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Jens Risom Desks and Writing Tables

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
Mid-century Walnut Executive Desk by Jens Risom for Jen Risom Designs c.1950
Mid-century Walnut Executive Desk by Jens Risom for Jen Risom Designs c.1950

Mid-century Walnut Executive Desk by Jens Risom for Jen Risom Designs c.1950

$3,895Sale Price / item|31% Off

Mid-century Walnut Executive Desk by Jens Risom for Jen Risom Designs c.1950

By Jens Risom

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT An original Jens Risom large executive desk constructed from solid Walnut and built for design and durability. The right side of the desk has three drawers and a pull-out tray...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Desks and Writing Tables

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Brass

Mid-Century Rosewood Executive Desk with Y Pulls by Jens Risom, 1960s.
Mid-Century Rosewood Executive Desk with Y Pulls by Jens Risom, 1960s.

Mid-Century Rosewood Executive Desk with Y Pulls by Jens Risom, 1960s.

$8,001

Mid-Century Rosewood Executive Desk with Y Pulls by Jens Risom, 1960s.

By Jens Risom

Located in Asaa, DK

Mid-Century Rosewood Executive Desk with Y Pulls by Jens Risom, 1960s. Rare large freestanding executive rosewood desk designed by Jens Risom. Exceptionally beautiful large table to...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk

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Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk The desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 27.25 inches The retur...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Desks and Writing Tables

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Jens Risom Desk Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark
Jens Risom Desk Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark

Jens Risom Desk Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark

$8,825

Jens Risom Desk Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark

By Jens Risom

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare large executive desk designed by Jens Risom. Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark.

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel

Large Jens Risom Desk
Large Jens Risom Desk

Large Jens Risom Desk

$7,700

Large Jens Risom Desk

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Large vintage Jens Risom solid walnut desk. Has a single pull-out drawer. Desk has a glass top. Great for an office or home.  

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Desks and Writing Tables

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Glass, Walnut

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Rare and Early White Oak Mid-Century Modern Desk Labeled Risom Design circa 19

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Located in Philadelphia, PA

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Jens Risom Mid-Century Executive Desk, Circa 1960s

By Jens Risom

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An executive desk in highly figured walnut -- resembling rosewood-- with two shallow flanking drawers, and two draw-out writing returns by Jens Risom, ca. 1960s. Desk top height slightly tapers from back to front (like a subtle drafting desk), measures 29.75" high at back legs, 27.75" high at front legs, writing surface height at front is 27.25". A matching credenza...

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Jen Risom Executive Desk

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American walnut executive desk design by Jens Risom with four drawers on the right, one drawer in the middle, & one drawer and a filing drawer on the left. Both sides have writing pu...

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Jens Risom Solid Wood Desk, Denmark, 1960s

Jens Risom Solid Wood Desk, Denmark, 1960s

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Jens Risom Solid Wood Desk, Denmark, 1960s

By Jens Risom

Located in Utrecht, NL

Jens Risom: wood desk, manufactured by Risom Design. 1960s. This nicely shaped Jens Risom desk has a well sized desktop, two drawer units with drawers and a pull-out leaf with glass top on each side. An internal lock allows you to lock the drawers with a key. The black steel drawer handles are mounted onto chrome rings and have a minimal design. The desk has cylindrical legs and refined adjustable feet. The back legs are a bit detached from the drawers which give the desk an open look to what otherwise would have been a quite solid / closed desk. The wood of the desk has a wonderful grain, that has come out beautifully over the years. It was manufactured by Risom Designi in the 1960s. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor marks and scratches. One key is enclosed. Some drawers don’t come out totally fluid. Manufactured by Risom Design. Dimensions: 66.93 in. W x 35.44 in. D x 28.75 in. H 170 cm W x 90 cm D x 73 cm H Shipping: This solid wood desk...

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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jens Risom Desks and Writing Tables

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Jens Risom desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables by Florence Knoll, Harvey Probber, and Henredon. Prices for Jens Risom desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,500 and can go as high as $8,086, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,595.

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Questions About Jens Risom Desks and Writing Tables
  • 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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