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Jens Risom Sideboards

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
George Ciancimino Walnut & Quadrilobed Aluminum Executive Credenza, C. 1970
George Ciancimino Walnut & Quadrilobed Aluminum Executive Credenza, C. 1970

George Ciancimino Walnut & Quadrilobed Aluminum Executive Credenza, C. 1970

$2,000

George Ciancimino Walnut & Quadrilobed Aluminum Executive Credenza, C. 1970

By George Ciancimino, Jens Risom

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Georges Ciancimino for Jens Risom Walnut & Aluminum Quarefoil Credenza. Featuring a rectangular framework, Walnut veneered surface, strong Aluminum surround detailed with quadrilobed...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Walnut W Aluminum Inlay Credenza by Jens Risom
Mid-Century Modern Walnut W Aluminum Inlay Credenza by Jens Risom

Mid-Century Modern Walnut W Aluminum Inlay Credenza by Jens Risom

$2,850

Mid-Century Modern Walnut W Aluminum Inlay Credenza by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous Mid-Century Modern credenza by Jen's Risom. 3 drawers beside a cabinet door with 1 shelf. Solid Walnut with a finished back. Aluminum hardware with inlay in the legs. Oak secondary woods for the drawers interior. Ebonized sculpted metal pulls. This piece was taken care of, original finish which was just oiled. In excellent vintage condition. Table with 8 chairs...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sideboards

Materials

Aluminum

Mahogany and Aluminum Cabinet Designed by Jens Risom Designs Inc
Mahogany and Aluminum Cabinet Designed by Jens Risom Designs Inc

Mahogany and Aluminum Cabinet Designed by Jens Risom Designs Inc

$5,500

Mahogany and Aluminum Cabinet Designed by Jens Risom Designs Inc

By Jens Risom

Located in Stamford, CT

A Mahogany sideboard with aluminum hardware designed by Jens Risom Designs Inc, circa 1960s. Labled on interior of top drawer. Two cabinets with shelfs, the third with drawers.      

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

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Jens Risom sideboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom sideboards 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 sideboards, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sideboards 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 sideboards by American of Martinsville, Calvin, and Edmond J. Spence. Prices for Jens Risom sideboards can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,030 and can go as high as $8,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,195.

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Questions About Jens Risom Sideboards
  • 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.

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