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 by an art historian father, Wanscher developed an appreciation for the arts at an early age, eventually going on to study architecture and furniture design under modernist master Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. After graduating, he worked for Klint’s practice before starting his own firm. Then, after Klint’s death in 1954, Wanscher took over Klint’s academic role until his own retirement from the academy in 1973. His professional accolades include the Copenhagen Carpenters’ Guild Annual Award and the gold medal at the 1960 Milan Triennale.
An avid historian himself, Wanscher also traveled the world to study designs from different cultures and was particularly interested in furniture from Egypt, Greece and China, as well as from the Shaker movement and the Vienna Secession. He’d later publish the results of his global studies in The Art of Furniture: 5,000 Years of Furniture and Interiors. This approach, rooted in history, which was largely inspired by Klint’s own philosophy, set Wanscher apart from the segment of Scandinavian modernists who eschewed the past for the present and the future.
For the Colonial chair, Wanscher drew inspiration from 18th-century English furniture, namely ladder-backed chairs by Thomas Chippendale. He crafted the slim frame of roundwood timber, using curved armrests and legs — a Wanscher signature element — and thoughtfully placed mortise-and-tenon joints to create stability. And although the finished product radiates a sense of careful craftsmanship, Wanscher designed the Colonial chair to be easily manufactured: Its wood frame, woven cane seat and leather cushions can each be produced separately and joined at a later stage.
The Colonial chair was originally manufactured by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, for whom Wanscher also designed the Colonial sofa and the Colonial coffee table to complete the Colonial collection. Today the chair is manufactured by Carl Hansen & Søn and sold alongside a footrest. It remains a crowd-pleaser with its timeless, elegant yet simple form.
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Colonial Armchair in Walnut by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Colonial armchair OW 149 in walnut by Ole Wanscher. Oiled walnut frame. Removable seat in cane. Cushions available in fabric, Loke leather or Sif leat...
Walnut
Model Fd-109 Lounge Chair attributed to Ole Wanscher for France & Søn., 1960s
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Rødekro, DK
A rare and distinguished example of mid-century Danish design, this FD 109 armchair was crafted in the workshop of Ole Wanscher — one of Denmark's most celebrated furniture designers...
Wool, Beech
Scandinavian Modern "Colonial" Lounge Chairs by Ole Wanscher, Denmark, 1940s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant “Colonial Chairs”, model PJ 149, by Ole Wanscher. Rosewood frames with expertly sculpted, slender wooden armrests. Rattan webbing seats, reupholstered with leather cu...
Wood, Leather
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 Colonial Chair in Cherry by P. Jeppesen Execellent Condition
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair in cherry by P. Jeppesen execellent condition The well crafted chair made in cherry wood - which is rarely seen - and it's original red leather cushions ...
Leather, Cherry
Ole Wanscher Ow-149 "Colonial" Chair in Oak With Leather Cushions
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The OW149 Colonial Chair was designed by Ole Wanscher in 1959. Wanscher wished to create furniture that paid tribute to classic traditional trends but also stood the test of time. He...
Leather, Oak
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair in Rosewood
By Ole Wanscher
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ole Wanscher design "Colonial" chair for Paul Jeppsen, Denmark. Made with a solid rosewood frame and cane seat with chocolate brown leather cushions, labeled.
Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Rosewood Colonial Lounge Chair, 1949
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in London, England
Ole Wanscher - Model PJ-149 Colonial Chair, 1949 Ole Wanscher's iconic career high-point: the Colonial Chair was designed in 1949 and produced by master cabinetmaker Poul Jeppesen in Denmark throughout the 1950s. It references colonial-era furniture from the UK and France as well 18th century American shaker furniture...
Leather, Rattan, Rosewood
Vintage Danish Design Colonial Lounge Chair and Ottoman, by Ole Wanscher, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage Danish design Colonial lounge chair and ottoman, by Ole Wanscher, 1950s Designed by Ole Wanscher, one of the leading figures of the 20th century Scandinavian design movement. The colonial chair is considered by many to be Ole Wanscher’s masterpiece, influenced by the 18th century colonial period furniture. Compared to other colonial style chairs...
Leather, Hardwood
Easy Chair in Rosewood, Woven Cane and Original Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1960's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chair in Rosewood, Woven Cane and Original Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, woven cane and original leather Style: Mid century, Scand...
Rosewood, Leather, Cane
PJ 149 - 'Colonial Chair' armchair designed by Ole Wanscher
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PJ 149 - 'Colonial Chair' armchair in rosewood with cushions in patinated, black leather. Manufacturer's mark from P.J. Furniture. Designed by Ole Wanscher.
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher armchair Model "Colonial" PJ 149 , Denmark, 1960
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Paris, IDF
Ole Wanscher, armchairs, "Colonial Chair PJ 149", Mahogany Poul Jeppesen, Denmark. Rare model in white lacquered Mahogany Good condition A pair is available, the price for 1 item.
Lacquer, Wood
Ole Wanscher Model 149 Colonial Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in New York, NY
Ole Wanscher's iconic career high-point: the Colonial Chair was designed in 1949 and produced by master cabinetmaker Poul Jeppesen in Denmark throughout the 1950s. It references colo...
Wood
Colonial Easy Chairs in Mahogany, Woven Cane and Fabric by Ole Wanscher, 1960's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Mahogany, Woven Cane and Original Fabric by Ole Wanscher, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, woven cane and original fabric Style: Mid century...
Mahogany, Fabric, Cane
$1,482Sale Price|30% Off
H 38.19 in W 28.35 in D 27.56 in
Ole Wanscher Attributed to: Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1940s, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Balen, BE
An easy chair and ottoman attributed to Ole Wanscher, the frames are made from mahogany, the chair is later reupholstered with a high quality blueish fabric, the ottoman still has the original patinated leather. Both pieces are numbered and marked Børge Lerche, who was director of a furniture company called Tarm Stole og Møbelfabrik...
Leather, Textile, Mahogany
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
$8,932 / set
H 32.68 in W 22.45 in D 24.02 in
Ole Wanscher Safari Chairs in Oak & Light Canvas, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Odense, DK
A very rare pair of original Ole Wanscher oak framed "Safari chairs" with canvas seats and tilting backs. Made in Denmark by PJ Furniture in the 1960s. This is Wanschers take on the ...
Canvas, Oak
Ole Wanscher Armchair for A.J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher armchair of Brazilian rosewood, seat and back upholstered with black leather. Executed by A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen.
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chair new upholstered with cognac vintage aniline leather. Made in mahogany. Model PJ 149 colonial chair, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Leather, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher FD-120 Rosewood & Leather Rocking Chair, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen
Located in London, England
Ole Wanscher - FD-120 Rocking Chair, 1951 This rarely seen rocking chair by Professor Ole Wanscher was produced by France & Son in Denmark in the early 1960s. The immaculate rosewoo...
Leather, Rosewood
$3,382 / set
H 30.32 in W 26.19 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Danish Scandinavian Modern Beech Lounge Chairs, 1940s
Located in Rødding, DK
This pair of lounge chairs was produced by an Danish cabinetmaker during the 1940s. Each chair is built on a solid beech frame, with boldly scrolled arms terminating in a rounded, ha...
Fabric, Beech
$2,565Sale 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 Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Uppsala, Uppsala
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
$25,766
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
$20,040
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
$12,995
H 29.25 in W 67 in D 33.5 in
Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen Mid Century Danish Rosewood and Brass Desk
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
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
$3,664
H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 29.14 in
Rocking Chair Model 120 by Ole Wanscher for france & Son, Denmark, 1951
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rocking chair model 120 designed in 1951 by Ole Wanscher for France & Son, Denmark. Solid teak wood structure with cushions with new foam and new bouclé fabric upholstery. Signed wit...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 33.27 in W 25.6 in D 22.64 in
Colonial Armchair Model PJ149 in Oak with Cognac Leather by Ole Wanscher
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Colonial armchair model PJ149 designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen. Crafted with a solid oak frame and cushions upholstered in cognac leather. Introduced in 1949,...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 33.25 in W 26 in D 28 in L 33.25 in
Colonial Chairs Ole Wanscher for PJ Møbler in Black Leather Mahogany Woven Cane
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model PJ 149 Colonial Chairs, designed in 1949 by Ole Wanscher and produced by PJ Møbler. This matched pair features solid mahogany frames that reflect Wanscher’s study of 18th-centu...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 33.47 in W 26.78 in D 25.6 in
Model "Colonial" / OW149 Armchair, Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn, 2000s
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model "Colonial" / OW149 armchair, design Ole Wanscher, manufactured by Carl Hansen & Søn, 2000s. Soaped oak frame, leather upholstery. Rattan details. Marked. Good vintage condition...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 33.47 in W 26.78 in D 25.6 in
Set of Model "Colonial" Armchair and Footstool, Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Son
By Ole Wanscher, Albert August Carl Nicolassen
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of model "Colonial"/ OW149 armchair and OW149F footstool, design Ole Wanscher, manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, 2000s. Soaped oak frame, leather upholstery. Rattan details. Mar...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 26.78 in D 29.53 in
Easy chair by Ole Wanscher for Peter Jeppesen Møbelfarbik, Denmark 1960s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaanderen
Danish vintage easy chair designed by Professor Ole Wanscher for Peter Jeppesen Møbelfabrik, Denmark. The frame of the armchair is in solid teak and the cushions are in beige wool. V...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 17.72 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Ole Wanscher Colonial ottomans in black stained oak and Hallingdal
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher Colonial ottoman. Frame of black stained oak. Cushions of dark grey Hallingdal wool from kvadrat. Seat of cane. Made by Carl hansen.
Wool, Cane, Oak
Sold
H 33.5 in W 23.5 in D 23.5 in
Pair of Ole Wanscher Danish Rosewood & Leather 'Colonial' Chairs, Circa 1960's
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Norwalk, CT
The 'OW149' Colonial Chair was designed by Ole Wanscher in 1959 and produced for Carl Hansen and Son. Wanscher wished to create furniture that paid tribute to classic conservative tr...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 30.32 in W 22.45 in D 18.9 in
PJ 149 - Pair of 'Colonial' lounge chairs in mahogany by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, P.J. Møbler
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pair of PJ 149 'Colonial' chairs in mahogany with patinated natural leather. Designed by Ole Wanscher and made by P. Jeppesen (PJ Furniture).
Leather, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chair new upholstered with cognac vintage aniline leather. Made in mahogany. Model PJ 149 colonial chair, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Leather, Mahogany
Colonial Chair PJ 149 Ole Wanscher from 1949
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in PARIS, FR
Excellent condition for this nice pair of Colonial chairs in mahogany and original black leather. Delicacy, elegance and quality of execution are what best describes the design of Ol...
Leather, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair by Carl Hansen, Oak & Cane, Denmark
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ole Wanscher Oak Colonial Chair with cane seat and beautiful leather cushions. Chair is brand-new and unused! Like new condition!
Leather, Cane, Oak
Sold
H 33.47 in W 25.6 in D 22.84 in
Set Of 2 Colonial Armchairs With Stool Model PJ 149 By Ole Wanscher From 1960s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of two Colonial armchairs with ottoman, model PJ 149, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen Møbelfabrik in the 1960s, is an excellent example of mid-20th ...
Leather, Oak
