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.
| Average Sold Price |
| $3,865 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
$10,500 / set
H 32.25 in W 22.75 in D 22 in
Set of 6 Jens Risom Playboy Dining Chairs, Walnut, Model C140, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Hamburg, PA
Set of six Jens Risom Model C140 “Playboy” dining chairs. Includes two armchairs and four side chairs. Designed in 1958 for Jens Risom Design. Risom, Danish-born and Knoll’s first de...
Upholstery, Walnut
$20,737 / set
H 32.29 in W 15.36 in D 18.9 in
Rare Set of Jens Risom Oak Chairs with Leather Webbing, France 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare set of eight French dining chairs from the 1950s, composed of six side chairs and two chairs with armrests. The solid wooden frames show a clear architectural structure, wit...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning pair of authentic mid century lounge chairs by Jens Risom. This pair of chairs is absolutely breathtaking, the gorgeous two tone mohair upholstery contrasts the beautiful wa...
Mohair, Walnut
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 49.5 in D 28 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Jens Risom, 1962, USA
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elevate your workspace with this 1960s Mid-Century Modern walnut writing desk by Jens Risom. This desk showcases rich walnut grain, clean architectural lines, and a sleek floating to...
Walnut
$4,623 / set
H 32.29 in W 15.36 in D 18.9 in
Pair of Jens Risom Oak Chairs with Leather Webbing, France 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare pair of French dining chairs from the 1950s. The solid wooden frames show a clear architectural structure, with open backs, angled legs and finely proportioned armrests. Th...
Leather, Oak
$5,999
H 29 in W 81 in D 21 in
Mid century American Modern 8 Drawer Office Credenza Jens Risom Aluminum frame
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Rare American Modern Mid Century Modern long Oak 8 drawer Office credenza with all solid Aluminum Frame. High end Construction with Metal Drawer glides. Great design good v...
Aluminum, Steel
Jens Risom Rosewood Console Table / Side Table, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Lejre, DK
Console table or side table crafted from rosewood, designed by Jens Risom in the 1960s. The table features a long rectangular top and can be used as a console table or side table. —...
Rosewood
Jens Risom for Knoll Model 37 Mid Century Sofa
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom for Knoll Model 37 Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 76.5 wide x 34 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 22.5 inches Fair Vintage Conditi...
Upholstery
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $3,865 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $100-$23,000 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
