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.
Ole Wanscher set of Six Rungstedlund Mahogany Dining Chairs
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
This set of six mahogany Rungstedlund dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher were manufactored during the 1960s and 1970s by Poul Jeppesen Furniture. The Rungstedlund dining furnit...
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 Set of Twelve Refinished Mahogany Dining Chairs, Custom Upholstery
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
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, Teak, Leatherette, T-Back Occasional Chairs, Denmark, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Stamford, CT
Ole Wanscher, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Teak, Leatherette, "T" Back Occasional Chairs, Denmark, 1960s Pair of rare "T" back occasional chairs designed by Ole Wanscher for cabinetma...
Faux Leather, Teak
$4,960Sale Price|39% Off
Danish Teakwood Rocking Chair by Ole Wanscher, Vintage 1950-1970
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish Schaukelstuhl, rocking chair made of hand carved Teakwood, designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by France & Søn, in good conditi...
Leather, Teak
Set of Two Leather Arm Chairs by Ole Wanscher, 1950
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful set of two Danish leather arm chairs by Ole Wanscher, matching high and low back versions, solid dark beech frames with chocolate colored, tufted leather cushions, measurem...
Leather, Wood
$18,808 / set
H 32.68 in W 18.71 in D 18.9 in
Set of 6 Dining Chairs in Leather and Rosewood by Ole Wanscher, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare set of six dining chairs, designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Slagelse Møbelfabrik in Denmark, is a superb example of Danish modernism at its most refined—where elegan...
Leather, Rosewood
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
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
$1,640Sale Price / set|23% Off
H 30.32 in W 20.67 in D 16.93 in
Set of Two Rungstedlund Armchairs Made In Mahogany by Ole Wancher
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of Rungstedlund armchairs, made of mahogany and covered in black leather, is a brilliant example of Ole Wanscher's timeless design, combining aesthetics and functionality in a...
Mahogany
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...
Wood, Leather
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
$7,854 / set
H 31.5 in W 20.08 in D 20.08 in
Set of Eight Vintage Danish Teak and Leather Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
A stunning set of eight vintage Danish teak and leather dining chairs by Ole Wanscher. They were recently imported from Denmark, they date from the 1960’s. They are of outstanding q...
Leather, Teak
Set of Four Vintage Danish Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
An outstanding set of four vintage Danish dining chairs by Ole Wanscher, dating from the 1960’s. They are of amazing quality and have a gorgeous design, with beautiful pierced latti...
Leather, Wood
Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1962
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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
$4,873 / set
H 33.67 in W 19.3 in D 17.72 in
Set of 4 dining chairs in rosewood by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen From 1940s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of 4 dining chairs designed by Danish furniture architect Ole Wanscher and crafted by master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen during the 1940s. Made in rosewood, the chairs reflect Wans...
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
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
1940s Danish Armchair or Desk Chair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in London, London
Armchair or desk chair by Ole Wanscher A beautifully crafted Danish armchair by Ole Wanscher, made by master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in the 1940s. This elegant piece showcases exc...
Hardwood
Ole Wanscher FD-120 Rosewood & Leather Rocking Chair, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen
Located in London, England
Ole Wanscher - FD-120 Rocking Chair, 1951 This rarely seen rocking chair by Professor Ole Wanscher was produced by France & Son in Denmark in the early 1960s. The immaculate rosewoo...
Leather, Rosewood
$3,647
H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 29.14 in
Rocking Chair Model 120 by Ole Wanscher for france & Son, Denmark, 1951
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rocking chair model 120 designed in 1951 by Ole Wanscher for France & Son, Denmark. Solid teak wood structure with cushions with new foam and new bouclé fabric upholstery. Signed wit...
Fabric, Teak
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair in Rosewood
By Ole Wanscher
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ole Wanscher design "Colonial" chair for Paul Jeppsen, Denmark. Made with a solid rosewood frame and cane seat with chocolate brown leather cushions, labeled.
Rosewood
Vintage Danish Desk Chair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
An outstanding vintage Danish leather desk chair by Ole Wanscher, dating from the 1960’s. It is of amazing quality and has a gorgeous design, with a beautiful pierced lattice back. ...
Leather, Wood
Ole Wanscher Danish 1950s Rosewood Occasional Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, England
A fine example of restrained, classic furniture designer by Danish master Ole Wanscher from 1957. Produced by his long-time collaborator A.J. Iversen in fine, figured hardwood. The s...
Rosewood
Ole Wanscher for France & Son Teak Danish Modern Lounge Chair
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Fulton, CA
Teak Danish Modern lounge chair designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Son. Denmark, 1960s. Excellent original finish and condition.
Teak
Set of Two Danish Leather Side Chairs, 1950
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful set of Danish leather side chairs by Ole Wanscher, matching high and low back versions, solid dark beech frames with chocolate colored, tufted leather cushions, measurement...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 24.81 in D 23.63 in
Danish Mid-Century Ole Wanscher Model PJ412 Rosewood & Leather Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Very handsome Model PJ412 armchair designed by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen. Constructed from highly figured solid rosewood with original leather upholster...
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Set of Eight Refinished Mahogany Dining Chairs
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
This set of eight 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 th...
Mahogany
Sold
H 30.32 in W 19.69 in D 20.48 in
Ole Wanscher Set of Eight Refinished Mahogany Dining Chairs, Inc. Re-upholstery
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
This set of eight 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 ...
Mahogany
Scandinavian Pair of Ole Wanscher FD109 Armchairs, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Paris, IDF
Renowned Danish designer Ole Wanscher is credited for being influential during the height of the acclaimed Scandinavian design movement that took place during the midcentury. His FD109...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 30.32 in W 19.69 in D 20.48 in
Ole Wanscher Set of Twelve Refinished Mahogany Dining Chairs, Inc. Reupholstery
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
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...
Mahogany
Sold
H 30.32 in W 19.69 in D 20.48 in
Ole Wanscher Set of Eight Refinished Mahogany Dining Chairs, Custom Upholstery
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
This set of eight 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 th...
Mahogany
Sold
H 30.71 in W 19.69 in D 20.08 in
Set of Four Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs Rungstedlund Mahogany Black Leather 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of four beautiful dining room chairs model 'Rungstedlund' by Ole Wanscher for PJ Denmark (Poul Jeppesen), manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960. They are made of solid and r...
Leather, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Mid-20th Century Winged Mahogany Side Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
A refined winged side chair designed by the Danish architect and professor Ole Wanscher, circa 1950. The chair is constructed of solid mahogany and upholstered in an unusual dark bl...
Leather, Mahogany
Danish Modern Empire Side Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Professional, skilled furniture restoration is an integral part of what we do every day. Our goal is to provide beautiful, functional furniture that honors its illustrious past. Our ...
Mahogany
Danish Modern Wanscher Armchairs
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Two armchairs available. Professional, skilled furniture restoration is an integral part of what we do every day. Our goal is to provide beautiful, functional furniture that honor...
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen Leather Side Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Long Island City, NY
Ole Wanscher worked with Kaare Klint, and there is obvious mutual influence in their work, evident in this early side chair made by Fritz Hansen. Wanscher was inspired by 18th centur...
Beech, Leather