Jens Risom Chairs
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
Jens Risom Arm Chairs, Midcentury Walnut + Blue Velvet Dining Chairs, a Pair
By Florence Knoll, Milo Baughman, Jens Risom
Located in Decatur, GA
Jens Risom upholstered arm chairs in sculpted solid black walnut - set of two, circa early 1960s. Refined, elegant Danish modern design coupled with stout and sturdy American craftsmanship.
This listing is for a pair (2) arm chairs - We have three (3) pairs available.
Fully restored with blue performance velvet...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Velvet, 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 Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Strapped Leather Lounge Chair
By Jens Risom, Knoll
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 Chairs
Materials
Steel
Jens Risom Arm Chairs, Midcentury Walnut + Blue Velvet Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Florence Knoll, Milo Baughman, Jens Risom
Located in Decatur, GA
Jens Risom upholstered armchairs in sculpted solid black walnut - set of four, circa early 1960s. Refined, elegant Danish modern design coupled with stout and sturdy American craftsmanship.
This listing is for a set of four (4) arm chairs
Fully restored with blue performance velvet...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Jens Risom MCM Ebonized Walnut and Cane "Playboy" Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom midcentury Ebonized walnut and cane "Playboy" dining chairs - Set of 4
Each chair measures: 19.5 wide x 23 deep x 32 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Early Jens Risom 666 Side Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in Princeton Junction, NJ
Jens Risom and Hans Knoll came to the US seeking greater opportunities in Denmark and Germany. Hans Knoll's father, Walter Knoll, already had a fairly large furniture company in Germ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Set of 12 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large set of twelve Jens Risom Playboy Dining Chairs professionally reupholstered in super soft camel curly fabric. An exemplar of ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Cane, Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Playboy Mid Century Walnut and Cane Chairs, Set of 4
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Playboy Mid Century walnut and cane chairs - Set of 4
Each chair measures: 19.5 wide x 20.5 deep x 32.5 inches high, with a seat...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Set of 16 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large set of sixteen Jens Risom Playboy dining chairs professionally reupholstered in super soft camel curly fabric. An exemplar of...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Set of 6 Jens Risom Walnut Dining Chairs with Caned Backs
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 6 Jens Risom Dining Room Chairs. Newly refinished, reupholstered and caning replaced! These are a nice large scale dining chair! Very solid and ready to go! New velvet sea...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Pair of Six Jens Risom Side/Dining Room Chairs Model 666 for Walter Knoll 1950s
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of six Jens Risom side / dining room chairs model 666 for Walter Knoll.
Model in solid oak and braided polyvinyl strips. These chairs are in original and untouched condition, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Oak
Jens Risom Lounge Chair in Walnut and Bamboo Upholstery
By Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom lounge chair, American walnut and bamboo fabric, United States 1960s.
This lounge chair is designed by Danish designer Jens Risom. It is executed in American walnut woo...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chairs in Ivory Shearling, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Iconic Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom lounge chairs expertly reupholstered in soft ivory shearling with professionally refinished walnut frames. An exemplar of Mid-Century Modern desi...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Hide, Walnut
Jens Risom, Vostra Easy Lounge Chair for Walter Knoll
By Knoll, Walter Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed for Knoll circa 1950, this Vintage Jens Risom Vostra Chair is modern and elegant with its curved lines. This chair is in the mid-century ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Cotton, Maple
Jens Risom Playboy Chair in Leather + Walnut, Model C140 Occasional Armchair
By Jens Risom
Located in Decatur, GA
Jens Risom Playboy chair -
Iconic mid century modern sculpted walnut model C140 "Playboy" armchair designed by Jens Risom. Sculpted soli...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
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 Chairs
Materials
Beech
Pair of Jens Risom Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Jens Risom armchairs with black lacquered wood frames.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Jens Risom C-120 Armchair
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this handsome 1950's model C-120 Jens Risom armchair in exceptional all-original condition. The chair features an exposed, solid walnut frame with an elegan...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Strap Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom for Knoll mid century strap lounge chairs - pair
These chairs measure: 20 wide x 23 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 15.5 inches
?All pieces of furniture...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Jens Risom Mid Century Dining Side Chairs, Set of 4
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom mid century dining side chairs - Set of 4
Each chair measures: 24 wide x 21 deep x 31 high, with a seat height of 16 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Rare Pair of Risom for Knoll 666 Chairs
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Early and hard to find design by Jens Risom for Knoll, model 666 chairs having birch frames and cloth webbing seats. These chairs are in original and unto...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Pair Jens Risom Playboy chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
A pair Jens Risom walnut armchairs model C140 Playboy chairs. Iconic Mad Men era chairs. All original in very good condition. This is a great set ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Early Woven Leather Side Chairs Model No. 666 by Jens Risom for Knoll, 1940s
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Almelo, NL
Early woven leather side chairs model No. 666 by Jens Risom for Knoll from the 1940s. Structure in solid oak. Backrests and Jb seating’s i...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
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 Chairs
Materials
Wool
Jens Risom Mid Century Arm Chairs, a Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom mid century arm chairs - a pair
Each chair measures: 24 wide x 23 deep x 31 high, with a seat height of 19.5 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Jens Risom C275 Side Chair in Oak
By Jens Risom, BENCHMARK
Located in London, 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 Chairs
Materials
Oak
Risom Webbed Knoll Armchair
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Classic early edition of Jens Risom's iconic webbed armchair 652W design (1943) made by Knoll associates in the mid-1940s.
Condition: Maple chair frames have been lightly refini...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Maple
Set of Three Jens Risom for Knoll Webbed Wood Side Chairs
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Set of three blueberry nylon webbed chairs with maple frames designed by Jens Risom for Knoll.
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Nylon, Wood
Jens Risom Midcentury Walnut & Cream Occasional Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Jens Risom 1960s arm chairs. These examples have newly finished solid walnut frames with subtly tapered arms and have bean recently upholstered in a soft off-white leather.
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Risom Webbed Armchairs by Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Classic early edition of Jens Risom's iconic webbed armchair 652W design (1943) made by Knoll associates in the mid-1940s. Both have the earliest Kn...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Maple
Jens Risom U431 Armless Chair in European Oak
By Jens Risom, BENCHMARK
Located in London, 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 Chairs
Materials
Oak
Jens Risom Design Pair of Oiled Walnut & Leather Upholstered Armchairs, c.1965
By Jens Risom
Located in Miami, FL
Offered for sale is an original pair of Jen Risom Design oiled walnut and leather upholstered armchairs. The chairs have upholstered oval backs on a sculptural walnut base, c.1965. A re-edition of the chair is currently being retailed at John Roselli for $3600 per chair. This pair is in good original condition and has the Jens Risom label...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll Associates
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This is a beautiful upholstered armchair designed by Jens Risom for HG Knoll & Associates in the 1940s. It is one of the early, iconic chairs that ushered in a period of incredible mid-century modern design. The solid Birch frame cradles a foam cushioned seat that was recently reupholstered in Knoll Maharam fabrics. The fabric is timeless and high-quality, and it suits the lighter birch wood color perfectly. This is more than just a collectible MCM chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Birch
Set of 14 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large set of fourteen Jens Risom Playboy dining chairs professionally reupholstered in super soft camel curly fabric. An exemplar o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Jens Risom Chairs for Knoll Associates 1954
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Jens Risom chairs for Knoll Associates 1954, Model 666WSP Original black paint and webbing with nail tacks.
Decal underside {Knoll Associates Inc.].
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Cotton, Hardwood
Set of 3 Mid-Century Jens Risom Armchairs with New Bright Yellow Upholstery
By Jens Risom
Located in Asheville, NC
We have 3 of these Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom armchairs in stock. New yellow upholstery. Some scuffing/scratching/fading to the walnut bases from age appropriate wear.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom, Original, Early, Rare Angled Arm Design
By Jens Risom
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early pair of angle arm lounge chairs designed by Jens Risom. These are one of Risom earliest designs after leaving his position as design director for Knoll. The chairs retain the o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Armchair in Beech and Bent Walnut Ply by Jens Risom 1952
By Finn Juhl, Hans J. Wegner, Jens Risom
Located in Framingham, MA
Scarce early C-150 armchair by Jens Risom introduced in 1951. There wasn't a large production of these - this period is when Jens Risom would be opening his own plant in 1954 to be i...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Beech, Walnut
Set of 10 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large set of ten Jens Risom Playboy dining chairs professionally reupholstered in super soft camel curly fabric. An exemplar of Mid...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Set of 18 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large set of eighteen Jens Risom playboy dining chairs professionally reupholstered in super soft camel curly fabric. An exemplar o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Pair of Early Jens Risom Chairs in Original Vinyl, circa 1950, Made in America
By Jens Risom
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Pair of chairs by Jens Risom have angular walnut frames with floating tapered seat and back covered in original caramel vinyl.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Jens Risom Midcentury Walnut & Cream Occasional Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Jens Risom arm chairs. These examples have newly finished solid walnut frames with subtly tapered arms and have bean recently upholstered in a soft off-white textile. Price i...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
"Risom" Lounge Chair by Jens Risom for Knoll, 1943
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These "Risom" chairs were designed by Jens Risom for Knoll International in 1943.
It is a testament to the simplicity and ingenuity that is found in timeless furniture. it is one ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Cotton
Early Jens Risom Compass Chair for His Own Company
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Rare dining or side chair in birch with compass-shaped legs designed by Jens Risom and produced by his fledgling eponymous company in 1947. Part of an innovative design series previe...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Jens Risom chairs for sale on 1stDibs
The Jens Risom chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are often made of wood and designed with extraordinary care. In our collection of Jens Risom chairs, there are many options to choose from, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. 24 vintage editions of these items are in stock, while there are 2 modern editions to choose from as well. Many of the original chairs by Jens Risom were created in the Mid-Century Modern style in United States during the 20th Century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Thayer Coggin, Adrian Pearsall and Harvey Probber. Prices for Jens Risom chairs can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at $595 and tops out at $12,500, while pieces like these can sell for $2,544.
Creators Similar to Jens Risom
Questions About Jens Risom Chairs
- 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.