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Ole Wanscher

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.

Iconic Designs from Ole Wanscher
Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
Rungstedlund Dining Chair
Rungstedlund Dining Chair
Rungstedlund Table
Rungstedlund Table
Wanscher Colonial Sofa
Wanscher Colonial Sofa
Set of six Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen from 1950s.
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Exquisite Set of Six Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher, Upholstered in Light Yellow Fabric, Crafted in Mahogany by A.J. Iversen in Denmark circa 1950s Immerse yourself in the beauty of ...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher

Materials

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

Materials

Leather

Ole Wanscher Lounge Chairs, Model PJ112, Cognac Aniline Leather
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chairs new upholstered in vintage cognac aniline leather. Made of massive oiled mahogany. Model PJ 112, made by Poul Jeppesen.    
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher side Table, Senator
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher side table of veneered rosewood. Model Senator, made by Cado.  
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher

Materials

Rosewood

Ole Wanscher side Table, Senator
Ole Wanscher side Table, Senator
H 18.9 in W 28.35 in D 19.3 in
Danish Black Polished Mahogany Writing Desk by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ole Wanscher, Danish 1903-1985. Mid-century desk in black polished mahogany by Danish cabinetmaker and designer Ole Wanscher. Six drawers (2x3) with original brass handles and locks...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher

Materials

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.
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher

Materials

Rosewood

Coffee table in dark rosewood by Ole Wanscher
Coffee table in dark rosewood by Ole Wanscher
H 20.48 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish pair of lounge chairs in mahogany model PJ 112
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Danish pair of lounge chairs in mahogany model PJ 112 by Ole Wanscher. Original fabric cushions in medium condition, can be reupholstered on demand. Contact us
Category

1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

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Creators Similar to Ole Wanscher

More Ole Wanscher Designs
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
Average Price
$12,822
Number Available
18
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Materials
Wood, Animal Skin, Leather, Rosewood, Natural Fiber
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern
In creating his seminal work, the Colonial chair, in 1949, Danish designer Ole Wanscher (1903–85) found the ideal balance between minimalism and traditionalism through a simple silhouette, slim wooden framework and plush leather cushions. While Wanscher may not be a household name today in the way that his Danish contemporaries Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl and Hans Wegner are, he played a prominent role in mid-century Scandinavian design and is greatly respected by furniture historians. Raised b...
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Rungstedlund Dining Chair
Rungstedlund Dining Chair
Average Price
$3,954
Number Available
7
Rungstedlund Dining Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Rungstedlund Table
Rungstedlund Table
Average Price
$2,674
Number Available
3
Rungstedlund Table
By Ole Wanscher
Materials
Mahogany, Wood
Styles
Scandinavian Modern
Shop All
Wanscher Colonial Sofa
Wanscher Colonial Sofa
Average Price
$27,089
Number Available
2
Wanscher Colonial Sofa
By Ole Wanscher
Materials
Animal Skin, Leather, Rosewood, Wood
Styles
Mid Century Modern
In 1964, Danish designer Ole Wanscher (1903–85) created for P. Jeppesens a successor to his popular 1949 Colonial chair that maintained its high quality of craftsmanship with a little extra room. The two-seater Colonial sofa, with its loose cushions on a cotton webbing base and elegant double center wooden legs, is an update on a nostalgic style that channels the functionality of Scandinavian mid-century design. The son of an art historian, Wanscher was fascinated with the history and cultur...
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Ole Wanscher furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Ole Wanscher furniture 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 furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 330 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 14 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture 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 furniture by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Arne Vodder, and Niels Otto Møller. Prices for Ole Wanscher furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $759 and can go as high as $48,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,670.

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