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.
Set of Two '2' Jens Risom Armchairs / Accent Chairs on Walnut Frames, USA, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
This set of chairs is for the collector with exceptional taste, as it is one of the more profound designs by Jens Risom. Upholstered in original red knit fabric. Constructed on a sol...
Walnut
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.
Laminate, Walnut
Jens Risom Full-Size Upholstered Walnut Headboard
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut headboard by Jens Risom, c.1960s USA. This frame is made from solid walnut, and a gray upholstered cushion with four buttons. Dimensions 56" width x 4.5" depth x 35.5" height...
Walnut, Upholstery
Model 666 Side Chair in Birch & Green Strapping, Jens Risom, Knoll, USA, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an iconic Model 666 side chair designed by the influential Jens Risom for Knoll. Build from a frame of solid Birch cut to sharp, archetypally Mid-Century Modern angles th...
Birch
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...
Oak
2021 Pair of Knoll Risom Side Chairs w/ Ebonized Maple Wood Frame, Model 666C-WB
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Risom side chairs, Model 666C-WB, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll in 1943. These examples date to 2021. Their design features an ebonized maple frame, and has blac...
Metal
Pair of New Navy Blue Wool Upholstery Lounge Slipper Chairs
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Classic Jens Risom lounge chairs in navy blue wool upholstery. Gorgeous oiled walnut frames.
Wool, Walnut
1960s Jens Risom Design Large Side/Corner Table in Walnut Wood
By Jens Risom
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is a large square side/corner/coffee table in Walnut wood made in the 1960s by iconic Mid 20th Century designer Jens Risom. It features a solid base and square slab top fused...
Walnut
Jens Risom in Red Maharam Leather Armchairs or Occasional Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of poised and elegant model 1103 armchairs, designed by Jens Risom for his eponymous company Jens Risom Design Inc. Showcasing the designer’s fusion of Scandinavian and America...
Leather, Walnut
Set of 6 Model C140 "Playboy" by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, USA, c. 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a newly restored set of two iconic Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs designed by the influential Jens Risom with accompanying side chairs designed in the manner of Risom. The ...
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...
Upholstery, Birch
Extremely Rare Asian Inspired Modernist Side Chairs Designed by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare Asian inspired modernist side chairs designed by Jens Risom for jENS Risom Studios,,,, Could NOT find another example on t...
Naugahyde, Wood
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
Fabric, Beech
Walnut Locking Cabinet by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Jens Risom, USA, c.1960s. This walnut cabinet features a single compartment with a hinged door and an interior adjustable shelf. The cabinet rests on four wood legs with ...
Walnut
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.
Steel
2020 Knoll Risom Side Chair in Maple with Tan Straps, Model 666C-WB
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Risom side chair, Model 666C-WB, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll in 1943. This example dates to 2020. The design features a lacquered maple frame, and has tan cotton webbi...
Steel
Early Jens Risom Model 108 Arm Chair for Risom Designs in Walnut, USA, c. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
A rare and elegant 1950's walnut armchair, Model 108, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Designs Inc. This collectable chair is found in it's original Naugahyd...
Walnut
$1,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
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.
Oak
$3,300 / set
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 location NY or NJ
Teak
Webbed Side Chair by Jens Risom for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Wood frame with red webbing.
Wood
2021 Jens Risom for Knoll Counter Height Stool in Clear Maple with Black Webbing
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single 2021 production Risom counter height stool designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll. This example was acquired directly from a Knoll employee, who pur...
Birch, Maple
1960s Jens Risom Design U-430 Lounge Chair with Arms in Walnut and Fabric
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a U-430 Lounge Chair, originally designed by Jens Risom in 1955. This particular example dates to the 1960s and was produced in the United States. The design is comprised of ...
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
2021 Jens Risom for Knoll Risom Side Dining Chair Ebonized Maple & Black Webbing
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single Risom dining chair in ebonized maple with black cotton webbing designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll. This example was produced in 2021 and came di...
Ash
1959 Jens Risom Designs Twin Head & Footboard in Walnut with Yellow Vinyl Panel
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Twin-Sized Headboard and Footboard Set, designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Designs circa 1959. The listed price includes one set, and we have three sets available for pu...
Steel
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.
Steel
1970s Jens Risom Designs 29 inch Cabinet / Book Shelf in Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Cabinet, originally designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Designs. This particular example was handcrafted in the USA in the 1970s. It has a beautifully grained waln...
Walnut
C. 1941 Jens Risom for Knoll Associates Three-Seater Sofa/Settee w/ New Webbing
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a three-seater settee, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates in 1941. The piece has a frame constructed of pine (or possibly birch), and has newly re-done webbed straps...
Copper
1960s Set of Six Jens Risom Designs C-120 Dining Armchairs in Walnut and Fabric
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of six walnut dining armchairs, Model C-120, designed by Jens Risom in the USA in ca. 1958. This set dates to the late 1960s. The listed price includes the set of six c...
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
C. 1951 Set of Nine Jens Risom for Knoll 666 Dining Chairs in Walnut with Seats
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of nine American Walnut Armchairs, Model 666, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates in 1942. This set dates to circa 1951, and the listed price includes the set o...
Steel
Walnut 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.
Walnut
1946 Jen Risom 666 WSP Side Chairs Black Webbing for Knoll Associates Set of Six
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a set of six circa mid 1940s dining chairs designed by Jen Risom and produced by Knoll Associates. The model number is 666 WSP, a model introduced by Knoll Associa...
Wood, Maple
There isn’t much of a difference between Nordic and Scandinavian design in that when it comes to furniture and decor, the descriptors “Nordic” and “Scandinavian” are often used interchangeably. The term Scandinavia is primarily used to refer to Denmark, Norway and Sweden. (It is sometimes inclusive of Iceland and Finland, too.) The Nordic region of the world also includes the likes of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden as well as Iceland, Finland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland.
Scandinavian modernism is a warm and organic iteration of modernist design that chiefly originated in Denmark, Sweden and Finland during the 1930s. It was introduced to the United States during the mid-20th century and had a profound influence on American mid-century modern design.
Scandinavian modernists are known for their emphasis on craftsmanship and use of natural materials such as ash, pine and beech. Scandi interiors are minimalist, bright and airy, and feature neutral palettes and classic shapes.
Characteristics of the work of such Scandinavian modernists such as Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl and Greta Magnusson Grossman include bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries. Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
For design enthusiasts all over the world, the promotion of functionality and simplicity associated with Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design continues to prove irresistible.