Jens Risom Sofas
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
3
20
2
22
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
21
1
19
2
1
22
18
3
2
4
5
3
20
19
14
11
2
18
18
2
2
2
22
22
22
236
435
302
170
156
Creator: Jens Risom
Jens Risom Floating Sofa, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Raleigh, NC
Danish modern design at its finest. New leather to this floating sofa by Jens Risom. Dating to the 1960s with beautiful sculpted lines and walnut base....
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Leather, Walnut
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 Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Jens Risom Floating Three-Seat Armless Walnut Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa, Model #U250, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Design in the 1950s. Composed of a sculptural walnut base on which the tufted, high-back seat is mounted. Sharp, modern...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Wool, Walnut
20th Century American Two Seater Sofa - Walnut Settee by Jens Risom Design
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 Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
Jens Risom Tufted Back Sofa in Off White. Expertly Restored
By Jens Risom
Located in Kansas City, MO
This Jens Risom high back tufted back sofa has ben expertly restored and reupholstered in an off white fabric. Like new and ready to ship.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Early Jens Risom Knoll Associates Armless Settee
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic early Knoll Associates sofa designed by Jens Risom in the early 1940s. Solid birch base with sleek angled and tapering legs support a comfortable cantilevered seat with origi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Model 37 Loveseat Sofa For Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This early Jens Risom model 37 loveseat sofa for Knoll is a classic example of Mid-Century Modern design. The fully upholstered sofa features a high back with rounded edges and reces...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
Classic Jens Risom Three Seat Sofa Ca' 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic three seat sofa by Jens Risom, ca' 1960's. Sculpted and recessed walnut base, model #2516. Freshly reupholstered and ready to be enjoyed for many years. The cushions are re...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Long Mid-Century Sofa by Jens Risom Manufacturing
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This large-scale sofa measures over 9 feet long and makes a unique and stylish seating addition to any interior. Comfortable and stunning in it's size and simplicity, the design by J...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
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 Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Jens Risom Sofa for Marble c. 1960s
By Jens Risom, B.L. Marble Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
This sofa has been fully refinished, features new foam, and has been reupholstered in Maharam “Hearth” fabric - it feature a solid, white oak frame that has been steam-bent. While it...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Oak, Fabric
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 Sofas
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Jens Risom Floating Sofa, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Raleigh, NC
Danish modern design at its finest. New leather to this floating sofa by Jens Risom. Dating to the 1960s with beautiful sculpted lines and walnut base....
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Jens Risom Model 2516 Sculptural Sofa Gray Velvet and walnut base
By Jens Risom
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Uncommon Jens Risom Model 2516 sofa with a curvaceous back and sculptural walnut base. The sides of the base with subtle bow tie shape, cutouts in the front of the frame lend to the...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Three-Seat Jens Risom Sofa for Risom Design Inc multicolored fabric with stripes
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
This Jens Risom sofa for Risom Design Inc. is in good condition. The solid walnut frame has been oiled and is in vintage condition with normal wear with age (slight imperfections). T...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
New Upholstered Orange Jens Risom Sofa Set with Missoni Fabric
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent set by Jens Risom in fully restored condition. The fabric is an orange yellow Missoni fabric with new foam and restored walnut frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Walnut Sofa Model U-150 by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage walnut sofa designed by the iconic designer Jens Risom in the United States, circa 1950s. Transform your living space with this exquisitely ref...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Walnut, Leather
Jens Risom NEW Beige Linen Upholstery Oiled Walnut Frame c1960s Sofa Couch MINT!
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Jens Risom NEW Beige Linen Upholstery Oiled Walnut Frame c1950s U-150 Sofa Couch MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Walnut, Linen
C. 1941 Jens Risom for Knoll Associates Three-Seater Sofa/Settee w/ New Webbing
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a three-seater settee, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates in 1941. The piece has a frame constructed of pine (or possibly birch), and has newly re-done webbed straps...
Category
1940s American Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Copper
Jens Risom Floating Three-Seat Armless Walnut Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa, Model #U250, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Design in the 1950s. Composed of a sculptural walnut base on which the tufted, high-back seat is mounted. Sharp, modern...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Wool, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Sled Leg Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Sled Leg Sofa
This sofa measures: 85 wide x 32 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height of 21 inches...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Faintly Striped Red Upholstered Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century sofa with angled arms, curved back, and faintly striped red and orange upholstery with button tufted detail, resting on a walnut base with four tapered square legs...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Jens Risom Mid Century Model 2516 Walnut Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Model 2516 Walnut Sofa
This sofa measures: 91 wide x 34 deep x 27.75 inches high, with a seat height of 21.25 and arm height of 17 inches
All pieces of furni...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 3 Seat Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom mid century walnut 3 seat sofa
This sofa measures: 64 wide x 23 deep x 32 inches high, with a seat height of 18 inches
Ready for new upholstery. This service is avai...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
1949 Jens Risom No. 23 Sofa with New Upholstery Signed H.G. Knoll Products
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare and early Jens Risom Sofa, model number 23, produced by Knoll and labelled H.G. Knoll Products. This particular examples dates to circa 1949....
Category
1940s American Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Related Items
Florence Knoll 2-Seater Sofa, Classic Mid Century Modern, Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Florence Knoll 2 seater 'lounge series' sofa with original 2nd generation upholstery in a coarse woven off-white mottled wool fabric.
This sofa d...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Chrome
1960s Three-Seat Leather Sofa, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition
- the leather has signs of use
- seat height 41 cm
- made of leather and wood
- wooden parts show signs of use.
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
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 Sofas
Materials
Maple
Swedish Biedermeier Sofa Empire Couch Honey Color, 4-5 Seat, 19th/20th Century A
By Biedermeier
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier 4-5 seat sofa couch in classic light honey color French polish finish with curved arm detailing and ormolu style decorative ends and central motifs in the highest...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Biedermeier Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Birch
H 37.41 in W 90.56 in D 29.93 in
English Style Chesterfield Off-White Tufted Leather Sofa
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite Chesterfield sofa upholstered in a luxurious off-white leather that exudes sophistication. The hallmark deep button-tufting, meticulously handcrafted, graces both the ba...
Category
20th Century Chesterfield Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Leather
Victorian Carved Walnut Settee, 19th Century
Located in Southall, GB
Victorian carved walnut settee
A mid-19th century Victorian carved walnut settee.
The settee has a domed back with a highly decorative carve...
Category
19th Century English Antique Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Walnut
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 Sofas
Materials
Birch
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 Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Settee or Sofa
Located in Milford, NH
A 19th century Biedermeier birch settee or sofa, ebonized detail, freshly appointed in Belgian linen, raised on four sea serpent or dolphin foliate carved feet.
Category
19th Century Antique Jens Risom Sofas
Early Florence Knoll Armless Sofa and Chair Set
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sets one and only home was a Richard Nuetra estate in the Hollywood Hills. Price is for both items
All items are viewable at our Los Angeles Arts District showroom and warehou...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Modern Danish Walnut Sofa, Love Seat or Settee by Kofod Larsen Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed and crafted sofa by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig circa 1960's. It features a solid walnut frame and original upholstery. Manufacturers stamp is present. Fabric is...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
H 27 in W 52.5 in D 29 in
Classic Tufted Curved Back Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic tufted curved back bench seat sofa. Curvaceous and shapely, with traditional elements like button-tufting and decorative nailhead trim, this ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Previously Available Items
Vintage Walnut Frame Sofa by Jens Risom Designs
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Walnut Frame Sofa by Jens Risom Designs. newly reupholstered with Maharam fabric. The exposed walnut back leg frame adds a beautiful accent ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Jens Risom U150 Floating Sofa on Solid Walnut Base, Circa 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jens Risom 3-seat sofa, model U150. Made circa 1960's. Iconic floating sofa that sits on a solid walnut base. The sofa still has its original upholstery. The walnut base shows mi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Sofa in Walnut by Jens Risom Newly Reupholstered in Charcoal Wool
By Jens Risom
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic mid-century three-seat sofa by one of the Grand Masters of the era, Jens Risom. Newly upholstered an a charcoal grey wool. Low profile cushions a...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Wool, Walnut
H 33.75 in W 89 in D 29 in
Jen Risom for Jen Risom Inc Three Seater Sofa Reupholstered in Teal Bouclé
By Jens Risom
Located in Seattle, WA
One of the first designers to bring the traditional Scandinavian values of function and craftsmanship to the United States, Risom was part of a new vanguard that helped establish pos...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
H 33.5 in W 89 in D 31.5 in
Chair and Sofa by Jens Risom, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Hamburg, PA
A rare set of Jens Risom upholstered furniture pieces, circa 1940-1950s. It seems to be a difficult model to come across upon our research we did not see any information in the Jens ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Danish Modern Sofa Signed
By Jens Risom
Located in Round Rock, TX
A Danish modern sofa designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design Inc. Form and function come together on this beautiful and comfortable sofa.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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 Sofas
Materials
Other
Early Model 37 Sofa by Jens Risom for Knoll in Mohair, 1950s
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Westport, CT
Exquisite and rare sofa designed by Jens Risom for Knoll, circa 1950s. Fully restored, fitted with a new spring system, high-grade, hand-cut foam. Reupholstered in Great Plains choco...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Mohair, Maple
Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Sofa
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom for Knoll mid century sofa
Sofa measures: 78.5 wide x 32.25 deep x 30.5 high, with a seat height of 14.75 inches
All pieces of furnitur...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Jens Risom Floating Sofa in Walnut with Original Tweed Upholstery
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome three-seat sofa designed by Jens Risom for Risom Design in the 1950s. Clean, sharp lines with a decorative button-tufted back detail. Sofa is supported by a sculptural walnut base. The plaid tweed upholstery...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
"Model 37" Sofa in Camel Velvet by Jens Risom for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Wilton, 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 Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Birch
Red Three-Seat Sofa with Walnut Frame by Jens Risom, Expertly Restored
By Jens Risom
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful freshly restored and reupholstered Jens Risom sofa for Risom Designs. Completely restored and reupholstered. The arm curves down from the back and angles slightly upward fr...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom sofas for sale on 1stDibs.
Jens Risom sofas 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 sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas by Jens Risom were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by Ficks Reed, Paul McCobb, and Selig. Prices for Jens Risom sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,400 and can go as high as $16,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,648.
Creators Similar to Jens Risom
Questions About Jens Risom Sofas
- Who is Jens Risom?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Jens 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Normally, 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.