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 Writing Desk of Mahogany by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen Denmark 1950
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Free standing writing desk with 5 drawers designed by Ole Wanscher (1903-1985). The desk is made of lacquered mahogany with inside frame of oak. The handles are made of solid brass ...
Brass
$16,974Sale Price|20% Off
Ole Wanscher Freestanding Desk in Rosewood Made by A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen 1959
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare and important desk designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured at master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in 1959. Exhibited at the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild exhibition the same year. T...
Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Coffee Table, Mahogany, A. J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher coffee table of mahogany. Made by A. J. Iversen.
Mahogany
Mid-Century Danish Teak Coffee Table by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Hamburg, DE
Original Danish teak coffee table by Poul Jeppesen, designed by Ole Wanscher from the 60s. Plain teak table of high material and processing quality. The rectangular tabletop is opti...
Wood
Midcentury chest of drawers by Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen, Denmark, 1940s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stylish walnut chest of drawers by Ole Wanscher with a striking veneer front and brass handles. Beautiful attention to detail.
Birch
Midcentury Modern Mahogany Desk by Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen, Denmark, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking desk by Ole Wanscher, made in mahogany with table top dressed in black leather. Very elegant lines and sophisticated details. Brass hoops for pulling out extensions on the s...
Leather, Mahogany
2021 OW449 Square Colonial Coffee Table by Ole Wanscher for Carl Hansen in Oak
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a OW449 Colonial Coffee Table made with a white oiled solid oak frame and oak top. The table, designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, dates to ...
Oak
Ole Wanscher Dining Table for AJ Iverson Snedkermester
By Ole Wanscher
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Beautiful and simple rosewood table Exquisite detail. Comes with a leaf.
Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Desk in Mahogany for A. J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher desk in mahogany with two drawers. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mahogany
Dining Table in Rosewood by Ole Wanscher, 1945
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Dining Table in Rosewood by Ole Wanscher, 1945 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark Dimension...
Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Coffee Table by Poul Jeppesen, Elm, Scandinavian Design
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher coffee table. Made in elm. Made by Poul Jeppesen.
Elm
Elegant Side Table in Mahogany by Ole Wanscher, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Lejre, DK
Side table in mahogany, designed by Ole Wanscher for cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen. Great original condition. Measures: H.58 W.63/123 D.48 cm.
Mahogany
Transitional Modern Scandinavian Mahogany Coffee Table by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This coffee table says 'understated and timeless elegance' to us. Behold the gently undulating apron and expertly tapered legs. Designed by the professor Ole Wanscher (1903-1985). ...
Mahogany
1960s Ole Wanscher Extendable Mahogany Dining Table by P. Jeppesen
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly veneered - Carefully refurbished - Labeled - 210 cm when extended.
Wood
$1,692Sale Price|20% Off
Dining Room Table Made In Mahogany By Ole Wanscher From 1960s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
The mahogany dining table, designed by the renowned Ole Wanscher and produced by P. Jeppesen in 1960, represents an elegant and timeless piece of Danish furniture design. The mahoga...
Mahogany
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens Mobelfabrik Danish Teak Surfboard Coffee Table
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk, Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Chattanooga, TN
We are pleased to present this super rare Ole Wanscher Danish teak surfboard coffee table. Designed by Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens Mobelfabrik in Denmark. You may have seen the simil...
Teak
Ole Wanscher Folding Table
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Finely made adjustable two position table in teak by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by Rud. Rasmussens of Denmark. Adjusts from coffee table to dinette height. Signed with label to bo...
Brass
Danish teak coffee table model 019 by Ole Wansher for Poul Jeppesen 1960.
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Adorable Scandinavian coffee table. Very refined, airy base. Elegant design, beautifully crafted piece of furniture listed in the Design Museum Denmark. Easily unscrews for low-cost ...
Teak
Dining Table by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Dining table in mahogany with two folding leaves. Additional length: 2 x 50 cm. Ole Wanscher / A.J Iversen.
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Coffee Table Produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare coffee table designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Coffee Table in Rosewood for A. J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher coffee table in rosewood. Executed by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Rosewood
1960 - 1970s Ole Wanscher Fully Restored and Refinished Rungstedlund 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
$745Sale Price|54% Off
Mid Century Danish Ole Wanscher Rosewood Colonial Side Table by PJ furniture
By Ole Wanscher, PJ Danmark
Located in Basildon, London
The Colonial Coffee Table that Ole Wanscher designed in 1964. The side table's simple, timeless design supports the Colonial Series' visual expression and provides a harmonious focal...
Rosewood
Fully Restored & Rare Ole Wanscher Floating Top Rosewood Coffee Table 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1960s by iconic designer Ole Wanscher, this high coffee table was produced by Poul Jeppesens Mobelfabrik. This example is not only the rare rosewood variant, but also...
Rosewood
1960s Ole Wanscher Restored Expandable Mahogany Dining Table by P. Jeppesen
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Ole Wanscher restored expandable mahogany dining table by P. Jeppesen The light and elegant Ole Wanscher dining table has two two extra leaves so it can expand from W 145 cm....
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher for AJ Iverson Rosewood Occasional Table
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Long Island City, NY
Ole Wanscher, like his mentor and teacher Kaare Klint, was much inspired by great traditional furniture from other cultures. What makes the designs of Wanscher so wonderfully timeles...
Rosewood
2021 Carl Hansen OW449 Colonial Coffee / End Table by Ole Wanscher in Oiled Oak
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a OW449 Colonial coffee / end table made with an oiled solid oak frame and oak top. The table, designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, dates to...
Oak
Fully Restored & Rare Ole Wanscher Floating Top Rosewood Coffee Table 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1960s by iconic designer Ole Wanscher, this high coffee table was produced by Poul Jeppesens Mobelfabrik. This example is not only the rare rosewood variant, but also...
Rosewood
1960s Ole Wanscher Set of Dining Table, Sideboard, Side Table and 12 Chairs
By Ole Wanscher, Snedkergaarden
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
$1,692Sale Price|21% Off
Dining Table Made In Dark Mahogany Designed By Ole Wancher Made by P. Jeppesen
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Lejre, DK
The mahogany dining table, designed by the renowned Ole Wanscher and produced by P. Jeppesen in 1960, represents an elegant and timeless piece of Danish furniture design. The mahoga...
Mahogany
Pair of Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen Møbelfabrik Danish Teak Side Tables
By Ole Wanscher, Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Pair of handsome Danish teak side tables by celebrated designer, Grete Jalk. The end tables feature slatted racks beneath the main table top. The Mid-Century...
Teak
$1,787Sale Price|22% Off
Rungstedlund Dining Table Made In Mahogany Designed By Ole Wanscher From 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
The Rungstedlund dining table, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen in the 1960s, is a stunning example of mid-century Danish craftsmanship. Constructed from rich...
Mahogany
Coffee table in dark rosewood by Ole Wanscher
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Coffee table in dark rosewood with detailed legs. Designed by Ole Wanscher for cabinetmaker AJ Iversen.
Rosewood
Mid-Century Coffee or Sofa Table, Colonial Series, Ole Wanscher, Denmark, 1950s
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 118x60x52 (Width x Depth x Height) This beautiful coffee table was designed by OIe Wascher for the Colonial Series and manufactured by Poul Jeppensen in Denmark. Typic...
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Fully Restored Rungstedlund Mahogany Multifunctional Side Table
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Ole Wanscher restored mulitfunctional Rungstedlund mahogany side table. The sidetable consist of a adjustable tabletop that can be turned to the side changing the table form a...
Mahogany
$1,619Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Ole Wanscher Side Tables in Mahogany, P. Jeppesen 1960s Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Balen, BE
A pair of sidetables by Ole Wanscher in mahogany, produced by P. Jeppesen in the 1960's. Very good condition, only very few traces of use. H. 56cm W. 65cm D.65cm
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Mid Century Danish Rosewood Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ole Wanscher Mid Century Danish Rosewood Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves This table measures: 57.25 wide x 41.75 deep x 28.75 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28 inches, ...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Large Coffee Table in Walnut by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern elegant Ole Wanscher coffee table in walnut. The circular top with a softly curved apron, above six chamfered legs, feet embraced with brass. Manufactured by A. J....
Walnut
AJ Iversen Teak Coffee Table by Ole Wanscher 'Scandinavian Modern'
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
Ole Wanscher studied at the Danish School of Art and Design, and was drew great inspiration from his professor, Kaare Klint. Wanscher created his best-known designs primarily between...
Teak
Ole Wanscher Coffee Table Produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare coffee table designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Rio Rosewood Coffee Table
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Geneva, CH
Rio rosewood coffee table by Ole Wascher, Denmark, circa 1960 Very good condition.
Rosewood