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.
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
Brutalist Sideboard Oak, France, 1950s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
This sculptural sideboard holds a quiet monumentality—its façade a study in balance, depth, and geometric relief. Two symmetrical doors are adorned with deeply carved concentric meda...
Oak
$12,780
H 40.16 in W 113.39 in D 22.05 in
Sideboard in Carved Oak with Turned Bronze Pulls, France, 1950s
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A sculptural procession of symmetry and relief, this elongated sideboard presents a masterclass in carved rhythm and architectural proportion. Executed in pale, matte-finished oak, i...
Bronze
$2,602Sale Price|54% Off
H 53.15 in W 29.53 in D 20.08 in
Chest of Drawers by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
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
$8,000
H 37.8 in W 74.81 in D 21.66 in
Sideboard in Carved Oak with Wrought Iron Fittings, Spain, 1940s
By BIOSCA
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Commanding in proportion yet intricate in detail, this Spanish sideboard is an ode to vernacular grandeur. The front elevation is composed of deeply carved panels in geometric relief...
Oak
$26,142
H 57.09 in W 46.46 in D 18.9 in
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
$3,378
H 32.68 in W 70.87 in D 19.3 in
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
$20,332
H 63.78 in W 51.19 in D 17.72 in
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
1930s Ole Wanscher Oak Sideboard Cabinet
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Oakland, CA
Ole Wanscher cabinet with tambour doors and series of drawers crafted of oak with mitered edges, dovetail joinery with traditional brass pulls. The tambour doors open to reveal an in...
Oak
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
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
$16,760 / item
H 31 in W 90 in D 19 in
GAULTIER CREDENZA - Modern geometric cabinet in white lacquer finish
By Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
GAULTIER CREDENZA - Modern geometric cabinet in white lacquer finish The Gaultier Buffet is a stylish and contemporary buffet cabinet designed to add a touch of elegance to any space. It is expertly crafted and made to order in California, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. One of the standout features of the Gaultier Buffet is its sleek, lacquered finish. The lacquer not only adds a luxurious sheen to the surface but also provides a protective layer, enhancing the durability of the cabinet. The lacquer finish also makes cleaning and maintaining the buffet easier, ensuring its long-lasting beauty. The Gaultier Buffet offers ample storage space to organize and display your belongings. It features multiple compartments and shelves behind its doors, allowing you to store various items such as dinnerware, glassware, and other essentials. The interior configuration can be customized based on your specific needs and preferences, making it a highly versatile piece of furniture. With its modern design and attention to detail, the Gaultier Buffet serves...
Lacquer
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 Rosewood Server Table for A. J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Beautiful and finely crafted seven-drawer rosewood and brass handled server by Ole Wanscher and retailed by Illums Bolighus. With a finished back and labeled with early Illums metal ...