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.
1960s Danish Three-Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Three-seat sofa, leather, wood, Denmark, ca. 1960. This modest and comfortable three-seat sofa exhibits characteristics reminiscent of Borge Mogensen's design. The vibrant aestheti...
Leather, Wood
$2,700
H 30 in W 70.25 in D 32 in
Mid Century Vintage Brown Leather Three Seat Sofa, Denmark circa 1960-70
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid-century modern brown leather three-seat sofa with removable cushions and hard wood frame. The years of use are revealed in the aged patina of the leather, including impressions, ...
Leather, Wood
Ole Wanscher Leather 2 Seater Sofa 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This two-seat leather sofa was created by Scandinavian furniture design master Ole Wanscher in the 1950s. It is characterised by its elegant and refined form, which seems to embody h...
Leather, Oak
Leather Sofa by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sofa with a raised, tight back and sloping arms, retaining the original tan leather upholstery, on rosewood legs.
Leather, Rosewood
$2,551
H 27.56 in W 57.09 in D 30.32 in
Danish Modern Two-Seat Sofa with Cognac-Colored Leather Made in Denmark 1960s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage 2 seater sofa manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s. It's upholstered with the original cognac-colored leather with light patina, ...
Leather, Wood
$8,699
H 29.53 in W 45.08 in D 27.56 in
Sofa in Walnut, Cane and Original Leather by Bernt Petersen, 1964
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Walnut, Cane and Original Leather by Bernt Petersen, 1964 Additional Information: Material: Walnut, cane and original leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Wø...
Walnut, Leather, Cane
AV 53 - 3 seater sofa in original leather by Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder, Ivan Schlechter
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AV 53 - 3-seater sofa in red patinated aniline leather with rosewood legs. Designed by Arne Vodder and made by Ivan Schlecter.
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Modern Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Eran, 1960s.
By Eran
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Eran, 1960s. Fantastic Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern large three-seater sofa designed and manufactured by Erhardsen & Andersen (Eran)...
Leather
Sofa in Leather and Rosewood by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare sofa, model V11, was designed by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark during the 1960s. The piece is distinguished by its soli...
Leather, Rosewood
$19,138
H 27.17 in W 88.59 in D 31.5 in
Danish Mid Century V11 Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø in Olive Brown Leather, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and perfect example of an iconic Danish mid century three seater sofa model "V11" in thick original olive brown leather with beautiful matching wooden legs by Illum Wikke...
Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Sofa, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exceptional mid-century sofa, crafted in Brazil during the 1960s, captures the warmth and character that define Brazilian modern design. Upholstered in beautifully aged distress...
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage Walnut Sofa Model U-150 by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage walnut sofa designed by the iconic designer Jens Risom in the United States, circa 1950s. Transform your living space with this exquisitely ref...
Fabric, Walnut, Leather
Vintage Brown Leather Chesterfield Sofa, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exceptional vintage Chesterfield sofa embodies the timeless elegance and craftsmanship that have defined the style for over a century. Upholstered in beautifully aged brown leat...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Leather 'Safari' Sofa by Kjell Nordin
By IKEA
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exquisite vintage leather safari sofa designed by Kjell Nordin in the 1980s, part of the iconic IREVIK collection from Sweden, and masterfully manufactured by Ikea. This stunning ...
Leather, Linen, Beech
Vintage Leather Chesterfield Loveseat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A beautiful vintage leather chesterfield loveseat, a true representation of exceptional craftsmanship from the United States, circa 1980s....
Leather, Wood
Vintage English Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Envision transforming your living space with this remarkable vintage leather Chesterfield sofa, a true masterpiece of mid-20th century British craftsmanship. This sofa is more than j...
Brass
