Skip to main content

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
2
19
2
21
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
20
1
17
2
1
21
18
2
2
5
4
2
19
17
13
10
2
16
16
2
2
2
21
21
21
249
416
301
180
170
Creator: Jens Risom
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

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 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 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

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Sled Leg Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Model 37 Loveseat Sofa For Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
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

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

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

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

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 3 Seat Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, 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
Mid century Danish modern red leather 3 seat sofa
By Svend Skipper
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century burnt Red leather 3 seat danish modern sofa designed by Svend Skipper for Skippers Mobler. Beautiful soft burnt red leather with tufted cushions. Great design. Made in De...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Mid century Danish modern red leather 3 seat sofa
Mid century Danish modern red leather 3 seat sofa
$2,250 Sale Price
25% Off
H 28 in W 72 in D 29 in
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

Long Mid-Century Sofa by Jens Risom Manufacturing
Long Mid-Century Sofa by Jens Risom Manufacturing
$4,116 Sale Price
26% Off
H 30.5 in W 108.5 in D 27.5 in
Set of Lounges Model 2136 by Jens Risom, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A-Line Lounge Chairs, designed by Jens Risom in the 1950s. These iconic chairs feature a sculptural walnut base, fully restored to its original splendor, and are reupholstered in Oce...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Set of Lounges Model 2136 by Jens Risom, C. 1950s
Set of Lounges Model 2136 by Jens Risom, C. 1950s
$15,000 / set
H 35 in W 30 in D 31 in
1950's Mid-Century Danish Modern Walnut Sofa
By Grete Jalk, Jens Risom, Folke Ohlsson, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original 1950's Midcentury Modern couch for sale. Has a Scandinavian Danish Modern design, and was previously reupholstered. Has the classic Danish design with a slanted back...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

1950's Mid-Century Danish Modern Walnut Sofa
1950's Mid-Century Danish Modern Walnut Sofa
$2,199
H 28.5 in W 68 in D 29.5 in
Mid-Century Danish Loveseat by Jens Risom Design Inc.
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Timeless elegance meets modern comfort in this stunning Mid-Century Danish loveseat, designed by the legendary Jens Risom and produced by Jens Risom Design Inc. A true icon of 20th-c...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Suelo Outdoor Armless Sofa
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo® Outdoor Armless Sofa is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This sofa's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions....
Category

2010s American Modern Jens Risom Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Suelo Outdoor Armless Sofa
Suelo Outdoor Armless Sofa
$7,250 / item
H 31.5 in Dm 84 in
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bracketed Back Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful and sleek Danish modern sofa. Armless sofa creates numerous possibilities. Teak legs cradle and support in the manner of less is more. Fabric is a wool tweed blend which is...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bracketed Back Sofa
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bracketed Back Sofa
$1,599 Sale Price
50% Off
H 34 in W 84 in D 32 in
1960s Jens Risom Style Caned Dining Chairs - a Set of 5
By Jens Risom
Located in Charleston, SC
Set of mid-century caned back dining chairs in the style of Jens Risom. Two arm chairs and 3 side chairs. Sculptural arms and tapered legs add a modern feel to your dining room. Ne...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Walnut

1960s Jens Risom Style Caned Dining Chairs - a Set of 5
1960s Jens Risom Style Caned Dining Chairs - a Set of 5
$1,600 / set
H 32.25 in W 19 in D 18 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 Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Handsome Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
Handsome Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
$2,760 Sale Price
20% Off
H 39 in W 27.5 in D 29 in
Walnut Settee by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed in the late 1950s by Jens Risom, this rarely seen settee is not only eye-catching, but also deeply comfortable. The solid walnut frame features Risom’s signature slender, up...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Walnut Settee by Jens Risom
Walnut Settee by Jens Risom
$5,900
H 32.5 in W 54 in D 31 in
Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
$4,200
H 16 in W 48 in D 18.5 in
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

Previously Available Items
Iconic Jens Risom Modern Floating Sofa c1962
By Jens Risom
Located in Oakland, CA
Incredible modern “floating sofa” designed by Jens Risom, Model # U-150 c1964. Our expert upholsterer took this all original tangerine colored hopsack fabric and reversed it. It reve...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Mid Century Danish Cotton Velvet Walnut Frame Sofa by Jens Risom, 1960s.
By Jens Risom
Located in Dublin 8, IE
This gorgeous Jens Risom sofa is mid-century design at its finest – a masterpiece from the legendary Danish designer who helped define Scandinavian-American style. With its polished ...
Category

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

Materials

Velvet, 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

Fabric, Oak

Jens Risom Sofa for Marble c. 1960s
Jens Risom Sofa for Marble c. 1960s
H 27.75 in W 78 in D 26.5 in
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

Jens Risom Sofa by Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Highland, IN
This early Risom model 37 sofa for Knoll is classic mid-century. Designed in 1946, the dynamic, but restrained form speaks to Risom's Scandinavian heritage. The upholstered body is s...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Jens Risom Sofa by Knoll
Jens Risom Sofa by Knoll
H 31 in W 78 in D 33 in
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

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

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

Chair and Sofa by Jens Risom, 1950s
Chair and Sofa by Jens Risom, 1950s
H 32.75 in W 84.5 in D 32 in
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 Knoll, Jens Risom
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 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.
Questions About Jens Risom Sofas
  • 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.

Recently Viewed

View All