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.
Newly Upholstered Wingback Sofa 1307 by Paul McCobb for Directional, US, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Paul McCobb sofa model 1307 for Directional features a slight winged back resting on a maple frame that gives the sofa a floating look with loose cushions on seat and back. Newly reu...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Maple
Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater USA - 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Newly upholstered Kvadrat Jens Risom settee or two seater. Oak frame
Fabric, Wood
Paul McCobb Sectional Corner Sofa Custom Craft/ Planner Group Newly Upholstered
By Paul McCobb, Custom Craft Inc., Planner Group
Located in Berlin, DE
Sectional corner sofa by Paul McCobb for Custom craft or Planner Group, US. Newly upholstered with fabric by Chase Erwin.
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola Sofa' in Brown Fabric for Craft Associates, USA, 1950s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Berlin, DE
A long, low sofa with Pearsall’s characteristic open structure, the iconic model 2408 pairs generous upholstered volumes with a sculptural walnut frame. Its partly open back and angl...
Upholstery, Walnut
Rare Solid Walnut Arden Riddle White Four-Seat Sofa, USA, 1967
By Arden Riddle
Located in Berlin, DE
Hard to find four-seat by Arden Riddle made in 1967 with new high quality Mark Alexander fabric in excellent condition.
Fabric, Walnut
New Upholstered Orange Jens Risom Sofa Set with Missoni Fabric
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent set by Jens Risom in fully restored condition. The fabric is an orange yellow Missoni fabric with new foam and restored walnut frame.
Fabric, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Walnut Frame, Striped Fabric, USA
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three seater sofa by Jens Risom for Risom Design Inc, c.1960s USA. Known for his "sensible" approach to design, Risom's work focuses on clean lines and functional beauty. The sofa fe...
Walnut, Textile, Upholstery
Large Vintage striped Modular Danish Sofa Pop Art Modular Sofa
Located in Markington, GB
Fantastic Danish Space-Age Modular Seating Group, 1970s A striking example of early 70s Danish space-age design, this modular seating group consists of three individual elements tha...
Fabric
Mid century Danish Modern Beautiful striped wool 3 Seat Sofa by Erik Jørgensen
By Erik Jørgensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful Mid century Danish modern off white / gray striped woven wool 3 seat sofa Birch wood frame and legs. Designed by Erik Jørgensen. Beautiful light gray striped upholstery is ...
Wool, Upholstery, Birch
Mid-Century American Sectional Corner Sofa in Finely Striped Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular corner sofa, fabric, beech, brass, United States, 1960s This sectional corner sofa is a typical midcentury design of the United States designed in the tradition of Harvey Pr...
Brass
Early Four Seater Sofa Designed by Milo Baughman for James, Inc. Mid-Century
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Early labelled Milo Bauhgman for James Inc. 4 seater sofa. This sofa is a super early sofa designed by Mr Baughman and does need to be reupholstered. We love the classic sleek line...
Upholstery, Walnut
Fantastic Signed Milo Baughman Chrome Three-Seat Sofa, Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic signed Milo Baughman chrome leg 3 seater sofa. I love the style of the long thin arms along with the fabulous chrome frame. This piece is perfect for a restyle or to use ...
Chrome, Steel
His two gallery spaces in the German capital bring together thousands of pieces ranging from mid-century classics and Murano glass to covetable reproductions manufactured in-house.
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