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Ole Wanscher Sofas

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
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren Sofa in Camel Leather and Walnut
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren, sofa, leather, walnut, Denmark, 1950s/1960s Beautiful sofa in an outstanding natural color designed by Ole Wanscher during the mid-century period. T...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Danish 1940s Curved Shape Sofa Model 1668 by Ole Wanscher for Fritz Hansen
By Ole Wanscher, Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb and rare sofa designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Fritz Hansen as model 1668 probably in the 1940. The model was seen in Fritz Hansen's catalog #4202 in 1951 and earlier ...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Beech, Wool

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...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

OW149-2 Colonial Sofa in Walnut Oil with Sif 95 Leather by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Burlington, NJ
The OW149-2 Colonial sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher in 1964. Manufactured in very small quantities, the design was virtually unknown until Carl Hansen & Søn launched the entire Co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

OW149-2 Colonial Sofa in Walnut Oil with Sif 98 Leather by Ole Wanscher
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Burlington, NJ
The OW149-2 Colonial sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher in 1964. Manufactured in very small quantities, the design was virtually unknown until Carl Hansen & Søn launched the entire Co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

OW149-2 Colonial Sofa in Oak White Oil with Sif 95 Leather by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Burlington, NJ
The OW149-2 colonial sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher in 1964. Manufactured in very small quantities, the design was virtually unknown until Carl Hansen & Søn launched the entire Co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Oak, Leather

OW149-2 Colonial Sofa in Oak Painted Black with Sif 98 Leather by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Burlington, NJ
The OW149-2 Colonial sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher in 1964. Manufactured in very small quantities, the design was virtually unknown until Carl Hansen & Søn launched the entire Co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Ole Wanscher two seat sofa, original red patinated leather. OW602, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher two seat sofa with patinated red leather. Legs of mahogany. Model OW602, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Category

1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

1960s Sofa, Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic 3-seater-sofa from the 1960s. Model Senator by Ole Wanscher for France & Son. High-quality solid teak frame. The original spring core has been reupholstered and covered with ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Fabric, 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...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Mid Century Three-seater Sofa Model PJ112 by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens.
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in GNIEZNO, 30
The sofa three-seat model PJ112 were designed by Ole Wanscher and produced in the 1960s by Poul Jeppesen's manufactory in St. Heddinge in Denmark. The sofa have undergone a comprehen...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Leather Sofa by Ole Wanscher
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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Sofa
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher Sofa, Model 602 By Carl Hansen & Son
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

1960s Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen New Boucle Fabric 3-Seat Sofa Made in Denmark
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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...
Category

1960s Danish Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé

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...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Teak

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
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Wool, Cherry

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...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Rattan, Mahogany, Upholstery

60s 70s Teak 2 Seater Sofa Couch Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Danish Design
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1960s-1970s teak 2 seater sofa couch Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Danish design Object: 2-seater sofa Manufacturer: Cado (France & Son) Condition: Good - vintage Age: a...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Danish Sofa, 3 Seats, Senator Model in Mahogany and New Fabric by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian sofa. Structure in solid Mahogany, the seats and cushions have been redone in new light beige fabric, very comfortable. Sober and very elegant design. Very good b...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

60s 70s Teak 3 Seater Sofa Couch Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Danish Design
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
60s 70s teak 3 seater sofa couch Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Danish design Object: 3 seater sofa Manufacturer: Cado (France & Son) Condition: good - vintage Age: aroun...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Ole Wanscher Sofa for Cado, 1960s Danish Design
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic 3-seater-sofa from the 1960s. Model Senator by Ole Wanscher for CADO. High-quality solid teak frame. The sofa has been reupholstered and covered with a high-quality gray upho...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Rare Ole Wanscher Sofa for J. Jeppesen, Denmark, 1950
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An outstanding, very rare 2-seater sofa designed by Ole Wanscher, manufactured by J. Jeppesen in Denmark around 1950. This impressive piece is really well made by on of the greate...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren Sofa in Red Leather and Teak
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren, sofa, leather, walnut, Denmark, 1950s/1960s Beautiful sofa in an outstanding natural color designed by Ole Wanscher during the mid-century period. T...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Colonial sofa by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PJ 149/2 - 'Colonial' 2-seater sofa in rosewood with cushions in black patinated leather. Ole Wanscher / P. Jeppesen
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Black Leather Sofa with Mahogany Frame
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Freestanding three seater sofa with mahogany frame designed by Ole Wanscher. Sides, seat and back upholstered with black leather. This example made...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather

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.
Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

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...
Category

1960s European Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather

PJ 149/2 Colonial Sofa by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher. PJ 149 - 'Colonial' 2 seater sofa in rosewood and original black leather cushions. Maker PJ Furniture.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Rosewood

Senator Sofa in Teak by Ole Wanscher for France & Son, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
This three-seater 'Senator 166' sofa, designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Søn in the 1960s, is a paragon of Scandinavian mid-century design. The piece showcases the clean lines, qu...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

Senator 3-Seat Sofa in Teak by Ole Wanscher for France and Son, Denmark
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Halle, DE
Scandinavian senator 3-seat sofa in teakwood, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark. Cushions have been reupholstered with fabrics by JAB Anstötz. Man...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Teak

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.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

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...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

1960s Restored Danish Ole Wanscher Sofa by Cado
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Mahogany sofa designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by Cado. The elegant sofa feature organic shapes and excellent craftmanship with lots of small details. The sofa has been re...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

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...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

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.   
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

Colonial 2-Seat Sofa Model OW149-2 Made In Rosewood By Ole Wanscher From 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
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...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Tight Back Sofa by Ole Wanscher
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 Sofas

Materials

Mahogany, Wool

Vintage Danish Mid Century Mahogany Sofa by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen
By Ole Wanscher
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is beautiful Scandinavian Modern sofa Model PJ112 in mahogany designed by professor Ole Wanscher and manufactured by Poul Jeppesen in Denmark in the 1960s. This comfortable couc...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Sofa
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher sofa designed in 1962 and produced by France & Son.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Sofas

Ole Wanscher sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Ole Wanscher sofas 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 sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 39 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 5 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original sofas 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 sofas by Illum Wikkelsø, France & Søn, and Fritz Hansen. Prices for Ole Wanscher sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $910 and can go as high as $27,839, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,959.

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