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.

Creator: Jens Risom

Pair of Handsome Jens Risom Leather and Walnut Chairs

$2,880Sale Price / set|40% Off

Pair of Handsome Jens Risom Leather and Walnut Chairs

By Jens Risom

Located in Minneapolis, MN

Here is a very handsome pair of chairs in solid walnut and leather designed by Jens Risom and made by Marble. Each chair retains a Marble label. The pair is in good condition--the ch...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Pair of Jens Risom Chairs

$2,650 / set

Pair of Jens Risom Chairs

By Jens Risom

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A pair of Jens Risom Chairs Walnut side chairs re-upholstered

Category

1950s American Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Set of six early Jens Risom chairs. France 1950.

$4,181 / set

Set of six early Jens Risom chairs. France 1950.

By Florence Knoll, Jean Prouvé, Marcel Gascoin, Jens Risom

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

Set of six chairs designed by Jens Risom. The oldest model features a solid oak structure and natural reed weaving for both the backrest and seat. The chairs have developed a beautif...

Category

1950s French Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Oak

Six Mid Century Dining Chairs by Jens Risom for Vostra, 1950s

$8,124

Six Mid Century Dining Chairs by Jens Risom for Vostra, 1950s

By Jens Risom

Located in Rosendahl, DE

Jens Risom - Six Chairs by Vostra 1950s Originals These rare Jens Risom Model 666 chairs are early originals produced by Risom Vostra, representing authentic mid-century modern desi...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Maple

Vintage Classic Armless Chairs by Jens Risom, 1950's

$5,800 / set

Vintage Classic Armless Chairs by Jens Risom, 1950's

By Jens Risom

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A pair of classic slipper or armless chairs by Jens Risom-original, vintage 1950's production. Walnut frames have a beautiful patina, newly reupholstered in Brunschwig & Fils linen, ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom

$7,500 / set

Pair of Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Stunning pair of authentic mid century lounge chairs by Jens Risom. This pair of chairs is absolutely breathtaking, the gorgeous olive green mohair contrasts the beautiful walnut sle...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Jens Risom C-120 Armchair

$1,800

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 Walnut Lounge Chairs in Ivory Shearling, circa 1950s

$9,800 / set

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 exem...

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Hide, Walnut

Early edition of the 666 chair by Jens Risom, produced by De Coene

$4,159

Early edition of the 666 chair by Jens Risom, produced by De Coene

By Jens Risom, De Coene Frères

Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp

This early edition of the 666 chair was produced by De Coene. Since 1954 De Coene became the Benelux producer of the expensive Knoll furniture. This rare old set of chairs are in all...

Category

1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Wood

Jens Risom Dining Chairs

$6,500 / set

Jens Risom Dining Chairs

By Jens Risom

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A set of 6 Jens Risom Dining Chairs Walnut Frames Original golden color Naugahyde Oversized and comfortable

Category

1950s American Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

$3,650 / set

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 Design Pair of Oiled Walnut & Leather Upholstered Armchairs, c.1965

$2,800Sale Price / set|41% Off

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

Pair of Jens Risom Armchairs

$7,200 / set

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 in Red Maharam Leather Armchairs or Occasional Chairs

$7,500

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

2021 Jens Risom for Knoll Risom Side Dining Chair Ebonized Maple & Black Webbing

$650

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...

Category

2010s American Modern Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Ash

Six Vittorio Dassi Mid-Century Modern Italian Mahogany Dining Chairs, 1950s

$6,451 / set

H 39.38 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in

Six Vittorio Dassi Mid-Century Modern Italian Mahogany Dining Chairs, 1950s

By Vittorio Dassi

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Six dining chairs designed by the famous Italian architect Vittorio Dassi, solid mahogany chairs and original eco-leather upholstery, in excellen...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

$3,650 / set

H 31 in W 23.75 in D 22.5 in

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

Pair of Jens Risom 666 Side Chairs for Knoll

$2,250 / set

H 30 in W 17.75 in D 18 in

Pair of Jens Risom 666 Side Chairs for Knoll

By Jens Risom, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare Jens Risom chairs made in the 1940s, model “666” of the 600 series from 1941.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Birch

One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs

$1,760Sale Price|20% Off

H 30.5 in W 23 in D 30.5 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 Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Early Chair Attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll

$600

H 32.5 in W 18 in D 25 in

Early Chair Attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll

By Jens Risom, Knoll

Located in South Charleston, WV

A very early chair that is attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll. The chair features a vinyl type finish that is in good condition with a few marks and light staining. The legs have ...

Category

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

Jens Risom Pair of 'Vostra' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Canvas Webbing

$5,450 / set

H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 27.56 in

Jens Risom Pair of 'Vostra' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Canvas Webbing

By Jens Risom, Walter Knoll

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, pair of 'Vostra' chairs with ottoman, beech, canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s An elegant lounge chair with ottoman featuring ...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Brass

Green Mid-Century Modern Six Vintage Dining Chairs, 1950s, Vienna, Austria

$7,024 / set

H 30.71 in W 19.49 in D 17.13 in

Green Mid-Century Modern Six Vintage Dining Chairs, 1950s, Vienna, Austria

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid-Century Modern set of six green vintage dining chairs or chairs, which were designed and manufactured in Vienna, Austria, 1950s. The stable and comfortable dining chairs stand o...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Beech, Plywood

Jens Risom Style Mid Century Lounge Chair

$1,295

H 29 in W 24.5 in D 28 in

Jens Risom Style Mid Century Lounge Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Style Mid Century Lounge Chair This chair measures: 24.5 wide x 28 deep x 29 high, with a seat height of 15.5 inches Fair Vintage Condition - Chair Frame is in Good Shap...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Set of Lounges Model 2136 by Jens Risom, C. 1950s

$15,000 / set

H 35 in W 30 in D 31 in

Set of Lounges Model 2136 by Jens Risom, C. 1950s

By Jens Risom

Located in Westport, CT

A-Line Lounge Chairs, designed by Jens Risom in the 1950s. These iconic chairs feature a sculptural walnut base, fully restored to its original splendor, and are reupholstered in Oce...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Design Pair of Oiled Walnut & Leather Upholstered Armchairs, c.1965

$2,800Sale Price / set|41% Off

H 33.75 in W 26.25 in D 22 in

Jens Risom Design Pair of Oiled Walnut & Leather Upholstered Armchairs, c.1965

By Jens Risom

Located in Miami, FL

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Jens Risom 'Vostra' Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Canvas Webbing

$3,300 / set

H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 27.56 in

Jens Risom 'Vostra' Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Canvas Webbing

By Jens Risom, Walter Knoll

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, 'Vostra' chair with ottoman, beech, canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s An elegant lounge chair with ottoman featuring exquisite...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage Midcentury Restored Jens Risom Lounge Chairs

$5,440Sale Price|20% Off

H 29.5 in W 27 in D 26 in

Pair of Vintage Midcentury Restored Jens Risom Lounge Chairs

By Jens Risom

Located in Pasadena, TX

Jens Risom`s career has spanned nearly sixty years. He began his study of design in the Copenhagen workshop of Kaare Klint in 1935 and joined Ernst Kuhn`s architectural office in 1938, where he designed furniture and interiors. In 1939, Risom emigrated to the U.S. and in 1941 designed the first chair manufactured by Knoll. Risom described the chair as "very basic, very simple, inexpensive, easy to make." The chair was constructed with a birch wood frame and, because of wartime materials constraints, cheap but strong army surplus...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Cowhide, Walnut

Previously Available Items

Listing for B: One Jens Risom "Playboy" Armchair in Walnut

Sold

H 31.89 in W 22.45 in D 22.84 in

Listing for B: One Jens Risom "Playboy" Armchair in Walnut

By Jens Risom

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jens Risom, 'Playboy' armchair, cane, fabric, walnut, United States, design 1958, production 1960s.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Walnut

Jens Risom Set of Four 'Playboy' Dining Chairs in Walnut

Sold

H 32.09 in W 22.45 in D 20.87 in

Jens Risom Set of Four 'Playboy' Dining Chairs in Walnut

By Jens Risom

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jens Risom, 'Playboy' armchairs, cane, fabric, walnut, United States, design 1958, production 1960s These "Playboy" walnut armchairs by Jens Risom feature original cane backs. The...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Walnut

For Peggy: Package deal

Sold

H 31.89 in W 22.45 in D 22.84 in

For Peggy: Package deal

By Jens Risom

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Private listing for Peggy: - Jens Risom, set of 10 'Playboy' armchairs, cane, fabric, walnut, United States, design 1958, production 1960s. - Restored to a perfect match and conditio...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Walnut

Jens Risom Lounge Chair with Ottoman

Sold

H 29.53 in W 26.38 in D 31.89 in

Jens Risom Lounge Chair with Ottoman

By Jens Risom

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jens Risom lounge chair with ottoman, in American walnut and bamboo fabric, United States 1960s. This lounge chair with ottoman ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Jens Risom Chairs for Marble c. 1960s, a pair

Sold

H 27.75 in W 32.25 in D 26.5 in

Jens Risom Chairs for Marble c. 1960s, a pair

By Jens Risom, B.L. Marble Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

Both chairs have been fully refinished, have new foam, and have been reupholstered in Maharam “Hearth Fabric” - these chairs feature solid, white oak frames that have been steam-bent...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Chunky Oak Lounge Chair by Jens Risom for Marble Furniture

Sold

H 28 in W 32 in D 25 in

Chunky Oak Lounge Chair by Jens Risom for Marble Furniture

By Jens Risom, B.L. Marble Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1950s. Reupholstered in nubby wool. Chunky oak frame with upholstered cushions.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Wool, Oak

Jens Risom Midcentury Modern Arm Chairs - Set of 8 - Model C170 - Black Walnut

Sold

H 31 in W 24 in D 25.5 in

Jens Risom Midcentury Modern Arm Chairs - Set of 8 - Model C170 - Black Walnut

By Jens Risom, Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in Decatur, GA

Set of eight (8) vintage mid century modern arm chairs by Jens Risom, circa late 1950s. Model C-170 in solid American black walnut with sculpted flared armrests. Stout and sturdy Ame...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Set of 8 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs

Sold

H 31.5 in W 21.6 in D 19 in

Set of 8 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs

By Jens Risom

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Large set of eight Jens Risom Playboy dining chairs professionally reupholstered in super soft and curly camel fabric. An exemplar of Mid-Century Modern design, Danish American Jens ...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Walnut

Jens Risom Midcentury Walnut & Cream Occasional Chairs

Sold

H 33.5 in W 24 in D 24 in

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

Jens Risom Strapped Leather Lounge Chair

Sold

H 29 in W 24 in D 28 in

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 Midcentury Walnut & Cream Occasional Chairs

Sold

H 33 in W 24 in D 23 in

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

Jens Risom Arm Chairs, Midcentury Walnut + Blue Velvet Dining Chairs, Set of 4

Sold

H 36 in W 30 in D 30 in

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 chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom chairs 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 chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 23 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 2 modern edition 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 Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, and Baker Furniture Company. Prices for Jens Risom chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $650 and can go as high as $28,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,498.

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Questions About Jens Risom Chairs

Who is Jens Risom?
1 Answer
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.
Was Jens Risom Danish?
1 Answer
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.
Who sells Jens Risom rockers?
1 Answer
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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