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Jens Risom Bookcases

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 Mid Century Walnut 2-Piece Bookcase
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 2-Piece Bookcase

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 2-Piece Bookcase

$3,695 / set

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 2-Piece Bookcase

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 2-Piece Bookcase This bookcase measures: 36 wide x 12.5 deep x 80.25 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Small Areas of Gentle Stain Wear. Piece is ...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Book Case - Pair
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Book Case - Pair

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Book Case - Pair

$3,295 / set

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Book Case - Pair

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Book Case - Pair Each bookcase measures: 36 wide x 12.75 deep x 31.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much d...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

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Gorgeous walnut bookcase by Danish American designer Jens Risom. Its sturdy, functional design is paired with a rich and vibrant wood grain. The bookcase is in excellent condition fe...

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Pair of Jens Risom Walnut Bookcases
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Pair of Jens Risom bookcases constructed in solid walnut, circa early 1960s. They each have two adjustable shelves to hold books or display decorat...

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Jens Risom Bookcase with Drawers
Jens Risom Bookcase with Drawers

Jens Risom Bookcase with Drawers

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Jens Risom Bookcase with Drawers

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Located in Chicago, IL

This is a great storage cabinet with a fairly small footprint. It has two adjustable shelves to hold books or display decorative objects and two small drawers for hidden storage. The...

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Jens Risom File Cabinet
Jens Risom File Cabinet

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Sold

H 45 in W 58.5 in D 20 in

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Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful file cabinet designed and manufactured by Jens Risom in the 1960'S. The piece is in very good original condition, there are 3 file drawers and 4 adjustable shelves. Mea...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Bookcases

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Metal

Jens Risom bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom bookcases 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 bookcases, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bookcases 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 bookcases by Drexel, Charles Hollis Jones, and Paul Evans. Prices for Jens Risom bookcases can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,995 and can go as high as $2,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,098.

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Questions About Jens Risom Bookcases
  • 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.