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.
1950s Jens Risom Design Round Side Table in Walnut 25"
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a side table, originally designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design. This particular example was handcrafted in the United States and dates back to the 1960s. The design is...
Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut End Tables
By Jens Risom
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Pair of Walnut Side Tables or Nightstands, attributed to Jens Risom, unsigned, American, circa 1960s. They have been cleaned and Danish oiled.
Glass, Walnut
Modernist Side Table, Walnut and Laminate, Designed by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist side table, walnut and laminate designed by Jens Risom, simple, elegant design, retains original Jens Risom Design Inc. label.
Laminate, Walnut
$2,895 / set
H 23 in W 27.75 in D 20.75 in
Expertly Restored - Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Side Tables
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Walnut Cantilever End / Side Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish mid-century walnut cantilever side / end table with a rectangular off-center tabletop with shallow gallery supported by a walnut stretcher base. (Jens Risom).
Wood, Walnut
1960s Jens Risom Design Walnut and Laminate Side / End Table 32"
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Jens Risom Walnut Side Table, designed by Jens Risom in 1950 and produced by his company, Jens Risom Design Inc., in the 1960s. The Table's design is composed of a floating...
Laminate, Walnut
$2,000 / set
H 14.25 in W 17.5 in D 18 in
1950s Jens Risom Attributed Mid-Century Modern Travertine and Walnut Side Tables
By Jens Risom
Located in Charleston, SC
This stylish, rare and unique set of mid century walnut and solid travertine side tables are a timeless addition to any living room. The solid walnut frames have been completely refi...
Travertine
$600
H 15.75 in W 32 in D 23.88 in
Jens Risom Rectangular Side Table with Walnut Base and White Laminate Top
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
This rectangular side table by Jens Risom has a walnut base and a white laminate surface. The legs are cleverly inset, giving the top a floating quality and an overall jauntiness to ...
Laminate, Walnut
$900
H 22.75 in W 22.75 in D 24.25 in
1960s Jens Risom Walnut Side Table with Faux Walnut Laminate Top
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Jens Risom Walnut Side Table, designed by Jens Risom in 1950 and produced by his company, Jens Risom Design Inc., in the 1960s. The Table's design is composed of a floating...
Walnut, Laminate
1960s Jens Risom Design Inc Walnut & Laminate End / Side Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original walnut and white laminate side / end table, designed by Jens Risom and produced by Jens Risom Design Inc circa 1960s. This is a classic example of Riso...
Laminate, Walnut
Brass, Glass and Marble Side Table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Round Glass, Marble and Brass Side Table. Shows styling associated with Italian Design and often said to be Italian?! Has a great look, and table sits very soild! Bottom shelf is ...
Marble, Brass
Jay Spectre "DeLanay" Round Chrome and Glass Table
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Spectre "DeLanay" Glass and Chrome Side Table. In beautiful Condition. Couldn't an example of this table anywhere besides in an Ad! Updated Deco feel with a beautiful Etched G...
Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal/ Side Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Table. Aluminum Base with a formica top and maple edge. Classic, useful design! Very clean example!
Metal
Vintage Guitar Pick End Table with Brass Legs and Formica Top, circa 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Guitar Pick End Table Brass Legs and "Peach Color" Formica Top circa 1950 "in good as found vintage condition" "top has some minor imperfection - see images" "legs have som...
Brass
Drexel GuildHall Pair of Walnut Rectangular Tables, Modern Style
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of GuildHall for Drexel Matched Rectangular Tables. Perfect to use separately or together as a coffee Table! Walnut finish, with perhaps oak for the turned legs. Nice stretch...
Walnut
R. Henry Design Iron Side Table, Hand-Crafted Modern Style, USA, 1990
Located in Philadelphia, PA
R. Henry Design, Functional Art Furniture designed by Randall Riemer and David Hutchison. Company was based in Mineral Point WI. Nice solid taboe perfect to use in so many ways!!!
Iron
