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Jens Risom Stools

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 Stools by Jens Risom in Cognac Leather, C. 1950s
Set of Stools by Jens Risom in Cognac Leather, C. 1950s

Set of Stools by Jens Risom in Cognac Leather, C. 1950s

$4,800 / set

Set of Stools by Jens Risom in Cognac Leather, C. 1950s

By Jens Risom

Located in Westport, CT

Set of stools by Danish-American designer Jens Risom, fully restored by Stamford Modern. The solid wood frames have been expertly refinished in a rich espresso tone, highlighting the...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Stool
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Stool

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Stool

$1,875

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Stool

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century walnut stool This stool is 16 wide x 19 deep x 37.25 inches high, with a seat height of 27 inches All pieces of furnit...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Strap Stool Ottoman
Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Strap Stool Ottoman

Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Strap Stool Ottoman

$795

Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Strap Stool Ottoman

By Knoll, Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Strap Stool Ottoman This stool measures: 16.5 wide x 15.25 deep x 17.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vin...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

C. 1951 Jens Risom for Knoll Stool 667-W in Maple and Canvas with Label
C. 1951 Jens Risom for Knoll Stool 667-W in Maple and Canvas with Label

C. 1951 Jens Risom for Knoll Stool 667-W in Maple and Canvas with Label

$1,400

C. 1951 Jens Risom for Knoll Stool 667-W in Maple and Canvas with Label

By Knoll, Jens Risom

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Risom Stool, Model 667-W, originally designed by Jens Risom in 1946. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA C. 1951. The stools design is comprised of a m...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Maple, Fabric

C. 1946 Jens Risom for Knoll Stool 667-W with Original Label
C. 1946 Jens Risom for Knoll Stool 667-W with Original Label

C. 1946 Jens Risom for Knoll Stool 667-W with Original Label

$2,200

C. 1946 Jens Risom for Knoll Stool 667-W with Original Label

By Jens Risom, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Risom Stool, Model 667-W, originally designed by Jens Risom in 1946. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA C. 1946. The stools design is comprised of a m...

Category

1940s American Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Early Jens Risom for Knoll Strap Stool
Early Jens Risom for Knoll Strap Stool

Early Jens Risom for Knoll Strap Stool

$650

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 Stools

Materials

Maple

Rare and Early Jens Risom Stool for Knoll Associates, New York City
Rare and Early Jens Risom Stool for Knoll Associates, New York City

Rare and Early Jens Risom Stool for Knoll Associates, New York City

$1,800

Rare and Early Jens Risom Stool for Knoll Associates, New York City

By Jens Risom, Knoll

Located in Buffalo, NY

Rare and early Jens Risom stool for Knoll Associates, New York City. Simple, elegant design. Retains original finish as well as original early oil cloth upholstered top. Also origina...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Related Items
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs

One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs

$1,760Sale Price|20% Off

H 30.5 in W 23 in D 30.5 in

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 Stools

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955

Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955

$12,500

H 33 in W 53 in D 31 in

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...

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut

Early Chair Attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll
Early Chair Attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll

Early Chair Attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll

$600

H 32.5 in W 18 in D 25 in

Early Chair Attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll

By Knoll, Jens Risom

Located in South Charleston, WV

A very early chair that is attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll. The chair features a vinyl type finish that is in good condition with a few marks and light staining. The legs have ...

Category

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

Pair of Jens Risom 666 Side Chairs for Knoll
Pair of Jens Risom 666 Side Chairs for Knoll

Pair of Jens Risom 666 Side Chairs for Knoll

$2,250 / set

H 30 in W 17.75 in D 18 in

Pair of Jens Risom 666 Side Chairs for Knoll

By Knoll, Jens Risom

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare Jens Risom chairs made in the 1940s, model “666” of the 600 series from 1941.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Birch

Warren Platner Ottomans/Stools for Knoll
Warren Platner Ottomans/Stools for Knoll

Warren Platner Ottomans/Stools for Knoll

$8,950

H 15 in Dm 26 in

Warren Platner Ottomans/Stools for Knoll

By Warren Platner

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A pair of Warren Platner Ottomans/Stools manufactured by Knoll Original velvet Upholstery

Category

1970s North American Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench

$9,800

H 17 in W 73 in D 18.5 in

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a walnut stretcher base supporting a rectangular seat cushion upholstered in light gray woven fabric with button tufted detail. (JENS RISOM).  

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

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

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

$6,800

H 31 in W 52 in D 31 in

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 Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Danish Artist Stool of Beech and Cognac Colored Leather 1950s
Danish Artist Stool of Beech and Cognac Colored Leather 1950s

Danish Artist Stool of Beech and Cognac Colored Leather 1950s

$816

H 16.15 in W 18.12 in D 14.97 in

Danish Artist Stool of Beech and Cognac Colored Leather 1950s

Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg

Danish artist´s stool with folding frame made of solid beech and seat of leather mounted with brass nails. The stool is characterized by the use of an artist, with signs of paint in...

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Leather, Beech

Iconic Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll, Model 652-W, Mid-Century Modern
Iconic Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll, Model 652-W, Mid-Century Modern

Iconic Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll, Model 652-W, Mid-Century Modern

$2,350

H 30.5 in W 23.5 in D 28 in

Iconic Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll, Model 652-W, Mid-Century Modern

By Jens Risom, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Classic Jens Risom Model 652-W lounge chair for KnollStudio, originally designed in 1941 and still celebrated as one of the icons of mid-century modern design. This timeless piece fe...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bracketed Back Sofa
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bracketed Back Sofa

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bracketed Back Sofa

$2,600Sale Price|20% Off

H 34 in W 84 in D 32 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 Stools

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

Early Jens Risom Knoll Associates Armless Settee
Early Jens Risom Knoll Associates Armless Settee

Early Jens Risom Knoll Associates Armless Settee

$3,695

H 31 in W 49 in D 28 in

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 Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chairs in Ivory Shearling, circa 1950s
Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chairs in Ivory Shearling, circa 1950s

Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chairs in Ivory Shearling, circa 1950s

$9,800 / set

H 29 in W 26 in D 26 in

Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chairs in Ivory Shearling, circa 1950s

By Jens Risom

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Iconic Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom lounge chairs expertly reupholstered in soft ivory shearling with professionally refinished walnut frames. An exem...

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Hide, Walnut

Previously Available Items
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Bench
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Bench

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Bench

Sold

H 17 in W 72 in D 18 in

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Bench

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut bench This bench measures: 72 wide x 18 deep x 17 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Jens Risom for Pucci Stools
Pair of Jens Risom for Pucci Stools

Pair of Jens Risom for Pucci Stools

Sold

H 20 in Dm 23 in

Pair of Jens Risom for Pucci Stools

By Jens Risom

Located in Stamford, CT

A pair of walnut stools designed by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. Originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Canaan, CT. Signed to underside : [ Jens Risom ] with appl...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Pair of Early Mid-Century Jens Risom Knoll Stools
Pair of Early Mid-Century Jens Risom Knoll Stools

Pair of Early Mid-Century Jens Risom Knoll Stools

Sold

H 17 in W 16.5 in D 15.5 in

Pair of Early Mid-Century Jens Risom Knoll Stools

By Knoll, Jens Risom

Located in San Antonio, TX

Pair of early Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom stools by Knoll features curved seating with tapered legs and are in great vintage condition. Early Knoll labels are under stools, these m...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of 3 Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bar Stools
Set of 3 Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bar Stools

Set of 3 Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bar Stools

Sold

H 36.5 in W 16 in D 18.9 in

Set of 3 Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bar Stools

By Jens Risom

Located in Port Jervis, NY

A rare find, simple and elegant in form with a walnut frame and front brass stretcher for support. Original finish along with the naugahyde vinyl seat and back covering. All tagged a...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Brass

Pair of Bar Stools by Jens Risom, US, 1960s
Pair of Bar Stools by Jens Risom, US, 1960s

Pair of Bar Stools by Jens Risom, US, 1960s

Sold

H 39.38 in W 15.75 in D 18.12 in

Pair of Bar Stools by Jens Risom, US, 1960s

By Jens Risom

Located in Berlin, DE

Jens Risom designed solid walnut stool with upholstered back and seat. Tubular brass footrest. Blue vinyl upholstery. Possibly one of the most comfortable stools made. Very good orig...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Pair of Jens Risom Benches
Pair of Jens Risom Benches

Pair of Jens Risom Benches

Sold

H 14 in W 72 in L 14 in

Pair of Jens Risom Benches

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Risom Inc. Pair of benches, model 621, casual seating pair of newly upholstered tufted button mohair with oiled solid walnut frames.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
Walnut Bench by Jens Risom

Walnut Bench by Jens Risom

Sold

H 16 in W 50 in L 16 in

Walnut Bench by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Dallas, TX

A walnut bench with curved, upholstered seat. Designed by Jens Risom.

Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Walnut

Clean Lined Walnut Bench by Jens Risom
Clean Lined Walnut Bench by Jens Risom

Clean Lined Walnut Bench by Jens Risom

Sold

H 16.5 in W 48 in D 20 in

Clean Lined Walnut Bench by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Atlanta, GA

Clean lined walnut bench, designed by Jens Risom, American, circa 1950s. The simple architectural design appears to float the seat over the base. It is a versatile size and would be ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Stools in Zebra Hide, Set of Four
Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Stools in Zebra Hide, Set of Four

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Stools in Zebra Hide, Set of Four

Sold

H 20 in W 23 in D 23 in

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Stools in Zebra Hide, Set of Four

By Ralph Pucci, Jens Risom

Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO

This set of walnut stools was designed in 2007 by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. They were originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Canaan,...

Category

Early 2000s Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Zebra Hide

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair
Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

Sold

H 20 in W 23 in D 23 in

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

By Ralph Pucci, Jens Risom

Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO

This set of walnut stools was designed in 2007 by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. They were originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Can...

Category

Early 2000s Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Zebra Hide

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair
Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

Sold

H 20 in W 23 in D 23 in

Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci Glasshouse Bench Stools in Zebra Hide, Pair

By Ralph Pucci, Jens Risom

Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO

This set of walnut stools was designed in 2007 by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci. They were originally designed for Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Can...

Category

Early 2000s Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Zebra Hide

Pair of Rare Jens Risom Stools in Leather
Pair of Rare Jens Risom Stools in Leather

Pair of Rare Jens Risom Stools in Leather

Sold

H 39 in W 16 in D 19 in

Pair of Rare Jens Risom Stools in Leather

By Jens Risom

Located in Pasadena, TX

Pair of rare, iconic Jens Risom stools. Teak with newly upholstered leather seats and backs Brass foot rests. 27" Seat Height When shopping for stools: Stools with a seat height of ...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Stools

Materials

Teak

Jens Risom stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom stools 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 stools, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original stools 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 stools by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Cleo Baldon, and Florence Knoll. Prices for Jens Risom stools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $650 and can go as high as $7,795, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,423.

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Questions About Jens Risom Stools
  • Who is Jens Risom?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • Was Jens Risom Danish?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • Who sells Jens Risom rockers?
    1 Answer
    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.

More Jens Risom Furniture

Jens Risom Lounge Chairs
Jens Risom Armchairs
Jens Risom Chairs
Jens Risom Dining Room Chairs
Jens Risom Sofas
Jens Risom Side Chairs
Jens Risom Benches
Jens Risom Ottomans and Poufs
Jens Risom Slipper Chairs
Jens Risom Loveseats
Jens Risom Footstools
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