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Ole Wanscher Chairs

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.

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Creator: Ole Wanscher
Ole Wanscher Set of Six Rungstedlund Dining Chairs
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher set of six Rungstedlun dining chairs in rosewood. New upholstered with brandy aniline leather. Model Rungstedlund, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Ole Wanscher T-Chair Danish design made by Carl Hansen.
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
The OW58 T-Chair is an iconic Danish design from 1960, designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Carl Hansen. These elegant dining table chairs combine timeless beauty with functional...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Twelve Classic Side Chairs by Ole Wanscher, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of 12 mahogany chairs with curvy, horizontal bar in back. Seat upholstered with patterned fabric. Designed 1962. These examples made 1962...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Mahogany, Fabric

Set of Four Ole Wanscher 'Rungstedlund' Chairs
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Dronten, NL
Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen, set of 4 dining chairs, model 'Rungstedlund' PJ 34, in mahogany and red velvet ribcord upholstery, Denmark, 1960s. Marked with PJ silver medallion. Th...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

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...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Mahogany, Fabric, Cane

Ole Wanscher Set of Eight Chairs for a. J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher set of eight chairs in mahogany with seats of black horsehair. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Set of Six Benedikte Chairs for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher "Benedikte". A set of six mahogany chairs. Seat upholstered with wool. Executed by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen. Reverse with maker's pap...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Rare Ole Wanscher Ash Dining Armchairs
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Oakland, CA
Pair of Ole Wanscher armchairs,1938, Denmark. Each chair is handcrafted in a sculptural form and upholstered in mohair. These armchairs provide comfort and distinction, bringing a st...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Mohair

A pair of vintage Danish PJ 412 carver chairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
A beautiful, stylish and comfortable pair of Danish vintage PJ 412, carver chairs in mahogany, with recovered seat and back pads, in two-tone green steel-cut te...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

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. Additional cost to reupholster is £1800.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Leather

'OW149 Colonial' Chair in Walnut, Black Leather and Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Glendale, CA
'OW149 Colonial ' chair in oak, black leather and oil for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his fir...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

'OW149 Colonial' Chair in Oak, Black Leather and Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Glendale, CA
'OW149 Colonial' chair in oak, black leather and oil for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his firs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

1960s Original Ole Wanscher Teak Upholstered Armchair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in High Point, NC
A 1960s upholstered armchair by renowned mid-century Danish designer Ole Wanscher, a leading figure in the Scandinavian Design movement. With an ample cushioned back and seat, the slightly tilted angle of the backrest ensures a cozy sitting. The fluid lines of the frame and its splayed back legs are complemented by the deep auburn tone of the wood, imparting a warm feeling. Finished with a luscious upholstery in a chiffon tone, this plush armchair...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Ole Wanscher Set of Four Chairs for A. J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher set of for chairs in mahogany and black leather. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs for AJ Iverson Snedkermester
By Ole Wanscher
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elegant design Beautiful rosewood Two armchairs, four side chairs.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

Scandinavian Modern Teak Model 120 Rocker Ole Wanscher France & Son John Stuart
By Ole Wanscher, John Stuart Inc., France & Søn
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Scandinavian Modern teak rocker model 120 designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Son and sold by John Stuart Co. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use & wear. The sprung cushions will need new padding & the original brown nubby fabric has no rips or holes but has faded and will need reupholstered, it has been priced accordingly. Has a couple of repairs where the screws were put all the way through leg assembly at some point in their lives. We have repaired & replaced hardware to match. One hole was plugged, and the plug is still slightly visible. It has been sanded, stained & a teak oil finish. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1950s-1960’s. Let’s Rock… Everybody, Let’s Rock! Everybody in the whole cell block… Oh ya, you’re singing it!! Nothing like a song from the late King of Rock to introduce this Awesome vintage Rocker!!! We have a wonderful Scandinavian Modern rocker Model 120 made by France & Son, for John Stuart Co & designed by Ole Wanscher!! It wears its original brown nubby fabric and as you would expect with age and wear, it has faded, there are no holes or rips, it just looks its fabulous age. Also, its wonderful sprung cushions will need some new padding. The springs are great, just the padding. With just a bit of TLC this vintage beauty will be your new favorite Scandinavian Modern piece!! It has a gorgeous teak frame and will look marvelous rocking in your living room, bedroom, or sitting room. Maybe you have a young child or a new baby? There’s no better place to cuddle your precious child and there are tons of location possibilities with this beauty! Get ready to sit back, relax, and rock!! British businessmen Charles France and his Danish partner...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Set of Two Rungstedlund Chairs Made In Mahogany by Ole Wancher From 1960s
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of Rungstedlund mahogany dining chairs, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen, is a beautiful example of timeless Danish design. These chairs exude a sublim...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

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.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen Rosewood Dining Chairs
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Oakland, CA
Six Brazilian rosewood dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen in 1942. Perfectly restored and upholstered in fine black leather.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Set of Six Dinning Chairs in Rosewood for A. J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of six dining chairs by Ole Wanscher. Executed by A. J. Iversen for Illums Bolighus, Copenhagen, Denmark. Rosewood and black horsehair. Matching dining table available.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

1960s Danish Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Designed in 1962, this expertly crafted dining chair by Ole Wanscher was built in the cabinet shop of A. J. Iversen of Brazilian rosewood in the 1960s. A graceful, minimal design con...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

Nice Pair of Ole Wanscher Rosewood Armchairs for AJ Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With original leather seats, circa 1961. This model was presented at The Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition at Designmuseum Danmark, 1961. They were described as “.. an extre...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

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...
Category

1660s Danish Scandinavian Modern Antique Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Pair of Rosewood Armchairs for A. J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher pair of armchairs in rosewood and leather. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

1950s Danish Rosewood Humpback Armchair by Ole Wanscher for A. J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant humpback armchair with black leather upholstery and welting on an exposed rosewood frame.  
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Pair of Safari Chairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, PJ Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of oak framed Scandinavian Modern safari chairs with canvas seats and backs. Made in Denmark by PJ Furniture, circa 1960s. Measure: 23.5" arm height. Danish architect and ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Oak, Canvas

Ole Wanscher Set of Six Chairs for a. J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher set of six chairs in mahogany with seats of black leather. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher / Armchair. model J 3063 / A. J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher
Located in 足立区, JP
The item is in good condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

Ole Wanscher 'Colonial Chair' 'OW 149' for Carl Hansen & Sons
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Stamford, CT
Ole Wanscher 'Colonial Chair' (OW 149) for Carl Hansen & Sons. Chair frame is oak with drop in caned frame seat and purple canvas cushions.
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Oak

Set of Four Classic Side chairs by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four side chairs in mahogany with seats in black patinated leather. Designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen cabinetmakers Denmark in the 1950s. Great original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ole Wanscher Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Ole Wanscher chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Ole Wanscher chairs 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 chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 28 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 4 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original chairs by Ole Wanscher were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in scandinavia during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Arne Vodder, Niels Koefoed, and Kai Kristiansen. Prices for Ole Wanscher chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,100 and can go as high as $48,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,955.

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