Jens Risom Furniture
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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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Creator: Jens Risom
Large Jens Risom Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Large vintage Jens Risom solid walnut desk. Has a single pull-out drawer. Desk has a glass top. Great for an office or home.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Jens Risom Upholstered Lounge Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A comfortable and stylish Jens Risom upholstered armchair, circa 1950s. Rare design with original early label still intact.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Three-Seat Jens Risom Sofa for Risom Design Inc multicolored fabric with stripes
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
This Jens Risom sofa for Risom Design Inc. is in good condition. The solid walnut frame has been oiled and is in vintage condition with normal wear with age (slight imperfections). T...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Square Slate Top Walnut Base Coffee Table by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern square slate top oiled walnut base coffee table by Jens Risom. Exceptional quality exceptional original condition.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Slate
Pair of New Navy Blue Wool Upholstery Lounge Slipper Chairs
By Jens Risom, Knoll
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 Furniture
Materials
Wool, Walnut
Jens Risom Side Tables for Knoll
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jens Risom design pair of black lacquered side tables with black laminate tops for Knoll.
In good used condition with one small repai...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Maple
Pair of Vintage Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Lounge Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
A pair of walnut swivel lounge chairs in original purple composite upholstery with walnut bases and detachable suede cushions designed by Jens Risom.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Suede, Upholstery, Walnut
Beautiful Armchair by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
Fully restored conversation chair designed by Jens Risom. Excellent condition.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Jens Risom Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Jens Risom armchairs with black lacquered wood frames.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair Jens Risom Playboy chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
A pair Jens Risom walnut armchairs model C140 Playboy chairs. Iconic Mad Men era chairs. All original in very good condition. This is a great set of ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Jens Risom Credenza with Y-Shaped Drawer Pulls
By Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
A rare and unique vintage Jens Risom credenza, this particular piece has y-shaped metal pulls, six regular drawers, one partitioned drawer, a filing drawer and a shelved cabinet. An ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mahogany and Aluminum Cabinet Designed by Jens Risom Designs Inc
By Jens Risom
Located in Stamford, CT
A Mahogany sideboard with aluminum hardware designed by Jens Risom Designs Inc, circa 1960s. Labled on interior of top drawer. Two cabinets with shelfs, the third with drawers.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Jens Risom Walnut Side or End Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful design by Jens Risom executed in solid walnut, this early model 433 table has wonderful lines, a lower shelf, and a top with a deeply beveled edge.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
Jens Risom
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 h...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Rare and Early Jens Risom Stool for Knoll Associates, New York City
By Knoll, Jens Risom
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 Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
Jens Risom Pair of Red Vinyl Faux Leather Chairs 1950
By Jens Risom
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of Jens Risom of red vinyl faux leather chairs mid-century, Netherlands
Jens Risom pair of red vinyl faux leather chairs, 1950. Excellent original condition with little wear to...
Category
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
Vintage Midcentury Danish Jens Risom Teak Glass Bar Cart
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 honour tradit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Teak
Jens Risom Walnut and Laminate Coffee Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Versatile square coffee or cocktail table by Jens Risom, with straight, turned walnut legs, squared stretchers and a floating white laminate top.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Four Restored Jens Risom Dining Side Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
Four Vintage Side Arm Chairs Set
New upholstery in gray microfiber
Wood frame and legs
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Oak
Early Jens Risom Coffee Table, Solid Cherry Top
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Risom for Risom Inc. Coffee table. Bow shaped ends with architectural splayed base.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jens Risom Danish Post-War Design Teak Dining Table
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Danish Post-War Design teak dining table with a bowed design top and resting on square legs connected by a stretcher on either side. (label: JENS RISOM)
Category
20th Century Post-Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Teak
New Upholstered Orange Jens Risom Sofa Set with Missoni Fabric
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent set by Jens Risom in fully restored condition. The fabric is an orange yellow Missoni fabric with new foam and restored walnut frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Jens Risom 666 Side Chairs for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Jens Risom chairs made in the 1940s, model “666” of the 600 series from 1941.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Birch
Jens Risom Rosewood Mid-Century Modern Blue Fabric Lounge Chairs Armchairs, Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Jens Risom Rosewood Mid-Century Modern blue fabric armchairs. Item features solid rosewood frame, beautiful wood grain, clean modernist lines, and sleek sculptural form, circ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Rosewood
Jens Risom Danish Post-War Teak Credenza Sideboard
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Danish Post-War Design teak credenza form sideboard with 2 door centering 3 drawers (label: JENS RISOM)
Category
20th Century Danish Post-Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Teak
Pair of Jens Risom "Playboy" Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful pair of armchairs by Jens Risom, model C140 in walnut frame and original green upholstery in excellent condition.
Price is for the pair only.
Category
1960s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Two Restored Jens Risom Side Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pair of vintage side armchairs set.
New upholstery in gray microfiber
Tufted back detail
Wood frame and legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Leather Walnut Armchair By Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, solid walnut armchair by Jens Risom with seat, back and arms, newly upholstered in a rich cognac leather.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Architectural Mid Century Jens Risom Bench with Walnut Legs and Leather Top
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
This is the hard to find longest size, it has the original leather top (minor wear and missing two tufting buttons). Tapered wood legs support "floating" curved top. Mid-Century Mode...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Wood, Leather
Modernist Side Table, Walnut and Laminate, Designed by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist side table, walnut and laminate designed by Jens Risom, simple, elegant design, retains original Jens Risom Design Inc. label.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
Sofa by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A three (3) seat sofa on a teak frame base retaining the original yellow upholstery.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
End Table by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An expressive end table in rich walnut having raised and curved tapered side rails connected directly to the legs that support a floating top.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Swivel Chair by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An upholstered swiveling lounge chair in leather with a tilt mechanism on a metal disc base.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Steel
Jens Risom Small One Double Door Compartment Credenza Cabinet Adjustable Shelves
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern oiled walnut double door credenza by Jens Risom.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rare Jens Risom Lounge Chairs, Model U-416, Walnut and Bouclé, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Round Rock, TX
Offered is a rare pair of low lounge chairs designed by Jens Risom for Risom Designs, Inc. circa 1952.
Low, deep, and wide these chairs have an amazing presence and level of comfort...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut and Brass Credenza / Bookshelf / Media Center
By Jens Risom
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Walnut Credenza, designed by Jens Risom, American, circa 1960s. Signed with Risom label. Jens Risom was definitely influenced by Danish Modern design, and this piece is n...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Rare and Early White Oak Mid-Century Modern Desk Labeled Risom Design circa 19
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare and early white oak Mid-Century Modern five drawer desk labeled Risom Design circa 1950. Possibly from the early Risom NYC workshop.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Oak
Jens Risom Model 108 Walnut Side Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Poised, elegant pair of 1950s walnut armchairs, model 108 designed by Jens Risom. This scarce pair is newly upholstered in a luxurious, earthy sage leather, ...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Jens Risom Bleached Walnut Dining Table
By Jens Risom
Located in North Miami, FL
Classic clean-lined dining table by Jens Risom. We've bleached the walnut to palest grey to highlight the stunning pattern of the wood grain. Table measures 60" long, with two 18" le...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rare Chromed Steel and Wool Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning pair of lounge chairs designed by Jens Risom, stainless steel frames, superior quality, flawless welds, retains original Knoll electric green wool upholstery, stunning.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Two Modern Chests or Credenzas designed by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Atlanta, GA
Two Modern Chests or Credenzas designed by Jens Risom, American, circa 1960's. The price noted below is for each chest.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Jens Risom furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Jens Risom furniture 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 furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 323 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 5 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture 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 furniture by Fredericia, Florence Knoll, and Craft Associates. Prices for Jens Risom furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $350 and can go as high as $35,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,213.
Creators Similar to Jens Risom
Questions About Jens Risom Furniture
- 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.