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.
Hans Olsen Settee
By Hans Olsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare settee model 800/2 by Hans Olsen for CS Mobler. The settee is reupholstered in a vintage powder teal wool fabric. Tapered teak legs.
Wool, Teak
Mid-Century 6' Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long mid-century sofa in original blue upholstery. Sculpted walnut frame with bottom runner support. The cushioned arms rest over the wood frame. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Fabric, Walnut
Sofa by Jens Risom for Risom Manufacturing
By Jens Risom
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A three (3) seat sofa on a teak frame base retaining the original yellow upholstery.
Teak, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Europe ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Mid-century design is typically characterized by clean, simple lines and honest use of quality materials. It also generally includes minimal, tasteful use of decorative embellishment...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Modern Sofa Loveseat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid-century modern Danish sofa features clean lines and unique tapered legs. Scandinavian modern style adds a retro flare to any home or office space. Perfect two-seat sofa for ...
A Danish Midcentury Sofa by Johannes Andersen
Located in New York, NY
A free-standing three seater sofa mounted on a six-legged teak frame. Seat, sides and back upholstered with brown wool. Wood is in good condition, patina due to age and use, includin...
Wool, Wood, Teak
Mid-Century Sofa Bed
Located in London, England
Mid-Century sofa bed with solid teak frame newly polished and re-covered in cream boucle fabric. U.K circa 1960.
Fabric, Teak
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 54 in D 29 in
Jens Risom Mid-Century U-150 Loveseat with New Upholstery
By Jens Risom
Located in Sacramento, CA
Model U-150 loveseat designed by Jens Risom and produced by Jens Risom Design. An iconic piece of minimalist mid-century design by the legendary Danish-American designer, this piece...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century 1950 Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Hauner Sofa
Located in London, GB
Sergio Rodrigues designed the Hauner sofa in 1950. The piece is characteristic of Rodrigues’ unique aesthetic and the mid-century sensibility he championed. Made of beautiful Pinho d...
Upholstery, Wood
9 Foot Long Mid-Century Sofa by Jens Risom Manufacturing
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This large-scale sofa measures over 9 feet long and makes a unique and stylish seating addition to any interior. Comfortable and stunning in it's size and simplicity, the design by J...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
