Ole Wanscher is considered one of the most respected names in Danish furniture design. He is celebrated for his refined aesthetics and meticulous craftsmanship: qualities that have made his work synonymous with timeless elegance.
Among his many contributions to Danish Modern design, the OW149 Colonial Chair, seen here in our home, remains one of his most sought-after pieces. The design seamlessly blends a traditional, classic expression into a modernist furniture piece.
Today, Carl Hansen & Søn breathes new life into Wanscher’s masterpiece with the introduction of the OW Series in TERRA® leather, a collaboration with Norm Architects and Sørensen Leather that connects the chair’s heritage with a contemporary expression.
Ole Wanscher: A Master of Refined Craftsmanship
Designed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the OW Series has become the hallmark of Wanscher’s design legacy. The series consists of the OW149 Colonial Chair, a sofa, a footstool, and a daybed. His work is defined by utmost attention to detail and a deep respect for materials.
Each curve and joint feels carefully considered, with every single element perfectly balanced between functionality and elegance. The OW149 Lounge Chair and OW149-2 Sofa feature slightly curved armrests that rise to a point before curving downward, a trademark Wanscher feature.
Wanscher regarded furniture design as an extension of architecture, prioritizing slender proportions and durable forms. The Colonial Chair is a prime example of this philosophy. Its slim, gracefully curved armrests appear remarkably delicate, pushing the boundaries of woodworking finesse while maintaining structural integrity.
A New Chapter: The OW Series in TERRA® Leather
This season, Carl Hansen & Søn introduces a fresh take on Wanscher’s iconic series: the OW Series, upholstered in TERRA® leather, developed in collaboration with Norm Architects and Sørensen Leather. Norm Architects adds a new tactile dimension to Wanscher’s design through a palette of earthy colors that highlight the natural leather’s beautiful qualities.
TERRA® leather is an innovative, high-end aniline leather distinguished by its silky matte surface and soft, luxurious touch. The four distinct tones: Lime, Jade, Marble (seen in our home), and Raku add a contemporary expression to the mid-century modern classics that complements the warmth of the classic woodwork.
A subtle evolution: Carl Hansen & Søn’s emblematic design philosophy
The OW149 Colonial Chair has long been admired for its ability to fit seamlessly into a variety of interiors. Whether placed in a mid-century setting, a minimal Scandinavian living room, or a more eclectic modern home, the chair feels timeless and current.
With the introduction of TERRA® leather, the design takes on a new personality. The earth-inspired tones and refined textures offer a calm and inviting presence that pairs beautifully with both light and dark wood finishes.
The newly introduced contemporary color palette is a subtle evolution rather than a reinvention of the original design. This approach is emblematic of Carl Hansen & Søn’s design philosophy: respecting the integrity of the original while gently guiding it into the present.
In this sense, the OW Series becomes more than a collection of furniture. It is a continuation of a dialogue between designers, materials, and generations.
The Beauty of Craft and Material
The OW149 Colonial Chair stands out not only for its striking design but also for its exceptional craftsmanship. From the precisely sculpted armrests to the meticulously hand-sanded surfaces, every detail demonstrates the dedication to quality that is central to Carl Hansen & Søn’s approach to production.
The TERRA® leather is OEKO-TEX® certified, ensuring that its beauty is matched by responsibility and care.
Innovation and Tradition meet in 2025
In the world of design, few pieces achieve the status of timeless icons. The OW149 Colonial Chair is one of them. It is elegant and inviting, yet structured and soft. It’s a piece that feels as relevant today as it did in the 1960s.
The OW Series in TERRA® leather has been available in stores since October 2025, inviting a new generation to experience Ole Wanscher’s artistry in a fresh, natural palette.
This post was written in collaboration with Carl Hansen & Søn. However, as always, all opinions and words are my own.
The post OW149 Colonial Chair: An Iconic Design Classic Reimagined in TERRA® Leather appeared first on COCO LAPINE DESIGN.
Ole Wanscher is considered one of the most respected names in Danish furniture design. He is celebrated for his refined aesthetics and meticulous craftsmanship: qualities that have made his work synonymous with timeless elegance.
Among his many contributions to Danish Modern design, the OW149 Colonial Chair, seen here in our home, remains one of his most sought-after pieces. The design seamlessly blends a traditional, classic expression into a modernist furniture piece.
Today, Carl Hansen & Søn breathes new life into Wanscher’s masterpiece with the introduction of the OW Series in TERRA® leather, a collaboration with Norm Architects and Sørensen Leather that connects the chair’s heritage with a contemporary expression.
Ole Wanscher: A Master of Refined Craftsmanship
Designed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the OW Series has become the hallmark of Wanscher’s design legacy. The series consists of the OW149 Colonial Chair, a sofa, a footstool, and a daybed. His work is defined by utmost attention to detail and a deep respect for materials.
Each curve and joint feels carefully considered, with every single element perfectly balanced between functionality and elegance. The OW149 Lounge Chair and OW149-2 Sofa feature slightly curved armrests that rise to a point before curving downward, a trademark Wanscher feature.
Wanscher regarded furniture design as an extension of architecture, prioritizing slender proportions and durable forms. The Colonial Chair is a prime example of this philosophy. Its slim, gracefully curved armrests appear remarkably delicate, pushing the boundaries of woodworking finesse while maintaining structural integrity.
A New Chapter: The OW Series in TERRA® Leather
This season, Carl Hansen & Søn introduces a fresh take on Wanscher’s iconic series: the OW Series, upholstered in TERRA® leather, developed in collaboration with Norm Architects and Sørensen Leather. Norm Architects adds a new tactile dimension to Wanscher’s design through a palette of earthy colors that highlight the natural leather’s beautiful qualities.
TERRA® leather is an innovative, high-end aniline leather distinguished by its silky matte surface and soft, luxurious touch. The four distinct tones: Lime, Jade, Marble (seen in our home), and Raku add a contemporary expression to the mid-century modern classics that complements the warmth of the classic woodwork.
A subtle evolution: Carl Hansen & Søn’s emblematic design philosophy
The OW149 Colonial Chair has long been admired for its ability to fit seamlessly into a variety of interiors. Whether placed in a mid-century setting, a minimal Scandinavian living room, or a more eclectic modern home, the chair feels timeless and current.
With the introduction of TERRA® leather, the design takes on a new personality. The earth-inspired tones and refined textures offer a calm and inviting presence that pairs beautifully with both light and dark wood finishes.
The newly introduced contemporary color palette is a subtle evolution rather than a reinvention of the original design. This approach is emblematic of Carl Hansen & Søn’s design philosophy: respecting the integrity of the original while gently guiding it into the present.
In this sense, the OW Series becomes more than a collection of furniture. It is a continuation of a dialogue between designers, materials, and generations.
The Beauty of Craft and Material
The OW149 Colonial Chair stands out not only for its striking design but also for its exceptional craftsmanship. From the precisely sculpted armrests to the meticulously hand-sanded surfaces, every detail demonstrates the dedication to quality that is central to Carl Hansen & Søn’s approach to production.
The TERRA® leather is OEKO-TEX® certified, ensuring that its beauty is matched by responsibility and care.
Innovation and Tradition meet in 2025
In the world of design, few pieces achieve the status of timeless icons. The OW149 Colonial Chair is one of them. It is elegant and inviting, yet structured and soft. It’s a piece that feels as relevant today as it did in the 1960s.
The OW Series in TERRA® leather has been available in stores since October 2025, inviting a new generation to experience Ole Wanscher’s artistry in a fresh, natural palette.
This post was written in collaboration with Carl Hansen & Søn. However, as always, all opinions and words are my own.
The post OW149 Colonial Chair: An Iconic Design Classic Reimagined in TERRA® Leather appeared first on COCO LAPINE DESIGN.
