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: Stamford Modern
Set of Walnut Side Chairs by Jens Risom in Natural Mohair, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
An exquisite pair of mid-century modern side hairs designed by Jens Risom, crafted circa 1960-1969. Meticulously restored, the walnut framework shines with renewed beauty, complement...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut Armchairs in Natural Mohair, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
An exquisite pair of mid-century modern armchairs designed by Jens Risom, crafted circa 1960-1969. Meticulously restored, the walnut framework shines with renewed beauty, complemente...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Rare Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom for Risom, Inc. C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Experience the epitome of mid-century modern elegance with our fully restored walnut slipper chairs from the 1950s, a timeless creation by Jens Risom for Risom, Inc. Meticulously ref...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Linen, Walnut
Walnut Lounge Chairs in Grey Linen, Model U430 for Risom, Inc. Circa, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Experience the epitome of mid-century modern elegance with our fully restored walnut lounge chairs from the 1950s, a timeless creation by Jens Risom for Risom, Inc. Meticulously refu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Linen, Walnut
Classic Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom in Bouclé, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
An impeccably restored pair of mid-century modern chairs, a timeless testament to design excellence. Originally conceived by the iconic Jens Risom in the 1950s, these chairs have bee...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
Set of Club Chairs in Mohair by Jens Risom, C. 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Discover the timeless allure of a rare set of club chairs designed by Jens Risom in the late 1960s, now meticulously restored for a contemporary touch. The walnut legs have undergone...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Jens Risom Ottoman in Light Blue Mohair, circa 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Exquisite round walnut ottoman designed by the legendary Danish-American furniture designer, Jens Risom, circa 1960s. This remarkable piece has been meticulously restored to its orig...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Related Items
Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Danish Jens Risom attributed Mid-Century Modern armchairs with new wool felt upholstery, circa 1960s . Button tufted. Tapered legs with minor loses and fading to wood. Good original ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Wool
Mid-Century Vintage Jens Risom Knoll Webbed Armchair
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Baltimore, MD
A stunning iconic cotton strap, webbed, lounge, armchair, 652W design (1943) early edition, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll International. Features a solid maple frame with original woven cotton straps. It is one of the most comfortable pieces you will sit in, the exquisite curved back provides lumbar support making this chair as comfortable as it is beautiful. The removable webbed, basket seat, shell is supported and rests on the arm frame base. Very Rare Vintage Modern Classic design. An iconic piece of furniture, this example has remained in a single collection since it was acquired by the prior owner from Knoll International and the original early label remains affixed beneath. (Knoll Associates Inc. 601 Madison Ave New York 22). This label has the earliest Knoll Associates showroom address, which opened in 1946.
Measurements: 24.5 ” tall x 24? wide x 30? deep x seat height 18? (arm height 21") (seat to the lowest point 11")
Jens Risom
Danish-American architect-designer Jens Risom was born in Copenhagen in 1916, the son of a nationally renowned architect of the Nordic Classicism style. Between 1935 and 1938, he trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under Ole Wanscher and Kaare Klint, alongside classmates Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. For a short time following his studies, he took on furniture and interior designer projects for the Copenhagen-based architectural firm Ernst Kuhn. He then moved briefly to Stockholm, where he worked for Nordiska Kompaniet and met Alvar Aalto and Bruno Mathsson. Around 1939, he immigrated to New York with ambitions to introduce the Scandinavian modernist approach to the US furniture market.
Risom’s arrival in the US coincided with the years of materials shortages brought on by the war. As a result, Risom was unable to secure a position in a furniture company, and, instead, found work designing textiles for decorator Dan Cooper. Eager to do more, he soon convinced Cooper to expand into the furniture market, and together they found projects with young, progressive architects like Ed Stone and George Nelson. In 1939-40, Ed Stone was invited to create Collier Magazine’s House of Ideas pavilion at Rockefeller Center as part of the New York World’s Fair, and Risom designed all of the furniture.
Around 1941, Risom met Hans Knoll, a German-born entrepreneur in the furniture industry who had a showroom on Madison Avenue dedicated to rather lackluster furnishings. Sharing a dream to do something more vanguard, they joined forces and set off on a four-month tour of the US in search of design inspiration. By 1942, Knoll launched Hans Knoll Furniture Company with Risom on board as his head designer.
Risom’s early designs for Knoll made use of military surplus...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Jens Risom Lounge Chair Model U430
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Jens Risom lounge chair U430 for Risom Inc. Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair designed by Jens Risom produced by Jens Risom Inc. Iconic walnut lounge chair model U430 by Jens Risom. So...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Pair Of 1950S Italian Slipper Chairs In Faux Fur
Located in London, London
Pair of slipper chairs
New Designers Guild faux fur upholstery
Brass legs
Seat height 40cm
Italy 1950s
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Faux Fur
1960s Jens Risom Sculptural Floating Lounge Chairs, a Set
By Jens Risom
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a Mid-Century Modern, gorgeous pair of lounge chairs by Jens Risom, circa the 1960s. This fabulous set has been newly upholstered in a zebra stripe velve...
Category
1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Pair of Danish 1940s Large Club Chairs Model 1518 by Fritz Hansen in Pink Mohair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of sublime large scale Danish club or lounge chair made in the early 1940's as model 1518 by Fritz Hansen. These chairs are superbly comfortable with a very strong presence to ...
Category
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Beech, Mohair
H 35.5 in W 34 in D 38 in
Jens Risom Style Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut Lounge Chairs by Gunlocke, Pair
By Jens Risom, Gunlocke
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or lounge chairs
In the manner of Jens Risom
By Gunlocke
USA, 1960s
Sculpted solid walnut frames, with original yellow ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
H 30.5 in W 23.75 in D 23 in
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
One mid-century modern armless lounge chair designed by Jens Risom for Knoll originally in 1946. This early design has a hard maple frame with new linen upholstery.
Category
1950s Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Jens Risom Pair of 'Vostra' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman
By Walter Knoll, Jens Risom
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
1960s Rattan Wicker McGuire Reclined Club Chairs, Set of 2
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare reclined wicker chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful set is stateme...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
Jens Risom Walnut Armchairs Reupholstered In Your Fabric
By Jens Risom
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Clean Lined Mid Century Modern Armchairs, designed by Jens Risom, American, circa 1960s. These chairs are currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric. S...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This armchair is an early example of Jens Risom's design for Knoll and is a simple yet innovative design. The chair is two separate pieces: a singular seat / back component is simply...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Birch, Textile
Previously Available Items
Set of Loveseats by Jens Risom, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A set of loveseats designed by The Iconic Danish Designer Jens Risom. Restored the way only Stamford Modern does it, fitted with new hand cut, high-gr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Classic Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom in Mohair, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A set of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s.
Fully restored down to its frame, fitted with hand-cut high-density foam and spring system. Newly upholstered in charc...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Walnut Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom lounge chairs expertly restored walnut frames and reupholstered twill by Holly Hunt. This ergonomically focused design places you in a balanced position...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Twill, Walnut
Walnut Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom in Bouclé, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom lounge chairs expertly restored walnut frames and reupholstered natural bouclé. This ergonomically focused design places you in a balanced position upon...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
Walnut Armchairs by Jens Risom, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A set of armchairs designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s. The beautiful walnut frames have been completely restored, matching their original natural organic finish. Reupholstered in li...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Twill, Walnut
Set of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom, c. 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of high-back lounge chairs designed by Jens Risom, featuring fully restored open-arm walnut frames, boasting clean, elegant lines from all angles. Newly upholstered in mohair by...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Set of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A rarely seen set of lounge chairs designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s. Newly reupholstered in Holly Hunt twill, walnut bases redone in an ebonized finished.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Twill, Walnut
Early Model 37 Sofa by Jens Risom for Knoll in Mohair, 1950s
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Westport, CT
Exquisite and rare sofa designed by Jens Risom for Knoll, circa 1950s. Fully restored, fitted with a new spring system, high-grade, hand-cut foam. Reupholstered in Great Plains choco...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Maple
Jens Risom A-Line Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Bouclé, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Iconic "A-Line" lounge chair designed by Jens Risom model #2136 with matching ottoman.
Walnut bases fully restored and refinished in espresso. Newly upholstered in charcoal bouclé b...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
Classic Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom in Teal Mohair, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A set of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s.
This pair has been fully restored down to its frame, fitted with hand cut high density foam. Newly upholstered in teal ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Classic Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A set of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s.
This pair has been fully restored down to its bones, fitted with handcut high density foam. Newly upholstered in grey...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Big Chair by Jens Risom in Chenille
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
One of the rarest designs by furniture design legend Jens Risom. Newly upholstered in light grey chenille. Walnut base fully restored.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Furniture
Materials
Chenille, 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.