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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
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...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of Safari Chairs by Ole Wanscher for PJ Furniture
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

Leather Sofa by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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

Desk Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
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

Armchair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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

Humpback Arm Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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

Tight Back Sofa by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
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

Settee by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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

Broad Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
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

Mahogany Lounge Arm Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
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

Mahogany, Upholstery

Armchair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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

Related Items
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.   
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

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Wool, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
H 30.32 in W 70.87 in D 29.93 in
Set Of Four "Rungstedlund" Dining Room Chairs By Ole Wanscher For P. Jeppesen
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
The set of four "Rungstedlund" dining room chairs, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen in the 1960s, is a splendid and iconic collection of dining chairs. Ole W...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

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Leather, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair for Carl Hansen
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ole Wanscher Oak Colonial Chair with cane seat and beautiful leather cushions. Chair is brand-new and unused! Like new condition!
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Cane, Oak

Ole Wanscher Lounge Chairs, Model PJ112, Cognac Aniline Leather
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chairs new upholstered in vintage cognac aniline leather. Made of massive oiled mahogany. Model PJ 112, made by Poul Jeppesen.    
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Set of Six Benedikte Chairs for A.J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher "Benedikte". A set of six mahogany chairs. Seat upholstered with wool. Executed by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen. Reverse with maker's pap...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Set of Twelve Classic Side Chairs by Ole Wanscher, 1960s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of 12 mahogany chairs with curvy, horizontal bar in back. Seat upholstered with patterned fabric. Designed 1962. These examples made 1962...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Fabric

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 cherry. Model PJ 149 colonial chair, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Cherry

Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
H 32.68 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Ole Wanscher Set of Eight Chairs for a. J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher set of eight chairs in mahogany with seats of black horsehair. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Minneapolis, MN
An elegant design by Danish modern designer Ole Wanscher. An elegant design constructed in a rich dark mahogany. beautiful from all angles. Please inquire about upholstery options. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1960s Sofa, Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic sofa from the 1960s. Model Senator by Ole Wanscher for France & Søn. High-quality solid teak frame and cushions with original leather cover in black. Quality Features: ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Teak

1960s Sofa, Ole Wanscher
1960s Sofa, Ole Wanscher
H 31.5 in W 72.05 in D 27.96 in
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher lounge chair designed in 1960 and Produced by A. J. Iversen. Mahogany. Unmarked.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair
H 32.5 in W 27.5 in D 31 in
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chairs, Model PJ112, Black Aniline Leather
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chairs new upholstered in black aniline leather. Made of solid oiled mahogany. Model PJ 112, made by Poul Jeppesen.   
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Previously Available Items
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 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.
Category

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.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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

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
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
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 taper...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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
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

Armchair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A mahogany armchair with original black leather seat. Made by A.J. Iverson.
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Armchair by Ole Wanscher
Armchair by Ole Wanscher
H 29 in W 24 in D 19.5 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
H 29 in W 79 in D 39.5 in

Ole Wanscher furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Ole Wanscher furniture 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 Ole Wanscher furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 330 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 14 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Ole Wanscher were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Arne Vodder, and Niels Otto Møller. Prices for Ole Wanscher furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $759 and can go as high as $48,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,670.

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