Jens Risom Sectional Sofa and Chair
View Similar Items
Jens Risom Sectional Sofa and Chair
About the Item
- Creator:Jens Risom (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 2 in (5.08 cm)Width: 2 in (5.08 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)Seat Height: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:St. Louis, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU915111437473
Jens Risom
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.
- Midcentury Italian Sectional SofaLocated in Austin, TXAn original Italian midcentury sectional sofa group featuring five separate chairs that form a long sofa. They can be grouped as five, in smaller groups, or all separated into single...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsBrass
- 1960s 6 Piece Sectional SofaLocated in New York, NY1960s 6 piece sectional sofa. This sectional sofa has the original fabric and wooden legs. The sofa is modular and can be arranged and several ways. ...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
$39,000 - Sofa by Jens RisomBy Jens RisomLocated in Sagaponack, NYA three (3) seat sofa on a teak frame base retaining the original yellow upholstery.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsTeak, Upholstery
$16,000 - Vintage Sectional Sofa, 1980sLocated in Raleigh, NCAn incredible vintage sofa, newly upholstered in a plush fabric. Unique thick piping and deep comfortable seats to this stunning sofa. This sectional is four pieces. The smallest piece is 30" wide and can be moved in order to make either side of the sofa longer...Category
Vintage 1980s Sectional Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery
Unavailable - Midcentury Leolux Leather Sectional SofaBy LeoluxLocated in Los Angeles, CAMidcentury Leolux thick natural brown leather curved sectional sofa with matching ottoman. In original condition with visible wear and fading to the leather. This set has 3 single pi...Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
Sold$5,750 - Harvey Probber Midcentury Sectional SofaBy Harvey ProbberLocated in Countryside, ILHarvey Probber midcentury sectional sofa This sofa measures: 133 wide x 100 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 1...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
$12,995 / set