A scholar and architect with the heart of an artist, Ole Wanscher helped define the functional, clean-cut style that formed the core of modern Danish furniture design. Influenced heavily by his world travels, Wanscher gained inspiration from English, Asian, Egyptian and traditional Shaker furniture, and he incorporated elements from these styles into his revered mid-century designs.
Wanscher’s deep respect for the use of traditional materials such as quality wood is reflected in his work, which is valued for being both beautiful and built to last. He was also a leader in the postwar “design for everyone” movement, creating many pieces intended for everyday life within the small confines of the average Danish household. Later, Wanscher became a prolific writer on the subject of furniture design. He is considered one of the most significant influences on the world of Scandinavian modernism.
The son of an art historian and a painter, Wanscher studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. From 1925 to 1927, Wanscher worked under the great Danish designer and professor Kaare Klint, who became one of the greatest stylistic influences on his output. Wanscher would go on to work as a professor at the academy from 1955 to 1973.
Wanscher founded his own furniture manufacturing company in 1929. Here he employed the top cabinetmakers of the day, most notably A.J. Iversen, with whom Wanscher collaborated for many years. While the workshop produced seductive handmade furniture with organic materials such as teak and mahogany, Wanscher intended to design durable seating, tables and more for the mass market — he was committed to making quality furniture available to a wider audience.
Of all of Wanscher’s designs, he is perhaps best known for his Colonial chair. This piece — which is part of a collection for Danish manufacturer P. Jeppesens that includes a sofa and a coffee table — exemplifies his penchant for combining minimalist design with traditional craftsmanship. Wanscher’s dining room tables, such as the Rungstedlund table, also epitomize the elegance of his work’s simple silhouettes and careful construction. These sleek tables serve as an ideal centerpiece for both modern and traditionally styled dining rooms, highlighting the versatility of Wanscher’s work.
Wanscher received a gold medal for his exemplary work at the 1960 Milan Triennale. He also received the Copenhagen Carpenters’ Guild Annual Award. Though Wanscher passed away in 1985, his iconic designs and scholarly writings remain relevant to this day.
Find vintage Ole Wanscher tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.
Rare Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen Set of Six Dining Chairs in Oak
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, set of six armchairs, model 'J3063', oak, fabric, Denmark, 1960s A rare set of mid-century dining chairs model J3063 crafted by Ole Wanscher. Drawing ...
Fabric, Oak
Ole Wanscher Set of Twelve Refinished Mahogany Dining Chairs, Custom Upholstery
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
This set of 12 mahogany Rungstedlund dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher were produced during the 1960s and 1970s by Poul Jeppesen Furniture. The dining chairs are part of the Rungstedlund dining furniture series designed by Ole Wanscher and named after author and adventurer Karen Blixen...
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher mahogany desk or dining chair with arms
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
This chair is a lovely example of Ole Wanscher dining chair with arms was presumably made by Fritz Hansen during the 1970s and reupholstered in wool Boucle. The frame is most likely ...
Hardwood
Set Of 6 Ole Wansher Rungstedlund Dining Chairs By Poul Jeppesen From 1950s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of dining chairs from the Rungstedlund series, designed by Ole Wanscher in the 1950s and produced by Poul Jeppesen Møbelfabrik in Denmark. The chairs are characterized by their e...
Fabric
Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen Armchair in Teak and Black Leather
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, armchair, model 'PJ412', teak, leather, Denmark, 1960s This modest dining chair, designed by Ole Wanscher in the 1960s, offers exceptiona...
Leather, Teak
Set of Six Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs for CADO, Denmark 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Utrecht, NL
Ole Wanscher was a leading figure in Danish and Scandinavian design, as was his mentor, the legendary Kaare Klint, renowned to be the “father” of modern Danish furniture design. Toge...
Fabric, Wood
Ole Wanscher, set of 6 Danish leather and Mahogany dining chairs for CADO, 1960s
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Uppsala, SE
Set of 6 leather and Mahogany dining chairs designed by Danish designer Ole Wanscher for CADO in the 1960s. The set contains of 2 armchairs and 4 normal chairs. Newly upholstered sea...
Leather, Mahogany
Set Of 6 Dining Chairs Model Rungstedlund Made In Mahogany By Ole Wanscher
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of 6 dining chairs, model Rungstedlund, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen in the 1960s. The chairs are made of mahogany and upholstered with light fabric, ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Set of Six Rosewood Side Chairs by A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Highland, IN
Words fail us when describing the subtle beauty, grace, and incredible craftsmanship of this set of six Ole Wanscher chairs made by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Copenhagen, Denmark. ...
Upholstery, Rosewood
1960s Two Fully Restored Customizable Danish Ole Wanscher Mahogany Arm Chairs
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two fully restored Danish Ole Wanscher mahogany arm chairs custom reupholstery The chairs feature a well well designed and well crafted elegant mid-century modern armchair wi...
Mahogany
1950s Ole Wanscher Rungstedlund Chairs in Mahogany Denmark, Set of 5
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Praha, CZ
- very good original condition - fabric upholstery with signs of use - suitable for new upholstery - height of sea 45 cm.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1962
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Designed in 1962, this expertly crafted dining chair by Ole Wanscher was built in the cabinet shop of A. J. Iversen of Brazilian rosewood in the 1960s. A graceful, minimal design con...
Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Mahogany 'Rungstedlund' Dining Chairs
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Marbella, ES
Set of six dining chairs, model 'Rungstedlund' PJ 34 by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen, St. Heddinge, mahogany, blue upholstery, Denmark, 1960s. This classic set of six dining chair...
Fabric, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher set of Six Refinished Mahogany Dining Chairs, Custom Upholstery
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
This set of six mahogany Rungstedlund dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher were produced during the 1960s and 1970s by Poul Jeppesen Furniture. The dining chairs are part of the ...
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher OW58 T-Chair Walnut Oil Leather SIF 90 for Carl Hansen
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in New York, NY
The distinctive expression of Danish designer Ole Wanscher’s OW58 T-Chair which has given the chair its nickname, challenges the art of the possible without compromising craftsmanshi...
Leather, Walnut
Ole Wanscher for PJ Furniture MCM Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By PJ Furniture, Ole Wanscher
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ole Wanscher for PJ Furniture Mid Century Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 18.5 wide x 20 deep x 30.5 high, with a seat height of 19 inches Each...
Rosewood, Upholstery
Set of Ten Vintage Danish Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
A stunning set of ten vintage Danish dining chairs by Ole Wanscher. They were recently imported from Denmark, they date from the 1960’s. They are of outstanding quality, with a fine...
Fabric, Wood
Set of 6 T-Chairs designed by Ole Wanscher for Carl Hansen, Denmark 1960s
By Carl Hansen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a set of 6 Mid Century Modern dining chairs, designed by Ole Wanscher for Carl Hansen. The model of the chair is called T-chair and it is still in produ...
Leather, Oak
Set of Six Wooden Dining Chairs with Green Upholstery, 1950s
By Mario Asnago
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of six dining chairs was designed by Carlo Ratti in Italy in the 1950s. The dark rosewood contrasts with the turquoise vintage upholstery and the colour combination makes th...
Wool, Faux Leather
$4,584 / set
H 30.32 in W 19.69 in D 20.48 in
Ole Wanscher set of Six Refinished Mahogany Dining Chairs, Custom Upholstery
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
This set of six mahogany Rungstedlund dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher were produced during the 1960s and 1970s by Poul Jeppesen Furniture. The dining chairs are part of the ...
Mahogany
Set of Twelve Portuguese 18th Century Dining Chairs
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality set of twelve 18th century Portuguese dining chairs, each with carved and fretted gilded foliate decoration, stuff over embo...
Walnut
$4,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.5 in W 19 in D 18.5 in
Set of 4 Antique English Regency Dining Chairs in Mahogany w/ Upholstered Seat
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A fine set of four English Regency dining chairs in mahogany with carved bugles resting on back chair rail below the top slat which is line inlaid, with turned front legs and saber r...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vittorio Valabrega Dining Chairs, 1950s, Set of 8
By Vittorio Valabrega
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vittorio Valabrega dining chairs, velvet and wood, Italy, 1950s, set of eight. These sculpted chairs recall the Art Deco Movement with their elegant shapes. The wooden structure is ...
Wood, Velvet
Set of 10 Custom Navy Velvet Modern Dining Chairs
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Set of 10 custom Navy velvet modern dining chairs. Featuring modern contoured curved backs with sculpted legs in an ebonized finish. Set in...
Velvet, Wood
$1,645
H 33.08 in W 20.67 in D 20.67 in
1960s Fully Restored Customizable Ole Wanscher PJ 412 Armchairs in Mahogany
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s fully restored customizable Ole Wanscher PJ 412 armchairs in mahogany byP.Jeppesens Møbelfabrik. The very comfortable chairs feature Ole Wan...
Mahogany
$4,800 / set
H 32 in W 26.5 in D 29 in
Pair of Ole Wanscher for France and Son "Senator" Chairs in Teak
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Danish modern easy chairs (model 116) designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Son. Composed of a dense slat-back frame, designed with a partially exposed back to better reveal ...
Teak, Leather
Set of 4 Fine 1950s Dining Chairs
By Ateliers Saint Sabin
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of four fine French mid-century "compass / gondola" solid beech side chairs.
Faux Leather, Beech
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chair new upholstered with cognac vintage aniline leather. Made in mahogany. Model PJ 149 colonial chair, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Leather, Mahogany
$3,009 / set
H 30.32 in W 18.51 in D 17.33 in
Set Of 6 Dining Chairs Model Rungstedlund Made In Mahogany By Ole Wanscher
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of 6 dining chairs, model Rungstedlund, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen in the 1960s. The chairs are made of mahogany and upholstered with light fabric, ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Pair of Armchairs
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Pair of top quality armchairs by Ole Wanscher and the master cabinetmaker A J Iversen.
Mahogany
Sold
H 33.86 in W 25.01 in D 24.02 in
Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen Armchairs in Teak and Black Leather
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, armchairs, model 'PJ412', teak, leather, Denmark, 1960s Modest pair of dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher in the 1960s. These chairs ...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 35.24 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Ole Wanscher Set of Eight Armchairs in Original Red Leather and Mahogany
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, set of eight armchairs, red patinated leather, mahogany, Denmark, circa 1945 Set of eight elegant dining chairs in mahogany, designed by Ole Wanscher ...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 34.65 in W 25.2 in D 24.02 in
Ole Wanscher Set of Six 'PJ412' Armchairs in Teak and Brown Leather
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, set of six armchairs model 'PJ412', mahogany, leather, Denmark, 1960s Modest set of dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher in the 1960s. ...
Leather, Mahogany
"Rungstedlund" Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher, Set of 8
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The "Rungstedlund" chair by Ole Wanscher is a study in minimalist design and craftsmanship, combining a delicate form with sturdy construction. Inspired by the 19th-century klismos s...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher, Dining Chairs, Beech, Leather, Denmark, 1942
By Fritz Hansen, Ole Wanscher
Located in High Point, NC
A set of 12 stained beech and green-dyed leather dining room chairs designed by Ole Wanscher in 1942 and produced by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1940s. Dimensions: 33.7” H x 18.6” W x 19...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 30.71 in W 18.9 in D 20.87 in
1960s, Danish design by Ole Wanscher, set of 4 dinning chairs, reupholstered.
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesnes Møbelfabrik. Set of 4 reupholstered dining chairs. Quality furniture black artificial leather. Lacquered mahogany wood. Manufact...
Faux Leather, Mahogany
Set of Eight Vintage Danish Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
A stunning set of eight vintage Danish dining chairs by Ole Wanscher. They were recently imported from Denmark, they date from the 1960’s. They are of outstanding quality, with a fi...
Fabric, Wood
Ole Wanscher Set of Six Rungstedlund Dining Chairs
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher set of six Rungstedlun dining chairs in rosewood. New upholstered with brandy aniline leather. Model Rungstedlund, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 34 in W 19 in D 20 in
'12' Rare Model 1675B Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher Fritz Hansen, c. 1940's
By Fritz Hansen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Norwalk, CT
Presenting a rare and distinguished set of twelve side chairs from the 1675 series, designed by the visionary Ole Wanscher and expertly crafted by Fritz Hansen in the 1940's. With th...
Beech
Sold
H 34.26 in W 18.12 in D 16.15 in
Set of six Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen from 1950s.
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Lejre, DK
Exquisite Set of Six Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher, Upholstered in Light Yellow Fabric, Crafted in Mahogany by A.J. Iversen in Denmark circa 1950s Immerse yourself in the beauty of ...
Mahogany
Set of Eight Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher for A. J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Dronten, NL
A beautiful matching set of eight Ole Wanscher dining chairs upholstered in original striped fabric. Frame made in dark stained mahogany. Unrestored all original condition with some ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Set of Six Rungstedlund Dining Chairs
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher set of six Rungstedlun dining chairs in rosewood. New upholstered with black aniline leather. Model Rungstedlund, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Leather, Rosewood