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 Walnut Magazine Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model T.539 side table, designed by Jens Risom for his eponymous company in 1949. The design is defined by its sharp, wedge-shaped profile, with an angled support, broad walnut top, ...
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
1970s Jens Risom Designs Side / End Table in Walnut 21x30"
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Side Table, originally designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Designs. This particular example was handcrafted in the United States and dates back to the 1970s. The...
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
Lane Rhythm Walnut Side Table
By Lane Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
A handsome coffee table in walnut, this design from the Lane "Rhythm" collection has subtle details that exhibit a Scandinavian influence. 20"h X 20.5"w X 29.75"d
Walnut
Walnut End Table by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An expressive end table in rich walnut having raised and curved tapered side rails connected directly to the legs that support a floating top.
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Side Table by Gunlocke
By Gunlocke
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sleek, Mid-Century Modern, walnut side table by Gunlocke features sculpted sleigh legs.
Walnut
1960s 30 Inch Walnut Side / End Table Attributed to Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a walnut side / end table attributed to Jens Risom, produced in the 1960s. The table features a 30-inch square walnut top with clean lines and a straight-leg base, reflecting...
Walnut
Side Table Made In Walnut From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This side table, crafted from walnut wood and dating back to the 1960s, is a perfect blend of functionality and mid-century modern design. The table features a beautifully structured...
Walnut
Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Teak and Cane Side Table
By Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hvidt and Molgaard Solid Teak end Table with Cane bottom shelf. Top newly refinished and ready to go! Great scale and size! Elegant simple Danish Design made of solid wood!
Cane, Teak
Anton Kildeberg Danish Round Teak Side Table
By Anton Kildeberg
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Anton Kildeberg 3 Legged Side Table. Superb example of Danish Mid-Century Craftsmanship! Sculptural Simplicity with beautiful Teak. Slight raise...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Teak End Table by Ganddal Mobelfabrikk, Norway, 1960's
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, Finn Juhl, Ganddal Mobelfabrik, Peter Hvidt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Scandinavian Modern Teak End Table by Ganddal Mobelfabrikk, Norway, 1960's Nice two tier teak table in good condition (refinished by others) with hard wood legs, lower rails and e...
Teak
Gunnar Schwartz Teak Square Coffee Table with cane shelf
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gunnar Schwartz Teak square coffe table with a bottom cane shelf. Top has been refinished and is ready to go! Beautiful Teak wood, makes this table both beautiful and useful! Nice...
Cane, Teak
Jens Risom Glass and Walnut Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Risom Walnut and Glass Coffee Table. Uncommon Table not often seen. Very nice original condition with new glass. Glass surface is 16" high
Glass, Walnut
Mid- 20th Century Heritage-Henredon Drop-Leaf Walnut Table
By Heritage-Henredon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Heritage Henredon Drop-Leaf Table. Opens to seat 10! Perfect to use as a sofa table or along a wall! Beautiful proportions! Closed the table...
Walnut
