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.
$4,779Sale Price / set|75% Off
Ole Wanscher Model Sofa and Armchair with Green Wool and Rosewood Frames
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Living room setdesigned by Ole Wanscher and made by AJ Iversen in the 1960 comprised of sofa and armchair. Upholstered in a green wool and with rosewood frames. Measures: Sofa: H. ...
Hardwood
Danish Lounge Chair and 3-Seater Sofa by Ole Wanscher for PJ Møbler, 1960s.
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Lounge Chair and 3 Seater Sofa by Ole Wanscher for PJ Møbler, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern living room set designed by professor Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens Mø...
Wool, Mahogany
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 'T' Chair for A.J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher 'T' chair in mahogany. Executed by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen, Denmark. Underside with manufacturer's paper label Snedkermester A.J. Iversen Kóbenhavn.
Leather, Mahogany
Danish 1950's 3-seat sofa by To Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super elegant sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cabinet maker A.J. Iversen ca. mid 1950's. Very elegant design raised on teak legs with stretchers (usually seen in Kaare Klint's fam...
Wool, Teak
$12,400 / set
H 34.26 in W 25.4 in D 25.01 in
Rare Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen Set of Six Dining Chairs in Oak
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, set of six armchairs, model 'J3063', oak, fabric, Denmark, 1960s A rare set of mid-century dining chairs model J3063 crafted by Ole Wanscher. Drawing ...
Fabric, Oak
$1,632
H 33.08 in W 20.67 in D 20.67 in
1960s Fully Restored Customizable Ole Wanscher PJ 412 Armchairs in Mahogany
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s fully restored customizable Ole Wanscher PJ 412 armchairs in mahogany byP.Jeppesens Møbelfabrik. The very comfortable chairs feature Ole Wan...
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher armchair of brown leather, Denmark 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher armchair of brown leather and rosewood frame Made by A. J. Iversen.
Leather, Rosewood
Pair Ole Wanscher Rosewood Arm Chairs
By Ole Wanscher
Located in New York, NY
Fine pair of Ole Wanscher arm chairs, in original finish, with original cushions. Solid Rosewood construction.
Rosewood
$7,227
H 35.04 in W 25.6 in D 26.38 in
Ole Wanscher Armchair Model J 3063 by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen, Denmark, 1960s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Odense, DK
Rare armchair or office chair model "J3063" designed by Ole Wanscher and made by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen in the 1960s. The chair is made from the most exclusive Brazili...
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Pair of Armchairs
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Pair of top quality armchairs by Ole Wanscher and the master cabinetmaker A J Iversen.
Mahogany
$2,731Sale Price|60% Off
H 34.65 in W 26.38 in D 25.6 in
Ole Wanscher Armchair Model J 3063 by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in London, GB
Ole Wanscher armchair model J 3063 by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen in Denmark Leather showing crackling and substantial wear.
Leather
Ole Wanscher Armchair in Hardwood, A.J. Iversen, Denmark
Located in Kastrup, DK
rmchair designed by Ole Wanscher (1903–1985) and crafted by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in the 1950s. Executed in richly figured Hardwood with beautifully grained surfaces and refined...
Leather, Hardwood
Ole Wanscher Pair of Armchairs for A. J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher pair of armchairs in mahogany and horsehair. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Mahogany 'Rungstedlund' Dining Chairs
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Marbella, ES
Set of six dining chairs, model 'Rungstedlund' PJ 34 by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen, St. Heddinge, mahogany, blue upholstery, Denmark, 1960s. This classic set of six dining chair...
Fabric, Mahogany
$1,107 / item
H 30.32 in W 20.67 in D 21.26 in
1960s Ole Wanscher Mahogany Armchair with Horsehair Upholstery
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
This Rungstedlund armchair designed by Ole Wanscher was produced during the 1960s and 1970s by Poul Jeppesen Furniture. The armchair is part of the Rungstedlund dining furniture series designed by Ole Wanscher and named after author and adventurer Karen Blixen...
Mahogany
Sold
H 34.26 in W 19.69 in D 18.51 in
Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs by Cabinetmaker A.J Iversen in Denmark 1940s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
A elegant matching set of eight Ole Wanscher dining chairs upholstered in original black leather and beautiful patinated. Frame made of mahogany and shoes in rosewood. These chairs show the great craftsmanship and attention to detail that Ole Wanscher is known for. Executed by A.J. Iversen, Denmark. Literature: Danish Chairs, Oda. Ole Wanscher turned to the Classic forms and reinvented them for Modern Times and means. He was a student of Kaare Klint, and later followed in his footsteps as Professor at the Furniture School at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen. Throughout his career Wanscher designed a number of elegant pieces in traditional materials that adopted modernism’s interest in mass-producing furniture that was affordable to a large percentage of people. Following his craftsman’s love of perfection, he also produced several luxury designs in limited editions. Wanscher came to the study of furniture design on trips through Egypt and Europe with his father who was researching the history of fine arts. In addition to the Egyptian furniture...
Leather, Mahogany, Rosewood
Sold
H 31.11 in W 70.87 in D 25.2 in
Vintage Scandinavian 3-Seater Senator Sofa and Chair by Ole Wanscher for Cado
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This elegant Senator lounge set, consists of a three-seater sofa and armchair, was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Danish Cado manufacture in the 1960s. T...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 31.89 in W 71.26 in D 28.35 in
Ole Wanscher "Senator" Living Room Set For France & Søn, 1960, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in The Hague, NL
Living room set designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Søn in Denmark, 1960's. The set consists of the lounge chair, 2-seater and 3-seater sofas. Model ’Senator 166’, originally mar...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 31.89 in W 71.26 in D 28.35 in
Ole Wanscher Senator 166 Teak 3-Seater Sofa for France & Søn, 1960, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in The Hague, NL
Three seater sofa designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Søn in Denmark, 1960's. Model ’Senator 166’, originally marked on the frame. This Senator series maintains features a study ...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 31.89 in W 49.22 in D 28.35 in
Ole Wanscher Senator 166 Teak 2-Seater Sofa for France & Søn, 1960 Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in The Hague, NL
Two seater sofa designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Søn in Denmark, 1960's. Model ’Senator 166’, originally marked on the frame. This Senator series maintains features a study te...
Wool, Teak
Ole Wanscher Set of Lounge Chairs with Ottoman
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher set of lounge chairs with ottoman new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, ma...
Leather, Teak
Ole Wanscher Pair of 'T' chairs for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher pair of 'T' chairs of mahogany. Executed by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen, Denmark. Underside of each chair with manufacturer's paper label Snedkermester A.J. Iversen Kób...
Leather, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Living Room Set, Senator
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher living room set consisting of three-seat sofa, low back lounge chair and high back lounge chair. New upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather. Made of solid M...
Mahogany, Leather
Sold
H 30.32 in W 49.22 in D 29.93 in
Ole Wanscher Two-Seat Sofa and Lounge Chair, Model Senator, Teak & Leather
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher two-seat sofa and lounge chair new upholstered with cognac aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model Senator, made by France & Son.
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 32.29 in W 26.78 in D 29.53 in
Pair of Ole Wanscher Senator Lounge Chairs, Model 169, Denmark, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in The Hague, NL
Beautiful pair of Danish design ''Senator'' lounge chairs in teak by Ole Wanscher produced by P. Jeppesen in the 1950s. The chairs have a solid teak organic sculpted frame and there...
Wool, Teak
Ole Wanscher Senator Sofa Set Cado, Denmark, 1951
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice Danish sofa set designed by Ole Wanscher for Cado, Denmark, 1951. This set is made of solid teak wood and its upholstered in a bright blue fa...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 31.11 in W 70.87 in D 27.96 in
Ole Wanscher for France & Son or Senator Teak Set with new upholstery
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Berlin, DE
Original condition Ole Wanscher set for France & Son in teak. The condition is excellent! This set was designed in 1951. A Danish Classic.
Fabric, Teak