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 |
| $3,562 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
$15,000 / set
H 35 in W 30 in D 31 in
Lounge Chairs Model 2136 by Jens Risom in Velvet and Walnut, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A striking pair of A-Line Lounge Chairs, designed by Jens Risom in the 1950s. Celebrated for their refined simplicity and sculptural presence, these iconic chairs feature beautifully...
Velvet, Walnut
$9,600
H 32 in W 77 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Floating Sofa, Model U-150 by Jens Risom, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
An exceptional example of mid-century modern design, this Model U-150 sofa by Jens Risom, circa 1950s, showcases the designer's signature balance of sculptural elegance and functiona...
Leather, Wool, 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
$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
Mid Century Extension Dining Table by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Rare mid century extension dining table with three leaves. The table features four tapering legs with architectural and stylized stretchers which radiate down from the center. The ...
Walnut
Jens Risom 'Vostra' Lounge Chair in Canvas Webbing
By Jens Risom, Walter Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, 'Vostra' chair, beech, canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s An elegant lounge chair featuring exquisite canvas webbing, this piec...
Brass
$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
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 a frame of solid carved walnut and is upholstered in a light floral fabric. Then d...
Upholstery, Walnut
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $3,562 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $100-$14,000 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
