Jens Risom Dry Bars

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

Vintage Midcentury Danish Jens Risom Teak Glass Bar Cart

$1,520Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage Midcentury Danish Jens Risom Teak Glass Bar Cart

By Jens Risom

Located in Pasadena, TX

Jens Risom emigrated from Europe to the U.S. when he was just 23 years of age. Like other Scandinavian designers such as Josef Frank and Kaare Klint, Risom continued to honour tradition in modern design, combining old and new in highly original ways. Jens Risom's career has spanned nearly sixty years. He began his study of design in the Copehagen workshop of Kaare Klint in 1935 and joined Ernst Kuhn's architectural office in 1938, where he designed furniture and interiors. In 1939, Risom emigrated to the U.S. and in 1941 designed the first chair manufactured by Knoll. Risom described the chair as "very basic, very simple, inexpensive, easy to make." The chair was constructed with a birch wood frame and, because of wartime materials constraints, cheap but strong army surplus webbing and has inspired countless imitations. Vintage Midcentury Jens Risom teak...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Teak

Danish Teak Mid Century Bar Cart or Drinks Trolley in the Style of Dane Decor

$975

H 27 in W 31.5 in D 20 in

Danish Teak Mid Century Bar Cart or Drinks Trolley in the Style of Dane Decor

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Expertly crafted from high-quality Danish teak, this mid-century bar cart or drinks trolley is the perfect addition to any home. Its sleek design and functional features make it easy...

Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Bar Cart Cocktail Cabinet Dry Bar by Meredew

$1,595

H 43.25 in W 43.2 in D 18 in

Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Bar Cart Cocktail Cabinet Dry Bar by Meredew

By Meredew

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Mid Century Modern Vintage cabinet by Meredew is a beautiful piece that can have a variety of uses, perfectly suited for any discerning collector or entertainer. Featuring great...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Dry Bar / Serving Cart by PBJ Mobler. Circa 1970s

$1,000

H 32 in W 38 in D 17 in

Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Dry Bar / Serving Cart by PBJ Mobler. Circa 1970s

By PBJ Møbler

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Dry Bar / Serving Cart by PBJ Mobler, Denmark. Circa 1970s Features a quintessential Scandinavian modern sleek design, a wonderful teak wood g...

Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Bar Cart with Removable Tray by Johannes Andersen / Silkeborg

$950

H 23 in W 27.75 in D 21,775 in

Danish Modern Teak Bar Cart with Removable Tray by Johannes Andersen / Silkeborg

By Johannes Andersen, CFC Silkeborg

Located in San Diego, CA

Super rare and extremely desirable Danish modern teak bar cart with removable tray & cane shelf by Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg circa 1950s. The cart has a removable teak shel...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Teak, Cane

Midcentury McGuire Faux Bamboo Bar Cart

$4,950

H 29.5 in W 43.5 in D 22.5 in

Midcentury McGuire Faux Bamboo Bar Cart

By McGuire

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Dynamic faux bamboo bar cart with well grained oak panels, reed wrapped corners, finished all around, recessed casters and slide out service space. Signed McGuire in the drawer.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Reed, Oak

Danish Modern Teak Sliding Door Bar Cart

$1,495

H 28 in W 31 in D 19 in

Danish Modern Teak Sliding Door Bar Cart

Located in Wilmington, DE

What a find. Offered is a very cool Danish modern teak bar cart. Features two sliding doors on top and bottom with compartments. It is also on wheels. Great for storage, serving drin...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Teak

Danish Rosewood Bar Cart Trolley by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen, Denmark, 1964

$1,481Sale Price|56% Off

H 28.75 in W 35.04 in D 19.69 in

Danish Rosewood Bar Cart Trolley by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen, Denmark, 1964

By Niels Erik & Glasdam Jensen

Located in London, GB

This gorgeous example of an iconic Danish designed bar cart has amazing rosewood grain which makes it a standout. A piece of functional art furniture designed by Niels Erik and Glasdam Jensen for Vantinge Møbelindustri, dating from 1964. Opens with just a slight pull to reveal all you favourite barware etc. Expandable dry bar...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage MCM Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Bar Cabinet

$3,500

H 45.75 in W 40 in D 16.5 in

Vintage MCM Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Bar Cabinet

Located in San Diego, CA

A fabulous and very unique vintage Danish modern teak drop front bar cabinet, circa 1970s. This beautifully crafted bar cabinet showcases clean Scandinavian lines and exceptional fun...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Borge Mogensen Danish modern Beech Teak Flip Top bar cart Table 149

$1,440Sale Price|20% Off

H 24 in W 26 in D 19 in

Mid Century Borge Mogensen Danish modern Beech Teak Flip Top bar cart Table 149

By Børge Mogensen, Søborg Møbelfabrik

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid Century Borge Mogensen Danish modern Beech and Teak Flip Top bar cart Table by Søborg Møbelfabrik. Model #149 with two drawers marked under drawer. Made in Denmark. Good Vintage ...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brass Two Tiered Bar Cart

$1,950

H 24 in W 17.5 in D 26.5 in

Vintage Brass Two Tiered Bar Cart

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Vintage Mid Century Brass Two Tiered Bar Cart. The cart has been completely restored and newly polished. With a sleek design and the striking contrast between the black glass shelves...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Italian Brass Bar Cart

$2,400

H 26 in W 33.5 in D 18.5 in

Midcentury Italian Brass Bar Cart

Located in Atlanta, GA

Midcentury Italian brass bar cart, Italy, circa 1950s. Features a removable serving cart. Retains warm original patina.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Metal, Brass

Lighted Custom Made Modern Cherry Buffet Dry Bar With Wine Rack and Bar Cart

$3,496Sale Price|41% Off

H 36 in W 72 in D 21.63 in

Lighted Custom Made Modern Cherry Buffet Dry Bar With Wine Rack and Bar Cart

By Foster-McDavid, Arne Vodder, Jens Risom, Brown Saltman

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Please believe me when I say pictures don't this piece justice. The cherry wood shimmers and gleams with an almost indescribable Iridescence that looks like rivers of honey that form the ebbing and flowing grain. The tones and hues of the piece change depending on how the light hits it and where your eye catches it. You'll see amber, ochre, honey, and umber. We purchased this cabinet from the son of the original owners who had it custom made in the 1970's. Although it looks similar to the works to Jens Risom, Arne Vodder, and Brown-Saltman, this is a custom, made 1 of 1 credenza. There are many unique aspects to this piece that seem inspired by many designers of the period. A large cherry door on the left conceals open cabinet space with removable / adjustable shelves. The right has a faux-door panel that is made to resemble the one on the left. However, this faux-door is actually the front panel to a roll-out bar cart. This handsome server sports two drop-leaves that double its counter space. This mini buffet...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Mahogany

Previously Available Items

Jens Risom Early Bar Cabinet for Knoll, 1940s

Sold

H 32.25 in W 36 in D 16 in

Jens Risom Early Bar Cabinet for Knoll, 1940s

By Jens Risom

Located in Coronado, CA

When Hans Knoll started his furniture company, he selected Jens Risom to design many of the first pieces for it. This bar cabinet, expertly crafted by Pennsylvania Dutch woodworkers ...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Cherry

Jens Risom Bar Cabinet

Sold

H 55.25 in W 44.25 in D 19 in

Jens Risom Bar Cabinet

By Jens Risom

Located in St. Louis, MO

Jens Risom bar cabinet, label, interior with holders for bottles, finished back. Measures: 55.25 H x 19 D x 44.25 drop shelf 40.25 W x 17 deep and ...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Materials

Wood

Jens Risom dry bars for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom dry bars 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 dry bars, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dry bars by Jens Risom were created in the mid-century modern style in scandinavia during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider dry bars by Niels Erik & Glasdam Jensen, CFC Silkeborg, and Johannes Andersen. Prices for Jens Risom dry bars can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,900 and can go as high as $1,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,900.

Creators Similar to Jens Risom

Dyrlund

Shop All Dyrlund Dry Bars

Erik Buch

Shop All Erik Buch Dry Bars

Reno Wahl Iversen

Shop All Reno Wahl Iversen Dry Bars

Kurt Østervig

Shop All Kurt Østervig Dry Bars

Poul Nørreklit

Shop All Poul Nørreklit Dry Bars

Torbjørn Afdal

Shop All Torbjørn Afdal Dry Bars

Questions About Jens Risom Dry Bars

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.

Jens Risom Dry Bars

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Dry Bars

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Dry Bars

Jens Risom dry bars for sale on 1stDibs.

Creators Similar to Jens Risom

Questions About Jens Risom Dry Bars

Who is Jens Risom?

Was Jens Risom Danish?

Who sells Jens Risom rockers?