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Jens Risom Slipper 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.

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Creator: Jens Risom
Set of Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom in Teddy Wool , C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A stunning pair of sculptural slipper chairs by Danish-American designer Jens Risom, circa 1950s, fully restored by Stamford Modern. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom, Knoll
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.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Pair of Jens Risom Scoop Chairs for Hans Knoll
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Jens Risom scoop chairs for Hans Knoll A pair of very early Knoll post war design scoop chairs by Jens Risom. Each has been completely restored in a luxurious Sandra Jordan ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Alpaca

Vintage Classic Armless Chairs by Jens Risom, 1950's
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic slipper or armless chairs by Jens Risom-original, vintage 1950's production. Walnut frames have a beautiful patina, newly reupholstered in Brunschwig & Fils linen, ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Rare Vintage Upholstered Jens Risom Vostra Easy Chair for Knoll Associates, NYC
By Jens Risom
Located in Morristown, NJ
A 1940s Jens Risom for Knoll Associates Inc. Vostra Easy chair upholstered in a cream, golden and blue damask fabric. Unconventional and memorable, it was the epitome of a new depart...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Steel

Jens Risom Pair of 'Vostra' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Canvas Webbing
By Walter Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, pair of 'Vostra' chairs with ottoman, beech, canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s An elegant lounge chair with ottoman featuring ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Brass

Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Slipper Chairs - Pair
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Slipper Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 24 wide x 29.5 deep x 30.75 high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 15.5 inches All pieces of furnit...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Slipper Chair
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Slipper Chair This chair measures: 24 wide x 29.5 deep x 30.75 high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 15.5 inches We take our photos in a cont...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Jens Risom C-220 Lounge Chairs Circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of model C-220 slipper lounge chairs by Jens Risom, Circa 1950s.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom 'Vostra' Lounge Chair in Canvas Webbing
By Walter Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, 'Vostra' chair, beech, canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s An elegant lounge chair featuring exquisite canvas webbing, this piec...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of New Navy Blue Wool Upholstery Lounge Slipper Chairs
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Classic Jens Risom lounge chairs in navy blue wool upholstery. Gorgeous oiled walnut frames.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Jens Risom 'Vostra' Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Canvas Webbing
By Walter Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, 'Vostra' chair with ottoman, beech, canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s An elegant lounge chair with ottoman featuring exquisite...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Brass

Related Items
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 Slipper Chairs

Materials

Maple

Jens Risom Armless Sofa
Jens Risom Armless Sofa
$5,800
H 30.5 in W 73 in D 27 in
Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll International
By Jens Risom
Located in Munich, DE
Jens Risom lounge chair for Knoll International. Webbing redone. model no. 652. LOCATED IN HAMBURG
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wood

Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll International
Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll International
$950 Sale Price
26% Off
H 26.38 in W 24.41 in D 28.75 in
Lounge Chair by Florence Knoll for Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A lounge chair formed by an armless button-tufted upholstered seat resting on a matte steel, rectilinear architectural frame.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Steel

Lounge Chair by Florence Knoll for Knoll
Lounge Chair by Florence Knoll for Knoll
$3,800
H 24 in W 30 in D 30 in
Model 250 Armless Sofa by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Immaculate Jens Risom Model-250 High back Armless Slipper Sofa. This sofa is STUNNING, the armless, slightly reclined silhouette and gorgeous walnut frames gives it a very simple, y...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Model 250 Armless Sofa by Jens Risom
Model 250 Armless Sofa by Jens Risom
$6,500
H 32.5 in W 78 in D 31 in
Walnut Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A stunning pair of walnut lounge chairs by Danish-American designer Jens Risom, circa 1950s. Expertly restored by Stamford Modern, the solid walnut frames feature a rich natural fini...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Walnut Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom, C. 1950s
Walnut Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom, C. 1950s
$9,600 / set
H 30 in W 26.5 in D 30 in
Pair of Jens Risom Lounge Chairs in brown webbing for Knoll 1950s
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Jens Risom lounge chairs in brown webbing for Knoll. The seat is removable and adjustable from lounge to occasional chairs.
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Jens Risom Lounge Chairs in brown webbing for Knoll 1950s
Pair of Jens Risom Lounge Chairs in brown webbing for Knoll 1950s
$6,525 / set
H 29.53 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Maurizio Tempestini, Slipper Chairs, Iron, Rattan, Italy, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rattan and black-lacquered iron slipper lounge chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, Italy, 1950s. Stamped "Made in Italy". Seat height: 12.65”
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Iron

Maurizio Tempestini, Slipper Chairs, Iron, Rattan, Italy, 1950s
Maurizio Tempestini, Slipper Chairs, Iron, Rattan, Italy, 1950s
$17,900 / set
H 26.75 in W 21.35 in D 29.5 in
American Designer, Slipper Chair, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and beige fabric slipper lounge chair designed and produced in the US, 1950s. Seat height 16”.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Jens Risom Vostra Easy Lounge Chair for Knoll
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Jens Risom Vostra Easy Lounge Chair for Knoll. Original condition.
Category

1980s American Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wood

Jens Risom Vostra Easy Lounge Chair for Knoll
Jens Risom Vostra Easy Lounge Chair for Knoll
$1,000
H 30.75 in W 20 in D 26 in
Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll Associates
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This is a beautiful upholstered armchair designed by Jens Risom for HG Knoll & Associates in the 1940s. It is one of the early, iconic chairs that ushered in a period of incredible mid-century modern design. The solid Birch frame cradles a foam cushioned seat that was recently reupholstered in Knoll Maharam fabrics. The fabric is timeless and high-quality, and it suits the lighter birch wood color perfectly. This is more than just a collectible MCM chair...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Birch

Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll Associates
Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll Associates
$1,650
H 30 in W 24 in D 27 in
Early Jens Risom Side Chair for Knoll
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed for Knoll by Jens Risom in 1943. Basket-woven parachute straps.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Birch, Canvas

Early Jens Risom Side Chair for Knoll
Early Jens Risom Side Chair for Knoll
$1,200
H 30.5 in W 17.5 in D 19 in
American Designer, Slipper Chairs, Oak, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained oak and beige fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Seat height 17”
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Previously Available Items
Mid Century Risom for Knoll Vostra Slipper Chair c 1940/50's
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century armless slipper chair, known as the Vostra chair, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll circa 1940/50's. This example is structurally soun...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Rare Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom for Risom, Inc. C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Experience the epitome of mid-century modern elegance with our fully restored walnut slipper chairs from the 1950s, a timeless creation by Jens Risom for Risom, Inc. Meticulously ref...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Classic Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom in Bouclé, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
An impeccably restored pair of mid-century modern chairs, a timeless testament to design excellence. Originally conceived by the iconic Jens Risom in the 1950s, these chairs have bee...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Pair of Jens Risom Slipper Chairs, 1950's
By Jens Risom
Located in Round Rock, TX
Offered is a wonderful pair of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom. Featuring sleek, solid walnut frames that appear to cradle the newly upholstered seats. We would call the fabr...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Jens Risom Slipper Chairs, 1950's
Pair of Jens Risom Slipper Chairs, 1950's
H 33.25 in W 26.5 in D 31 in
Jens Risom Lounge Chairs, a Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in Raleigh, NC
Sleek lounge chairs from Jens Risom newly upholstered in a luxurious boucle atop walnut frames. A classic mid century modern look to this pair.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Lounge Chairs, a Pair
Jens Risom Lounge Chairs, a Pair
H 31 in W 24 in D 32 in
Pair of Bouclé Slipper Chairs Designed by Jens Risom for H.G. Knoll Associates
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jens Risom for H.G. Knoll Associates armless slipper chairs composed of upholstered seats supported by walnut bases (first appearing in the 1942 Knoll catalog). There is a slight d...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Slipper Lounge Chair by Jens Risom for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic strapped slipper lounge chair designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll. The chair features blonde wood framing with dark gray straps. Very clean and ready to use.
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Jens Risom Lounge Chair Model U416, Midcentury Low Slipper in Walnut + Boucle
By Jens Risom, Florence Knoll
Located in Decatur, GA
Early Jens Risom low lounge chair in solid American black walnut and a creamy white boucle. Oversized and stout with clean modern lines, a generously deep seat and a curved back. Sub...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Classic Slipper Chairs by Jens Risom in Mohair, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A set of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s. Fully restored down to its frame, fitted with hand-cut high-density foam and spring system. Newly upholstered in charc...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Vintage Classic Armless Chairs by Jens Risom, 1950's
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic slipper or armless chairs by Jens Risom-original, vintage 1950's production. Walnut frames have a beautiful patina, newly reupholstered in beige velvet. These chair...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

One of a Kind Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chair in Hermès Wool, One Available
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Jens Risom. His pieces are timeless and effortlessly simple in design, a perfect coupling of Danish style and American efficiency. This chair seems elegant and small as a slipper but...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

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 Slipper Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Jens Risom slipper chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom slipper 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 slipper chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original slipper chairs by Jens Risom were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider slipper chairs by Knoll, Harvey Probber, and Baker Furniture Company. Prices for Jens Risom slipper chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,760 and can go as high as $9,750, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,650.
Questions About Jens Risom Slipper Chairs
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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