Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
Upholstery, Wood
Jens Risom Floating Sofa, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Raleigh, NC
Danish modern design at its finest. New leather to this floating sofa by Jens Risom. Dating to
Leather, Walnut
Jens Risom Floating Bench Model T621
By Jens Risom
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jens Risom Bench An iconic form Re-upholstered in Boucle Fabric Original label present.
Walnut
Jens Risom Floating Three-Seat Armless Walnut Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa, Model #U250, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Design in the 1950s. Composed of a
Wool, Walnut
$2,895 / set
H 23 in W 27.75 in D 20.75 in
Expertly Restored - Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Side Tables
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
1960s Jens Risom Floating Top Deep Hued Oiled Walnut Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Understated and over built Mid-Century American Side table by Jens Risom company.
Walnut
$3,500
H 17.25 in Dm 38.75 in
1960s Jens Risom Floating Walnut & Cane Coffee Table, 39" Round, Model T300
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut and Cane Coffee Table, model T300, designed by Jens Risom for Risom designs in
Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Floating Side End Tables - Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Floating Side End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 21 wide x
Walnut
Rare Jens Risom Walnut & Light Fabric Floating Lounge Chair, 1953
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Jens Risom, this lounge chair was made exclusively for the model year 1953. It features
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Floating Top Walnut Side Table By Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern 'Floating' top walnut side table was designed by Jens Risom circa 1950s
Walnut
$7,500
H 16.5 in W 48 in D 18 in
Jens Risom Danish Army Green Fabric Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$9,800
H 17 in W 73 in D 18.5 in
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
cushion upholstered in light gray woven fabric with button tufted detail. (JENS RISOM).
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$9,800
H 17 in W 72 in D 18 in
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Black Tufted Vinyl and Wood Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).
Upholstery, Wood
$7,500
H 16 in W 48 in D 18.5 in
Jens Risom Danish Off-White Shou Patterned Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$1,495 / item
H 17.75 in W 30 in D 30 in
Pair of Mid Century Modern Floating Top End / Cocktail Tables by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Risom. Tops appear to be floating, sculpted edges part of the Risom design staple. Tables have been
Walnut
Jens Risom Designed Armchairs - 1960
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mid-century modern armchairs by Jens Risom. Teak frames with floating seat. Please confirm
Teak
$5,500 / set
H 15 in W 54 in D 21 in
Pair of Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Floating Top Walnut Coffee Table / Benches
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
stretcher base with four tapered legs. (JENS RISOM) (PRICED AS Pair) Damage to finish.
Wood, Walnut
$14,000 / set
H 30 in W 29 in D 31 in
Pair of Jens Risom Model 2137 Walnut "Floating" Lounge Chairs in Olive Velvet
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These exceptional Jens Risom Model 2137 lounge chairs supported by sculptural walnut bases are
Velvet, Walnut
$1,950 / set
H 15 in W 48 in D 20 in
MCM Jens Risom Style Floating Formula Side and with Coffee Table, Set of 2
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Style Floating Formula Square Top Side Table with Matching
Hardwood
$1,060
H 19.5 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
1970s Danish Mid Century Modern Floating Coffee Table in the Jens Risom's Style
By Trioh Møbelfabrik, Jens Risom
Located in Miami, FL
Danish Mid Century Modern Floating Coffee Table by Trioh Mobler Denmark in the Jens Risom's Style
Wood
$3,000
H 15 in W 30 in D 30 in
Square Walnut Mid Century Modern "Floating" Top Coffee Center Table Risom Style
By Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Square Walnut Mid Century Modern "Floating" Top Coffee Center Table Risom Style
Walnut
$7,500
H 17 in W 19.5 in D 48 in
Jens Risom Multi-Colored Geometric Pattern Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
orange fabric upholstered seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$7,500
H 16.5 in W 48 in D 19 in
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Rose Pink Upholstery and Walnut Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
frame. (JENS RISOM).
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Fabric
Jens Risom Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Jens Risom floating bench.
Walnut
Jens Risom Coffee Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Tucson, AZ
Beautifully designed Jens Risom floating coffee Table. Round top with square sculptural Base
Walnut
1960's Floating Bench in the Style of Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Stamford, CT
Sturdy bench in stained oak in the style of Jens Risom. Restored with high-quality velvet
Foam, Upholstery, Oak
Sold
H 16 in W 32 in D 32 in
Gorgeous Utilitarian Dark Walnut Jens Risom Floating Transitional Coffee Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Hudson, NY
Sturdy Jens Risom "floating" coffee table constructed of walnut. Stunning table that retains it's
Walnut
Sold
H 21.5 in W 19 in D 15 in
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
Walnut
Jens Risom floating bench
By Jens Risom
Located in St. Louis, MO
Bench by Jens Risom with inset base that give it a floating effect. Original fabric
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Risom bench for his own company of solid walnut frame and "floating "seat newly covered in
Fabric, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Bench/Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Bench Table This is a bench(we have two
Walnut
Jens Risom Floating Side Tables
By Jens Risom
Located in Rochester, NY
A pair of mid century Jens Risom Design stacking tables with the original period labels. The round
Pair of Jens Risom Floating Nesting Tables
By Jens Risom
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of floating nesting tables by Jens Risom. Styled with circular white tops and teak tripod legs
Teak
Jens Risom "Floating" Sculptural Loveseat or Settee
By Jens Risom
Located in Hudson, NY
Great design on this all original loveseat. Comfortably designed upholstered body sits atop a walnut frame base. Upholstery is original and should be replaced.
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Floating Upholstered Bench
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Two Jens Risom upholstered bench. Floating top design- a timeless classic. This is the long (6ft
Teak, Upholstery
Pair of Jens Risom Floating Walnut Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of mid century Jens Risom walnut floating lounge chairs model U440. These rare lounge chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Modernist Jens Risom Floating Executive Desk in Peruvian Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern executive desk designed by Jens Risom. Desk has all of the ammenities
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 32.5 in W 27.5 in D 32 in
Jens Risom Floating Lounge Chair in Walnut Cradle Frame with Linen Upholstery
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
Low-slung Jens Risom lounge chair floating in a solid walnut cradle frame. This chair is very
Linen, Walnut
Sold
H 25.75 in Dm 42 in
Jens Risom Floating Walnut Lounge Chairs Set of Four (4), Restored, Circa 1960
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Danish-born Risom introduced his trademark designs of simple, well-crafted modern furniture to
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Floating Jens Risom Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Southampton, NJ
Pair of Jens Risom floating lounge chairs. Frames are black lacquered walnut with a satin
Velvet, Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut Floating Coffee Table with Sculptural Base
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
An iconic design, this Jens Risom floating walnut cocktail table on a sculptural base is in
Walnut
Rare Jens Risom Side Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful side table by Danish American designer Jens Risom. Floating top and tapered legs give an
Walnut
Floating Bench by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
bases with tapered legs. By Jens Risom
Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut & Leather Floating Ottomans
By Jens Risom
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of floating ottomans by Jens Risom circa late 1950's. These examples have been newly
Leather, Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut & Leather Floating Ottomans
By Jens Risom
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of floating ottomans by Jens Risom circa late 1950's. Solid walnut legs have been newly
Leather, Walnut
Floating Walnut Coffee Table by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, angular, walnut coffee or low side table by Jens Risom features a floating top
Walnut
Pair of Floating Lounges by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A phenomenal pair of mid-century lounge chairs design by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Inc. Newly
Wood, Upholstery
Jens Risom Mid-Century Walnut Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
-form tapering legs connected by two stretchers; makers label to inner stretcher; Jens Risom (1916-2016
Walnut
Jens Risom Tufted Bench with Floating Walnut Base
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jens Risom tufted bench with floating walnut base.
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Floating Arm Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These lounge chairs were designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design and feature the original wool
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Six Foot (6 ft) Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An uncommon six foot long floating bench designed by Jens Risom. Features a walnut frame base with
Walnut
Vintage Jens Risom Six Foot (6ft) Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An uncommon six (6) foot long floating bench. Features a walnut frame base with a slightly curved
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Floating Jens Risom Lounge or Slipper Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A classic pair of floating slipper of lounge chairs designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design
Walnut, Wool
Modern Two Toned Floating Coffee Table by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Houston, TX
Two toned floating walnut coffee table that is an early design by Jens Risom. The coffee table has
Walnut
Floating Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Jens Risom, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Large floating sofa by Jens Risom, 1950s. The piece has been fully restored and newly upholstered
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Floating Jens Risom Slipper or Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Designed and manufactured by Jens Risom. A pair of Mid-Century Modern classics, sculptural walnut
Walnut, Upholstery
1960s Jens Risom Sculptural Floating Lounge Chairs, a Set
By Jens Risom
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a Mid-Century Modern, gorgeous pair of lounge chairs by Jens Risom
Fabric, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Long Floating Jens Risom Walnut Base Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a gorgeous floating walnut Jens Risom bench seat, just back from being
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jens Risom design walnut floating frame sofa. Perfectly restored and newly upholstered.
Wool, Walnut
Jens Risom Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jens Risom bench. Solid walnut frame. Floating upholstered seat in fine condition.
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jens Risom design sofa floating on exposed walnut frame and newly upholstered. Wonderful size and
Walnut, Upholstery
Pair of 1950s Floating Walnut Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jens Risom lounge chairs supported by walnut bases, circa 1953. They are relatively small in scale
Wool, Velvet, Walnut
Pair of Jens Risom Round 'Floating' Side Tables in Solid Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Astoria, NY
Risom for Jens Risom Design Inc., established in 1946, with round 'floating' tops, above tapered legs
Walnut
Jens Risom Lounge Table with "Floating" Top in Rosewood, 1960s, Denmark
By Jens Risom
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Jens Risom lounge table with floating top of rosewood. Frame of solid rosewood. Made by
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Style Floating Top Elongated 72" Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Style Floating Top Elongated 72" Bench Offered is a gorgeous mid
Walnut
Rare Mid-Century Floating Upholstered Bench by Jens Risom
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Super rare and super awesome 6ft Floating Bench by Jens Risom. You'll see these benches, but very very
Walnut
Sold
H 17 in W 48.5 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Style Tufted Floating Walnut Bench Danish, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
/salmon colored upholstery, in the style of Jens Risom, circa the 1960s. In excellent condition. The
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom U150 Floating Sofa on Solid Walnut Base, Circa 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jens Risom 3-seat sofa, model U150. Made circa 1960's. Iconic floating sofa that sits on a solid
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Settee or Loveseat
By Jens Risom
Located in Astoria, NY
An original Mid-Century Modern Jen Risom "floating" settee or loveseat on a walnut base.
Upholstery, Walnut
Jen's Risom Walnut Side Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jen's Risom Side Table with a floating top. Top has been refinished! Table is sturdy and ready to
Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut & Slate Console Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1960s. An elegant rectangular console table by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design. Features
Slate
Jens Risom Walnut & Slate Console Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1960s. An attractive rectangular console table by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design
Slate
1950s Jens Risom Design Compact Walnut & Formica Writing Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modernist designer Jens Risom of Denmark: Scandinavian floating walnut writing table entryway desk
Formica, Walnut
Sold
H 21 in W 21 in D 28 in
Jens Risom Side Tables - Midcentury Modern - Pair Walnut Formica Floating Top
By Knoll, Florence Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Decatur, GA
Pair of mid century modern side or end tables by Jens Risom for his company, Jens Risom Design
Formica, Walnut
Sold
H 29.25 in W 72 in L 29.25 in
Jens Risom Style B. L. Marble Furniture Company Mid Century Walnut Floating Top
By B.L. Marble Furniture, Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Style B. L. Marble Furniture Company Mid Century walnut floating top executive desk This
Walnut
Midcentury American Modern Jens Risom Walnut Executive Desk
By Jens Risom, B.L. Marble Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Substantial executive desk originally designed in the 1950s by Jens Risom for "Jens Risom Design
Walnut
Jens Risom Bench
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jens Risom designed bench with a floating arched seat on a solid black walnut base.
Jens Risom Desk
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful Jens Risom executive desk with recessed floating drawers and newly refinished in 2 toned
Walnut, Mahogany
Modernist Walnut Cocktail / coffee table / floating top with drawer
By Jens Risom
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Walnut Cocktail / coffee table / floating top with drawer,, Wonderful solid walnut
Walnut
Wonderful, 1960s Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Lafayette, IN
. The beautiful Jens Risom-Esqe design features a floating top with perfectly contrasting white formica
Formica, Walnut
Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Benches or Settees
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
Modern walnut sculpted and brass sabot benches or settees inspired by Gio Ponti the famous Italian Mid - Century designer . Floating cushion newly upholstered on top of solid brass ...
Wood
$12,351Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 32.68 in W 110.24 in D 40.56 in
Art Deco Sofa by Munna Design Studio with Velvet Upholstery
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
Velvet
$7,044 / item
H 21.66 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Pair Various Positions Nightstand in Walnut and Oak by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Inspired by his fascination with the aesthetic allure of interiors depicted in films and literature, Yaniv Chen endeavors to capture the essence of captivating spaces. Reflecting upo...
Oak, Walnut
$5,080 / item
H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Walnut
Convex Bench Series 60 in Natural Walnut
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Convex Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—an exquisite blend of timeless craftsmanship and lightweight design. Meticulously crafted from solid oak or walnut, ...
Walnut
$7,000 / item
H 26.5 in W 72 in D 17 in
Mid-Century Modern Inspired "Victoria" Credenza, Boho Stereo Cabinet in Walnut
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
This design is a celebration of, and homage to, the geometric patterns that so often inspired Mid Century design. With this piece we also brought in a little bit of a Boho spirit as ...
Walnut
$3,200 / item
H 23 in Dm 12 in
Cocktail Side Table Modern Round Handmade Sculpted Blackened Waxed Steel
By J.M. Szymanski
Located in Bronx, NY
TABLE NO. 3 - LARGE J.M. Szymanski D. 2017 Playfully imagined, this sculpted bottom-frame supports a smooth top-surface that is ideal for drinks and small items--some might say it’s...
Steel, Iron
Murano Sputnik Spherical Green Glass and Brass Chandelier
Located in Roma, Lazio
A fantastic emerald green sputnik, with a surprising design and for its very low height, which allows it to fit in both high and low ceilings. Very elegant, it will furnish and decor...
Brass
$34,507
H 6.3 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in
Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Upper Cretaceous, about 70-65 million years ago (Maastrichtian) Morocco The skull is reconstructed in good proportions with fossil pieces found in a phosphate mine in Morocco. I att...
Bone
Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue
By Ethan Streicher, Streicher Goods
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...
Brass
$4,000 / item
H 18 in W 60 in D 18 in
Sculptural ICO Bench Series 60 in Natural Walnut by Stamford Modern
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The ICO Bench is a sophisticated reinterpretation of Ico Ponti’s modernism, where architectural form meets modern functionality. Defined by its signature angled legs and subtle metal...
Walnut, Oak
$2,500 / item
H 29 in Dm 19 in
Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Wood, Fabric, Linen, Fiberglass
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar. Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...
Mohair, Oak
$6,950 / item
H 47.25 in Dm 21.66 in
Florian Schulz Double Onos 55-Pendant Lamp with Side Counter Weights
By Florian Schulz
Located in Berlin, DE
Really beautiful Florian Schulz double Onos 55-pendant lamp with one E27 / model for each lamp 100 Watt bulbs. Also available in US wired.
Brass
$42,000 / set
H 30.52 in W 41.74 in D 33.08 in
René Drouet Pair of Lounge Chairs in Olive Green Corduroy and Walnut
By René Drouet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
René Drouet, pair of lounge chairs, corduroy velvet, walnut, France, 1930s Designed by French decorator René Drouet, these club chairs are a quintessential example of French Art Dec...
Velvet, Walnut
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.
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.