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.
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Creator: Jens Risom
Jens Risom Model U-150 Mid Century Walnut Bracket Back Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Model U-150 Mid Century Walnut Bracket Back Sofa
This sofa measures: 80 wide x 30 deep x 32.5 inches high, with a seat height of 23.75 and arm height of 16.5 inches
All ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Early Jens Risom Knoll Associates Armless Settee
By Knoll, Jens Risom
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
Birch, 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
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
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 Sofa by Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
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
Birch, Upholstery
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
Model 250 Armless Sofa by Jens Risom - 2 Available
By Jens Risom
Located in Las Vegas, NV
2 AVAILABLE - Immaculate Jens Risom Model-250 High back Armless Slipper Sofa. These sofas are STUNNING, their armless, slightly reclined silhouette and gorgeous walnut frames give t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
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
C. 1941 Jens Risom for Knoll Associates Three-Seater Sofa/Settee w/ New Webbing
By Knoll, Jens Risom
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 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
Linen, Walnut
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
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
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 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
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
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
Sofa by Jens Risom
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
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
Related Items
10 Jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Knoll Studio classic, Jens Risom's designs were the first pieces manufactured by Knoll. Due to war-time restrictions on materials, this style chair was originally constructed of si...
Category
1940s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Cotton, Wood
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Jens Risom
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 Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Mid-Century Vintage Jens Risom Knoll Webbed Armchair
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Baltimore, MD
A stunning iconic cotton strap, webbed, lounge, armchair, 652W design (1943) early edition, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll International. Features a solid maple frame with original woven cotton straps. It is one of the most comfortable pieces you will sit in, the exquisite curved back provides lumbar support making this chair as comfortable as it is beautiful. The removable webbed, basket seat, shell is supported and rests on the arm frame base. Very Rare Vintage Modern Classic design. An iconic piece of furniture, this example has remained in a single collection since it was acquired by the prior owner from Knoll International and the original early label remains affixed beneath. (Knoll Associates Inc. 601 Madison Ave New York 22). This label has the earliest Knoll Associates showroom address, which opened in 1946.
Measurements: 24.5 ” tall x 24? wide x 30? deep x seat height 18? (arm height 21") (seat to the lowest point 11")
Jens Risom
Danish-American architect-designer Jens Risom was born in Copenhagen in 1916, the son of a nationally renowned architect of the Nordic Classicism style. Between 1935 and 1938, he trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under Ole Wanscher and Kaare Klint, alongside classmates Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. For a short time following his studies, he took on furniture and interior designer projects for the Copenhagen-based architectural firm Ernst Kuhn. He then moved briefly to Stockholm, where he worked for Nordiska Kompaniet and met Alvar Aalto and Bruno Mathsson. Around 1939, he immigrated to New York with ambitions to introduce the Scandinavian modernist approach to the US furniture market.
Risom’s arrival in the US coincided with the years of materials shortages brought on by the war. As a result, Risom was unable to secure a position in a furniture company, and, instead, found work designing textiles for decorator Dan Cooper. Eager to do more, he soon convinced Cooper to expand into the furniture market, and together they found projects with young, progressive architects like Ed Stone and George Nelson. In 1939-40, Ed Stone was invited to create Collier Magazine’s House of Ideas pavilion at Rockefeller Center as part of the New York World’s Fair, and Risom designed all of the furniture.
Around 1941, Risom met Hans Knoll, a German-born entrepreneur in the furniture industry who had a showroom on Madison Avenue dedicated to rather lackluster furnishings. Sharing a dream to do something more vanguard, they joined forces and set off on a four-month tour of the US in search of design inspiration. By 1942, Knoll launched Hans Knoll Furniture Company with Risom on board as his head designer.
Risom’s early designs for Knoll made use of military surplus...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Bench/Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Bench Table
This is a bench(we have two matching stools that accomodates this bench being sold seperately). The bench is quite uni...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Leather, Walnut and Rope Shaker Sofa by Egg Designs
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Shaker sofa is part of the Primal collection designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa.
This contemporary bespoke sofa was inspired by...
Category
2010s South African Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Leather, Rope, Hardwood
Early Jens Risom for Knoll Strap Stool
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early Jens Risom for Knoll strap stool for Knoll, missing label, but date stamped May 15, 1952. Original finish shows age, original strap webbing wor...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Maple
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
Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll Associates
By Jens Risom, Knoll
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
Pair Jens Risom Armless Lounge Chairs. Maple with Red Webbing. Signed.
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Jens Risom lounge chairs from his original 1941 design collection for Knoll. These are more recent production, signed with the Knoll Studio medallion. These have been used ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Nylon, Maple
Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This armchair is an early example of Jens Risom's design for Knoll and is a simple yet innovative design. The chair is two separate pieces: a singular seat / back component is simply...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Birch, Textile
13 jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Knoll Risom Side Chair - A Timeless Icon of Modern Design!
The Knoll Risom Side Chair is a true testament to the enduring legacy of modern furniture design. Created ...
Category
1940s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Pair of Vintage Walnut Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom Design
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern arm chairs by Jens Risom Design feature extremely thick padded seating, a floating style backrest, and sculpted arm rests. A sturdy walnut fr...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Previously Available Items
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 Modern Jens Risom U150 Sofa w/ New Mint Green Upholstery
By Jens Risom
Located in Asheville, NC
Mid-Century Modern iconic “floating” U150 sofa with a walnut frame designed by Jens Risom. New foam and light mint green upholstery. Some light scuffing/scratching to the walnut fram...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, 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
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 U150 Mid Century Danish Modern Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Mid 20th Century Danish Modern floating three seat sofa by Jens Risom, his U150 model. Features a walnut frame, high back with a button tufted row, a neutral tweed like fabric and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Sofas
Materials
Fabric, 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 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 for Knoll Mid Century Sofa
By Knoll, Jens Risom
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 walnu...
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.