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 Convertible Dining Table or Console
Located in New York, NY
Jens Risom walnut dining table which also can be used as a console table. Perfect size for a desk or can actually be used as a game tabl...
Walnut
Mid Century Dining Table after Risom c 1950/1960's
By Paul McCobb, Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century boat shaped dining table, design reminiscent of Jens Risom, Paul McCobb etc, unsigned. The table is in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition, show...
Walnut
Large Jens Risom Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Large vintage Jens Risom solid walnut desk. Has a single pull-out drawer. Desk has a glass top. Great for an office or home.
Glass, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Flip Top Console Dining Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Flip Top Console Dining Table This flip top console table measures: 60 wide x 21 deep x 28.75 inches high, with ...
Walnut
Mid Century Extension Dining Table by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Rare mid century extension dining table with three leaves. The table features four tapering legs with architectural and stylized stretchers which radiate down from the center. The ...
Walnut
Johannes Andersen Extension Table 1960's
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This is a dining table designed by the renowned Danish designer Johannes Andersen. It was manufactured by Uldum Møbelfabrik in Denmark, and the maker's mark is clearly visible. Estim...
Teak
Omann Jun No.54 Dining Table
By Omann Jun Møbelfabrik
Located in London, GB
Manufactured by Omann June in the 1960s this incredible dining table is gorgeously crafted, with flawless functionality and a stylish sleek design. Made from hardwood, the table has ...
Wood
Large Coffee or Sofa Table Johannes Andersen
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sofa table in teak designed by Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg in early 1960s. Very good vintage quality. Table with extension on the side.
Teak
$3,295
H 2,850 in W 82.5 in D 33.5 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Extendable Dining Table with Removable Stored Leaf.
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage Mid-Century Modern dining table features a clean, architectural silhouette paired with a practical extensior design. The rectangular tabletop is supported by straight, t...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table attributed to Bengt Ruda
By Bengt Ruda
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish Mid-Century Modern dining table made of Golden Oak. A modern table with clean lines and a natural finish, it's the perfect relaxed backdrop for your next meal. The dining tab...
Oak
Danish Modern Teak Dining Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Teak Dining Table, Denmark, circa 1960s. It expands from 51" length to an impressive " length with both of its "W leaves ...
Wood, Teak
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Dining Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant mid century dining table, designed by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. Clean lined design with elegant splayed legs. It expands from 58-78" width...
Metal
Danish Modern Teak Dining Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Danish Modern Teak Dining Table, Denmark, circa 1960s. It expands from 52.5" length to an impressive 93" length with both o...
Wood, Teak
Elegant Modern Dining Table attributed to Dakota Jackson
By Dakota Jackson
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Modern Dining Table, attributed to Dakota Jackson, unsigned, American, circa 1990s. It measures 54" length and can expand to an impressive 90" length with both of it's two le...
Wood
Paul McCobb Dining Table in Your Color Choice
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Paul McCobb dining table for Calvin, American, circa 1950s. Elegant design with brass stretcher. This table is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of color...
Metal, Brass
Brazilian Mid Century Modern Console Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Brazilian Mid Century Modern Console Table, Brazil, circa 1950s. When we first saw the sculptural angular lines of this table, we tho...
Wood
