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.
$389Sale Price / item|35% Off
Jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll (Two Available)
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Knoll Jens Risom chairs. Simple classic and honest design made this side or dining chair so popular that its still in production today. Made from solid walnut wood and natural cotto...
Cotton, Walnut
$5,250Sale Price / set|30% Off
Set of 14 Mid Century Jens Risom Oak Orange Dining Conference Arm Chairs MCM
By Jens Risom
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite set of 14 Jens Risom Conference / Dining Chairs. Features an intriguing orange polkadot fabric set within an oak frame with flared arms and straight legs. Marked along...
Upholstery, Oak
Jens Risom Set of 12 Upholstered Oak Dining Side Chairs, USA 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
A set of twelve side chairs in oak and upholstery by Jens Risom.
Upholstery, Oak
Mid Century Modern Danish Jens Risom Set 4 Teak Dining Chairs 1960 Reupholstered
By Jens Risom
Located in Portland, OR
A very stylish set of four Jens Risom (1916-2016) Danish Mid Century Modern teal dining chairs, circa 1960. The chairs have just been professionally reupholstered in a very high quality black & cream checkerboard fabric. The floating backs above a slightly curved seat, the square legs with a ribbed edge moulding and a single stretcher bar to the back. The chairs are very comfortable and provide great lumbar support for one's back, condition is very good, the chairs are sturdy and robust, the teak has been polished in Bloomsbury's workshops and the upholstery is fresh, this very stylish set of four Danish MCM...
Upholstery, Teak
1950s Jens Risom C-106 Walnut Arm Chair in Original Brown Leather 3x Available
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single (three chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair) C-106 chair, designed by Jens Risom and produced by Jens Risom Design Inc. in the late 1950s....
Upholstery, Walnut
Six Jens Risom dining chairs for Knoll International Model 666.
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Firenze, FI
Six elegant dining chairs model 666, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll International in the 1950s, an authentic expression of mid-century modernist design. The chairs feature a sleek...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$950 / item
13 jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Knoll Risom Side Chair - A Timeless Icon of Modern Design! The Knoll Risom Side Chair is a true testament to the enduring legacy of modern furniture design. Created ...
Cotton, Wood
$2,250 / set
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.
Birch
Jens Risom Set of Six ‘Playboy’ Armchairs in Black Upholstery and Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom, set of six 'Playboy' armchairs, model 'C140’, walnut, faux leather, United States, design 1958, production 1960s The classic Playboy dining chairs by Jens Risom owe the...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Jens Risom Model 666 Dining Chair or for Knoll International Set of 4
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Jens Risom Model 666 Dining chair. Beechwood and blue wool fabric. Mid Century Dining chairs. This early condition is made from the 50ties. Beautiful patina on the wood. Set of 4
Fabric, Beech
1946 Jen Risom 666 WSP Side Chairs Black Webbing for Knoll Associates Set of Six
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a set of six circa mid 1940s dining chairs designed by Jen Risom and produced by Knoll Associates. The model number is 666 WSP, a model introduced by Knoll Associa...
Wood, Maple
Mid Century Jens Risom Knoll Side Dining Room Chairs Model 666
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Baltimore, MD
Spectacular set of 10 beautifully, ebonized, dining room chairs model "666" of the "600" a model introduced by Knoll Associates in 1941, by iconic designer Jens Risom for Knoll manuf...
Wood
$16,900 / set
H 33.47 in W 20.48 in D 25.6 in
Set of 8 Contemporary Dining Chairs Upholstered in Brick Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Timeless design in combination with handmade couture techniques. The dining chairs features curved wooden upholstered back for greater comfort. Offere...
Fabric, Wood
Set of Eames upholstered side chairs by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Highland, IN
This set of side chairs by Charles and Ray Eames are post-war classics. The seats are elephant hide gray fiberglass with olive green naugahyde upholstery and they sit on cast aluminu...
Aluminum
$3,000Sale Price / set|33% Off
H 30.5 in W 20.5 in D 22 in
Early Set of Four Harry Bertoia Molded Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Set of four molded shell side chairs designed by Harry Bertoia and manufactured by Knoll. Originally debuted in 1960, this very early set is from 1963 and...
Metal
$1,829 / set
H 30.71 in W 19.69 in D 19.3 in
1960s, set of 5 Danish dining chairs, reupholstered, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, set of 5 Danish dining chairs. Reupholstered in black eco leather, renewed teak wood. Manufactured by Danish furniture maker in about 1960s. Reupholstered by craftsman.
Faux Leather, Teak
Early Chair Attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
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 ...
$7,800 / set
H 32 in W 24 in D 24 in
Superb Set of Four Jens Risom Style Woven Leather Strap Dining Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An enviable set of vintage oak and leather strap dining armchairs having heavy woven leather straps in the style and manner of Jens Risom for Knol...
Leather, Oak
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Jens Risom
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.
Fabric, Maple
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.
Birch
$14,000 / set
H 31 in W 22 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Set of 8 Chairs and Dining Conference Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Milo Baughman attributed dining or conference room set consisting of 8 chrome upholstered chairs and sqaure 60x60 dining table. The chairs upholstered in suede light...
Chrome
Dining Chairs Set of 12 Walnut, 1 Carver and 11 Side Chairs
By Lionel Rawlinson Limited 1
Located in Toronto, CA
Dining chairs walnut 1 arm and 11 side chairs 19th century styling made by Lionel Rawlinson pop off seats so upholstery can be easily changed. Solid sturdy chairs.
Walnut
$3,360Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 31.75 in W 24 in D 26 in
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...
Leather, Walnut
Eero Saarinen for Knoll International Dining Chair in Plywood
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, dining chair, coated iron, plywood, velvet, United States / Belgium, design 1948, production 1960s Organic shaped chair designed by Eero Saari...
Iron
Sold
H 30.25 in W 17 in D 17 in
Modernist Webbed Dining Chairs by Jens Risom for Knoll, a set of Eight
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Portland, OR
Originally designed by Jens Risom in 1941, the Risom side chair demonstrates modern design at its most utilitarian. Using military webbing and solid maple frames, Risom created this ...
Cotton, Polyester, Walnut
1950's Jens Risom Model C-106 Walnut Armchairs Set Of 6
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Amazing set of 6 Jens Risom design model C-106 dining room chairs, fully restored and re-upholstered with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Chenille, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 19.75 wide x 23 deep x 31.5 high, with a seat height of 17 inches Each captains chair measures: 2...
Upholstery, Walnut
Webbed Dining Chairs by Jens Risom for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Orange webbing on wood base.
Wood
Set of Six Cane Back Playboy Dining Chairs By Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in London, London
Set of six dining chairs By Jens Risom Walnut frames More desirable cane back in good order Playboy chair name orignates from 1961 photoshoot in said magazine. Sculptural frame ...
Cane, Walnut
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 ...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Jens Risom Set of 12 Captains Arm Chairs Walnut Leather
By Jens Risom
Located in Fraser, MI
Set of 12 Arm Chairs by Jens Risom. Walnut Frames. Vintage Leather seat and backrest.
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 31.25 in W 17.5 in D 17 in
Jens Risom Model 666 for Knoll Reupholstered Side Chairs c.1941-Set of 6
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original set of six Jens Risom for Knoll Model 666 WSP dining side chairs. Constructed of solid Maple frames and reupholstered wool fabric. CREATOR Jens Risom for Knoll Associates. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1941. Reupholstered in 2014. MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES Solid Maple, Wool. CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor wear on the frames throughout. Very sturdy. Seats have no tears, fading or stains. DIMENSIONS H 31.25 in. W 17.5 in. D 17 in. Seat Height 18 in. HISTORY The first true Knoll designer, Jens Risom joined the young Hans Knoll Furniture Company in the early 1940s as the sole designer of interiors and furniture. Born in Denmark to the well-known architect Sven Risom, Jens worked in Stockholm for one year before graduating from the prestigious Kundstandvaerkerskolen in Copenhagen. Risom left Denmark for the United States in 1938 and, for two years, served as Director of Interior Design at the studio of Dan Cooper...
Wool, Maple
1950s Jens Risom Design C 106 and C 206 Dining Chairs Set of Six
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of six C 106 and C 206 dining chairs designed by Jens Risom and produced by Jens Risom Design Inc. circa late 1950s. These are gorgeous original examples in walnut, whi...
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
Jens Risom Dining Chairs Refinished and Reupholstered
By Jens Risom
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Four Clean Lined Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be completed in y...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 21.6 in D 19 in
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 Mid...
Upholstery, Walnut, Cane
Sold
H 33 in W 21.6 in D 19 in
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-Ce...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut