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 A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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
Ole Wanscher Rosewood High Cabinet with Brass Keys, P. Jeppesen, 1960s
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant and rare high cabinet designed by Danish professor and architect Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen in Denmark, 1960s. Crafted in beautifully grained Brazilian rose...
Rosewood
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
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
Midcentury Modern Mahogany Sideboard by Ole Wanscher, 1940s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
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
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
Ole Wanscher Elm Wood Tall Bow Front Chest of Drawers, Circa 1950s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in New York, NY
A Danish modern elmwood tall bow-front chest of drawers by Ole Wanscher, circa 1950s with nine bow front graduated drawers raised on scrolled bracket feet.
Elm
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
Ole Wanscher Sideboard for Iversen, Scandinavian Design
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
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
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
Mid Century Danish Wood Sideboard Cabinet or Credenza by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
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
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
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
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
Ole Wanscher Tambour Cabinet
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher rosewood tambour cabinet, 1950s.
Rosewood
Danish Dresser by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
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 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
1960s Ole Wanscher Fully Restored and Refinished Rungstedlund Mahogany Sideboard
By Snedkergaarden, Ole Wanscher
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
Large Nutwood Chest of Drawers by Ole Wanscher, 1940's
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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
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
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
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
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
Rare Tambour Cabinet by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare tambour cabinet designed by Ole Wanscher in Brazilian rosewood, brass and adjustable shelves. Produced by AJ Iversen, 1950s Denmark.
Brass
H 35.5 in W 55.5 in D 19.5 in
Beacon Hill Collection Chippendale Mahogany Breakfront Sideboard, Circa 1940s
By Beacon Hill
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian or Chippendale style sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet By Beacon Hill Collection USA, Circa 1940s Carved flame mahogany, with original brass hardware. ...
Brass
H 35.83 in W 25.6 in D 17.72 in
Antique Victorian French Inlaid Rosewood Freestanding Bureau/Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian French inlaid rosewood freestanding bureau/desk having the original gilt metal gallery above a devine shaped inlaid marquetry fall opening to reveal a fitted interi...
Rosewood
H 50.4 in W 31.89 in D 17.72 in
Swedish Modern 1940s Cabinet from Walfrid Svensson & Co in Karlstad
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the Swedish Modern 1940s cabinet from the furniture factory AB Walfrid Svensson & Co in Karlstad. It comes with stained oak burl veneered double doors, decorated with a ...
Oak, Burl
H 28.25 in W 60 in D 29 in
Svend Age Madsen for H.P. Hansen Danish Rosewood Desk and Bookcase
By Svend Åge Madsen, H.P. Hansen
Located in New Windsor, NY
A rosewood desk with bookcase by Svend AgeMAdsen for H.P. Hansen, Denmark. Circa 1960-70. This desk features beautifully and highly figured rosewood veneers, a curved profile, front ...
Birch, Rosewood
H 31.5 in W 72.05 in D 21.26 in
French 1940s Brutalist Oak Sideboard
Located in London, London
Sideboard Oak Brutalist Sliding doors France 1940s
Oak
H 43.31 in W 59.45 in D 16.93 in
Mid-Century Cabinet / Sideboard in Teak & Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Lovely rare cabinet in teak & oak. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in 1960s. Highlighted details and plenty of shelves featured in this beautiful cabinet. A fine vintage object that will complement many interior styles. A modern, classic, art deco or Scandinavian home deco. With a heavy focus on functionality, this design style leans toward modernism, while incorporating coziness. The Scandinavian design style aims to provide a way for people to live more sustainably and in harmony with one another. Honorable mentions with similar designs; Jakob Kjær...
Oak, Teak
H 34.06 in W 78.75 in D 17.33 in
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
H 33.27 in W 86.62 in D 17.33 in
Catalan Carved Walnut Sideboard, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
"Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness." — Frank Gehry A testament to Catalan craftsmanship, this 1940s solid walnut sideboard reflects the reg...
Walnut
H 66 in W 36 in D 15 in
Scandinavian Modern Teak 2 Piece Display Cabinet or Bookcase Made in Denmark
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern teak display cabinet, bookcase, or sideboard stamped “Made in Denmark” & comprised of 2 pieces. Upper display hutch w/double doors, gla...
Glass, Teak
H 31.89 in W 33.86 in D 17.72 in
Swedish Grace Chest of Drawers in Flamed Oak and Zebrawood
By Ture Ryberg
Located in Hammarö, SE
An elegant Swedish Grace chest of drawers, attributed to Ture Ryberg, Sweden, circa 1930. Executed in richly figured flamed oak with contrasting zebrawood banding, this piece embodi...
Oak, Zebra Wood
H 35.44 in W 44.89 in D 21.26 in
Restoration Period Chest of Drawers in Flame Mahogany Veneer, 19th Century
Located in NAVILLY, FR
Restoration period chest of drawers in flame mahogany veneer. It has 5 drawers with original bronze locks and handles (1 key available). Gray marble top. Some veneer chips that may n...
Marble
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
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
H 29.5 in W 32.25 in D 17 in
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
H 55.12 in W 55.12 in D 16.54 in
Ole Wanscher cabinet of mahogany
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher cabinet with doors where behind shelves and drawers. Model Rungstedlund, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Mahogany
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 Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
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
H 48.04 in W 47.25 in D 15.75 in
Teak Highboard by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen, 1960s, Danish Design
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
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
H 55 in W 47.25 in D 15.5 in
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
H 30.25 in W 67 in D 28 in
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
H 32.5 in W 71 in D 19 in
Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen Rungstedlund Series Sideboard in Mahogany
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
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
H 55.12 in W 43.31 in D 16.93 in
Rungstedlund hardwood cabinet by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen, Denmark 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
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
H 31.5 in W 86.62 in D 18.9 in
Mid century Rungstedlund sideboard by Ole Wanscher for Jeppesen, Denmark 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
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
H 55.91 in W 47.25 in D 15.75 in
High Danish Cabinet in Mahogany and Brass by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen 1960
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian cabinet high on legs. 2 drawers which lock at the bottom, 2 hinged doors (lock at the top) which open onto 2 x 3 shelves and are held by brass hinges. Elegant pi...
Brass
H 57.75 in W 34 in D 17 in
Ole Wanscher Colonial Rosewood Dresser, Denmark 1950
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Chicago, IL
Ole Wanscher Colonial Rosewood Dresser, Denmark 1950. Very elegant rosewood chest of drawers by Ole Wanscher. Dresser has 7 drawers and is i...
Rosewood