Dunbar Bookcases
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 Bookcases With Floating Drawers- a Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley designed bookcase for Dunbar. Both shelves have a floating drawer that hangs from below. Beautiful walnut case with a base wrapped in the original leather which sho...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Glass Front Bookcase
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase or display cabinet
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1950s
Bleached mahogany, with glass front doors and orig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Dunbar Banded Mahogany Stepped Bookcase 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A well made and designed bookcase by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and sold by Pioneer Furniture Company, "Detroit's Finest Furniture Store".
The bookcase features a subtle stepped silh...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Cerused Oak Cabinet for Dunbar, 1950s USA
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous oak cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Made in the 1950s and still a beautiful and practical piece today. Newly refinished in a cerused Oak, making the wood maintain its ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Leather, Oak
Mahogany Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s USA
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome mahogany cabinet/dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Two shelves flank each side with 5 drawers running down the middle. 2 thick wave panels on...
Category
1950s American Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany, Leather
#6027 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Super Structure Display Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Super Structure display cabinet
Stunning cabinet constructed of dark walnut with a brass plated plinth base.
Concave fron...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Dunbar Bookcase Wall Units by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of bookcases designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960. Fully restored. Espresso stained mahogany, glass shelves, and brass details. Glass shelves can be arranged as nee...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Book Case Designed for Dunbar, circa 1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Camden, ME
Tapering three-shelved walnut bookcase / plate stand designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Green Dunbar Berne Indiana metal tag is on the reverse.
The bookcase is in excellent con...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Dunbar Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome walnut cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Three shelves with bottom of cabinet wrapped in tan leather. Newly refinished in grey. Great color and per...
Category
1950s American Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Related Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ebonized Mahogany Dresser Chest, Newly Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized mahogany five-drawer chest of drawers
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
USA, 1950s
Measures: 34.13"W x 20"D x 31"H.
Newly refinished...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
H 31 in W 34.13 in D 20 in
Bookcase Mahogany, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Bookcase with containers with hinged doors, drawers and flap. mahogany veneered wood with polyester finish, lacquered flap door.
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1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Polyester, Mahogany
Rare Mister Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
A superb example of a Mid-century modern design, the mahogany tamboured Mister cabinet has an undulating face, expressive hairpin legs, and a useful sixteen drawer configuration. New...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cain front mahogany sideboard on a Plinth Base, Features: Two drawers and one double drawer with removable dividers, Four sliding doors with 3 storage compa...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
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.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Culver City, CA
This is a credenza that exudes power, presence, and a little bit of that old-money mystique. Designed by the legendary Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this mahogany and walnut masterpiece...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bi-Fold Cabinet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bi-Fold Oak Cabinet. Great scale and size at only 36" wide and 30.25" tall. Perfect for tight spaces or in an entrance area. Oak veneer with chrome swag ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Chrome
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bi-fold Cabinet #815 in Walnut
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your zip.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bi-fold Cabinet #815 in Walnut.
Category
1960s Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
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...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Eleven Drawer Dresser, Circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Eleven drawer dresser, consisting of a row of three shallow drawers, over eight graduated drawers, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, ca. 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Leather
Rare Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Dunbar Walnut Corner Bookcase Console 38"
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture corner bookcase record console. Made of walnut featuring modular cubist "L" shape form with five tapered metal legs.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Metal
H 38 in W 27 in D 27 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Low Filer Drawer Cabinet #825 in Walnut
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your zip.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar file drawer chest in Walnut.
Category
1960s Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Revolving Bookcase
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern or Arts & Crafts revolving bookcase table
In the manner of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, Circa 1950s
Measures: 30"W x 28"D x 26.5"H.
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
H 26.5 in W 30 in D 28 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bookcase model 686 in mahogany and leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare bookcase designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model no. 686. This bookcase features a mahogany case with subtle fluted edge profile. The suspended drawers are finished in a ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Leather, Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rotating Bookcase Table '2/2'
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare revolving bookcase designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Model no. 5405.
Listing is for one table, a second table is available in the same finish. The other table is list...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bookshelf
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great little bookshelf by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1960.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany, Birch
Mid-Century Bookcase Edward Wormley for Dunbar Etagere, 1970
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mod Etagere circa 1970 found in good condition showing normal signs of previous use. Made in the style of Mid-Century Modern.
An elegant and simple item th...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Kingwood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Glass Front Bookcase, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning Mid-Century Modern display cabinet or bookcase
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1960s
Walnut, with glass front doors and original brass hardware.
Me...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Partners Desk with Bookshelf in Ebony with Red Leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Uncommon Edward Wormley for Dunbar, partners or library desk from an Arthur Elrod designed interior. Rear of desk flanked with bookcases on both sides of pedestals and two drawers with pullout writing surfaces. Main side contains center drawer, with four drawers per side, with file depth drawers on both left and right sides. Measurements per drawer are listed below after all text. Each drawer having a round brass pull and inlaid wood insert. Original red leather top, divided into three sections, same leather is used to wrap base. Retain brass Dunbar label. Original finish, with touch up, if perfection is sought, consider refinishing.
Elrod placed this Edward Wormley for Dunbar Partners desk...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
H 30.13 in W 57.25 in D 30.25 in
Vintage Low Walnut Bookcase by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage low walnut bookcase by Dunbar.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar End Table with Book Shelf
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley 1940s end table/ bookcase designed for Dunbar Furniture. Retains original finish that shows some wear. Use as is or refinish in your color choice! Retains original label.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Superstructure Breakfront Cabinet or Bookcase
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional custom "superstructure" breakfront wall unit display cabinet or bookcase
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1950s
Natural and stained mahogan...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
H 96.38 in W 84 in D 15 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bookcase
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley designed bookcase for Dunbar. Both shelves have a floating drawer that hangs from below. Walnut case has been refinished, and interior shelves have been cleaned. In...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Revolving Bookcase Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A gorgeous rotating bookcase by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Model No. 5405
Dark ebonized finish has faint undertones which has worn beautifully.
Measures: 21.5” wide
21.5” deep
25.5...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Dunbar bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar bookcases 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 bookcases, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bookcases 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 bookcases by Edward Wormley, Maitland Smith, and Paul Evans. Prices for Dunbar bookcases can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,900 and can go as high as $19,495, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,475.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Bookcases
- 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.