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.
Mid-Century Two-Seat Sofa, Senator Series, Teak Couch by Ole Wanscher
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: approx. 125 × 75 × 80 cm (49.2 × 29.5 × 31.5 in) (Width × Height × Depth) Elegant Mid-Century modern two-seater sofa by Ole Wanscher, produced by France & Son (Cado) as ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Ole Wanscher Sofa for A. J. Iverson
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in New York, NY
Ole Wanscher Sofa for A. J. Iversen newly upholstered in Kravet tight Boucle. A sofa with a raised, tight back and sloping arms, outward swept rear legs retaining the original horse...
Bouclé, Oak
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
Danish 2-Seater Sofa by Ole Wanscher for PJ Møbler, 1960s.
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish 2 Seater Sofa by Ole Wanscher for PJ Møbler, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern two seater sofa designed by professor Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik A/S Den...
Wool, Mahogany
Mid-Century Three Seat Sofa Senator, Danish Design Teak Couch by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 182 x 75 x 80 cm (Width x Height x Depth) This Mid Century three seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Sentator Series for France and Son in the 1950s. This mod...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Colonial 2-Seat Sofa Model OW149-2 Made In Rosewood By Ole Wanscher From 1960s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Colonial 2-seater sofa, model OW149-2, is a magnificent piece of furniture created by the renowned Danish furniture designer Ole Wanscher in collaboration with the manufacturer P. Je...
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Teak
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
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian PJ112 Sofa 3 Seats by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian PJ112 sofa 3 seats by Ole Wanscher. Newly upholstered in Gabriel Step Melange fabric #68162.
Velvet, Mahogany
Loveseat Sofa in Rosewood, Woven Cane & Original Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1960's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Loveseat Sofa in Rosewood, Woven Cane & Original Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, woven cane and original leather Style: Mid century, Scan...
Rosewood, Leather
$9,752Sale Price|50% Off
Ole Wanscher Black Leather Sofa with Rosewood Frame
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Freestanding three seater sofa with Brazilian rosewood frame by Ole Wanscher. Seat, sides and back upholstered with black leather. Made by cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen. Fair conditi...
Leather
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
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
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 boucle fabric 3-Seat sofa. This is a gorgeous example, which has just been newly reupholstered by the well regarded Forthright NYC uphol...
Fabric, Bouclé
Danish 2-seater sofa in mahogany and cane by Ole Wanscher 1960.
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
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
Senator Sofa in Teak by Ole Wanscher for France & Søn / France & Daverkosen, Den
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
This three-seater sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by France & Søn in the 1960s. Crafted in teak, it showcases classic Danish modern design with elegant lines and high-...
Teak
Colonial 2-seater Sofa in Rosewood by Ole Wanscher model "OW149-2", P. Jeppesen
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
Colonial 2-seater sofa, model OW149-2, designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by P. Jeppesen around 1960. Made in rosewood with woven seat and loose cushions. Ole Wanscher was a centr...
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
Ole Wanscher Designed Scandinavian Modern Upholstered Three Seater Sofa 1950's
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Ole Wanscher Mid-Century Three Seat Mahogany Frame Sofa In Original Upholstery by Poul Jeppesens, Made in Denmark Makers Labels To Underneath of Sofa Frame Vintage Three Seat Sofa...
Steel
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
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
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
Original Ole Wanscher Midcentury Sofa Senator Couch France&Søn
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa, das den Modellnamen "Senator" trägt, wurde von Ole Wanscher entworfen un...
Teak
1960s Fully Restored Customizable Danish Ole Wanscher Sofa by Cado
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s fully restored customizable Danish Ole Wanscher sofa by Cado The elegant light Ole Wanscher design of the sofa feature organic elegant shapes and lines, combined with very ex...
Teak
Ole Wanscher #166 Sofa for Cado in Senator Oak
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 confi...
Oak, Upholstery
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 for A.J. Iverseren Sofa in Red Patinated Leather and Mahogany
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren, sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1950s/1960s Beautiful sofa in an outstanding natural color designed by Ole Wanscher during the mid-century period....
Leather, Mahogany
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
Midcentury Sofa France & Søn Couch Ole Wanscher Dreisitzer teak
By France & Søn, France & Daverkosen, 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 professi...
Teak
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
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
$7,500
Ole Wanscher Sofa
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher Sofa, Model 602 By Carl Hansen & Son
Leather, 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