Jens Risom Loveseats

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

Jens Risom Loveseats, a pair

$16,500 / set

Jens Risom Loveseats, a pair

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1970s, signed. Both have been fully refinished and reupholstered in Maharam Hearth with new foam. There is still age-appropriate wear though including light cracking, chips to the...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Loveseat Sofa

$3,295

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Loveseat Sofa

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Loveseat Sofa This loveseat measures: 66.25 wide x 28.5 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 21.5 inches Fair Vintage C...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Black Leather sofa Loveseat

$1,650Sale Price|25% Off

H 30 in W 63 in D 31 in

Mid Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Black Leather sofa Loveseat

By Skipper Mobler

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Black Leather sofa Loveseat by Skipper Mobler. Stunning design and shape 2 seat sofa with 2 additional arm cushions that sits on 4 large round ...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Leather

Fine Pair Of Custom Upholstered Loveseats

$2,750 / set

H 32 in W 66.5 in D 38 in

Fine Pair Of Custom Upholstered Loveseats

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A fine pair of loveseats with simple elegance, showcasing two-seat designs with gently rounded backs, plush curved arms, and skirted aprons. Fitted with two loose cushions. Upholster...

Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid Century Bentwood Bamboo Style Loveseat Sofa by Heywood Wakefield c. 1950's

$695

H 33 in W 49 in D 29 in

Mid Century Bentwood Bamboo Style Loveseat Sofa by Heywood Wakefield c. 1950's

By Heywood-Wakefield Co.

Located in New York, NY

Voguish two section loveseat with a bentwood faux bamboo frame , and original turquoise vinyl upholstered cushions. This chic sofa is in good, original condition, the wood finish s...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Bentwood

Mid-Century Modern Petite Sofa or Loveseat Attributed to Overman

$1,250

H 29 in W 70 in D 27 in

Mid-Century Modern Petite Sofa or Loveseat Attributed to Overman

By Overman

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A sculptural looking sofa from the 1970s. It features original upholstery and chrome-plated steel legs.

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Steel

Pair of Jens Risom Chairs

$2,650 / set

H 34 in W 23 in D 23 in

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 Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery

Mid century German modern 2 seat modular sofa loveseat dark brown leather

$2,550

H 32 in W 62 in D 30 in

Mid century German modern 2 seat modular sofa loveseat dark brown leather

By De Sede

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century German modern 2 seat modular sofa loveseat dark brown leather. Made by Lemke in Germany. Great design easy to move as 2 units can be connected with lower bracket. Beautif...

Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Leather

Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Dark Brown Leather 2 Seat Sofa loveseat

$2,560Sale Price|20% Off

H 32 in W 61 in D 32 in

Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Dark Brown Leather 2 Seat Sofa loveseat

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century Danish modern beautiful Dark Brown leather 2 seat sofa Dark brown wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful Brown leather is soft and shows signs of use but broken in...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Leather, Birch

Jens Risom Lounge Chair

$5,700

H 31.5 in W 28.5 in D 33 in

Jens Risom Lounge Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Jens Risom lounge chair. Newly upholstered in a linen-blend fabric with a black lacquered base.

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Linen, Wood

Pair of Tufted Loveseats

$8,400 / set

H 27 in W 65 in D 32 in

Pair of Tufted Loveseats

By Dorothy Draper

Located in Hanover, MA

Pair of recently reupholstered glamorous Hollywood deco tufted loveseats This stylish pair has a tufted, tight back and rolled arms with an inset panel with two-seat cushions. The lo...

Category

1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery

Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Brown Leather 2 Seat Sofa loveseat

$2,200

H 30 in W 56 in D 32 in

Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Brown Leather 2 Seat Sofa loveseat

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century Danish modern beautiful Brown leather 2 seat sofa Dark brown wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful Brown leather is soft and shows signs of use but broken in nice...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Leather, Birch

Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955

$12,500

H 33 in W 53 in D 31 in

Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955

By Jens Risom

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A small, vintage Mid-Century Modern American two seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed and produced by Jens Risom Design, Model U-151, in good condition. The seat, back rest of the divano is slightly inclinated with a button-tufted back and two straight arms, supported by a hand crafted Walnut frame, standing of four small curved wooden feet. Newly upholstered in an orange velvet. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1955, New York, United States. Seat: 18.5" H x 44.5" W x 19.5" D Pillows: 20" H x 20" W x 7" D Jens Risom was a Danish, American furniture designer born in 1916, in Copenhagen, Denmark and passed away in 2016, in New Canaan, United States. He finished his apprenticeship as a designer at the Copenhagen School...

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut

Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather loveseat Sofa patina Stouby

$1,760Sale Price|20% Off

H 30 in W 58 in D 32 in L 30 in

Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather loveseat Sofa patina Stouby

By Børge Mogensen, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Great mid century Danish Scandinavian modern light tan leather loveseat sofa with Square beech wood stained frame and legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Nice thick light tan leather is s...

Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Leather, Beech

Previously Available Items

Jens Risom Mid Century Danish Styled Loveseat ( B )

Sold

H 30 in W 57.5 in D 32 in

Jens Risom Mid Century Danish Styled Loveseat ( B )

By Jens Risom

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A very nice sized Danish styled Mid Century loveseat upholstered in a tight woven blue contract fabric which is original to this piece . Framed in a medium dark walnut with great bac...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom Mid-Century U-150 Loveseat with New Upholstery

Sold

H 32 in W 54 in D 29 in

Jens Risom Mid-Century U-150 Loveseat with New Upholstery

By Jens Risom

Located in Sacramento, CA

Model U-150 loveseat designed by Jens Risom and produced by Jens Risom Design. An iconic piece of minimalist mid-century design by the legendary Danish-American designer, this piece...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom Mid Century Danish Styled Loveseat ( A )

Sold

H 30 in W 57.5 in D 32 in

Jens Risom Mid Century Danish Styled Loveseat ( A )

By Jens Risom

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A very nice sized Danish styled Mid Century loveseat upholstered in a tight woven blue contract fabric which is original to this piece . Framed in a medium dark walnut with great bac...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Set of Loveseats by Jens Risom, C. 1950s

Sold

H 32.5 in W 52 in D 32 in

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 Loveseats

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Jens Risom New Canval like Upholstery Loveseat Sofa by Jens Risom

Sold

H 33 in W 28 in D 57 in

Jens Risom New Canval like Upholstery Loveseat Sofa by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern Jens Rrisom sofa on oiled walnut legs.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Canvas, Walnut

Jens Risom Settee, Model U-251

Sold

H 32 in W 54 in D 32 in

Jens Risom Settee, Model U-251

By Jens Risom

Located in Westport, CT

Stunning Jens Risom for Jens Risom designs settee, model U-251, circa 1950s. Sculptural walnut bases have been completely restored. Newly upholstered in an off-white Maharam/Kvadrat coda...

Category

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

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Jens Risom for Knoll Settee

Sold

H 40 in W 48 in D 28 in

Jens Risom for Knoll Settee

By Jens Risom

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Nice scaled loveseat or settee designed by Jens Risom for Knoll in the early 1950s. This example has been reupholstered in a brown nubby fabric.

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery

Vintage Leather and Walnut Sofa by Jens Risom

Sold

H 33.5 in W 79 in D 30.5 in

Vintage Leather and Walnut Sofa by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Fabulous vintage leather sofa designed by Jens Risom for Risom Design Inc. in United States, circa 1950s. An elegant sofa recently upholstered in Italian leather. It consists of a so...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Jens Risom Danish Styled Settee Love Seat

Sold

H 32.5 in W 51 in D 30 in

Jens Risom Danish Styled Settee Love Seat

By Jens Risom

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A Danish styled settee with walnut frame exposed in the rear and angled seat back with buttons upholstered in a tight moss green contract fabric. Ma...

Category

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

Jens Risom Settee for Risom Design

Sold

H 32.75 in W 55 in D 29.5 in

Jens Risom Settee for Risom Design

By Jens Risom

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Jens Risom settee for Risom Design Inc. Solid walnut frame with exposed supports to back, slab seat and tufted backrest, reupholstered in tan leather.

Category

1950s American Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Pair of Settees or Loveseats by Jens Risom, Model # U-251

Sold

H 33 in W 53 in D 31 in

Pair of Settees or Loveseats by Jens Risom, Model # U-251

By Jens Risom

Located in Westport, CT

A phenomenal pair of settees designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, Inc. Newly upholstered in a smokey grey wool; sculptural walnut base newly refinished in natural. Priced in...

Category

1950s American Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Restored Jens Risom Settee

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 28 in

Restored Jens Risom Settee

By Jens Risom

Located in Houston, TX

Beautiful Jens Risom settee or armless love seat. Angled walnut base. New Upholstery.

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Loveseats

Jens Risom loveseats for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom loveseats are available for sale on 1stDibs.

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Questions About Jens Risom Loveseats

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.