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
$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
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
From $4,745 / item
+ 2 moreH 18.12 in W 82.68 in D 33.08 in
Mr. Olsen 3-Seat Sofa with Walnut Legs, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
A Classic, sophisticated designer sofa designed in the 1950s by the highly acclaimed Danish architect, Hans Olsen. The Mr. Olsen sofa is an original design that is a perfect match for a gentleman’s room or a feminine sofa...
Foam
Mr Olsen 3 Seater Walnut Dark Green by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Mr Olsen 3 seater walnut dark green by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D201 x W79 x H 78/46 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Foam, Spring system, Walnut, Solid oiled oak legs, Solid smoked...
Upholstery, Foam, Walnut
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with light grey 100 % New Zealand Divina wool. Made of solid mahogany. Model Senator, made by France & Son.
Wool, Mahogany
$6,657 / item
H 28.75 in W 33.86 in D 85.04 in
LIFT - Minimalist 3 Seats Sofa in Solid Walnut Wood and Bosco Leather Seat
By Julien Renault
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Leather, Walnut
Danish Three Seat Sofa in Umber Leather and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s This model evokes the timeless elegance of Borge Mogensen's designs. With three spacious seats, it provides ample room for relaxation. The we...
Leather, Mahogany
Jens Risom Model 2516 Sculptural Sofa Gray Velvet and walnut base
By Jens Risom
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Uncommon Jens Risom Model 2516 sofa with a curvaceous back and sculptural walnut base. The sides of the base with subtle bow tie shape, cutouts in the front of the frame lend to the...
Walnut
From $4,745 / item
+ 17 moreH 18.12 in W 82.68 in D 33.08 in
Mr. Olsen 3-Seat Sofa with Smoked Oak Legs, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
A Classic, sophisticated designer sofa designed in the 1950s by the highly acclaimed Danish architect, Hans Olsen. The Mr. Olsen sofa is an original design that is a perfect match for a gentleman’s room or a feminine sofa...
Foam
