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Jens Risom Decorative Baskets

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
1960s Jens Risom MCM Tapered Walnut Wastebasket / Trash Can with Aluminum Lining
1960s Jens Risom MCM Tapered Walnut Wastebasket / Trash Can with Aluminum Lining

1960s Jens Risom MCM Tapered Walnut Wastebasket / Trash Can with Aluminum Lining

By Jens Risom

Located in St. Louis, MO

This iconic mid-century modern wastebasket was originally designed by master modernist Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design. The piece is celebrated for transforming a practical necessit...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Decorative Baskets

Materials

Aluminum

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Previously Available Items
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MCM Jens Risom Tapered Walnut Wood Waste Basket no label present walnut plywood with aluminum cover inside 13.5 h diameter 12 bottom 10 diameter top Nicks are present, but hard to se...

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Jens Risom walnut trash can with aluminum lining from the 1950s. Original rubber feet. Beautiful grain.

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H 13 in Dm 12 in

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Located in Los Angeles, CA

From a line of Jens Risom office accessories manufactured by his company, Jens Risom Design, c.1950s, this walnut wastebasket has a wide base and ta...

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Jens Risom Walnut Wastebasket
Jens Risom Walnut Wastebasket

Jens Risom Walnut Wastebasket

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H 13.5 in Dm 12 in

Jens Risom Walnut Wastebasket

By Jens Risom

Located in San Diego, CA

Jens Risom walnut trash can with aluminum lining from the 1950s. Original rubber feet. Beautiful grain.

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Decorative Baskets

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Walnut

Wastebasket by Jens Risom
Wastebasket by Jens Risom

Wastebasket by Jens Risom

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H 14 in Dm 12 in

Wastebasket by Jens Risom

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Design is all in the details, down to the wastebasket. This wastebasket or trash can, features a smaller opening and wider base by Jens Risom. It is a wonderful example of his attent...

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Square wastebasket with plinth base and oval cut-out handles, in walnut. Designed and made by Jens Risom, circa 1960s.

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Jens Risom decorative baskets for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom decorative baskets are available for sale on 1stDibs.
Questions About Jens Risom Decorative Baskets
  • 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.