward Wormely and produced by Dunbar in the 1950s. The caning is ori...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Cane, Mahogany, Mohair, Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or Ottoman with Parson Legs & Tufted Seat
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Stool or ottoman. This elegant stool has dark mahogany parson legs with an inside radius and original off white tufted upholstery. Origin...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Stools
Materials
Wood
Two Pairs of Solid Mahogany Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
We are offering two pairs of Dunbar stools with vinyl tops and mahogany bases. They would work well as footstools for your sofa or favorite chair. There is a rectangular Dunbar label...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Set of three Dunbar Thebes Stools in the Original Leather, Mahogany. Signed.
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare set of three completely original, one owner, x base Thebes Stools designed by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, 1950s. Signed with the Dunbar metal...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Tootsie Roll Stools by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An unusual and expressive 'tootsie roll' stool, ottoman or end table covered in textured striated fabric.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Related Items
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 Stools
Materials
Steel
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 Stools
Materials
Twill, Walnut
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 Stools
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Walnut and Teak Coffee Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Stools
Materials
Teak, Walnut
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 Stools
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 Stools
Materials
Wood
Mahogany Bench Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar C. 1950
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Stools
Materials
Brass
"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 Stools
Materials
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 Stools
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Rolling Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of large rolling ottomans with oak bases and mohair upholstery. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1970s Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Oak
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 Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany, Rosewood
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 Stools
Materials
Ash, Walnut
Previously Available Items
Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Skokie, IL
A rare pair of "Thebes" stools by Edward Wormley for Dunbar of Berne, Indiana. They also work well as ottomans, or used together to form a bench. These stools have been fully restore...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Wool, Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Upholstered Mahogany Bench
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Thebes" Stools in Bouclé, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Edward Wormley "Thebes" stools or benches Model no. 5002 for Dunbar, American, circa 1950s. The pair is in excellent vintage condition and have been reupholstered in a stunning ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Two Mid-Century "Bermuda" Benches by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage 1940's "Bermuda" benches model #4962 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar FurnitureBerne, Indiana. Playful and sculptural the bermuda bench raises the bar for stylish seatin...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Edward J. Wormley "Thebes" New Full-Grain Boucle Tweed Stools for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of full-grain boucle tweed “Thebes” stools designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States circa 1950’s. Its comfortable and stylish cushions are reupholstered i...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Mahogany
Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Thebes" Stools in Bouclé
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Edward Wormley "Thebes" stools or benches Model no. 5002 for Dunbar, American, circa 1950s. The pair is in excellent vintage condition and have been reupholstered in a stunning ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Pair of Dunbar Stools or Ottomans in Nutmeg/Rust Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
These stools have been restored and new upholstery added. A nutmeg mohair with a beautiful sheen.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools
Materials
Mohair, Wood
Swivel Vanity Stool by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A swiveling vanity stool in beautifully patinated original leather. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Leather
Bench Designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Dallas, TX
A bench designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar in polished stainless steel, rosewood and original leather.
Category
1970s Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Leather
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Vanity Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar swivel vanity stool. A fine example of this form. All original with early Dunbar tag attached. Finish to the...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Stools
Materials
Wood
1940s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Regency X Form Bench or Stool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early design for Dunbar, mahogany bench or vanity stool. X form base with neoclassical styling, and original black leather seat. Mahogany frame will be refinished prior to shipping, ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut "Thebes" Ottomans
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Neutral Thebes stools from the 1950s. Featuring the Classic X-base support and frame in original condition with original tufted creamy woven woolen ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Stools
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Dunbar stools for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar stools 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 stools, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original stools by Dunbar were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider stools by Paul McCobb, Warren Platner, and George Nelson. Prices for Dunbar stools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $900 and can go as high as $14,850, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,888.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Stools
- 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.
- 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.