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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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Creator: Jens Risom
Dealer: Sputnik Modern
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

Jens Risom Walnut Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut T621 floating curved bench designed by Jens Risom.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Nesting Tables
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of three walnut nesting tables with green vinyl tops. Designed by Jens Risom.
Category

1960s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Lounge Chair by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A lounge chair with sculpted walnut base designed by Jens Risom. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Teddy / Winter White.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Related Items
Jens Risom Strapped Leather Lounge Chair
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge chair by Jens Risom for Knoll, circa 1940s. This 1943 design was Risom's first design for Knoll, where he had been brought on as design director. This piece features a birch f...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Steel

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 swivelling lounge chairs, teak, fabric, United States, 1960s. This extraordinary pair of lounge chair is designed by Danish designer Jens...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Metal

Jens Risom Upholstered Bench, Walnut and Bouclé, 1960s, Pair Available
By Jens Risom
Located in Round Rock, TX
A wonderful pair of Jens Risom model T621 upholstered benches. These are the less-common six foot long versions. Featuring striking, solid walnut frames, and button-tufted upholst...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom midcentury walnut lounge chair. This chair measures: 23.25 wide x 24 deep x 31 high, with a seat height of 17.5 and ar...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

  • Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
  • Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
  • Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
  • Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
H 31 in. W 23.25 in. D 24 in.
Three Nesting Tables Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of three Danish / Scandinavian Modern nesting tables made of rosewood or palisander, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960. Please note: furtniture made of rosewood can not b...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

  • Three Nesting Tables Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s
  • Three Nesting Tables Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s
  • Three Nesting Tables Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s
  • Three Nesting Tables Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s
H 18.12 in. W 22.84 in. D 15.75 in.
Set of Club Chairs in Mohair by Jens Risom, circa 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Stamford, CT
A rare set of club chairs designed by Jens Risom, circa 1960-1969. Walnut legs are completely restored. Reupholstered in off-white Great Plains m...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Dust Sofa 2-Seat
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Dust sofa is a tribute to comfort and discreet elegance. With a comfy structure and available in many color and texture options, dust makes a strong impre...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

  • Dust Sofa 2-Seat
  • Dust Sofa 2-Seat
  • Dust Sofa 2-Seat
  • Dust Sofa 2-Seat
H 27.96 in. W 63 in. D 33.86 in.
20th Century American Small Two Seater Sofa, Walnut Settee by Jens Risom Design
By Jens Risom
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, vintage Mid-Century Modern American two seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed and produced by Jens Risom Design, Model U-151, in good condition. The seat, back r...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom U150 Sofa w/ New Mint Green Upholstery
By Jens Risom
Located in Asheville, NC
Mid-Century Modern iconic “floating” U150 sofa with a walnut frame designed by Jens Risom. New foam and light mint green upholstery. Some light scuffing/scratching to the walnut fram...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Modern Bracketed Back Open End Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful and sleek Danish modern sofa. Armless sofa creates numerous possibilities. Teak legs cradle and support in the manner of less is more. Fabric is a wool tweed blend which is...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

Pair Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Lounge Chair, 1960
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Jens Risom walnut swivel lounge chairs, 1960. Completely restored and newly reupholstered in boucle.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Louis Cane, Sofa, Two-seater Sofa, France, 1995
By Louis Cane
Located in New York, NY
These exceptional Louis Cane chairs unite a traditional aesthetic with a more contemporary feel. Their modern, cube-like bases and perforated backs are c...
Category

1990s French Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Previously Available Items
Lounge Chair by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A lounge chair with sculpted walnut base designed by Jens Risom. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Teddy / Winter White.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

  • Lounge Chair by Jens Risom
  • Lounge Chair by Jens Risom
  • Lounge Chair by Jens Risom
  • Lounge Chair by Jens Risom
H 34 in. W 31 in. D 31 in.
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Jens Risom high back lounge chairs with walnut bases. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Teddy / winter white.
Category

1960s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Walnut

  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
H 34.5 in. W 27.5 in. D 32.5 in.
Jens Risom Large Lounge Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare lounge chair designed by Jens Risom for Risom Designs, Inc. Beautifully restored with refinished walnut base and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Vladimir: Silver Fog.
Category

1960s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Walnut

  • Jens Risom Large Lounge Chair
  • Jens Risom Large Lounge Chair
  • Jens Risom Large Lounge Chair
  • Jens Risom Large Lounge Chair
H 41.5 in. W 36 in. D 36 in.
Pair of Jens Risom Benches
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A matching pair of walnut and leather benches by Jens Risom. Priced and sold individually.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut

  • Pair of Jens Risom Benches
  • Pair of Jens Risom Benches
  • Pair of Jens Risom Benches
  • Pair of Jens Risom Benches
H 17 in. W 72 in. D 18.5 in.
Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut bench with curved, upholstered seat. Designed by Jens Risom.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Walnut

  • Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
  • Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
  • Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
  • Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
H 16 in. W 50 in. L 16 in.
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of large scale lounge chairs with walnut bases. Designed by Jens Risom. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt Cobblestone fabric.
Category

1960s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

Materials

Walnut

  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
H 28.5 in. W 36.5 in. L 28.5 in.
Large Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A large curved top bench with walnut base. Designed by Jens Risom.
Category

1960s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

  • Large Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
  • Large Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
  • Large Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
  • Large Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
H 16 in. W 72 in. D 19 in.
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of lounge chairs on walnut bases. Designed by Jens Risom and fully restored in Maharam wool.
Category

1960s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
H 30.75 in. W 32.5 in. D 33 in.
Jens Risom Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare lounge chair and ottoman designed by Jens Risom with walnut frame.
Category

1960s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

  • Jens Risom Lounge Chair and Ottoman
  • Jens Risom Lounge Chair and Ottoman
  • Jens Risom Lounge Chair and Ottoman
  • Jens Risom Lounge Chair and Ottoman
H 34 in. W 30.25 in. D 32 in.
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of lounge chairs with walnut bases. Designed by Jens Risom.
Category

1960s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
H 31 in. W 32.25 in. D 34.75 in.
Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut bench with curved seat. Designed by Jens Risom. Restored.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

  • Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
  • Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
  • Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
  • Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
H 17 in. W 72 in. D 18.75 in.
Pair of Walnut Stools by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of solid walnut stools designed by Jens Risom reupholstered in Maharam wool fabric.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture

  • Pair of Walnut Stools by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Walnut Stools by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Walnut Stools by Jens Risom
  • Pair of Walnut Stools by Jens Risom
H 16 in. W 19 in. D 15 in.

Jens Risom furniture for sale on 1stDibs

Jens Risom furniture is available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are often made of wood and designed with extraordinary care. There are many options in our Jens Risom collection of furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. There are 227 vintage versions of these items in stock, while there are 8 modern editions to choose from as well. Many of Jens Risom's original furniture was created in Mid-Century Modern style in North America during the 20th century. Many customers also consider furniture by Florence Knoll, Harvey Probber and Eero Saarinen if you’re looking for additional options. The prices for Jens Risom furniture can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. 1stDibs's price starts at $250 and tops out at $36,000, while pieces like these can sell for $3,433.
Questions About Jens Risom Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Jens 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Normally, 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.

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