Dunbar Footstools
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 Model 5002 Mid Century Thebes Mahogany Stools - Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5002 Mid Century Thebes Mahogany Stools - Pair
Each stool measures: 23 wide x 23 deep x 17 high
Great Vintage Condition - Legs have Minor Scratches/...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Footstools
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Ottoman Footrest by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Ottoman, footrest manufactured by Dunbar. This example is structurally sound, and sturdy, it shows cosmetic wear and will need to be reupholstered. Asymmetrical form, upholstered top...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Footstools
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$1,920 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Edward Wormley Green Leather Ottomans for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The tufted seat cushions are upholstered in a dark olive green leather, a beautiful compliment to the rich mahogany frame...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Footstools
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brown Leather Thebes Stools, 1950s - A Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A pair of solid mahogany and thick suede leather Thebes stools / ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The “x” shape at the base creates a beautiful symmetry representative...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Footstools
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
"Thebes" X Base Stool / Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Footstools
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Footstools
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chair and Footstool, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Historic set of lounge chair and ottoman designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, reupholstered in embossed velvet by Holly Hunt. Walnut refinishe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Footstools
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
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Mid-Century Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
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Beautiful and elegant pair of armless slipper chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This set appears to have been reupholstered (beautifully and professionally) at some point...
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chair, C. 1950s
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Pair of Walnut and Fabric Pillow Top Ottomans by Michael Taylor
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Pair of "Alexandria" Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this 1960s pair of "Alexandria" armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. They feature elegantly sinuous frames sculpted from solid mahogany with black satin ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Footstools
Materials
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A Pair of Dunbar Thebes Stools In Jack Lenor Larsen Samarkand Velvet
By Edward Wormley
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Here is a pair of Edward Wormley designed "Thebes" stools for Dunbar. The mahogany frames are in clear lacquer & the cushions are newly upholstered in vintage "Samarkand" velvet desi...
Category
1950s Vintage Dunbar Footstools
Materials
Mahogany
$6,950 / set
H 16 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Footstools
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century lounge chair and ottoman
The lounge chair measures: 27 wide x 30 deep x 39 high, with a seat height of 17 inches and arm height of 23 inches
...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Footstools
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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 Footstools
Materials
Upholstery
$3,250
H 29.25 in W 27.5 in D 36.5 in
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is an exquisite Pair of Slipper Chairs by the renowned designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. These iconic chairs have been meticulously refinished and are in over...
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Materials
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$4,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 30 in W 25.25 in D 31 in
Barcelona Ottoman by Mies van der Rohe for Alivar
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The iconic Barcelona ottoman from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Alivar, Italy. The ottoman has an X-shaped base with a polished chrome finish. The cushion features a black leather tuf...
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Pair of Mid Century Ottomans with Cushion Tops
By Edward Wormley
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Ca. 1960. A stylish Square ottoman pair in a dark brown stain with square legs reminiscent of the type of furniture designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar from roughly the...
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Previously Available Items
Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Absolutely stunning bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This piece has been professionally refinished and reupholstered in an amazing leather hide. Retains Dunbar labeling.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Footstools
Materials
Leather, Wood
Edward Wormley “Thebes” Stool for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Thebes stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, newly reupholstered in woven cotton fabric.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Footstools
Materials
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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Toadstool, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Amarillo, TX
Rare toadstool by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in shearling wool.
Manufacturer's label to underside.
USA, circa 1950s.
Measures: 21 D x 17 H in.
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dunbar Footstools
Materials
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Mid Century Modern Low Accent Stool or Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A nice design.
Great to use as a foot rest.
It has been reupholstered with a nice emerald green fabric.
The legs have the original patina or ware.
They have not been polished.
N...
Category
1950s American Vintage Dunbar Footstools
Dunbar footstools for sale on 1stDibs.
Dunbar footstools 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 footstools, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original footstools 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 footstools by Edward Wormley, Paul McCobb, and Thayer Coggin. Prices for Dunbar footstools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,000 and can go as high as $8,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,673.
Creators Similar to Dunbar
Questions About Dunbar Footstools
- 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.