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Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

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 Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench

$9,800

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a walnut stretcher base supporting a rectangular seat cushion upholstered in light gray woven fabric with button tufted detail. (JENS RISOM).  

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Jens Risom Danish Off-White Shou Patterned Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench
Jens Risom Danish Off-White Shou Patterned Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench

Jens Risom Danish Off-White Shou Patterned Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench

$7,500

Jens Risom Danish Off-White Shou Patterned Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century rectangular floating bench with an off-white Shou-patterned fabric upholstered seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Black Tufted Vinyl and Wood Floating Bench
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Black Tufted Vinyl and Wood Floating Bench

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Black Tufted Vinyl and Wood Floating Bench

$9,800

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Black Tufted Vinyl and Wood Floating Bench

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a black vinyl button tufted seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Jens Risom Ottoman in Light Blue Mohair, circa 1960s
Jens Risom Ottoman in Light Blue Mohair, circa 1960s

Jens Risom Ottoman in Light Blue Mohair, circa 1960s

$5,800

Jens Risom Ottoman in Light Blue Mohair, circa 1960s

By Jens Risom

Located in Westport, CT

Exquisite round walnut ottoman designed by the legendary Danish-American furniture designer, Jens Risom, circa 1960s. This remarkable piece has been meticulously restored to its orig...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Jens Risom Danish Army Green Fabric Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench
Jens Risom Danish Army Green Fabric Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench

Jens Risom Danish Army Green Fabric Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench

$7,500

Jens Risom Danish Army Green Fabric Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century rectangular floating bench with a green fabric upholstered seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Rose Pink Upholstery and Walnut Floating Bench
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Rose Pink Upholstery and Walnut Floating Bench

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Rose Pink Upholstery and Walnut Floating Bench

$7,500

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Rose Pink Upholstery and Walnut Floating Bench

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a textured rose pink upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame. (JENS RISOM).  

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Fabric

Jens Risom Multi-Colored Geometric Pattern Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench
Jens Risom Multi-Colored Geometric Pattern Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench

Jens Risom Multi-Colored Geometric Pattern Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench

$7,500

Jens Risom Multi-Colored Geometric Pattern Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century rectangular floating bench with a geometrically patterned blue, green, and orange fabric upholstered seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Blue and Green Southwestern Pattern Upholstery
Jens Risom Danish Blue and Green Southwestern Pattern Upholstery

Jens Risom Danish Blue and Green Southwestern Pattern Upholstery

$7,500

Jens Risom Danish Blue and Green Southwestern Pattern Upholstery

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century rectangular floating bench with a banded Southwestern blue and green patterned fabric upholstered seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

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H 16 in W 48 in D 18.5 in

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Vintage 1960s Danish Rosewood & Mohair Velvet Ottomans
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Previously Available Items
Jens Risom Danish Gray Velvet Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench
Jens Risom Danish Gray Velvet Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench

Jens Risom Danish Gray Velvet Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench

Sold

H 17 in W 49 in D 18 in

Jens Risom Danish Gray Velvet Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a walnut stretcher base supporting a rectangular seat cushion upholstered in gray velvet with button tufted detail. (JENS RISOM).  

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut

Jens Risom Walnut & Leather Floating Ottomans
Jens Risom Walnut & Leather Floating Ottomans

Jens Risom Walnut & Leather Floating Ottomans

Sold

H 17 in W 19 in D 15.25 in

Jens Risom Walnut & Leather Floating Ottomans

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Located in Phoenix, AZ

Pair of floating ottomans by Jens Risom circa late 1950's. These examples have been newly upholstered in a supple leather. Frames are solid walnut. Pr...

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1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

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Jens Risom Walnut & Leather Floating Ottomans
Jens Risom Walnut & Leather Floating Ottomans

Jens Risom Walnut & Leather Floating Ottomans

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H 17 in W 19 in D 15.25 in

Jens Risom Walnut & Leather Floating Ottomans

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Located in Phoenix, AZ

Pair of floating ottomans by Jens Risom circa late 1950's. Solid walnut legs have been newly finished and the seats have been newly reupolstered in tu...

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1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

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Jens Risom Walnut Bench
Jens Risom Walnut Bench

Jens Risom Walnut Bench

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H 16 in W 48 in D 18 in

Jens Risom Walnut Bench

By Jens Risom

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Walnut bench by Jens Risom for Risom Design, USA, circa 1950s.This example has been re-upholstered in gray Belgian bouclé with contrasting tufted leather buttons. The solid walnut ba...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

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Jens Risom Easy Chair and Ottoman Model U333 and U790, 1959
Jens Risom Easy Chair and Ottoman Model U333 and U790, 1959

Jens Risom Easy Chair and Ottoman Model U333 and U790, 1959

Sold

H 33.5 in W 33.75 in D 37 in

Jens Risom Easy Chair and Ottoman Model U333 and U790, 1959

By Jens Risom

Located in Hamburg, PA

A Jens Risom lounge chair (Model Number U 333 Easy Chair) and matching ottoman (Model Number U 790). This chair and ottoman set are very comfortable. They are structurally sound with...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom Lounge A-Chair and Matching Ottoman Model 6540
Jens Risom Lounge A-Chair and Matching Ottoman Model 6540

Jens Risom Lounge A-Chair and Matching Ottoman Model 6540

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H 34 in W 31 in D 31.5 in

Jens Risom Lounge A-Chair and Matching Ottoman Model 6540

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Jens Risom lounge A-Chair with a rare matching ottoman. Sculptural solid walnut frame and newly upholstered. Mid Century Modern. Originally designed by Jens Risom in 1961 the A-Chai...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Stools in Zebra Hide, Set of Four
Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Stools in Zebra Hide, Set of Four

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Stools in Zebra Hide, Set of Four

Sold

H 20 in W 23 in D 23 in

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Stools in Zebra Hide, Set of Four

By Jens Risom, Ralph Pucci

Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO

This set of walnut stools was designed in 2007 by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. They were originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Canaan,...

Category

Early 2000s Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Zebra Hide

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair
Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

Sold

H 20 in W 23 in D 23 in

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

By Jens Risom, Ralph Pucci

Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO

This set of walnut stools was designed in 2007 by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. They were originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Can...

Category

Early 2000s Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

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Zebra Hide

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair
Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

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H 20 in W 23 in D 23 in

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

By Jens Risom, Ralph Pucci

Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO

This set of walnut stools was designed in 2007 by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. They were originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Can...

Category

Early 2000s Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

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Zebra Hide

Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs and Ottoman, circa 1960s
Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs and Ottoman, circa 1960s

Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs and Ottoman, circa 1960s

Sold

H 29.13 in W 24.13 in D 28.13 in

Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs and Ottoman, circa 1960s

By Jens Risom

Located in Shippensburg, PA

Pair of Jens Risom walnut U4230 armchairs with ottoman Retaining original labels under cushion, circa 1960s This gorgeous pair of model U4230 armchairs and matched ottoman were d...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Rare Ottoman
Jens Risom Rare Ottoman

Jens Risom Rare Ottoman

Sold

H 16 in Dm 34.5 in

Jens Risom Rare Ottoman

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Triangular constructed walnut base. Circular upholstered mohair ottoman.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

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Set of Jens Risom Curved Top Stools
Set of Jens Risom Curved Top Stools

Set of Jens Risom Curved Top Stools

Sold

H 17.5 in W 19.5 in D 15.5 in

Set of Jens Risom Curved Top Stools

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Risom for Risom Inc. Set of three button top ottomans with walnut frames in natural oil finish.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Jens Risom ottomans and poufs for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom ottomans and poufs 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 ottomans and poufs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original ottomans and poufs by Jens Risom were created in the mid-century modern style in scandinavia during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider ottomans and poufs by and Fredericia. Prices for Jens Risom ottomans and poufs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,600 and can go as high as $18,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,500.
Questions About Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs
  • 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.

More Jens Risom Furniture

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