Dunbar Buffets
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 Cain Front Mahogany Sideboard on a Plinth Base
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Buffets
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza with Brass Hardware
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
A warm Edward Wormley for Dunbar credenza in a beautiful mahogany wood with solid brass hardware. There are nine drawers with center cabinet. The quality of the construction is very ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Walnut and Mahogany Sideboard, Model 4579, by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in 1945, this exquisite sideboard, model 4579, appeared in the 1997 exhibition "The Other Face of Modernism." With its bold brass hinges and pul...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and Walnut
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
This buffet is absolutely stunning! This ebonized mahogany and walnut sideboard / buffet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features heavy brass accents and pulls in a gorgeous chinoiserie feel.
A piece like this is so elegant and clean it can really seamlessly inject a modern, refined look into any environment. We currently have this piece in our gallery paired with a brass Mastercraft dining table, accented with brass Paul Evans cityscape dining chairs...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Sideboard
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar for modern 1940s bleached mahogany sideboard, center stepped out, inset oval drawer pulls, center interior with drawers and space to store table pads, end cabinet doors hinged on sides and have curved wood door shelves, on leather plinth base. Original key. To be refinished, custom colors options available. Dunbar quality...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Related Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar mahogany credenza with solid brass hardware. Nine drawers with center cabinet.
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Elegantly crafted credenza made of walnut. Credenza features distinctive half moon drawer and door pulls.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Walnut
Modular Six-Piece Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Very rare and unusual piece by Edward Wormley. This modular credenza in walnut can be put together in a host of different configurations. Detailed with large Moorish style solid bras...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
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 Buffets
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Sideboard
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Wormley for Drexel, his Precedent collection sideboard-buffet, originally designed in the late 1940s. Center drawers with end cabinet doors and interior shelves. P...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Elm
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Black Lacquered Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
USA, 1950s
Mahogany in black lacquered finish. Cabinet locks and key is in...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Mahogany, Lacquer
H 35.13 in W 54.88 in D 20.63 in
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Brass and Elm Credenza
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Drexel precedent mid century brass and elm credenza
Credenza measures: 66.75 wide x 20 deep x 32.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet with Asian Hardware
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Buffets
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Concave Walnut Credenza and Display Shelves Wall Unit
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This superior design by Edward Wormley combines the sideboard or credenza with open and closed glass shelving in a curve front wall unit often called the Superstructure. It is made o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
H 80.25 in W 65 in D 18.75 in
Edward Wormley Walnut Cabinet by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
Simple, clean-lined and versatile, this Ed Wormley cabinet by Dunbar features two bi-fold doors concealing one compartment with two shelves. Subtle ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Sideboard Model 671 A for Dunbar Custom Order 1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Camden, ME
An Edward Wormley walnut and Japanese fir sideboard , model 671A for Dunbar, circa 1953.
A rare exquisite Japanese inspired walnut cabinet with two drawers with cast bronze pulls and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Paper, Walnut
Edward Wormley Dunbar Custom Credenza Rosewood Curved Front
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare credenza designed by Edward Wormley and custom made by Dunbar for Mellin Furniture Galleries, Warren, Michigan, circa 1969. Curved front rosewood doors, walnut case with plast...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Walnut
Previously Available Items
Rare Woven Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and elegant walnut cabinet with bleached rosewood woven front doors and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Walnut
Mid Century Walnut Edward Wormley Dunbar Flip Top Rolling Buffet Bar Cart Server
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dayton, OH
"Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture bar cart or server. Made of walnut featuring a two tier design with a flip top, lower drawer, Micarta insert and large rolling...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Walnut
H 30 in W 40 in D 19 in
Pair of Cabinets by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Two-Tone Mahogany and Rosewood
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of storage cabinets in two-tone mahogany with rosewood pulls and brass details. These have been expertly refinished and are in excellent ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
H 35.25 in W 33 in D 18.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Modern Brass Handle Sideboard / Buffett
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Houston, TX
Great two-tone sideboard designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960s. Restored within the last 5 years. Features for sliding doors and two drawers.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Oak & Chrome Credenza by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lafayette, IN
Impressive 1970s Credenza designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Credenza features gorgeous curly oak veneer, chrome ends, chrome pulls, and a wonderful minimalist design. This would...
Category
1970s American Minimalist Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Chrome
H 27 in W 80 in D 18.25 in
Edward Wormley Cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Edward Wormley cabinet for Dunbar, circa 1955. This piece has been professionally restored.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Cabinet / Credenza by Edward Wormley, Brass and Mahogany. Excellent Condition.
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Designed as a dining room buffet / sideboard, this Edward Wormley for Dunbar storage cabinet can be used in any part of the house. The things that make it specific to being a dining ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
H 28 in W 69 in D 18 in
Elegant Woven Front Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant woven front credenza, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1950s. It offers a voluminous amount of storage with three deep divided drawers at the top and th...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley "Basket Weave" Front Credenza for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Edward Wormley basket weave front mahogany credenza for Dunbar furniture.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Walnut Credenza by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Made in USA, circa 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Sturdy and handsome buffet in very good, original condition by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in walnut wood with brass wishbone pulls and original labels.
There are four doors on the low...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Wood
Credenza or Buffet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Oiled Walnut
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in South Charleston, WV
Arguably one of the most impressive designs from the works of Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1955. For use as a credenza or buffet, the dining table and chairs that accompanied thi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Materials
Brass
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Burled Olivewood Credenza
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning burled olivewood credenza designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. The credenza features gorgeous wood grain and clean, sleek modern lines....
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Buffets
Dunbar buffets for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar buffets 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 buffets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original buffets 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 buffets by John Widdicomb, Edward Wormley, and American of Martinsville. Prices for Dunbar buffets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,225 and can go as high as $8,960, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,800.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Buffets
- 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.