Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

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.

Creator: Jens Risom

Swivel Chair by Jens Risom

$6,800

Swivel Chair by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An upholstered swiveling lounge chair in leather with a tilt mechanism on a metal disc base.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Vintage Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Lounge Armchairs

$3,920Sale Price / set|50% Off

Pair of Vintage Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Lounge Armchairs

By Jens Risom

Located in Pasadena, TX

A pair of walnut swivel lounge chairs in original purple composite upholstery with walnut bases and detachable suede cushions designed by Jens Risom.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Suede, Upholstery, Walnut

Stunning Black Button Tufted Leather Swivel Chairs, Jens Risom for Marble, Pair

$4,200 / set

Stunning Black Button Tufted Leather Swivel Chairs, Jens Risom for Marble, Pair

By Marble Imperial, Jens Risom

Located in Buffalo, NY

Stunning pair of black button tufted leather swivel chairs by Jens Risom for marble, Classic Mid-Century Modern design, self balancing swivel mechanism bringing chairs back to positi...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Swivel Chairs - Pair

$10,395

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Swivel Chairs - Pair

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Swivel Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 26.5 wide x 25.5 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 23.5 inches Go...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Scandinavian Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs by Jens with Walnut Bases

$9,000 / set

Scandinavian Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs by Jens with Walnut Bases

By Jens Risom

Located in San Diego, CA

What makes this pair of chairs really stand out is how high backed they are. This is particularly special and unusual for Mid Century lounge chairs. If you are looking for a pair to ...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Leather Boucle, Handmade Greenapple

$6,860 / item

H 30.71 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in

Mid-Century Modern Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Leather Boucle, Handmade Greenapple

By Rute Martins, Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Mid-Century Modern Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju swivel lounge chair embodies the perfect balance between organic design and sophisticated elegance. Inspired by the natural curves of a cashew, its enveloping silhouette and premium upholstery make it a standout piece of unparalleled comfort in contemporary interiors. A favorite swivel lounge chair among designers, Caju seamlessly combines artistry and design, becoming a timeless addition to any living space. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Caju Armchair...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs

$1,900 / set

H 25.5 in W 28 in D 28.5 in

Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of vintage modern round club chairs with swivel action, and original stripe fabric. These make a comfortable addition to your home or office. Please confirm location NY or NJ

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Comfortable Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

$2,600 / set

H 28 in W 32 in D 31 in

Pair of Comfortable Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Comfortable and stylish pair of mid-century modern swivel chairs featuring clean lines and fully upholstered frames. Their smooth swivel base and inviting design make them perfect fo...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Modern Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair, Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple

$8,043 / item

H 34.26 in W 33.08 in D 37.41 in

Modern Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair, Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple

By Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Modern Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos swivel lounge chair with footstool celebrates exceptio...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak, Alpaca, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Walnut, Lacquer

1970's Mid-Century Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs - a Pair

$2,319Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 31 in W 31 in D 30 in

1970's Mid-Century Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs - a Pair

By Ib Madsen, H.W. Klein, Selig

Located in Burbank, CA

Mid-century Modern lounge chairs for sale. They have been completely restored, and look incredible once again. They have a star atomic base that has been professionally sandblasted a...

Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Teal Velvet Tufted Swivel Chairs

$2,900 / set

H 28.5 in W 31.25 in D 33 in

Pair of Teal Velvet Tufted Swivel Chairs

Located in Dallas, TX

A striking pair of Kisabeth swivel lounge chairs upholstered in a light teal blue velvet. Distinguished by their deeply tufted barrel backs, generous proportions, and smooth swivel b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Midcentury Swivel Chairs, 1970s

$425

H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 25.6 in

Midcentury Swivel Chairs, 1970s

Located in Praha, CZ

-made of metal, fabric, leather - made in Germany - good original condition.

Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll

$2,200

H 30 in W 24 in D 27.5 in

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 Swivel Chairs

Materials

Birch, Textile

Pair Jens Risom Model U-430 Lounge Chairs Walnut Upholstery Mid Century Modern

$3,695

H 29 in W 26 in D 26 in

Pair Jens Risom Model U-430 Lounge Chairs Walnut Upholstery Mid Century Modern

By Jens Risom, Gaylord Brothers

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed early in his career by Jens Risom, this pair of chairs was produced by Gaylord Brothers. These designs were comissioned mainly for use in libraries, but some survived and ma...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Post Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs - Set of 2

$995 / set

H 35 in W 42 in D 36 in

Post Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs - Set of 2

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

This stylish pair of postmodern swivel lounge chairs embodies the bold design aesthetic of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Featuring sculptural curved silhouettes and eye-catching ge...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair

$3,147

H 31.75 in W 23.25 in D 24 in

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair This lounge chair measures: 23.25 wide x 24 deep x 31.75 high, with a seat h...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom Lounge Chair

$5,700

H 31.5 in W 28.5 in D 33 in

Jens Risom Lounge Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Jens Risom lounge chair. Newly upholstered in a linen-blend fabric with a black lacquered base.

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

Previously Available Items

Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design Inc. Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs

Sold

H 29.53 in W 26.19 in D 27.37 in

Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design Inc. Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs

By Jens Risom

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, pair of swivel lounge chairs, teak, fabric, United States, 1960s. This extraordinary pair of lounge chair is designed by Danish designer Jens Risom...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Lounge Chair, 1960

Sold

H 30 in W 30 in D 25 in

Pair Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Lounge Chair, 1960

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of Jens Risom walnut swivel lounge chairs, 1960. Completely restored and newly reupholstered in boucle.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Pair Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Lounge Chair, 1960

Sold

H 30 in W 30 in D 25 in

Pair Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Lounge Chair, 1960

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of Jens Risom walnut swivel lounge chairs, 1960. Completely restored and newly reupholstered in boucle.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Jens Risom Leather Swivel Chair for B.L Marble, 1960's

Sold

H 31.5 in W 24 in D 22 in

Jens Risom Leather Swivel Chair for B.L Marble, 1960's

By Jens Risom, B.L. Marble Chair Co.

Located in Round Rock, TX

A wonderful vintage button tufted leather chair designed by Jens Risom and manufactured by B.L. Marble. Featuring black leather upholstery that has developed a wonderful patina ov...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Rolling Office Desk Chair

Sold

H 33 in W 22.75 in D 22 in

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Rolling Office Desk Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom mid century walnut rolling office desk chair. Chair measures: 22.75 wide x 22 deep x 33 high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches a...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage 1960s Black Leather Swivel Chair by Jens Risom for B.L. Marble Company

Sold

H 31.5 in W 24 in D 22 in

Vintage 1960s Black Leather Swivel Chair by Jens Risom for B.L. Marble Company

By Jens Risom

Located in San Antonio, TX

This vintage black leather chair by Jens Risom for B. L. Marble Company is in overall good condition. Original leather, distressed, gorgeous patina with cracks, but no tears. Aluminu...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Excellent Swivel & Tilt Executive Desk Chair by Jens Risom

Sold

H 32.5 in W 21.75 in D 24 in

Excellent Swivel & Tilt Executive Desk Chair by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Nice original Jens Risom executive office chair. Walnut has its original finish. Nice detail with the aluminum footrests on the legs and the arm cut-outs by the seat back. Minor wear...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Chair

Sold

H 28 in W 27 in D 27 in

Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in Middlesex, NJ

Jens Risom walnut swivel chair.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Cotton

Pair of Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Chairs Restored in Zebra

Sold

H 32 in W 26.25 in D 20 in

Pair of Jens Risom Walnut Swivel Chairs Restored in Zebra

By Jens Risom

Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO

Risom. His pieces are timeless and effortlessly simple in design, a perfect coupling of Danish style and American efficiency. This pair swivels smoothly on the seductively spidery wa...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Zebra Hide, Walnut

Jens Risom Swivel Desk Chair

Sold

H 31.5 in W 19.5 in D 19 in

Jens Risom Swivel Desk Chair

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Great design and quality, fair condition, upholstery is as is and will need to be replaced, overall general cosmetic wear. The chair swivels and the back rest tilts to make this a ve...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Jens Risom Swivel Lounge Chairs

Sold

H 28 in W 26 in D 25.5 in

Pair of Jens Risom Swivel Lounge Chairs

By Jens Risom

Located in Astoria, NY

A pair of vintage Scandinavian modern swivel lounge chairs, by Danish-born designer Jens Risom, each upholstered in brown fabric against a curved back, on square, tapered wood legs. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sculptural Danish Modern Walnut Chair by Jens Risom

Sold

H 34.5 in W 26.5 in D 24 in

Sculptural Danish Modern Walnut Chair by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Redding, CT

Sculptural Danish Modern Walnut Office Chair by Jens Risom. This beauty looks good from any angle. Solid walnut construction and upholstered...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom swivel chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom swivel chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of animal skin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Jens Risom swivel chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original swivel chairs by Jens Risom were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1960s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider swivel chairs by George Mulhauser, Gardner Leaver, and Pace Collection. Prices for Jens Risom swivel chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,200 and can go as high as $8,950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,400.

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Questions About Jens Risom Swivel Chairs

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.