Jens Risom Stools
Danish, American, 1916-2016
The Danish-born Jens Risom brought the Scandinavian modern design sensibility to a wide audience in the United States. As the first designer for Knoll Inc., Risom introduced American buyers to the region’s enduring design values of simplicity, grace and craftsmanship.
Risom trained in furniture making at the Copenhagen School of Industrial Arts and Design under Ole Wanscher, alongside classmates Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. In 1939, a year after graduating from business school, Risom decided to move to the U.S.
While working for an interior designer in New York in 1941, he met Hans Knoll, and the businessman and the designer hit it off. They brought out their first line the next year, despite wartime materials restrictions. The signature piece — now a design icon — was a lounge chair with a striking, undulant birch frame and a seat made of webbed sub-military grade parachute straps. Risom was drafted into the army, and served as a translator under General George Patton. When he returned from the war, Risom clashed over furniture design ideals with his business partner’s new bride, Florence Knoll, the pioneering mid-century modernist who was schooled in the Bauhaus method, which favored furniture with strict, geometric metal frames. Risom then started his own company, Jens Risom Design.
In the course of his long career, Risom developed a stylistic vocabulary that was a reflection of the life of the man himself: his furniture has Danish warmth coupled with an American air of crisp efficiency. Vintage Risom chairs are almost instantly recognizable — the arms and seat backs are set at a distinctive angle that seems to invite people to sit back and relax, yet they know they can hop up in an instant, ready to go.
As you will see on these pages, Jens Risom is one of the great men of American modern design who made furniture that is unique and timeless.
Find a collection of vintage Jens Risom furniture on 1stDibs that includes lounge chairs, desks, coffee tables and more.
6
to
6
6
6
6
6
6
2
4
1
1
4
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
4
1
1
5
4
4
2
1
6
6
250
297
271
148
132
Creator: Jens Risom
Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Strap Stool Ottoman
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Strap Stool Ottoman
This stool measures: 16.5 wide x 15.25 deep x 17.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vin...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Early Jens Risom for Knoll Strap Stool
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early Jens Risom for Knoll strap stool for Knoll, missing label, but date stamped May 15, 1952. Original finish shows age, original strap webbing wor...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Maple
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Stools, Set of 4
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century walnut stools - Set of 4
Each stool measures: 20 wide x 16 deep x 16.5 high, with a seat height of 16.5 inches
Al...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Upholstery
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Stools - Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Stools - Pair
Each stool measures: 20 wide x 16 deep x 16.5 high, with a seat height of 16.5 inches
All pieces...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Stool
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century walnut stool
This stool is 16 wide x 19 deep x 37.25 inches high, with a seat height of 27 inches
All pieces of furnit...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Walnut
Rare and Early Jens Risom Stool for Knoll Associates, New York City
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare and early Jens Risom stool for Knoll Associates, New York City. Simple, elegant design. Retains original finish as well as original early oil cloth upholstered top. Also origina...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
Related Items
Pair of Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Stools/Ottomans
By Jens Risom
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Stools
Offered is a Pair of Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Stools. This set includes two stools(we have...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Walnut
Gufram "the End Stool Is Black" by Toiletpaper
By Gufram Furniture, Maurizio Cattelan & Pierpaolo Ferrari, Toiletpaper
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The funeral look of this furniture-sculpture is tempered by the softness of the polyurethane that makes it: in perfect Gufram tradition nothing is as it seems. "THE END in BLACK" is ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Paint
'Le Temoin' Stool by Man Ray for Gavina
By Man Ray, Gavina
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Beautiful example in pristine condition, designed by Man Ray for Gavina's ultramobile exhibition.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Acrylic, Foam, Plywood, Faux Leather
Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Danish Jens Risom attributed Mid-Century Modern armchairs with new wool felt upholstery, circa 1960s . Button tufted. Tapered legs with minor loses and fading to wood. Good original ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Wool
Set of Three Jens Risom for Knoll Webbed Wood Side Chairs
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Set of three blueberry nylon webbed chairs with maple frames designed by Jens Risom for Knoll.
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Nylon, Wood
Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll International
By Jens Risom
Located in Munich, DE
Jens Risom lounge chair for Knoll International. Webbing redone. model no. 652.
LOCATED IN HAMBURG
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Barcelona Ottoman Stool in bright yellow Leather for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona ottoman or stool for Knoll studio. The classic design that helped define Mid-Century Modernism. Premium leather in a Rare bright yellow...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Stainless Steel
Bertoia for Knoll Stool
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Classic Bertoia design counter stool manufactured by Knoll International, circa 1950s-1960s. This example is in very good original condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Wrought Iron
Early Jens Risom Knoll Associates Armless Settee
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic early Knoll Associates sofa designed by Jens Risom in the early 1940s. Solid birch base with sleek angled and tapering legs support a comfortable cantilevered seat with origi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Birch, Upholstery
Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This armchair is an early example of Jens Risom's design for Knoll and is a simple yet innovative design. The chair is two separate pieces: a singular seat / back component is simply...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Birch, Textile
Mid-Century Vintage Jens Risom Knoll Webbed Armchair
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Baltimore, MD
A stunning iconic cotton strap, webbed, lounge, armchair, 652W design (1943) early edition, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll International. Features a solid maple frame with original woven cotton straps. It is one of the most comfortable pieces you will sit in, the exquisite curved back provides lumbar support making this chair as comfortable as it is beautiful. The removable webbed, basket seat, shell is supported and rests on the arm frame base. Very Rare Vintage Modern Classic design. An iconic piece of furniture, this example has remained in a single collection since it was acquired by the prior owner from Knoll International and the original early label remains affixed beneath. (Knoll Associates Inc. 601 Madison Ave New York 22). This label has the earliest Knoll Associates showroom address, which opened in 1946.
Measurements: 24.5 ” tall x 24? wide x 30? deep x seat height 18? (arm height 21") (seat to the lowest point 11")
Jens Risom
Danish-American architect-designer Jens Risom was born in Copenhagen in 1916, the son of a nationally renowned architect of the Nordic Classicism style. Between 1935 and 1938, he trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under Ole Wanscher and Kaare Klint, alongside classmates Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. For a short time following his studies, he took on furniture and interior designer projects for the Copenhagen-based architectural firm Ernst Kuhn. He then moved briefly to Stockholm, where he worked for Nordiska Kompaniet and met Alvar Aalto and Bruno Mathsson. Around 1939, he immigrated to New York with ambitions to introduce the Scandinavian modernist approach to the US furniture market.
Risom’s arrival in the US coincided with the years of materials shortages brought on by the war. As a result, Risom was unable to secure a position in a furniture company, and, instead, found work designing textiles for decorator Dan Cooper. Eager to do more, he soon convinced Cooper to expand into the furniture market, and together they found projects with young, progressive architects like Ed Stone and George Nelson. In 1939-40, Ed Stone was invited to create Collier Magazine’s House of Ideas pavilion at Rockefeller Center as part of the New York World’s Fair, and Risom designed all of the furniture.
Around 1941, Risom met Hans Knoll, a German-born entrepreneur in the furniture industry who had a showroom on Madison Avenue dedicated to rather lackluster furnishings. Sharing a dream to do something more vanguard, they joined forces and set off on a four-month tour of the US in search of design inspiration. By 1942, Knoll launched Hans Knoll Furniture Company with Risom on board as his head designer.
Risom’s early designs for Knoll made use of military surplus...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Fabric, Maple
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
One mid-century modern armless lounge chair designed by Jens Risom for Knoll originally in 1946. This early design has a hard maple frame with new linen upholstery.
Category
1950s Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Previously Available Items
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut bench
This bench measures: 72 wide x 18 deep x 17 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Jens Risom for Pucci Stools
By Jens Risom
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of walnut stools designed by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. Originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Canaan, CT. Signed to underside : [ Jens Risom ] with appl...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Wood
Pair of Early Mid-Century Jens Risom Knoll Stools
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in San Antonio, TX
Pair of early Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom stools by Knoll features curved seating with tapered legs and are in great vintage condition. Early Knoll labels are under stools, these m...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Leather, Wood
Set of 3 Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bar Stools
By Jens Risom
Located in Port Jervis, NY
A rare find, simple and elegant in form with a walnut frame and front brass stretcher for support. Original finish along with the naugahyde vinyl seat and back covering. All tagged a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Brass
Pair of Bar Stools by Jens Risom, US, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Jens Risom designed solid walnut stool with upholstered back and seat. Tubular brass footrest. Blue vinyl upholstery. Possibly one of the most comfortable stools made. Very good orig...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Wood
Pair of Jens Risom Benches
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Risom Inc. Pair of benches, model 621, casual seating pair of newly upholstered tufted button mohair with oiled solid walnut frames.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut bench with curved, upholstered seat. Designed by Jens Risom.
Category
1950s Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Walnut
Clean Lined Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined walnut bench, designed by Jens Risom, American, circa 1950s. The simple architectural design appears to float the seat over the base. It is a versatile size and would be ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Stools in Zebra Hide, Set of Four
By Ralph Pucci, Jens Risom
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This set of walnut stools was designed in 2007 by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. They were originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Canaan,...
Category
Early 2000s Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Zebra Hide
Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair
By Ralph Pucci, Jens Risom
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This set of walnut stools was designed in 2007 by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. They were originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Can...
Category
Early 2000s Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Zebra Hide
Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair
By Ralph Pucci, Jens Risom
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This set of walnut stools was designed in 2007 by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. They were originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Can...
Category
Early 2000s Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Zebra Hide
Pair of Rare Jens Risom Stools in Leather
By Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pair of rare, iconic Jens Risom stools.
Teak with newly upholstered leather seats and backs
Brass foot rests.
27" Seat Height
When shopping for stools:
Stools with a seat height of ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools
Materials
Teak
Jens Risom stools for sale on 1stDibs.
Jens Risom stools 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 Jens Risom stools, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original stools by Jens Risom were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider stools by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Cleo Baldon, and Florence Knoll. Prices for Jens Risom stools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $650 and can go as high as $7,795, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,423.
Creators Similar to Jens Risom
Questions About Jens Risom Stools
- Who is Jens Risom?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Jens Risom was a Danish designer. Many people credit him with bringing the modern style of Scandinavian design to the U.S. He is well-known for his chairs, which feature angled seat backs often upholstered with webbing. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Jens Risom furniture.
- Was Jens Risom Danish?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Jens Risom was Danish. He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 8, 1916, and attended Copenhagen School of Industrial Arts and Design. Following his graduation, Risom moved to the U.S., where he lived for the rest of his life. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Jens Risom furniture.
- Who sells Jens Risom rockers?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Normally, vintage furniture dealers or auction and online platforms specializing in authentic vintage furniture sell Jens Risom rockers. From time to time, rocking chairs produced by the Danish designer may appear at thrift shops and secondhand stores or be available directly from individuals who own them. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Jens Risom chairs.