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.
Scandinavian Modern Cabinet in Mahogany by Ole Wanscher, Denmark, 1940s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful mahogany cabinet by Ole Wanscher, with two sets of drawers in the middle with elegant brass handles. Jalousie doors and beautiful handles in contrasting rosewood. Great att...
Brass
$2,636Sale Price|54% Off
Chest of Drawers by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Uppsala, SE
Chest of drawers or tall boy with curved front and eight drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen in the 1940s. Made of walnut and red beech with metal handles. Very good co...
Metal
Danish Mid Century Solid Teak Sideboard by Ole Wanscher, Circa 1960s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Surrey, GB
Danish mid century solid teak sideboard designed by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesens Mobelfabrik, circa 1960s. 3 doors with brass keys and hinges. 2 ...
Teak
Ole Wanscher Cabinet Produced by Cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare cabinet in rosewood and brass designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by cabinetmaker A.J Iversen in Denmark.
Brass
Freestanding Desk in Brass and Rosewood by Ole Wanscher, 1959
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This freestanding desk, designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark in 1959, exemplifies the hallmarks of mid-century Scandinavian furniture design—...
Brass
Ole Wanscher Tall Cabinet for A.J. Iversen, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ole Wanscher design tall cabinet for A.J. Iversen, Denmark. High quality construction and material executed in a refined Scandinavian aesthetic. mahogany case with brass drawer pulls...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Mahogany Sideboard by Ole Wanscher, 1940s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant mahogany sideboard by Ole Wanscher, with a set of drawers in the middle with elegant brass handles. Jalousie doors on either side hiding shelves inside. Great attention to d...
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Cabinet Produced by Cabinetmaker a.J Iversen in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare cabinet designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by cabinetmaker A.J Iversen in Denmark.
Brass
Sideboard Cabinet in Light Walnut by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Cabinet for tableware designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by A.J. Iversen in the 1940s. Crafted in light walnut with elegant proportions and precise cabinetmaking details. The mode...
Walnut
Danish Dresser by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1950s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Elegant and large chest of drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for furniture maker A.J Iversen in Denmark. The chest of drawers consists of 6 drawers and doors on top veneered in staine...
Walnut
Ole Wanscher Sideboard for Iversen, Scandinavian Design
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Rare sideboard designed by Ole Wanscher. Structure in rosewood with brass knobs. Composed of two sliding doors with 5 drawers. High quality work.
Brass
Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Teak Chest of Drawers
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ole Wanscher (Danish 1903-1985). Teak wood chest of drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for Illums Bolighus in the 1960s. The chest of drawers consists of 7 drawers in three differe...
Brass
1960s Ole Wanscher Fully Restored and Refinished Rungstedlund Mahogany Sideboard
By Ole Wanscher, Snedkergaarden
Located in Knebel, DK
Ole Wanscher Fully Restored and Refinished Rungstedlund Sideboard The elegant and spacious sideboard with it's minimalistic yet exquisite luxury expression is part of the Rungstedlu...
Mahogany
Sideboard in Rosewood and brass by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sideboard in Rosewood and brass by Ole Wanscher Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark D...
Brass
$30,000
Ole Wanscher Tambour Cabinet
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher rosewood tambour cabinet, 1950s.
Rosewood
Rare Tambour Cabinet by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Allerum, SE
An extraordinary and rare rosewood tambour cabinet designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen. The focal point is the impeccably executed tambour doors...
Brass
Ole Wanscher Brazilian Rosewood Sideboard
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Oakland, CA
Brazilian Rosewood sideboard designed by Ole Wanscher, 1955: a timeless masterpiece showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship of midcentur...
Rosewood
Large Nutwood Chest of Drawers by Ole Wanscher, 1940's
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Balen, BE
Elegant and large chest of drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for furniture maker A.J Iversen in Denmark. The chest of drawers features eight drawers in three graduated heights, all ve...
Brass
1960s Ole Wanscher Set of Dining Table, Sideboard, Side Table and 12 Chairs
By Snedkergaarden, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
Large Ole Wanscher Rungstedlund dining set consisting of expandable dining table with 3 table leafs, 10 dining chairs, 2 armchairs, sideboard and side table / serving table / bar tab...
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Sideboard in Rosewood – P. Jeppesen, Danish Modern
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant Danish modern sideboard designed by Ole Wanscher and crafted by master cabinetmaker P. Jeppesen. Executed in richly figured rosewood, the piece beautifully highlights the dee...
Brass
Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen Mid Century Danish Rosewood and Brass Desk
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen Mid Century Danish Rosewood and Brass Desk This desk measures: 67 wide x 33.5 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair clearance of 24.25 inches Good Vintage Con...
Brass
Swedish Modern bar cabinet in Mahogany and root veneer, 1940s
Located in Uppsala, SE
Swedish Modern serving or bar cabinet in Mahogany and root veneer from the 1940s by unidentified designer. Legs in dark stained birch (or possibly Elm). A draw out serving shelf in g...
Birch, Elm, Mahogany
$4,400
H 35.44 in W 82.09 in D 19.69 in
Low Sideboard in Oak, Mid Century Modern, Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1960s
By Arne Vodder, Kurt Østervig, Hans J. Wegner, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural low rectangular classic sideboard / cabinet in oak with plenty of storage and a beautiful carved front design. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1960s. Four doors, i...
Oak
19th Century Tall Danish Pine Corner Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century 7' tall Danish corner cabinet crafted in pine. Decorative accents adorn the door panels and canted sides, elevating the country character of the cabinet. A carved dentil...
Pine, Paint
$5,589
H 28.75 in W 33.08 in D 17.33 in
Ole Wanscher Chest of Drawers in Rosewood for Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher chest of drawers in rosewood with bass fittings. Made by master cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen. Chest has four drawers.
Brass
Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s. Stunning Scandinavian Modern rosewood/palisander cabinet with vivid grain pattern. Double hinged doors with brass hinges and locks with...
Santos Rosewood
$3,930
H 31.5 in W 73.23 in D 21.03 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Cabinetmaker Sideboard in Solid Oak, 1960s
Located in Rødding, DK
This Danish cabinetmaker sideboard in solid oak is a refined example of Scandinavian Modern design, combining clean architectural lines with subtle Arts & Crafts influences and a...
Brass
Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Low Rosewood sideboard, 1960s Beautiful Danish Modern low sideboard in minimalistic style attributed to Danish designer Arne Vodder for Sibast. Front with...
Rosewood
Danish Designer, Chest of Drawers, Oak, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak chest of drawers designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.88"H x 29"W x 15.75"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Oak
$11,179
H 41.74 in W 51.97 in D 17.72 in
Scandinavian Modern cabinet '2661' by Mjölby Intarsia, Sweden, 1940s
By Erik Mattsson 1, Mjölby Intarsia
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Exceptional cabinet or sideboard model '2661' by unknown designer and executed by Mjölby Intarsia in Sweden during the 1940s. Beautiful wooden inlay on doors. Key included. One of...
Beech, Oak, Teak, Walnut
1940s Swedish Modern Nordens Flora Botanical Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A remarkable mid-20th century circa 1940s Swedish modern sideboard, credenza, or cabinet finished with a striking decoupage surface. The sinuous case is embellished with a dense patc...
Marble, Brass, Steel
Danish Mid-Century Teak Sideboard by Skovby, 1960s.
By Skovby Møbelfabrik A/S 1
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Teak Sideboard by Skovby, 1960s. Very classic and iconic type of low credenza of the Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern era. This sideboard features three sliding ...
Teak
Vintage Mid-Century Danish Lowboard / Sideboard in Teak, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Vintage teak sideboard from 1960s Denmark with a clean mid-century modern design. The long, low structure features a balanced layout with two doors on each side and four flat-front d...
Teak
Sold
H 32.375 in W 71 in D 19.25 in
Mid Century Danish Wood Sideboard Cabinet or Credenza by Ole Wanscher
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Detroit, MI
This iconic vintage mid century credenza modern credenza or sideboard cabinet designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Poul Jeppesen Furniture was made in Denmark circa 1960. This “R...
Brass
Sold
H 37.01 in W 29.53 in D 19.89 in
Chest of Drawers in flamed walnut by Ole Wanscher and A.J. Iversen, 1950s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Chest of drawers from the 1950s designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by A.J. Iversen. Made in walnut with five drawers and the refined craftsmanship characteristic of the collaborat...
Brass
Sold
H 30.71 in W 40.56 in D 19.49 in
Chest of drawers in flamed walnut and brass by Ole Wanscher period 1940's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Chest of drawers from the 1940s designed by Ole Wanscher. Made in walnut veneer with brass handles and characteristic details from the period. An early example of Wanscher’s refined ...
Brass
Danish Modern Mahogany Chest of Drawers by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1940s by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, this Danish Modern chest of drawers consists of mahogany wood and brass bail pulls. The wood has a rich red-brown tone and its...
Brass
Ole Wanscher cabinet of mahogany
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher cabinet with doors where behind shelves and drawers. Model Rungstedlund, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Mahogany
Sold
H 32.49 in W 70.87 in D 19.1 in
Sideboard Made In Mahogany By Ole Wanscher For P. Jeppesen From 1960s
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Mahogany sideboard, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen in the 1960s. The sideboard has three doors on the front, which open up to spacious storage compartments ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 48.04 in W 47.25 in D 15.75 in
Teak Highboard by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen, 1960s, Danish Design
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Danish Highboard in beautiful teak wood. The piece was designed and made in 1960s and is a great example of Danish Mid Century Design in its best. It features two storage sections, e...
Teak
Mid Century Modern Highboard by Ole Wanscher for Rungstedlund
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mid Century Modern Highboard by Ole Wanscher for Rungstedlund featuring Mahogany Wood. Ole Wanscher was a Danish furniture designer. He wa...
Mahogany
Danish Mahogany Executive Writing Desk by Ole Wanscher, c. 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Norwalk, CT
Rich mahogany takes on a glowing, satin-like luminescence in this breathtaking and rare writing desk by Ole Wanscher. The simple form is perfectly proportioned, with elegant squared legs supporting two symmetrical pairs of dovetailed drawers, each topped by a handy brush slide with a recessed center - providing the perfect place to install a handy calendar, a slim pad of custom stationary, or a luxurious leather writing surface - whatever suits your needs! A third large brush slide on the reverse side of the desk pulls out to provide a convenient client work space. The top - which subtly overhangs the base - is finished with a luxuriously thick border of banded inlay, providing textural contrast which further enhances the natural beauty of the figured mahogany. Stately in its simplicity, this exquisite...
Wood
Sold
H 32.5 in W 71 in D 19 in
Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen Rungstedlund Series Sideboard in Mahogany
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Norwalk, CT
An iconic piece of Danish design history, the Rungstedlund sideboard by Ole Wanscher is timeless in its exquisite luxury and minimalist silhouette. Produced by Poul Jeppesens Furnitu...
Wood
Sold
H 55.12 in W 43.31 in D 16.93 in
Rungstedlund hardwood cabinet by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen, Denmark 1960s
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in ECHT, NL
Exclusive high board cabinet in hardwood with 2 doors and 4 drawers. This exceptional piece is part of the Rungstedlund series. Hinges and keys in ...
Hardwood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 86.62 in D 18.9 in
Mid century Rungstedlund sideboard by Ole Wanscher for Jeppesen, Denmark 1960s
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in ECHT, NL
Exclusive sideboard in hardwood with 2 double doors. This exceptional piece is part of the Rungstedlund series. Hinges and keys in brass, veneered inside out with beautiful trays....
Brass