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.
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
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Floating Sofa Model U-150 by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century modern walnut sofa designed by Jens Risom for Risom Designs, United States, circa 1950s. Model U-150 is a masterclass in design, where every line and proportion serves a purpose. The...
Fabric, Walnut, Leather
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
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut Sofa, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This beautifully mid-century modern walnut sofa captures the clean lines and thoughtful craftsmanship that define the best American furniture of the 1960s. Resting on a sculptural so...
Fabric, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Tufted Leather 'Irevik' Sofa by Kjell Nordin for IKEA
By IKEA
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by Kjell Nordin for IKEA's acclaimed IREVIK collection, this mid-century modern leather sofa embodies the clean lines, exceptional comfort, and thoughtful craftsmanship that...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sofa Attributed to Milo Baughman
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exquisite vintage sofa, often attributed to the iconic designer Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, is a stunning example of mid-century modern design, known as the Cube sofa due t...
Fabric, Walnut
