Ole Wanscher Sofas
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.
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Walnut
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Mohair, Beech, Wool
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas
Rosewood, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas
Oak, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Oak
1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Fabric, Teak
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Bouclé, Oak
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
1960s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
1960s Danish Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Fabric, Bouclé
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas
Wool, Cherry
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas
Rattan, Mahogany, Upholstery
1970s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Fabric, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
1970s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Fabric, Teak
1960s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Teak
1950s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Wood
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Velvet, Mahogany
1960s European Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas
Rosewood
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Wool, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Teak
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Teak
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Teak
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Oak, Upholstery
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Wool, Mahogany
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Mahogany, Wool
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas
Mahogany