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 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
PJ 149/2 - 2-seater 'Colonial' sofa in cherry by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PJ 149/2 - 2-seater 'Colonial' sofa in cherry, seat bottom in cane and original blue wool cushions. Marked from manufacturer. Ole Wanscher / P.J Furniture
Wool, Cherry
Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' Sofa
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This teak high-back two-seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher as part of his 'Senator' line, circa 1960s. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Upholstery, Teak
Ole Wanscher Armchair for A. J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher armchair in mahogany and black ox-hide. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mahogany, Leather
$5,852 / set
Ole Wanscher Armchairs
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Oosterbeek, NL
Set of two very comfortable armchairs designed by Ole Wanscher in the 1950s for A.J.Iversen Denmark. Wooden frame with black leather seating.
Leather, Wood
$10,747
Armchair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Armchair in rosewood and black leather. Ole Wanscher / A.J Iversen.
Leather, Rosewood
Three Seat Sofa Ole Wanscher for PJ
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Matosinhos, 13
Vintage Three Seat Sofa by Ole Wanscher and produced by P.Jeppensen. This unique sofa is made of solid mahogany and re-upholstered in Le Manaque fabric and has a unique feature: the sides in rattan. A vintage Danish piece of design, in excellent condition, that has been carefully restored to bring the original craftsmanship back to life. The fabric: The House of Le Manach...
Upholstery, Rattan, Mahogany
Sofa “Colonial” Designed by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen, Denmark, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sofa ‘Colonial’ designed by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen, Denmark, 1960s. Brazilian rosewood and black leather. Measurements: H: 60 cm/ 1' 11 5/8" W: 123.5 cm/ 4' 5/8" D: 66 cm/ 2...
Leather, Rosewood
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.
Mahogany, Leather
Danish 2-seater sofa in mahogany and cane by Ole Wanscher 1960.
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian 2-seater sofa. The "Colonial Chair" model is an iconic piece of furniture by designer Ole Wanscher. The frame is made of mahogany, the seats are caned, and the ba...
Fabric, Cane, Mahogany
Leather 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 tan leather upholstery, on rosewood legs.
Leather, Rosewood
Tight Back 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 upholstery, on Cuban mahogany legs.
Mahogany, Wool
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.
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...
Mahogany, Upholstery
$11,500 / item
Armchair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
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.
Mahogany
$14,000 / item
Humpback Arm Chair 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.
Leather, Rosewood