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.
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Settee
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Settee This settee measures: 52 wide x 30 deep x 32.5 inches high, with a seat height of 15.75 inches Great Vintage Condition - Minor Areas of Wear o...
Upholstery, Walnut
Rare Scandinavian Modern Walnut Settee by Collection Emond
Located in Stamford, CT
At a Glance: We believe this is a one-of-a-kind Scandinavian Design as our research has not presented an identical match. This settee is a delight to view from every angle, making ...
Fabric, Bouclé, Faux Fur, Walnut
Jens Risom Floating Three-Seat Armless Walnut Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa, Model #U250, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Design in the 1950s. Composed of a sculptural walnut base on which the tufted, high-back seat is mounted. Sharp, modern...
Wool, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Floating Sofa Model U-150 by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century modern walnut sofa designed by Jens Risom for Risom Designs, United States, circa 1950s. Model U-150 is a masterclass in design, where every line and proportion serves a purpose. The...
Fabric, Walnut, Leather
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Loveseat Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Loveseat Sofa This loveseat measures: 66.25 wide x 28.5 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 21.5 inches Fair Vintage C...
Upholstery, Walnut
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 74 wide x 32 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm heig...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,300Sale Price|40% Off
H 28 in W 94 in D 32 in
Midcentury American Modern Mel Smilow Solid Walnut Frame Sofa or Daybed
By Mel Smilow
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning midcentury American Modern Mel Smilow Walnut frame long low sofa or daybed. Beautiful armless sofa with solid walnut sculpted frame and steel spring support insert. Has Orig...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sofa Attributed to Milo Baughman
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exquisite vintage sofa, often attributed to the iconic designer Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, is a stunning example of mid-century modern design, known as the Cube sofa due t...
Fabric, Walnut
$3,595 / item
H 31 in W 89.5 in D 27 in
Arnie Vodder for George Tanier Mid Century Danish Walnut Loveseat
By George Tanier, Arne Vodder
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arne Vodder for George Tanier mid century Danish walnut loveseat This loveseat measures: 89.5 wide x 27 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat hei...
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Model U-150 Mid Century Walnut Bracket Back Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Model U-150 Mid Century Walnut Bracket Back Sofa This sofa measures: 80 wide x 30.5 deep x 32 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 24 inches Fair Vint...
Upholstery, Walnut
