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 Cabinet Produced by Cabinetmaker a.J Iversen in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare cabinet designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by cabinetmaker A.J Iversen in Denmark.
Brass
Ole Wanscher PJ112 Lounge Chairs, Mahogany & Green Wool, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chairs new upholstered in bottle green Magrethe wool. Made of solid oiled mahogany. Model PJ 112, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Wool, Mahogany
Pair of Armchairs in Leather and Rosewood by Ole Wanscher, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare pair of armchairs, designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark, exemplifies the disciplined elegance and elevated craftsmanshi...
Leather, Rosewood
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
$13,596Sale Price|20% Off
Ole Wanscher's Colonial Chair and Ottoman in Rosewood, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Seattle, WA
This is a rare and in exceptional condition Ole Wanscher's Colonial Chair and Ottoman in Rosewood, with original black leather cushions as well as a new set of new Maharam Sorghum brown cushions. Poul Jeppesen in Denmark c1950s and distributed by Illums Bolighus with solid rosewood for the frame, cane seating under black leather cushion seating. Perhaps the most famous design by Ole Wanscher, the Colonial Chair PJ 149 is inspired by 17th century English furniture...
Leather, Cane, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair by Cado, Teak & Cognac Leather, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge new upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Teak, Leather
Scandinavian Modern "Colonial" Lounge Chairs by Ole Wanscher, Denmark, 1940s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant “Colonial Chairs”, model PJ 149, by Ole Wanscher. Rosewood frames with expertly sculpted, slender wooden armrests. Rattan webbing seats, reupholstered with leather cu...
Wood, Leather
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
Danish Dresser by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1950s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Elegant and large chest of drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for furniture maker A.J Iversen in Denmark. The chest of drawers consists of 6 drawers and doors on top veneered in staine...
Walnut
Ole Wanscher Rosewood Colonial Chair with Linen Cushions, 1949
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in London, England
Ole Wanscher - Model PJ-149 Colonial Chair, 1949 The Colonial Chair is one of Wanscher’s best loved and most iconic designs, drawing influence from British and French Colonial furni...
Leather, Rattan, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Ow-149 "Colonial" Chair in Oak With Leather Cushions
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The OW149 Colonial Chair was designed by Ole Wanscher in 1959. Wanscher wished to create furniture that paid tribute to classic traditional trends but also stood the test of time. He...
Leather, Oak
Armchair in Rosewood and Upholstered in Niger Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1960's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Armchair in Rosewood and Upholstered in Patinated Niger Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and upholstered in patinated Niger leather Style: ...
Rosewood, Leather
Easy chair by Ole Wanscher for CADO Møbelfabrik, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Ranst, VAN
Danish vintage easy chair designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by CADO Møbelfabrik, Denmark. The frame of the armchair is in solid teak and the cushions are in beige wool. Very ...
Fabric, Wool, Teak
Ole Wanscher Model Fd-159 Highback Lounge Chair in Teak + Leather
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Ole Wanscher Manufacturer: France + Daverkosen Era: 1950s Materials: Teak, leather Measurements: 41.25? tall Condition: In excellent original condit...
Leather, Teak
Ole Wanscher Rungstedlund Armchair by Poul Jeppesen, Danish Design 1950s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Armchair from the Rungstedlund series designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Poul Jeppesen Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the 1950s. The chair is characterized by balanced proportio...
Fabric
$33,551 / set
Pair of colonials armchairs by Ole Wanscher
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie et originale paire de fauteuils par Ole Wanscher pour Poul Jeppessen vers 1949.
Rope, Wood
$19,180
Ole Wanscher 1958 Armchair
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in London, England
Ole Wanscher J2883 armchair, 1958 Produced by master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in sumptuous Brazilian rosewood with aniline black leather seat. First presented at the Copenhage...
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with light grey 100 % New Zealand Divina wool. Made of solid mahogany. Model Senator, made by France & Son.
Wool, Mahogany
Dining Table in Rosewood by Ole Wanscher, 1945
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Dining Table in Rosewood by Ole Wanscher, 1945 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark Dimension...
Rosewood
Pair of Ole Wanscher for France and Son "Senator" Chairs in Teak
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
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
Ole Wanscher Sideboard for Iversen, Scandinavian Design
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Rare sideboard designed by Ole Wanscher. Structure in rosewood with brass knobs. Composed of two sliding doors with 5 drawers. High quality work.
Brass
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
Ole Wanscher Senator Sofa, Teak Frame, Tan Leather, Denmark, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Teak
1960s Ole Wanscher Fully Restored and Refinished Rungstedlund Mahogany Sideboard
By Snedkergaarden, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
Ole Wanscher Fully Restored and Refinished Rungstedlund Sideboard The elegant and spacious sideboard with it's minimalistic yet exquisite luxury expression is part of the Rungstedlu...
Mahogany
$3,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Ole Wanscher Rosewood Arm Chairs
By Ole Wanscher
Located in New York, NY
Fine pair of Ole Wanscher arm chairs, in original finish, with original cushions. Solid Rosewood construction.
Rosewood
Pair of Ole Wanscher Rosewood Lounge Chairs in Sheepskin by P. Jeppesen
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant and refined pair of lounge chairs designed by renowned Danish designer Ole Wanscher and produced by master cabinetmaker P. Jeppesen in Denmark. Crafted in richly figured ros...
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Teak Chest of Drawers
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ole Wanscher (Danish 1903-1985). Teak wood chest of drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for Illums Bolighus in the 1960s. The chest of drawers consists of 7 drawers in three differe...
Brass
Ole Wanscher Sofa Model 116 / Senator Produced by France & Son in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model 116 / Senator designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Leather, Teak
Midcentury Sofa France & Søn Couch Ole Wanscher Dreisitzer teak
By France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Teakholz Dreisitzer Sofa von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besticht durch seine minimalistische Formgebung, wurde prof...
Teak
$2,600 / set
Set of Two Danish Leather Side Chairs, 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
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
Ole Wanscher, Armchairs, Beech, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Stamford, CT
Ole Wanscher, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Armchairs, Beech, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s Pair of model 1675 armchairs designed by Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen in Denmark c. 1940s. Beech,...
Fabric, Beech
Ole Wanscher pair of armchairs model 1764, Denmark 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher pair of armchairs with frame of walnut. Newer upholster of black leather. Made by Fritz Hansen, model 1764.
Leather, Walnut
Ole Wanscher armchair of brown leather, Denmark 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher armchair of brown leather and rosewood frame Made by A. J. Iversen.
Leather, Rosewood
Midcentury Sofa France & Søn Couch Ole Wanscher Dreisitzer teak2
By France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Teakholz Dreisitzer Sofa von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besticht durch seine minimalistische Formgebung, seinen typ...
Teak
Set Of 6 Ole Wansher Rungstedlund Dining Chairs By Poul Jeppesen From 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
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
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Black Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1951
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Black Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1951 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original black leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare sofa mo...
Rosewood, Leather
Danish Lounge Chair and 3-Seater Sofa by Ole Wanscher for PJ Møbler, 1960s.
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Lounge Chair and 3 Seater Sofa by Ole Wanscher for PJ Møbler, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern living room set designed by professor Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens Mø...
Wool, Mahogany
Model Fd-109 Lounge Chair attributed to Ole Wanscher for France & Søn., 1960s
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Rødekro, DK
A rare and distinguished example of mid-century Danish design, this FD 109 armchair was crafted in the workshop of Ole Wanscher — one of Denmark's most celebrated furniture designers...
Wool, Beech
Danish Modern Four Seat Teak "Senator" Sofa by Ole Wanscher for France and Son
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Uncommon four-seat sofa designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Son as part of his 'Senator' line (ca. 1960s, Denmark). Composed of a dense slat-back teak frame, designed with a partia...
Upholstery, Teak
Sideboard in Rosewood and brass by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sideboard in Rosewood and brass by Ole Wanscher Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark D...
Brass
Ole Wanscher “Model 1673” High Back Chair for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1940s
By Fritz Hansen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Utrecht, NL
The simple and refined aesthetic of this chair stems from Ole Wanscher’s reinvention of classic forms, for which he became a key-player of the Danish mid-century movement. In this m...
Fabric, Wood
Dining Table With Extension Leaves By Ole Wanscher For Poul Jeppesen From 1960s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Dining table designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Poul Jeppesen Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the 1960s. The table reflects the balanced proportions and refined craftsmanship typ...
Mahogany
'OW149 Colonial' Chair in Oiled Walnut & Black Leather for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'OW149 Colonial' Chair in Oiled Walnut & Black Leather for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his firs...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
1960s Ole Wanscher Palisander Armchair for AJ Iverson Snedkermester
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use - Height of the armrests is 69 cm - Height of seat 45 cm.
Fabric, Wood
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
Elegant Ole Wanscher Coffee Table in Rosewood – Cabinetmaker Crafted by A.J. Iv
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Beautiful and timeless coffee table designed by Ole Wanscher and crafted by master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in exclusive rosewood. The table features a refined and minimalist design...
Rosewood
Danish Modern Mahogany and Leather Lounge Chairs by Ole Wanscher, Denmark, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant lounge chairs by Ole Wanscher, in a generous size with beautiful curved back legs that follow the length of the backrest. Made from mahogany and upholstered in black ...
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
Mid-Century Teak Armchair, Danish Design by Ole Wanscher for France & Søn, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in München, BY
Dimensions: 73 x 75 x 77 cm (Width x Height x Depth) This Mid Century lounge chair was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Sentator Series for France and Son in the 1950s. This model i...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
$13,680 / item
Ole Wanscher 1958 Princess Rosewood Armchair
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in London, England
Ole Wanscher - Princess Armchair, 1958 The Model J2883 designed by master-designer Ole Wanscher in 1958, acquired its nickname thanks to a Danish princess...
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Leather 2 Seater Sofa 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This two-seat leather sofa was created by Scandinavian furniture design master Ole Wanscher in the 1950s. It is characterised by its elegant and refined form, which seems to embody h...
Leather, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Ole Wanscher in Rosewood
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern conference chair by Ole Wanscher in rosewood and full grain leather. Made by cabinet maker A. J. Iversen in the 1950s.
Leather, Rosewood
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
Mid-Century Teak Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher, France & Søn, Denmark, MCM
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in München, BY
Dimensions: 73 x 75 x 77 cm (Width x Height x Depth) This Mid Century lounge chair was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Sentator Series for France and Son in the 1950s. This model i...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Pair of Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen Møbelfabrik Danish Teak Side Tables
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher, Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Pair of handsome Danish teak side tables by celebrated designer, Grete Jalk. The end tables feature slatted racks beneath the main table top. The Mid-Century...
Teak
$1,690Sale Price / set|23% Off
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
Ole Wanscher #166 Sofa in Senator Oak, Scandinavian Modern Design
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian modern sofa designed by Ole Wanscher in 1951 and manufactured by Cado (France & Son). Striking and comfortable seating addition to home or business setting. Please c...
Oak, Upholstery
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
1960s Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen New Boucle Fabric 3-Seat Sofa Made in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1960s Ole Wanscher white bouclé fabric 3-Seat sofa. This is a gorgeous example, which has just been newly reupholstered by the well regarded Forthright NYC uphol...
Fabric, Bouclé