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Jens Risom Tray 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
Jens Risom Mid-Century Birch Serving Table, Light Gray, Circa 1955
Jens Risom Mid-Century Birch Serving Table, Light Gray, Circa 1955

Jens Risom Mid-Century Birch Serving Table, Light Gray, Circa 1955

$3,950

Jens Risom Mid-Century Birch Serving Table, Light Gray, Circa 1955

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century two-tier serving table with a birch frame, light gray laminate shelf surfaces, and a removable tray top. (JENS RISOM) Missing casters.

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Jens Risom Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

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Jens Risom tray tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom tray tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original tray tables by Jens Risom were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in scandinavia during the mid-20th century. Prices for Jens Risom tray tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,950 and can go as high as $3,950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,950.

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Questions About Jens Risom Tray 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.