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Ole Wanscher Furniture

Danish, 1903-1985

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.

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Creator: Ole Wanscher
Dealer: WYETH
Leather Sofa by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sofa with a raised, tight back and sloping arms, retaining the original tan leather upholstery, on rosewood legs.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

1950s Danish Rosewood Humpback Armchair by Ole Wanscher for A. J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant humpback armchair with black leather upholstery and welting on an exposed rosewood frame.  
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

1940s Danish Upholstered Settee by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A settee with the original pale gray striated wool upholstery on chamfered beech legs.   
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

1940s Danish Tall Rosewood Chest of Drawers by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and impeccably crafted tall chest of drawers in vividly figured rosewood having eight drawers with patinated brass “handlebar” pulls.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1940s Danish Black Horsehair Settee by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant modern Chippendale-influenced settee finely crafted in mahogany with original horsehair upholstery and leather welting.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Armchair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A modern Chippendale-influenced armchair crafted in mahogany with original black leather upholstery and leather welting.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

Desk Chair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon swivelling and tilting generously proportioned desk chair having fitted black leather upholstery and a four-pronged brushed steel base on chrome-hooded casters.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Steel

Mahogany Armchair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A mahogany armchair with the original natural leather seat.
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

1960s Danish Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
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...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of Safari Chairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, PJ Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of oak framed Scandinavian Modern safari chairs with canvas seats and backs. Made in Denmark by PJ Furniture, circa 1960s. Measure: 23.5" arm height. Danish architect and ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Oak, Canvas

Cuban Mahogany Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned Scandinavian Modern lounge chair designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen. This chair features an architectural exposed Cuban mahogany frame with shaped an...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Mahogany Humpback Armchair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Scandinavian Modern humpback armchair designed by Ole Wanscher with bookmatched Cuban mahogany, retaining the original black leather upholstery. Made in Denmark by A.J. Iversen, ci...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Broad Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rosewood armchair or lounge chair with the original black leather upholstery.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Armchair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant modern Chippendale-influenced armchair finely crafted in mahogany with original horsehair upholstery with leather welting.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Tight Back Sofa by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sofa with a raised, tight back and sloping arms, retaining the original upholstery, on Cuban mahogany legs.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Wool

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Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs by Cabinetmaker A.J Iversen in Denmark 1940s
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A elegant matching set of eight Ole Wanscher dining chairs upholstered in original black leather and beautiful patinated. Frame made of mahogany and shoes in rosewood. These chairs s...
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Sofa “Colonial” Designed by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen, Denmark, 1950s
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Brazilian rosewood and black leather.
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Vintage Scandinavian 3-Seater Senator Sofa and Chair by Ole Wanscher for Cado
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This elegant Senator lounge set, consists of a three-seater sofa and armchair, was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Danish Cado manufacture in the 1960s. The frame is made of wood in...
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Ole Wanscher Set of Eight Chairs for a. J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher set of eight chairs in mahogany with seats of black horsehair. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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H 33.47 in. W 19.69 in. D 17.72 in.
Pair of Armchairs by Ole Wanscher
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Located in Copenhagen, DK
Two armchairs in patinated mahogany and natural leather. Ole Wanscher / A.J Iversen.
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H 31.5 in. W 24.81 in. D 21.66 in.
Rare Form Low Teak Chest of Drawers/Dresser Cabinet, 1960s, Danish, Midcentury
By Carlo Jensen, Hundevad & Co.
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Uncommon low chest of drawers, with minimalist inset drawer pulls, and wonderful figured teak grain, bookmatched across the facing drawer surfaces. Smooth functioning drawers. Mea...
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Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
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Wonderful dining chairs from the 1960s by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen. Solid frame in teak. The chairs have been reupholstered and covered with a high-quality fabric in six colors....
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  • Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs for A.J. Iversen
  • Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs for A.J. Iversen
H 31.5 in. W 22.45 in. D 18.12 in.
Ole Wanscher Three Seat Sofa in Red Leather and Teak
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, three-seater sofa, leather, teak, Denmark, 1950s. This sofa, upholstered in nicely but smooth aged red leather upholstery is still in a ...
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Eliel Saarinen for Johnson 1940s Chests of Drawers
By Eliel Saarinen, Johnson Furniture Company
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Eliel Saarinen for Johnson Furniture Company chests of drawers circa 1948. These seldom seen examples have sculptural S-shaped legs, formed aluminum handles and beautifully grained b...
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Ole Wanscher Two-Seat Sofa
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher two-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

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  • Ole Wanscher Two-Seat Sofa
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H 34.65 in. W 48.04 in. D 27.56 in.
Ole Wanscher 1958 Princess Rosewood Armchair
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in London, GB
Ole Wanscher - Princess Armchair, 1958 The Model J2883 designed by master-designer Ole Wanscher in 1958, acquired its nickname thanks to a Danish princess...
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

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Leather, Rosewood

  • Ole Wanscher 1958 Princess Rosewood Armchair
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  • Ole Wanscher 1958 Princess Rosewood Armchair
  • Ole Wanscher 1958 Princess Rosewood Armchair
H 31.11 in. W 25.2 in. D 22.05 in.
Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs Produced by Cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 8 dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark.
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1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

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Leather, Rosewood

Previously Available Items
1940s Danish Mahogany Cabinet by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant quarter-sawn mahogany cabinet, finely detailed having two (2) doors revealing adjustable shelves atop four (4) drawers with handlebar bronze pulls.
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1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1950s Pair of Danish Hump Back Armchairs by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of rosewood hump back arm chairs with black leather upholstery. Designed by Ole Wanscher and Manufactured in 1958 by A.J. Iversen. Fully restored by the Wyeth Workshop.
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Leather Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A button tufted lounge chair in the original leather upholstery with rosewood legs.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

  • Leather Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
  • Leather Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
  • Leather Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
  • Leather Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
H 31.5 in. W 26 in. D 30 in.
Game Table by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A game table with a reversible wood / green leather, sitting on top of simple dowel legs.
Category

1950s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

  • Game Table by Ole Wanscher
  • Game Table by Ole Wanscher
  • Game Table by Ole Wanscher
  • Game Table by Ole Wanscher
H 28.5 in. W 32 in. D 32 in.
Mahogany Dining Table by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A spare, sculptural and finely proportioned expandable oval dining table in rich mahogany having a subtly scalloped apron and carved ta...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

  • Mahogany Dining Table by Ole Wanscher
  • Mahogany Dining Table by Ole Wanscher
  • Mahogany Dining Table by Ole Wanscher
  • Mahogany Dining Table by Ole Wanscher
H 29 in. W 119 in. D 50 in.
Tambour-Doored Double Cabinet By Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An impeccably crafted, finely detailed and rare double-height tambour-doored cabinet in rich Cuban mahogany. The cabinet is comprised of four shelved sections and has two sets of fin...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

  • Tambour-Doored Double Cabinet By Ole Wanscher
  • Tambour-Doored Double Cabinet By Ole Wanscher
  • Tambour-Doored Double Cabinet By Ole Wanscher
  • Tambour-Doored Double Cabinet By Ole Wanscher
H 63 in. W 53.5 in. D 11.75 in.
Classic Ole Wanscher Desk
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A quarter-sawn Cuban mahogany desk with six drawers and four concealed storage compartments. Design by Ole Wanscher, cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

  • Classic Ole Wanscher Desk
  • Classic Ole Wanscher Desk
  • Classic Ole Wanscher Desk
  • Classic Ole Wanscher Desk
H 29 in. W 79 in. D 39.5 in.
Armchairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Rosewood armchairs with the original black leather seats. By A. J. Iversen for Ole Wanscher.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

  • Armchairs by Ole Wanscher
  • Armchairs by Ole Wanscher
  • Armchairs by Ole Wanscher
  • Armchairs by Ole Wanscher
H 34.5 in. W 23 in. D 22 in.
the Taut Frame Armchair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rosewood armchair with black leather seat. Design by Ole Wanscher Cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

  • the Taut Frame Armchair by Ole Wanscher
  • the Taut Frame Armchair by Ole Wanscher
  • the Taut Frame Armchair by Ole Wanscher
  • the Taut Frame Armchair by Ole Wanscher
H 31.5 in. W 25 in. D 20 in.
Tambour Cabinet by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare teak bow-front cabinet of Chinese inspiration, w/3 sets of reeded tambour doors; the upper section with twelve compartments, the lower sections each with an adjustable shelf. ...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Teak

  • Tambour Cabinet by Ole Wanscher
  • Tambour Cabinet by Ole Wanscher
  • Tambour Cabinet by Ole Wanscher
  • Tambour Cabinet by Ole Wanscher
H 65 in. W 51 in. D 18 in.
Rosewood Chair By Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rosewood "T" chair with closely spaced rear legs, an overhanging backrest, and a black leather upholstered seat. Bears A. J. Iversen tag. Some environmental photographs in this ...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

  • Rosewood Chair By Ole Wanscher
  • Rosewood Chair By Ole Wanscher
  • Rosewood Chair By Ole Wanscher
  • Rosewood Chair By Ole Wanscher
H 31 in. W 20 in. D 17 in.
Easy Chair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid teak rocking chair with loose seat and back cushions. Designed by Ole Wanscher for France and Son or France and Daverkosen
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Ole Wanscher furniture for sale on 1stDibs

Ole Wanscher furniture is available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are often made of wood and designed with extraordinary care. In our Ole Wanscher collection, there are many options to choose from, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. 255 vintage editions of these items are in stock, while there is also 1 modern edition to choose from. Many original furniture by Ole Wanscher was created in Europe during the 20th century in the Scandinavian Modern style. Many customers also consider furniture by Niels Otto Møller, Ib Kofod-Larsen and Kai Kristiansen if you want to add more options. Ole Wanscher furniture prices can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at $795 and tops out at $66,000, while pieces like these can sell for $4,614.

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