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 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
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 3 Seat Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom mid century walnut 3 seat sofa This sofa measures: 64 wide x 23 deep x 32 inches high, with a seat height of 18 inches Ready for new upholstery. This service is avai...
Upholstery, Walnut
Classic Jens Risom Three Seat Sofa Ca' 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic three seat sofa by Jens Risom, ca' 1960's. Sculpted and recessed walnut base, model #2516. Freshly reupholstered and ready to be enjoyed for many years. The cushions are re...
Upholstery, Walnut
$10,100
H 31 in W 68 in D 25 in
3 Seat Sofa in Solid Walnut Styled After Jens Risom for Risoms Designs Inc., USA
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
A limited release by ABT Modern inspired by the designs of Jens Risom for Risom Design, Inc. The Bel Riposo is constructed from hand-selected African wa...
Walnut
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.47 in W 89.38 in D 31.5 in
Three-Seat Jens Risom Sofa for Risom Design Inc multicolored fabric with stripes
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
This Jens Risom sofa for Risom Design Inc. is in good condition. The solid walnut frame has been oiled and is in vintage condition with normal wear with age (slight imperfections). T...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 78.25 wide x 32.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15.75 and arm height of 24 inches Good Vintage Condition - ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Risom Sofa. Sofa was reupholstered several years ago and is ready for it's redo! Structure is solid and usable as is, but fabric shows texture loss and faint stains. Sofa w...
Upholstery
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Sofa - Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Sofa - Pair Each sofa measures: 78.25 wide x 32.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15.75 and arm height of 24 inches Good Vintage Condi...
Upholstery, Walnut
$5,800
H 31 in W 63.5 in D 28 in
C. 1941 Jens Risom for Knoll Associates Three-Seater Sofa/Settee w/ New Webbing
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a three-seater settee, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates in 1941. The piece has a frame constructed of pine (or possibly birch), and has newly re-done webbed straps...
Copper
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Sled Leg Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Sled Leg Sofa This sofa measures: 85 wide x 32 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height of 21 inches...
Upholstery, Walnut
