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.
Model "Colonial" / OW149 Armchair, Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn, 2000s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model "Colonial" / OW149 armchair, design Ole Wanscher, manufactured by Carl Hansen & Søn, 2000s. Soaped oak frame, leather upholstery. Rattan details. Marked. Good vintage condition...
Leather, Oak
Ole Wanscher pair of Danish 1675 Easy Chairs for Fritz Hansen, 1942
By Fritz Hansen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Uppsala, SE
1940s lounge chairs in stained Beech, model 1675, designed by Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen. Because of the stain they has a very Mahogany look. This pair was made in 1942, so quite ...
Leather, Beech
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.
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Colonial chairs Ole Wanscher, mahogany, cane and leather Denmark 60s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Pair of ‘Colonial’ armchairs, model PJ301 in mahogany, cane and original leather. Elegant pair easy chairs with a mahogany slim frame by the Danish designer Ole Wanscher. These chair...
Cane, Mahogany, Leather
Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen Armchair in Teak and Black Leather
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, armchair, model 'PJ412', teak, leather, Denmark, 1960s This modest dining chair, designed by Ole Wanscher in the 1960s, offers exceptiona...
Leather, Teak
Midcentury Armchair Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen, Stained Beech and Leather
By Ole Wanscher, Fritz Hansen
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This partial heavy patinated armchair was designed and created 1942 by Ole Wanscher and manufactured at Fritz Hansen in Denmark. The chair itself is made in stained beech. The seat i...
Leather, Beech
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
Ole Wanscher Armchair Model J 3063 by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen, Denmark, 1960s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Odense, DK
Rare armchair or office chair model "J3063" designed by Ole Wanscher and made by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen in the 1960s. The chair is made from the most exclusive Brazili...
Leather, Rosewood
1960s Fully Restored Customizable Ole Wanscher PJ 412 Armchairs in Mahogany
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s fully restored customizable Ole Wanscher PJ 412 armchairs in mahogany byP.Jeppesens Møbelfabrik. The very comfortable chairs feature Ole Wan...
Mahogany
Set of Model "Colonial" Armchair and Footstool, Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Son
By Albert August Carl Nicolassen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of model "Colonial"/ OW149 armchair and OW149F footstool, design Ole Wanscher, manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, 2000s. Soaped oak frame, leather upholstery. Rattan details. Mar...
Leather, Oak
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
Pair of Ole Wanscher Armchairs, Model 1755, Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen, Ole Wanscher
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark in the mid-1940s. Both chairs retain their original production labels, indicating the...
Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Beech
$3,176Sale Price|65% Off
Ole Wanscher Armchair of Black Leather and Rosewood
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Armchair with rosewood frame by Ole Wanscher. Seat and back upholstered with black leather. Made by cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen. Normal patina due to age and use including scratche...
Leather
Ole Wanscher, Armchairs, Beech, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Manhasset, NY
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 Lounge Chairs, Model PJ112, Black Aniline Leather
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
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.
Leather, Mahogany
$19,184
Ole Wanscher 1958 Armchair
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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
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
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
$4,813Sale Price / set|75% Off
Ole Wanscher Model Sofa and Armchair with Green Wool and Rosewood Frames
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Living room setdesigned by Ole Wanscher and made by AJ Iversen in the 1960 comprised of sofa and armchair. Upholstered in a green wool and with rosewood frames. Measures: Sofa: H. ...
Hardwood
$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
Ole Wanscher Model 149 Colonial Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in New York, NY
Ole Wanscher's iconic career high-point: the Colonial Chair was designed in 1949 and produced by master cabinetmaker Poul Jeppesen in Denmark throughout the 1950s. It references colo...
Wood
Pair of Vintage Danish Leather Armchairs by Ole Wanscher
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of vintage Danish leather armchairs by Ole Wanscher. They were made by P. Jeppesen, they date from the 1960’s. The frames have a sleek and stylish design, they are o...
Leather, Wood
$14,000 / item
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.
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Lounge / Easy Chair for A.J. Iversen, 1960
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ole Wanscher (1903-1985) lounge chair. Base and frame in mahogany with stretcher bar supporting the legs. Later upholstered in sand leather, seat cushion with down filling. Desig...
Leather, Mahogany
Early Pair of Ole Wanscher Ebonized Mahogany Lounge Chairs, 1950's
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Danish Modern pair of solid ebonized Cuban Mahogany lounge armchairs by Ole Wanscher designed for France and Daverkosen distributed by John Stuart. Featuring solid, sturdy newly ebon...
Fabric, Mahogany
Senator Armchair by Ole Wanscher for France & Son
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Vintage armchair by Ole Wanscher for France and Son, Denmark, 60's Teak armchair, “Senator” model with flat armrests. Good condition. It has the publisher’s label: France and Son,...
Teak
$1,928 / item
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chairs, Model PJ112, wool
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chairs new upholstered in blue wool. Made of solid oiled mahogany. Model PJ 112, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Mahogany, Wool
Pair Of "Rungstedlund" Chairs Made In Mahogany By Ole Wanscher From 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of "Rungstedlund" armchairs designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen is a true representation of Danish mid-century modern furniture design. Ole Wanscher was a renowned Danish architect and designer known for his commitment to craftsmanship...
Leather, Mahogany
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
$5,569Sale Price / set|70% Off
Pair of Rosewood Armchairs by Ole Wanscher Upholstered with Black Leather
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in London, GB
A pair of rosewood armchairs designed by Ole Wanscher. Made and marked with label by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen. Leather of seat and back of one chair is original. Leather of sea...
Leather
$11,877 / set
Pair of Armchairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Two armchairs in patinated mahogany and natural leather. Ole Wanscher / A.J Iversen.
Leather, Mahogany
Teak Rocking Armchair - Ole Wanscher (Denmark, 1960s)
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Torino, IT
Teak Rocking Armchair - Ole Wanscher (Denmark, 1960s) This magnificent vintage Rocking Armchair, attributed to renowned Danish designer Ole Wanscher, is a fine expression of 1960s No...
Fabric, Teak
Vintage PJ-149 Colonial Chair by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen 1949
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Handewitt, DE
Vintage „Colonial Chair“ by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen 1949. Model PJ-149. Produced in 1950s. Made in rosewood and orignial cushions in lig...
Fabric
$1,731Sale 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
Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Ole Wanscher in Rosewood
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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 Colonial Chair in Cherry by P. Jeppesen Execellent Condition
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair in cherry by P. Jeppesen execellent condition The well crafted chair made in cherry wood - which is rarely seen - and it's original red leather cushions ...
Leather, Cherry
$6,027 / 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
Armchair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
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.
Mahogany, Leather
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
$8,500 / 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
Danish Mahogany Armchair Model 1675 by Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen, 1942.
By Fritz Hansen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mahogany Armchair Model 1675 by Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen, 1942. Early and classic Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern armchair designed by Danish designer Ole Wanscher for F...
Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Pair of Armchairs by Ole Wancher
By Ole Wanscher, Fritz Hansen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian pair of armchairs by Ole Wancher Mid-Century Modern scandinavian pair of armchairs by Ole Wancher for Fritz Hansen in 1943. Original edition with o...
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Teak Easy Chair Model Senator for France & Son
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Ole Wanscher Modell Senator Easy chair in teak wood. Produced by France & Son / France Daverkosen The fabric is made of wool and it is everything in original condition. Great condit...
Fabric, Wool, Teak
Ole Wanscher Safari Chairs in Oak & Light Canvas, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Odense, DK
A rare pair of original Ole Wanscher oak framed "Safari chairs" with canvas seats and tilting backs. Made in Denmark by PJ Furniture in the 1960s. This is Wanschers take on the Briti...
Canvas, Oak
PJ 149 - 'Colonial Chair' armchair designed by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PJ 149 - 'Colonial Chair' armchair in rosewood with cushions in patinated, black leather. Manufacturer's mark from P.J. Furniture. Designed by Ole Wanscher.
Leather, Rosewood
$13,683 / 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 1954 Rosewood Armchair
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in London, England
Rarely seen and highly collectible armchair by Ole Wanscher from 1954. Produced by master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Copenhagen, Denmark. Underside with manufacturer's paper label: "Snedkermester/A.J.Iversen/Kobenhavn". Made from exquisite Brazilian rosewood with patinated original leather seat. Wanscher and Iversen had a long and fruitful relationship, collaborating on many of Wanscher's most iconic and well-loved creations including this piece as well as the Egyptian folding stool...
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
Ole Wanscher Model 1675 in Oak, Fritz Hansen, 1940s Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Balen, BE
Early Ole Wanscher armchair, Model 1675 in oak and patinated cognac leather, produced by Fritz Hansen in Copenhagen in the early 1940s. Very elegant and superbly crafted chair, would...
Leather, Oak
$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
$1,959Sale Price|25% Off
1944 Ole Wanscher Walnut Armchair With Grey Patterned Upholstery
By Ole Wanscher, Fritz Hansen
Located in London, GB
1944 Ole Wanscher Walnut Armchair With Grey Patterned Upholstery. Model 1764, manufactured by Fritz Hansen. Presented in the exhibition “Danish Walnut” at “Permanente”, 22th-30th Nov...
Fabric, Walnut
Classic Midcentury Armchair Designed by Ole Wanscher, Danish Design, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Armchair in beech designed by Ole Wanschar M.A.A. for Fritz Hansen Cabinetmakers in 1950s. Made in Denmark. Great condition.
Beech
PJ 149 “Colonial” Armchair by Ole Wanscher, Denmark, 1949
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Utrecht, NL
The Colonial chair is one of Danish designer, Ole Wanscher’s key designs, drawing influence from British and French colonial furniture from t...
Leather, Wood
1960s Ole Wanscher Mahogany Armchair with Horsehair Upholstery
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
This Rungstedlund armchair designed by Ole Wanscher was produced during the 1960s and 1970s by Poul Jeppesen Furniture. The armchair is part of the Rungstedlund dining furniture series designed by Ole Wanscher and named after author and adventurer Karen Blixen...
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher armchair of black leather, Denmark 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher armchair of black leather and rosewood frame Made by Arne Wahl Iversen.
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Vintage Danish Leather Armchairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of vintage Danish armchairs by Ole Wanscher. They were made by P. Jeppesen, they date from the 1960’s. The frames have a sleek and stylish design, they are of amazin...
Leather, Wood
$2,750Sale Price|60% Off
Ole Wanscher Armchair Model J 3063 by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in London, GB
Ole Wanscher armchair model J 3063 by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen in Denmark Leather showing crackling and substantial wear.
Leather
1960s Armchair, Ole Wanscher
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic armchair from the 1960s. Model Senator by Ole Wanscher for France & Søn. High-quality solid teak frame and cushions with original leather cover in green. Quality Features: ...
Leather, Teak
Armchair Model No. 514, Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher Armchair No. 514 Armchair model no. 514 attributed to Ole Wanscher. Upholstered in leather with nailhead detailing, set on a solid wood frame with gently curved arms an...
Leather, Wood
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