Skip to main content

Jens Risom Settees

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.

to
1
2
1
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
3
3
2
2
1
3
3
3
3
3
207
31
26
20
18
Creator: Jens Risom
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955

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

$12,500

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 Settees

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut

Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater USA - 1950s
Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater USA - 1950s

Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater USA - 1950s

$7,519Sale Price|20% Off

Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater USA - 1950s

By Jens Risom

Located in Berlin, DE

Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater. Oak frame

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Settee
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Settee

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Settee

$4,195

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Settee

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Settee This settee measures: 52 wide x 30 deep x 32.5 inches high, with a seat height of 15.75 inches Great Vintage Condition - Minor Areas of Wear o...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Related Items
Jens Risom Playboy Chair - Model C140 - Mid Century Walnut Armchair
Jens Risom Playboy Chair - Model C140 - Mid Century Walnut Armchair

Jens Risom Playboy Chair - Model C140 - Mid Century Walnut Armchair

$940

H 32 in W 22 in D 22 in

Jens Risom Playboy Chair - Model C140 - Mid Century Walnut Armchair

By Knoll, Jens Risom

Located in Decatur, GA

Jens Risom Model C140 “Playboy” Armchair in Original Mustard Tweed Upholstery Model C140 “Playboy” armchair designed by Jens Risom circa 1960s. One of Risom’s most celebrated lounge...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

A Mid Century Modern Upholstered Settee, C. 1950.
A Mid Century Modern Upholstered Settee, C. 1950.

A Mid Century Modern Upholstered Settee, C. 1950.

$995

H 35 in W 48 in D 30.75 in

A Mid Century Modern Upholstered Settee, C. 1950.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Elegant and refined, this mid-century settee features splayed legs and sculpted wood armrests, framing a newly upholstered backs, arms and seat. The clean geometry, lightness of form...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa

Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa

$2,800

H 35 in W 64 in D 27 in

Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa

By Peter Hvidt

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique midcentury sofa features stylish curved armrests, original studded upholstery, and a unique finish. Please confirm item location (NY or ...

Category

1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Upholstery

Jens Risom, Lounge Chair, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Jens Risom, Lounge Chair, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s

Jens Risom, Lounge Chair, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s

$5,800

H 31 in W 24 in D 36 in

Jens Risom, Lounge Chair, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s

By Knoll, Jens Risom

Located in High Point, NC

A white fabric and maple lounge chair designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 24.0"W x ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Mid Century Woodard Style Patio Settee
Mid Century Woodard Style Patio Settee

Mid Century Woodard Style Patio Settee

$1,520Sale Price|20% Off

H 29.5 in W 45 in D 26 in

Mid Century Woodard Style Patio Settee

By Russell Woodard

Located in Pasadena, TX

Mid century woodard style patio settee Wrought iron curved settee with delicate floral motif.    

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Wrought Iron

Danish Two Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather
Danish Two Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather

Danish Two Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather

$3,650

H 27.76 in W 55.71 in D 30.32 in

Danish Two Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s Wonderful Danish two seat sofa. The brown leather shows a light patina and is in good condition, showin...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Leather, Wood

American Designer, Settee, Bamboo, Rattan, Iron, USA, 1950s
American Designer, Settee, Bamboo, Rattan, Iron, USA, 1950s

American Designer, Settee, Bamboo, Rattan, Iron, USA, 1950s

$3,800

H 28.75 in W 41.25 in D 28 in

American Designer, Settee, Bamboo, Rattan, Iron, USA, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A bamboo, rattan and black-lacquered iron settee or bench designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.75"H x 41.25"...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Iron

Walnut framed two-seater settee
Walnut framed two-seater settee

Walnut framed two-seater settee

$2,149Sale Price|20% Off

H 40 in W 56 in D 28 in

Walnut framed two-seater settee

Located in Cheshire, GB

Walnut framed two-seater settee, the finely carved shaped frame above upholstered back and seat enclosed by out swept scrolling arms. All raised up on slender cabriole supports termi...

Category

Early 20th Century British Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Walnut

Georgian Walnut Settee
Georgian Walnut Settee

Georgian Walnut Settee

$11,500

H 39 in W 64 in D 27.5 in

Georgian Walnut Settee

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine early George III walnut settee of very graphic form, the square back over deep seat having gentle scrolled arms, the square legs with original brass castors and having dramatic ...

Category

1760s English George III Antique Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Pair Jens Risom Model U-430 Lounge Chairs Walnut Upholstery Mid Century Modern
Pair Jens Risom Model U-430 Lounge Chairs Walnut Upholstery Mid Century Modern

Pair Jens Risom Model U-430 Lounge Chairs Walnut Upholstery Mid Century Modern

$3,695

H 29 in W 26 in D 26 in

Pair Jens Risom Model U-430 Lounge Chairs Walnut Upholstery Mid Century Modern

By Jens Risom, Gaylord Brothers

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed early in his career by Jens Risom, this pair of chairs was produced by Gaylord Brothers. These designs were comissioned mainly for use in libraries, but some survived and ma...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Classic Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa
Classic Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa

Classic Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa

$3,150

H 27.96 in W 56.7 in D 27.17 in

Classic Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa

Located in Dronten, NL

Classic compact Danish 1940s sofa in original dark grey/brown upholstery. One-off piece made in the high end old school way with straps and horsehair interior that is made to last fo...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Handsome Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
Handsome Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern

Handsome Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern

$2,760Sale Price|20% Off

H 39 in W 27.5 in D 29 in

Handsome Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern

By Jens Risom

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Designed by Danish-born Jens Risom, this vintage chair is beautiful perfection. The comfortably contoured faux leather seat floats in an exquisite, oiled walnut frame. The original ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Previously Available Items
Early Jens Risom for Knoll Model 23 Armless Sofa in Italian Espresso Velvet
Early Jens Risom for Knoll Model 23 Armless Sofa in Italian Espresso Velvet

Early Jens Risom for Knoll Model 23 Armless Sofa in Italian Espresso Velvet

Sold

H 31 in W 73 in D 32 in

Early Jens Risom for Knoll Model 23 Armless Sofa in Italian Espresso Velvet

By Knoll, Jens Risom

Located in Stamford, CT

With great reason, the name Jens Risom is synonymous with the Mid-Century Modern design movement, his original body of work is not only still with us today but much of it is still in...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Maple

Jens Risom Oak Settee
Jens Risom Oak Settee

Jens Risom Oak Settee

Sold

H 28.25 in W 27.5 in D 54.5 in

Jens Risom Oak Settee

By Marble Imperial, Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

for Marble Furniture c. 1960s, signed. There are flaws on the oak frame consistent with heavy use and the piece’s age, but overall they lend to a great vintage patina. The wear inclu...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Oak

Jens Risom Armless Sofa
Jens Risom Armless Sofa

Jens Risom Armless Sofa

Sold

H 30.5 in W 73 in D 27 in

Jens Risom Armless Sofa

By Jens Risom

Located in Dallas, TX

An early Jens Risom armless sofa with maple frame. Older restoration in Knoll boucle.

Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Maple

Jens Risom Armless Settee in Walnut Cradle Frames with Linen Upholstery
Jens Risom Armless Settee in Walnut Cradle Frames with Linen Upholstery

Jens Risom Armless Settee in Walnut Cradle Frames with Linen Upholstery

Sold

H 32.5 in W 52 in D 32 in

Jens Risom Armless Settee in Walnut Cradle Frames with Linen Upholstery

By Jens Risom

Located in Dallas, TX

Georgeous Jens Risom slipper settee with a solid walnut frame. Very comfortable and restored to the highest possible standard. Matching lounge chair...

Category

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

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Rare Vintage Signed Jens Risom Settee in Walnut & Wool, 1950s
Rare Vintage Signed Jens Risom Settee in Walnut & Wool, 1950s

Rare Vintage Signed Jens Risom Settee in Walnut & Wool, 1950s

Sold

H 27.5 in W 53.5 in D 32 in

Rare Vintage Signed Jens Risom Settee in Walnut & Wool, 1950s

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A rare and early two seater sofa or settee by Jens Risom for Risom Manufacturing Corp. in walnut & original nubby wool upholstery with hand-stitching. Completely original vintage con...

Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Other

Jens Risom Walnut Cradled Settee
Jens Risom Walnut Cradled Settee

Jens Risom Walnut Cradled Settee

Sold

H 32.5 in W 55 in D 32 in

Jens Risom Walnut Cradled Settee

By Jens Risom

Located in Dallas, TX

Small sofa designed by Jens Risom from the 1960s fully restored. New perennials upholstery, new foam, frame trued and refinished. An exceptional looking design created with ergonomic...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Settee, Model U-251
Jens Risom Settee, Model U-251

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 Settees

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Jens Risom Settee or Loveseat
Jens Risom Settee or Loveseat

Jens Risom Settee or Loveseat

Sold

H 32 in W 53 in D 30 in

Jens Risom Settee or Loveseat

By Jens Risom

Located in Astoria, NY

An original Mid-Century Modern Jen Risom "floating" settee or loveseat on a walnut base.  

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom Danish Styled Settee Love Seat
Jens Risom Danish Styled Settee Love Seat

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 Settees

Scandinavian Modern Sofa by Jens Risom
Scandinavian Modern Sofa by Jens Risom

Scandinavian Modern Sofa by Jens Risom

Sold

H 29 in W 63 in D 31 in

Scandinavian Modern Sofa by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Pound Ridge, NY

Original Jens Risom, Mid-Century sofa, newly upholstered in designer deep gray linen fabric.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Early Jens Risom for Knoll Maple and Wool Settee, 1940s
Early Jens Risom for Knoll Maple and Wool Settee, 1940s

Early Jens Risom for Knoll Maple and Wool Settee, 1940s

Sold

H 27 in W 68 in D 32 in

Early Jens Risom for Knoll Maple and Wool Settee, 1940s

By Jens Risom, Knoll

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Rare and early settee by Jens Risom for Knoll in original vintage condition. This sculptural settee was likely conceived for the historic "600 Series", a groundbreaking and influenti...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Maple, Plywood, Wool

Early Jens Risom Settee
Early Jens Risom Settee

Early Jens Risom Settee

Sold

H 32.75 in W 60 in D 30 in

Early Jens Risom Settee

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This early two-seat settee mounted on sculptural walnut legs was designed by Jens Risom for his eponymous furniture manufacturing firm, Jens Risom Design Inc. The piece is newly upho...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Settees

Materials

Silk, Walnut

Jens Risom settees for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom settees 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 settees, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original settees by Jens Risom were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider settees by Adrian Pearsall, Russell Woodard, and Herman Miller. Prices for Jens Risom settees can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,800 and can go as high as $13,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.

Creators Similar to Jens Risom

Knoll
Shop All Divani Knoll
Herman Miller
Shop All Divanetti Herman Miller
Dunbar
Shop All Divani Dunbar
Edward Wormley
Shop All Divani Edward Wormley
Questions About Jens Risom Settees
  • 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

Jens Risom Lounge Chairs
Jens Risom Armchairs
Jens Risom Chairs
Jens Risom Dining Room Chairs
Jens Risom Sofas
Jens Risom Side Chairs
Jens Risom Benches
Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs
Jens Risom Slipper Chairs
Jens Risom Stools
Jens Risom Loveseats
Jens Risom Footstools
View All Popular Settees Searches