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.
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
Mid-Century Modern Floating Top Walnut Side Table By Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern 'Floating' top walnut side table was designed by Jens Risom circa 1950s. This occasional side table features a 19" square top that gives the appearance of flo...
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 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
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
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Floating Side End Tables - Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Floating Side End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 21 wide x 27 deep x 24.25 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Minor Stain Wear on Top Tabl...
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
$1,150
H 26 in W 28 in D 24 in
Jens Risom Leather + Walnut Side Table - Mid Century Modern End Table + Drawer
By Knoll, Jack Cartwright, Jens Risom
Located in Decatur, GA
Jens Risom leather and walnut side or end table. Seldom seen example from Risom Designs. One small drawer with exposed finger joinery. Overall excellent condition. Solid American b...
Leather, Walnut
$1,072Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 21 in W 21 in D 28 in
Jens Risom Side Tables - Midcentury Modern - Pair Walnut Formica Floating Top
By Jens Risom, Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Decatur, GA
Pair of mid century modern side or end tables by Jens Risom for his company, Jens Risom Design. Classic floating silouhette. Frames are a medium tone solid American walnut. Tops are ...
Formica, Walnut
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
Janus' End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A walnut 'Janus' end table of Asian inspiration, with raised edges to the legs and diagonal cloud-lift stretchers. Accented with green inlaid ceramic tiles.
Walnut
Walnut Side Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950's
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly detailed and finely crafted set of nesting tables in light walnut.
Walnut
Flame Stone Casserole by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A flame stone ceramic casserole pot with a domed lid, matte exterior and cream glazed interior.
Ceramic
Side Chair by Tapio Wirkkala for Asko
By Tapio Wirkkala, Asko
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A side chair with a warm-toned undulating laminated teak seat on a chromed steel base.
Steel
Table with Folding Tables by Illum Wikkelso, 1950s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fine set of three beautifully scaled and detailed teak folding tables that nest elegantly into a side table for storage.
Teak
Asymmetrical Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low console or table with a spare mahogany frame that supports an asymmetrical top with brass capped feet.
Brass
