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Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

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.

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Creator: Jens Risom
Jens Risom Pair of 'Vostra' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman
By Walter Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, pair of 'Vostra' chairs with ottoman, beech, pink canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s Elegant lounge chairs with ottoman with be...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Brass

Rare Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom for Risom, Inc. C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Experience the epitome of mid-century modern elegance with our fully restored walnut slipper chairs from the 1950s, a timeless creation by Jens Risom for Risom, Inc. Meticulously ref...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Vintage Classic Armless Chairs by Jens Risom, 1950's
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic slipper or armless chairs by Jens Risom-original, vintage 1950's production. Walnut frames have a beautiful patina, newly reupholstered in Brunschwig & Fils linen, ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Rare Vintage Upholstered Jens Risom Vostra Easy Chair for Knoll Associates, NYC
By Jens Risom
Located in Morristown, NJ
A 1940s Jens Risom for Knoll Associates Inc. Vostra Easy chair upholstered in a cream, golden and blue damask fabric. Unconventional and memorable, it was the epitome of a new depart...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Steel

Classic Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom in Bouclé, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
An impeccably restored pair of mid-century modern chairs, a timeless testament to design excellence. Originally conceived by the iconic Jens Risom in the 1950s, these chairs have bee...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom, Knoll
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 Slipper Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Pair of Jens Risom Slipper Chairs, 1950's
By Jens Risom
Located in Round Rock, TX
Offered is a wonderful pair of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom. Featuring sleek, solid walnut frames that appear to cradle the newly upholstered seats. We would call the fabr...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Bouclé Slipper Chairs Designed by Jens Risom for H.G. Knoll Associates
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jens Risom for H.G. Knoll Associates armless slipper chairs composed of upholstered seats supported by walnut bases (first appearing in the 1942 Knoll catalog). There is a slight d...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Pair of Jens Risom C-220 Lounge Chairs Circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of model C-220 slipper lounge chairs by Jens Risom, Circa 1950s.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Jens Risom Scoop Chairs for Hans Knoll
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Jens Risom scoop chairs for Hans Knoll A pair of very early Knoll post war design scoop chairs by Jens Risom. Each has been completely restored in a luxurious Sandra Jordan ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Alpaca

Pair of New Navy Blue Wool Upholstery Lounge Slipper Chairs
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Classic Jens Risom lounge chairs in navy blue wool upholstery. Gorgeous oiled walnut frames.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Related Items
Jens Risom Armless Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
An early Jens Risom armless sofa with maple frame. Older restoration in Knoll boucle.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Maple

Jens Risom Armless Sofa
Jens Risom Armless Sofa
H 30.5 in W 73 in D 27 in
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 Slipper Chairs

Materials

Birch, Upholstery

Jens Risom C275 Side Chair in Oak
By BENCHMARK, Jens Risom
Located in Saffron Walden, GB
The C275 side chair was designed in 1957 and first appeared in the Jens Risom Design ‘Contemporary Furniture Catalog Supplement’ of that year. The piece is offered with an oak frame, a laminated oak back and a choice of upholstery options. In 2010, English furniture maker benchmark, in collaboration with Jens Risom and Rocket, secured the European rights to reissue Risom’s 1950s and 1960s furniture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Oak

Jens Risom C275 Side Chair in Oak
Jens Risom C275 Side Chair in Oak
H 31.11 in W 18.9 in D 20.87 in
10 Jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Knoll Studio classic, Jens Risom's designs were the first pieces manufactured by Knoll. Due to war-time restrictions on materials, this style chair was originally constructed of si...
Category

1940s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Wood

10 Jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll
10 Jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll
H 30.6 in W 17.25 in D 18 in
Pair Jens Risom Armless Lounge Chairs. Maple with Red Webbing. Signed.
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Jens Risom lounge chairs from his original 1941 design collection for Knoll. These are more recent production, signed with the Knoll Studio medallion. These have been used ...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Nylon, Maple

Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll Associates
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This is a beautiful upholstered armchair designed by Jens Risom for HG Knoll & Associates in the 1940s. It is one of the early, iconic chairs that ushered in a period of incredible mid-century modern design. The solid Birch frame cradles a foam cushioned seat that was recently reupholstered in Knoll Maharam fabrics. The fabric is timeless and high-quality, and it suits the lighter birch wood color perfectly. This is more than just a collectible MCM chair...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Birch

Set of six early Jens Risom chairs. France 1950.
By Marcel Gascoin, Jean Prouvé, Jens Risom, Florence Knoll
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Set of six chairs designed by Jens Risom. The oldest model features a solid oak structure and natural reed weaving for both the backrest and seat. The chairs have developed a beautif...
Category

1950s French Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Oak

Set of six early Jens Risom chairs. France 1950.
Set of six early Jens Risom chairs. France 1950.
H 24.02 in W 15.36 in D 18.51 in
Pair of Jens Risom Slipper Chairs, 1950's
By Jens Risom
Located in Round Rock, TX
Offered is a wonderful pair of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom. Featuring sleek, solid walnut frames that appear to cradle the newly upholstered seats. We would call the fabr...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Jens Risom Slipper Chairs, 1950's
Pair of Jens Risom Slipper Chairs, 1950's
H 33.25 in W 26.5 in D 31 in
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 Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wood

Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll International
Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll International
H 26.38 in W 24.41 in D 28.75 in
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 Slipper Chairs

Materials

Birch, Textile

Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll
Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll
H 30 in W 24 in D 27.5 in
Lounge Chair by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A large scale lounge chair on walnut base. Designed by Jens Risom. Fully restored and reupholstered.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Lounge Chair by Jens Risom
Lounge Chair by Jens Risom
H 29 in W 36 in D 36 in
Jens Risom, Vostra Easy Lounge Chair, Design 1941 for Walter Knoll, Germany
By Jens Risom, Walter Knoll, Knoll
Located in Munster, NRW
Jens Risom for Walter Knoll - Easychair Vostra, 1941 Design from 1941 - model of the 50s, beech frame. This Easychair comes from the private property of an art dealer in Cologne,...
Category

1940s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Beech

Previously Available Items
Jens Risom Lounge Chairs, a Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in Raleigh, NC
Sleek lounge chairs from Jens Risom newly upholstered in a luxurious boucle atop walnut frames. A classic mid century modern look to this pair.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Lounge Chairs, a Pair
Jens Risom Lounge Chairs, a Pair
H 31 in W 24 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Lounge Chair by Jens Risom for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic strapped slipper lounge chair designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll. The chair features blonde wood framing with dark gray straps. Very clean and ready to use.
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Jens Risom Lounge Chair Model U416, Midcentury Low Slipper in Walnut + Boucle
By Florence Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Decatur, GA
Early Jens Risom low lounge chair in solid American black walnut and a creamy white boucle. Oversized and stout with clean modern lines, a generously deep seat and a curved back. Sub...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Classic Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom in Mohair, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A set of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s. Fully restored down to its frame, fitted with hand-cut high-density foam and spring system. Newly upholstered in charc...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Vintage Classic Armless Chairs by Jens Risom, 1950's
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic slipper or armless chairs by Jens Risom-original, vintage 1950's production. Walnut frames have a beautiful patina, newly reupholstered in beige velvet. These chair...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

One of a Kind Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chair in Hermès Wool, One Available
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Jens Risom. His pieces are timeless and effortlessly simple in design, a perfect coupling of Danish style and American efficiency. This chair seems elegant and small as a slipper but...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Jens Risom Armless Settee in Walnut Cradle Frames with Linen Upholstery
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
Georgeous Jens Risom slipper settee with a solid walnut frame. Very comfortable and restored to the highest possible standard. Matching lounge chair...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

One of a Kind Jens Risom Walnut Slipper Chairs in Hermès Wool, Pair
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Jens Risom. His pieces are timeless and effortlessly simple in design, a perfect coupling of Danish style and American efficiency. This pair seems elegant and small as a slipper but ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Pair of Jens Risom Model #205 Sleek Upholstered and Walnut Side or Slipper Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in Hudson, NY
Jens Risom pair of chairs- Model#205. This is a really great unique style in that the height and construction is styled to be either a dining...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Classic Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom in Teal Mohair, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A set of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s. This pair has been fully restored down to its frame, fitted with hand cut high density foam. Newly upholstered in teal ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Classic Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A set of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s. This pair has been fully restored down to its bones, fitted with handcut high density foam. Newly upholstered in grey...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Pair of Vintage Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Slipper Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
Jens Risom emigrated from Europe to the U.S. when he was just 23 years of age. Like other Scandinavian designers such as Josef Frank and Kaare Klint, Risom continued to honor traditi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom slipper chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom slipper 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 Jens Risom slipper chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original slipper chairs by Jens Risom were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider slipper chairs by Knoll, Harvey Probber, and Baker Furniture Company. Prices for Jens Risom slipper chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,760 and can go as high as $9,750, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,650.
Questions About Jens Risom Slipper Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Jens 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Normally, 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.

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