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.
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!
Walnut, Linen
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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Walnut Frame, Striped Fabric, USA
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three seater sofa by Jens Risom for Risom Design Inc, c.1960s USA. Known for his "sensible" approach to design, Risom's work focuses on clean lines and functional beauty. The sofa fe...
Walnut, Textile, 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....
Leather, Walnut
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
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...
Upholstery, 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...
Wool, 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...
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...
Fabric, Walnut, Leather
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Risom Sofa in Fresh Vanilla Boucle
By Jens Risom
Located in San Diego, CA
Elevate your space with this rare Jens Risom Model 2516 Sculptural Sofa, a mid-century icon celebrated for its graceful curves and impeccable craftsmanship. This piece showcases bea...
Fabric, Bouclé, Walnut
9 Foot 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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
$10,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
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.
Fabric, 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 been expertly restored and reupholstered in an off white fabric. Like new and ready to ship.
Upholstery
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...
Upholstery, Birch
1949 Jens Risom No. 23 Sofa with New Upholstery Signed H.G. Knoll Products
By Jens Risom, Knoll
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....
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Modern Jens Risom Model 37 Sofa for Knoll, 1940s
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
1940s Jens Risom Model 37 loveseat sofa for Knoll in charcoal grey upholstery atop tapered stained birch legs, a class Midcentury Modern design. The high back features a row of butto...
Upholstery, Birch
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.
Teak, Upholstery
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...
Copper
$18,480
H 31.5 in W 64.18 in D 35.44 in
Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Crafted by the renowned master Percival Lafer in 1970, this exceptional piece of furniture boasts a striking and comfortable design. Its clean lines and unique details, such as elega...
Steel
$4,150
H 28 in W 73.5 in D 29.5 in
Svend Aage Eriksen for Glostrup Danish Teak & Leather Three Seat Sofa Ca. 1960s
By Grete Jalk, Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Svend Åge Eriksen
Located in Peabody, MA
A Danish teak three seat sofa in original soft leather upholstery, designed by Svend Aage Eriksen for Glostrup Mobelfabrik, in the manner of Grete Jalk, who also designed for Glostru...
Leather, Teak
$7,542Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 51.97 in D 27.56 in
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
Fabric, Wood
$2,800Sale Price / set|41% Off
H 33.75 in W 26.25 in D 22 in
Jens Risom Design Pair of Oiled Walnut & Leather Upholstered Armchairs, c.1965
By Jens Risom
Located in Miami, FL
Offered for sale is an original pair of Jen Risom Design oiled walnut and leather upholstered armchairs. The chairs have upholstered oval backs on a sculptural walnut base, c.1965. A re-edition of the chair is currently being retailed at John Roselli for $3600 per chair. This pair is in good original condition and has the Jens Risom label...
Leather, Walnut
Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
Upholstery, Wood
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 ...
Upholstery
$4,950
H 27 in W 83.5 in D 33 in
Curved Danish Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Sofa by Johannes Andersen, Walnut
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Stamford, CT
Curved Danish Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Sofa by Johannes Andersen, Walnut Johannes Andersen for Trensum Møbelfabrik Curved Danish Modern Sofa in Walnut and Fabric Curvaceou...
Fabric, Walnut
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...
Leather, Wood
Jens Risom Lounge Chair in Walnut and Bamboo Upholstery
By Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom, lounge chair, walnut and fabric, United States, 1960s. This armchair is designed by Jens Risom. The walnut frame serves as both structural foundation and defining visual...
Fabric, Walnut
Jens Risom Ottoman in Light Blue Mohair, circa 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Exquisite round walnut ottoman designed by the legendary Danish-American furniture designer, Jens Risom, circa 1960s. This remarkable piece has been meticulously restored to its orig...
Mohair, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 23.25 wide x 24 deep x 31.75 high, with a seat height of 19 an...
Upholstery, Walnut
$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 ...
Faux Leather, 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...
Upholstery, Birch
Sold
H 32 in W 78 in D 32 in
Jens Risom Sofa - Mid Century Modern - Model 250 Armless Sofa with Walnut Base
By Jens Risom, Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage Jens Risom Model 250 armless slipper sofa, circa 1960s. Gorgeous silouhette with the high angled ergonomic back juxtaposed with the organic solid black walnut bracket back ba...
Fabric, Walnut
Jens Risom Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Risom Sofa. Sofa was reupholstered several years ago and is ready for it's redo! Structure is solid and usable as is, but fabric shows texture loss and faint stains. Sofa w...
Upholstery
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...
Fabric, Foam
Sold
H 32.29 in W 83.47 in D 26.38 in
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 ...
Velvet, Walnut
Jens Risom Sofa for Marble c. 1960s
By B.L. Marble Furniture, Jens Risom
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...
Fabric, Oak
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 ...
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...
Upholstery, 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...
Upholstery, Birch
Sold
H 33.75 in W 89 in D 29 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...
Wool, Walnut
Sold
H 33.5 in W 89 in D 31.5 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...
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 ...
Upholstery, Walnut