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.
23
3
to
3
26
318
26
25
26
18
5
2
23
3
21
1
2
8
9
26
10
7
6
4
14
11
11
6
6
251
1,965
1,629
1,570
1,375
Item Ships From: Europe
Creator: Jens Risom
Jens Risom Pair of 'Vostra' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman
By Jens Risom, Walter Knoll
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 Furniture
Materials
Brass
Jens Risom Cabinet in Rosewood Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark
By Jens Risom
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare small cabinet designed by Jens Risom. Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark. Large desk is also available.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Steel
Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater USA - 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater. Oak frame
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Walnut Desk by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in GNIEZNO, 30
A large desk made of walnut wood from the 1960s, designed by Jens Risom for the American manufactory Jens Risom Design. Desk with two drawer modules. There are two drawers in the lef...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Midcentury Sideboard in Rosewood by Jens Risom, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Lejre, DK
The Danish sideboard from the 1960s, designed by the renowned furniture designer Jens Risom.
The sideboard is characterized by its beautiful rosewood, which brings warmth and charac...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
1950s Rare Set Vostra Chairs Numbered & Original Fabric by Jens Risom for Knoll.
By Jens Risom, Walter Knoll
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
These rare “Vostra” easy chairs were designed by Jens Risom in 1941. These chairs are numbered in the frame. This is chair number 1247 and number 1248. The chairs are in good condtion. The original fabric is still on the chairs.
The Vostra chair...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Elm
Large Executive Walnut Writing Desk by Jens Risom, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Chesham, GB
A walnut executive Danish designed desk by Jens Risom and manufactured in the U.S.A by by Jens Risom Design.
Designer - Jens Risom
Manufacturer - Jens Risom Design
Design Period -...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Set of six early Jens Risom chairs. France 1950.
By Jens Risom, Marcel Gascoin, Jean Prouvé, 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 Furniture
Materials
Oak
Jens Risom Model 666 Dining Chair or for Knoll International Set of 4
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Jens Risom Model 666 Dining chair. Beechwood and blue wool fabric.
Mid Century Dining chairs.
This early condition is made from the 50ties.
Beautiful patina on the wood.
Set of 4
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Jens Risom Black Walnut Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Accrington, GB
A mid century credenza made by the American Danish designer Jens Risom. A stylish piece that sits on adjustable chrome feet with American black walnut envelope veneers throughout. A ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Jens Risom Lounge Chair U-430 for Risom Inc., USA, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Jens Risom lounge chair U-430 for Risom Inc., USA 1950s
Upholstered in new Kvadrat Fabric.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Magazine Side Table M6500 in Black Lacquered Oak by Jens Risom for Fredericia
By Jens Risom, Fredericia
Located in Dubai, AE
Designed in 1949, the Magazine Table is a great example of Danish-American designer Jens Risom’s stylish and innovative approach to modern design.
The dynamic side table with its ic...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Oak
Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design Inc. Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, pair of swivel lounge chairs, teak, fabric, United States, 1960s.
This extraordinary pair of lounge chair is designed by Danish designer Jens Risom...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of Arm Chairs by Jens Risom for Knoll in Walnut and Newly Upholstered
By Jens Risom
Located in Chesham, GB
A pair Jens Risom armchairs in a newly upholstered blue coloured fabric. The frame is made from walnut.
Manufacturer - Knoll
Designer - Jens Risom
Design Period - 1960 to 19...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Cognac / Brown Leather Webbed Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Jens Risom for Vostra
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of leather webbed lounge chair and matching ottoman, designed by Jens Risom and manufactured by Vostra (Walter Knoll) in Germany. Made of black...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of Jens Risom Lounge Chairs in Brown Webbing for Knoll, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Jens Risom lounge chairs in brown webbing for Knoll. The seat is removable and adjustable from lounge to occasional chairs.
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jens Risom U431 Armless Chair in European Oak
By BENCHMARK, Jens Risom
Located in Saffron Walden, GB
The U431 armless chair was first introduced in 1955 by Jens Risom Inc. Designed by the legendary Danish-born American designer, it is a timeless piece that works well in both residen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Oak
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 Gutenberghus in the 1960s.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Jens Risom Desk Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark
By Jens Risom
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare large executive desk designed by Jens Risom. Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
Jens Risom, Vostra Easy Lounge Chair, Design 1941 for Walter Knoll, Germany
By Walter Knoll, Knoll, Jens Risom
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 Furniture
Materials
Beech
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 Furniture
Materials
Oak
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
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
Jens Risom Solid Wood Desk, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Utrecht, NL
Jens Risom: wood desk, manufactured by Risom Design. 1960s.
This nicely shaped Jens Risom desk has a well sized desktop, two drawer units with drawers and a pull-out leaf with glass top on each side. An internal lock allows you to lock the drawers with a key. The black steel drawer handles are mounted onto chrome rings and have a minimal design. The desk has cylindrical legs and refined adjustable feet. The back legs are a bit detached from the drawers which give the desk an open look to what otherwise would have been a quite solid / closed desk. The wood of the desk has a wonderful grain, that has come out beautifully over the years. It was manufactured by Risom Designi in the 1960s.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor marks and scratches. One key is enclosed. Some drawers don’t come out totally fluid. Manufactured by Risom Design.
Dimensions:
66.93 in. W x 35.44 in. D x 28.75 in. H
170 cm W x 90 cm D x 73 cm H
Shipping:
This solid wood desk...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Wood
Related Items
Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Cabinet by LYBY
By Lyby Mobler
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Rosewood cabinet by LYBY Mobelfabrik, circa 1960's. Beautiful book-matched veneer with lovely grain patterns and sleek finger pulls. Robust sculpted legs and beveled edge solid wood ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Midcentury Low Cabinet in Rosewood with Brass Hardware by Løgvig, Denmark, 1960s
By Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Cabinet in rosewood with brass hardware. Designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen, Denmark in the 1960s. Great original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Brass
H 27.96 in W 47.25 in D 17.72 in
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 Furniture
Materials
Maple
Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Sideboard Cabinet by Hundevad
By Hundevad & Co.
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Rosewood mid-century cabinet by Hundevad, circa 1960's. Clean, simple lined design with exceptional book-matched veneer. Locking double doors, 2 adjustable shelves, 3 sleek drawers a...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Vintage Midcentury Restored Jens Risom Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
Jens Risom`s career has spanned nearly sixty years. He began his study of design in the Copenhagen workshop of Kaare Klint in 1935 and joined Ernst Kuhn`s architectural office in 1938, where he designed furniture and interiors. In 1939, Risom emigrated to the U.S. and in 1941 designed the first chair manufactured by Knoll. Risom described the chair as "very basic, very simple, inexpensive, easy to make." The chair was constructed with a birch wood frame and, because of wartime materials constraints, cheap but strong army surplus...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Walnut
Small Midcentury Rosewood Sideboard by E. Brouer for Brouer Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Brouer Mobel
Located in Elshout, NL
Small rosewood sideboard designed by E. Brouer and manufactured by Brouer Møbelfabrik. An eye-catcher in every hallway, study or living! This ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
H 31.11 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in
Jens Risom Style Mid Century Half Round Walnut Executive Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom style mid century half round walnut executive desk
The desk measures: 95.5 wide x 47.75 deep x 29 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call rest...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Jens Risom Big Chair and Ottoman
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An original Model 2117 Chair, designed by Jens Risom for his company Jens Risom Design Inc. Beautifully restored in plush Knoll mohair velvet. Angular lines of the lounge chair contr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Poul Cadovius Danish Brazilian Rosewood Cabinet
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Oakland, CA
Poul Cadovius Rosewood cabinet with book-matched sliding doors revealing an interior of mahogany with adjustable shelves and small drawer. Minimal design with mitered corners and han...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
MidCentury Modernist Sideboard, France, 1960s
By Andre Monpoix, Charlotte Perriand, Roger Landault
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
French mid-century sideboard, designed in the 1960s it features minimal lines.
An elegant piece.
Good condition with minor wear.
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Macassar
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 Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
H 31 in W 23 in D 30 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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Previously Available Items
1960s Armchair by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in London, Lambeth
Rare armchair simple stylist design by Jens Risom in original condition little of wear on one of the arms
Please see pictures attached Cc 1960s Danish
Jens Risom was wide...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Teak
Jens Risom Pair of "No. 654" Chairs, Knoll Internationnal, USA, 1940s
By Jens Risom
Located in Forest, BE
Pair of lounge chairs designed by Jens Risom in 1941. Jens Risom’s designs were the first pieces conceived for and manufactured by Knoll in the USA. Due to wartime material restrictions, the lounge chair was originally constructed of simple maple frames and discarded parachute webbing. Described as good, honest furniture design, the collection helped establish Knoll as an early source of modern design in...
Category
1940s American Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Leather
H 30.32 in W 20.08 in D 27.96 in
Newly Upholstered Jens Risom Daybed, Germany 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Vostra Daybed by Jens Risom, newly upholstered in Kvadrat fabric.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Danish Jens Risom Large Executive Walnut Writing Desk Mid Century USA
By Jens Risom
Located in London, GB
A beautiful large executive walnut writing desk by iconic Danish designer Jens Risom, manufactured by Jens Risom Design in the US. This would make a stylish addition to any work area...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
H 28.35 in W 68.12 in D 33.86 in
Vintage Webbed Armchairs Designed by Jens Risom for Knoll, Set of 2
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Ely, GB
A Pair of Super Stylish armchairs Designed by Jens Risom in 1941 for Knoll.
Boasting clean lines and crafted from high quality maple with strap work / webbed seating, the chairs a...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Maple
Listing for B: One Jens Risom "Playboy" Armchair in Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom, 'Playboy' armchair, cane, fabric, walnut, United States, design 1958, production 1960s.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Rare Pair of Jens Risom Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Munich, DE
New foam and wonderful fabric.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Jens Risom Set of Four 'Playboy' Dining Chairs in Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom, 'Playboy' armchairs, cane, fabric, walnut, United States, design 1958, production 1960s
These "Playboy" walnut armchairs by Jens Risom feature original cane backs. The...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
New Upholstered Jens Risom Lounge Chair in Risom Camira Fabric US, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
New upholstered Jens Risom lounge chair in Risom Camira fabric US, 1950s
Rare Risom chair in walnut and Risom fabric. All newly upholstered.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
H 31.89 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in
For Peggy: Package deal
By Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Private listing for Peggy:
- Jens Risom, set of 10 'Playboy' armchairs, cane, fabric, walnut, United States, design 1958, production 1960s. - Restored to a perfect match and conditio...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Vintage American Midcentury Jens Risom Walnut Office Bureau, Sideboard Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Highclere, Newbury
A very solid and well-built vintage walnut office Bureau by Danish American designer Jens Risom for JRD that could also be used as a sideboard or credenza.
Born in Copenhagen in 191...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Walnut
H 28.75 in W 64.18 in D 20.48 in
Side Table by Jens Risom for Risom Inc. US, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Side table by Jens Risom for Risom Inc. US, 1950s.
This Table is made out of Walnut and carries a tray for books or magazines.
Category
1950s 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.