Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk 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

Jens Risom Desk Chair

$5,200

Jens Risom Desk Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Jens Risom desk chair, solid oak base reupholstered with yellow Spinneybeck lesther, Adjustable seat, tilts and swivels Measures: H: 31.5" - ...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

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 Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

pair of chairs by J. RISOM

$1,800 / set

pair of chairs by J. RISOM

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

located in france

Category

20th Century Danish Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Birch

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 Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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 Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair

$2,395

H 31.75 in W 23.25 in D 24 in

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 23.25 wide x 24 deep x 31.75 high, with a seat height of 19 an...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom Upholstered Lounge Chair

$3,800

H 31.5 in W 29.5 in D 32 in

Jens Risom Upholstered Lounge Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A comfortable and stylish Jens Risom upholstered armchair, circa 1950s. Rare design with original early label still intact.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Jens Risom Lounge Chair U-430 for Risom Inc., USA, 1950s

$3,599Sale Price|20% Off

H 29.53 in W 26.78 in D 28.35 in

Jens Risom Lounge Chair U-430 for Risom Inc., USA, 1950s

By Jens Risom

Located in Berlin, DE

Jens Risom lounge chair U-430 for Risom Inc., USA 1950s Upholstered in new Kvadrat Fabric.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Pr. High Style Chairs Manufactured by Marble Imperial Design Att to Risom

$895 / set

H 31.5 in W 24 in D 20 in

Pr. High Style Chairs Manufactured by Marble Imperial Design Att to Risom

By Marble Imperial, Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Chic and sophisticated pair of office, dining, occasional chairs made by Marble Imperial Furniture, design attributed to Jens Risom. The chairs have brushed steel frames, and orange ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Sofa by Jens Risom for Risom Manufacturing

$16,000

H 28 in W 90 in D 30 in

Sofa by Jens Risom for Risom Manufacturing

By Jens Risom

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A three (3) seat sofa on a teak frame base retaining the original yellow upholstery.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

Jens Risom C-120 Armchair

$1,800

H 32.25 in W 22.75 in D 25 in

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 Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Solid Walnut Newly Upholstered Set of Four Gunlocke Chairs Risom Style

$6,400 / set

H 30 in W 24 in D 24 in

Solid Walnut Newly Upholstered Set of Four Gunlocke Chairs Risom Style

By Jens Risom, Gunlocke

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Very nice set of four Mid-Century Modern newly upholstered solid walnut gunlock chairs in Risom style.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

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 Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Previously Available Items

Jens Risom Leather Swivel Chair for B.L Marble, 1960's

Sold

H 31.5 in W 24 in D 22 in

Jens Risom Leather Swivel Chair for B.L Marble, 1960's

By B.L. Marble Chair Co., Jens Risom

Located in Round Rock, TX

A wonderful vintage button tufted leather chair designed by Jens Risom and manufactured by B.L. Marble. Featuring black leather upholstery that has developed a wonderful patina ov...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Rolling Office Desk Chair

Sold

H 33 in W 22.75 in D 22 in

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Rolling Office Desk Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom mid century walnut rolling office desk chair. Chair measures: 22.75 wide x 22 deep x 33 high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches a...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Rare Set of 8 Jens Risom Upholstered and Walnut Dining Chairs Model #205

Sold

H 32 in W 21 in

Rare Set of 8 Jens Risom Upholstered and Walnut Dining Chairs Model #205

By Jens Risom

Located in Hudson, NY

Set of 8 Jens Risom dining chairs. 6 side chairs model #205 side chairs, along with 2 armchairs of same line. This is a really great unique style in that the height and construction...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Rare Jens Risom Leather Executive Chair for Jens Risom Design Inc.

Sold

H 39.5 in W 28.5 in D 28 in

Rare Jens Risom Leather Executive Chair for Jens Risom Design Inc.

By Jens Risom

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This an extremely rare Jens Risom high back executive armchair for Jens Risom design Inc. It features incredibly smooth black leather upholstery with a beautiful shiny patina and a m...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Jens Risom Cane Back "Playboy" Side Desk Chair

Sold

H 32.5 in W 20 in D 22 in

Jens Risom Cane Back "Playboy" Side Desk Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, walnut "Playboy" side chair by Jens Risom is a great desk chair with newly upholstered wool blend seat and newly caned back.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Walnut

Jens Risom "Posture" High-Back Executive Chair

Sold

H 41 in W 29.5 in D 28 in

Jens Risom "Posture" High-Back Executive Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Jens Risom "Posture" high-back executive chair, reupholstered with spinney beck leather. Oiled walnut arm caps with Aluminum base on casters with blackened details. Adjustable height...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Six Jens Risom "Playboy" Walnut & Cane Dining Armchairs

Sold

H 32 in W 22.5 in D 23 in

Set of Six Jens Risom "Playboy" Walnut & Cane Dining Armchairs

By Jens Risom

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Excellent set of 6 Jens Risom "Playboy" dining armchairs, 1960s. Professionally restored, refinished frames. New back caning. New fabric. These chairs have beautiful walnut graining....

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Walnut

Excellent Swivel & Tilt Executive Desk Chair by Jens Risom

Sold

H 32.5 in W 21.75 in D 24 in

Excellent Swivel & Tilt Executive Desk Chair by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Nice original Jens Risom executive office chair. Walnut has its original finish. Nice detail with the aluminum footrests on the legs and the arm cut-outs by the seat back. Minor wear...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Classic Occasional Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom

Sold

H 31 in W 23 in D 24.5 in

Pair of Classic Occasional Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom, Ib Kofod-Larsen

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Beautiful pair of occasional or lounge chairs in walnut and black vinyl designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Designs. These chairs are in original condition and the walnut has wonde...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Naugahyde, Walnut

Jens Risom Walnut Base Lounge Chair as Found Original Girard Fabric

Sold

H 28.5 in W 26.5 in D 24.5 in

Jens Risom Walnut Base Lounge Chair as Found Original Girard Fabric

By Jens Risom

Located in Ferndale, MI

Attractive chair at any angle. One of Risoms best besides being comfortable . Jens Risom for Jens Risom solid chair on walnut frame ready to be upholstered . I have had this chair fo...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Jens Risom Office Chair with Swivel

Sold

H 33.75 in W 26 in D 24 in

Jens Risom Office Chair with Swivel

By Jens Risom

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

Wonderful Jens Risom office chair with swivel on rare four point base. Reupholstered in a vintage old stock fabric.

Category

1960s American Meiji Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Wood

Jens Risom Office Chair for Jens Risom Design Inc.

Sold

H 39.5 in W 28.5 in D 28 in

Jens Risom Office Chair for Jens Risom Design Inc.

By Jens Risom

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

Designer: Jens Risom. Manufacturer: Jens Risom Design Inc. Period or model: Mid-Century Modern. Specs: Metal, leather. Condition: This Jens Risom office chair...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Jens Risom office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom office chairs and desk 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 office chairs and desk chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider office chairs and desk chairs by Kill International, Brickel Associates, and Edward Wormley. Prices for Jens Risom office chairs and desk chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,200 and can go as high as $5,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,200.

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Questions About Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk 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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Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

20th Century Danish Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1950s American Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1960s American Meiji Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Jens Risom office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Creators Similar to Jens Risom

Questions About Jens Risom Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Who is Jens Risom?

Was Jens Risom Danish?

Who sells Jens Risom rockers?

More Jens Risom Furniture