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.

Creator: Jens Risom

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

$2,895Sale Price / item|49% 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

Materials

Brass

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

$7,960

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 Executive Desk

$3,995

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century walnut executive desk This desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk

$5,595 / set

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

Materials

Walnut

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Walnut and Leather "Risom" Desk By Design Within Reach

$1,550

H 29 in W 42 in D 21.5 in

Walnut and Leather "Risom" Desk By Design Within Reach

By Design Within Reach

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Walnut and Leather "Risom" Desk By Design Within Reach. A refined mid-century modern desk featuring a sleek black leather bound top. Clean lines, warm wood grain, and a streamlined s...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

1970s Romweber Burl Wood and Gold Trim Executive Desk with Filing Drawers

$7,595

H 29.5 in W 76 in D 38 in

1970s Romweber Burl Wood and Gold Trim Executive Desk with Filing Drawers

By Bernhard Rohne, Romweber Furniture Co., Mastercraft

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Luxury, pure and simple. Well maybe not so simple… this burled Carpathian elm wood executive desk wears its gold trim like fine jewelry. The vintage 1970s desk captures the glamour of the era. The chocolate hued wood is illuminated with brilliant gold-colored metal handles, legs, and bezel. This is no dainty beauty. Designed for serious work and sophisticated environments, the desk features a suite of functional enhancements rarely found in pieces of this era. Three pull‑out table tops, one at the back, and one on each side. These convenient pull-out tables expand the usable surface area for devices or collaborative work. A long center drawer with an integrated organizing tray keeps essentials elegantly contained. On the left and right, two shallow top drawers provide quick‑access storage. Two deep file drawers (one left, one right) accommodate modern organizational needs. These file drawers lock, one key is included. Attention to detail rings throughout the design. Meant to be admired from all angles, it is a true work of art. Romweber, founded in Indiana and known for its uncompromising standards, produced some of the finest American case goods of the 20th century. This desk is a testament to that legacy: substantial, impeccably built, and designed to endure for generations. Its scale, materials, and craftsmanship make it an exceptional choice for executives and collectors seeking a statement piece that communicates authority, taste, and heritage. We also have a matching, equally grand, Romweber executive office credenza with file...

Category

1970s American Campaign Vintage Jens Risom Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern "Biscayne" Floating Top Walnut Desk by Drexel

$5,400

H 34.5 in W 55.75 in D 31.5 in

Mid-Century Modern "Biscayne" Floating Top Walnut Desk by Drexel

By Drexel, Milo Baughman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This exceptional floating top walnut desk by Drexel represents the pinnacle of 1960s American modernist design. Part of the distinguished Biscayne collection, this piece draws clear ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries, 1950s

$2,450

H 30 in W 78.75 in D 39.375 in

Mid-Century Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries, 1950s

By Friso Kramer, EEKA, Coen de Vries

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A striking example of Dutch mid-century modern design, this executive desk was designed by Friso Kramer and Coen de Vries for EEKA (Eindhovense Eisen- en Kantoorartikelenfabriek) in ...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Walnut and Burl Wood Executive Desk by Stow Davis

$4,995

H 29 in W 72 in D 36 in

Mid-Century Walnut and Burl Wood Executive Desk by Stow Davis

By Stow Davis

Located in North Hollywood, CA

A stunning mid-century modern executive desk, expertly crafted by Stow Davis in the 1960s in the United States. This piece showcases a beautiful burl wood top, elegantly wrapped in r...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Rosewood Executive Desk with Metal Details, Scandinavian Modern, 60s

$2,575

H 28.35 in W 51.19 in D 27.96 in

Mid-Century Rosewood Executive Desk with Metal Details, Scandinavian Modern, 60s

Located in Göteborg, SE

Striking mid-century executive desk crafted in richly grained rosewood, dating to the 1960s. This Scandinavian modern piece features elegant tapered legs, a floating top with softly ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

1968 Executive Desk

$6,500

H 30 in W 72 in D 36 in

1968 Executive Desk

By Warren Platner

Located in Hanover, MA

Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm. Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings. The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971. Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One corner edge shows a small separation. The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel: G.P. F.I. 2 And the date Dec. 20, 1968. See image 18. Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector. We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers. Tim Anderson...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

Jens Risom Walnut Coffee Table

$4,800

H 42 in Dm 16 in

Jens Risom Walnut Coffee Table

By Jens Risom

Located in Chicago, IL

Jens Risom Walnut Coffee Table; model 4010 designed 1961 revolving top with locking mechanism, solid walnut tapered legs. 42" Diameter 16" Height C...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

1960s Mid Century Walnut and Metal Executive Desk styled after Knoll

$2,450

H 28.75 in W 67 in D 35.75 in

1960s Mid Century Walnut and Metal Executive Desk styled after Knoll

By Knoll

Located in North Hollywood, CA

✨ Mid-Century Walnut & Metal Executive Desk ✨ This exceptional mid-century executive desk is a timeless example of minimalist design and fine craftsmanship from the 1960s. The desk ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Jens Risom Walnut End Tables

$2,450 / set

H 25 in W 19 in D 19 in

Jens Risom Walnut End Tables

By Jens Risom

Located in Atlanta, GA

Clean Lined Pair of Walnut Side Tables or Nightstands, attributed to Jens Risom, unsigned, American, circa 1960s. They have been cleaned and Danish oiled.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Mid Century Extension Dining Table by Jens Risom

$4,500

H 27 in W 48 in D 48 in

Mid Century Extension Dining Table by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Rare mid century extension dining table with three leaves. The table features four tapering legs with architectural and stylized stretchers which radiate down from the center. The ...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Rosewood Floating Top Executive Desk by Fristho

Sold|~~$2,950~~

H 29.25 in W 63 in D 27.5 in

Mid-Century Rosewood Floating Top Executive Desk by Fristho

By Kho Liang Ie, Fristho

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Executive desk by Fristho features a commanding floating rosewood top suspended 2.5 inches above dual cabinet bases. White lacquered supports create dramatic visual separation betwee...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Rosewood, Lacquer

Previously Available Items

Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Walnut Writing Desk - Refinished

Sold

H 28.5 in W 56 in D 21 in

Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Walnut Writing Desk - Refinished

By Jens Risom

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

Elevate your workspace with this 1960s Mid-Century Modern walnut writing desk signed by Jens Risom. Expertly refinished, it showcases rich walnut grain, clean architectural lines, an...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

1960s Mid Century Wood and Laminate Desk by Jens Risom

Sold

H 28.25 in W 50.75 in D 28 in

1960s Mid Century Wood and Laminate Desk by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid century modern desk by Jens Risom and circa 1960 has a classic Danish modern design with clean, minimalist, geometric lines. The desk is well-crafted heavy, and feat...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Walnut Executive Desk with Return Circa 1960s

Sold

H 29 in W 81 in D 88 in

Jens Risom Walnut Executive Desk with Return Circa 1960s

By Jens Risom

Located in Peabody, MA

Large mid-century executive desk in walnut by Jens Risom, circa 1960s with storage drawers and a pull-out writing surface to left of sitter with glass insert. Desk includes a return...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Jens Risom Executive Walnut Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 74.5 in D 36 in

Jens Risom Executive Walnut Desk

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

American walnut executive desk designed by Jens Risom with four drawers on the right, one drawer in the middle, and one drawer and a filing drawer on the left. Both sides have writing pull out slides...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Midcentury Walnut Executive Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 81.5 in D 36 in

Jens Risom Midcentury Walnut Executive Desk

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom midcentury walnut executive desk This desk measures: 81.5 wide x 36 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 25.25 inc...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Vladimir Kagan Rosewood and Aluminum Desk/Dining Table

Sold

H 29 in W 60 in D 36 in

Vladimir Kagan Rosewood and Aluminum Desk/Dining Table

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Amazing 1970s Brazilian Rosewood with aluminum stretcher desk with glass top, it can also be use as a dining table with a larger piece of glass, in vint...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Jens Risom

Sold

H 30 in W 60 in D 30 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut writing desk by Jens Risom and manufactured in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk has a conserv...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Jens Risom Midcentury Walnut and Brass Executive Desk

Sold

H 28 in W 81.25 in D 36 in

Jens Risom Midcentury Walnut and Brass Executive Desk

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom midcentury walnut and brass executive desk. This desk measures: 81.25 wide x 36 deep x 28 high, with a chair clearance of 26.25 inches All pieces of furniture can be...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk with File Cabinet Drawer by Jens Risom

Sold

H 28.5 in W 69.38 in D 37 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk with File Cabinet Drawer by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century American Modern single pedestal executive desk in walnut by Jens Risom (ca. 1960, USA). Features a pull-out writing surface with glass top above a drawer with a laminate surface flanked by a solid walnut divider atop a corresponding filing cabinet drawer...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

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

Sold

H 29.75 in W 54 in D 28.75 in

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

By Jens Risom

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A rare and early white oak Mid-Century Modern five drawer desk labeled Risom Design circa 1950. Possibly from the early Risom NYC workshop.

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Jens Risom Mid-Century Executive Desk, Circa 1960s

Sold

H 29.75 in W 75 in D 36.75 in

Jens Risom Mid-Century Executive Desk, Circa 1960s

By Jens Risom

Located in Peabody, MA

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...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Jen Risom Executive Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 74.5 in D 36 in

Jen Risom Executive Desk

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

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...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

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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