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 Open Book Cabinet 1950c.
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Jens Risom Open Book Cabinet, 1950c. Walnut case with white lacquered open shelving. Features divided, adjustable, and removable shelves. Raised on a solid walnut base with tapered l...
Walnut
A Good Oak Open Bookcase This is a good quality Oak open book shelf
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Good Oak Open Bookcase This is a good quality Oak open book shelf The Bookcase is in very good condition, sound and handsome, it has 3 adjustable shelves and a low gallery at the...
Oak
Open Bookshelf / Side Cabinet, Italy 1950s
By Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant open bookshelf produced by Anonima Castelli, Bologna, circa late 1930s–early 1940s. A fine example of Italian rationalist–era furniture, the piece combines functionality and ...
Wood
Jens Risom Executive Walnut Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Puslinch, ON
Condition: Good Vintage Condition Dimensions: 77.75” L x 21” D x 25.5” H Description: A vintage walnut executive credenza by Jens Risom. Made in the USA, circa 1970s. Uncommon and ...
Walnut
$3,000
H 31.75 in W 21.25 in D 36.25 in
1960s Jens Risom Designs 2-Door Cabinet / Credenza in Walnut, Small
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a walnut two-door cabinet, designed by Jens Risom and produced by his company, Jens Risom Designs. It was handcrafted in the USA in the 1960s. It has a beautifully grained wa...
Walnut
1960's Midcentury Jens Risom Walnut Cabinet Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
An exceptional midcentury walnut file cabinet/credenza by iconic designer Jens Risom, circa 1960s, manufactured in the USA. This absolutely stunning piece features gorgeous walnut, s...
Chrome
Geometric open bookcase, France 1950s.
Located in Antwerp, BE
A distinctive 1950s bookcase defined by its striking geometric composition and quiet architectural presence. The interior is structured with a rhythm of diamond-shaped compartments, ...
Wood
Fully Restored Jens Risom Walnut & Brass 8-Drawer Cabinet or Dresser
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Danish design icon Jens Risom, this super rare model was made in the USA by his own company: Jens Risom Design Inc. This cabinet rarely comes up for sale, especially in t...
Brass
1970s Jens Risom Designs 72 inch Credenza / Cabinet in Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a walnut credenza / cabinet designed by Jens Risom and produced by his company, Jens Risom Design. This particular piece was handcrafted in the USA and dates back to the 1970...
Brass
Rare Jens Risom Sideboard / Dresser
By Jens Risom
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Model S-240 bachelor's chests in blonde cerused oak by Jens Risom, likely produced in his NYC workshop c. 1949. This pairwood finishing technique that creates a two-toned look, where...
Oak
Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cabinet Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Two-door Mid-Century Modern cabinet by Jens Risom. Classic style of Risom where case appears to be floating on base. Nickeled hardware, finished back, Divided in centre with two adju...
Chrome
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 2 Door Cabinet Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 2 Door Cabinet Credenza This credenza measures: 36.5 wide x 20.25 deep x 29 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Minor Stain Wear and Scratches on Top...
Walnut
A Good Oak Open Bookcase This is a good quality Oak open book shelf
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Good Oak Open Bookcase This is a good quality Oak open book shelf The Bookcase is in very good condition, sound and handsome, it has adjustable shelves and a low gallery at the b...
Oak
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...
Walnut
Midcentury Jens Risom Walnut Bookcase
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Gorgeous walnut bookcase by Danish American designer Jens Risom. Its sturdy, functional design is paired with a rich and vibrant wood grain. The bookcase sits atop a beautiful sculpt...
Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut Bookcase
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Risom Walnut Shelf. Clever asymmetrical Design with one pull out drawer that can be placed in the left or right open slot. 2 Shelves adjust up a...
Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut and Brass Credenza / Bookshelf / Media Center
By Jens Risom
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Walnut Credenza, designed by Jens Risom, American, circa 1960s. Signed with Risom label. Jens Risom was definitely influenced by Danish Modern design, and this piece is n...
Metal, Brass
Jens Risom Left Hand Return Floating Desk and Wall Storage Unit
By Jens Risom
Located in South Charleston, WV
Jens Risom, Circa 1965, part of the Group 5 Series. Oak. L-shaped desk with raised return storage. 20 images provided. 83.5" wide, 65" deep and 66" tall. Desk Height 29.25". Desk depth 30" and is 62.5" wide plus the return area of 21" deep by 63 (interior)". See photo for precise measures included. Rare configuration for government client in West Virginia. Measures listed below but are also illustrated within an image provided. See video for better comprehension of the unit. This striking storage and desk...
Steel
Jens Risom Bookcases
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jens Risom design pair of walnut bookcases with 5 adjustable shelves, solid high quality construction with finished backs.
Walnut
Jens Risom Bookcase
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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...
Walnut
Pair of Jens Risom Walnut Bookcases
By Jens Risom
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Jens Risom bookcases constructed in solid walnut, circa early 1960s. They each have two adjustable shelves to hold books or display decorat...
Walnut
Jens Risom Bookcase with Drawers
By Jens Risom
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...
Jens Risom File Cabinet
By Jens Risom
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...
Metal