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.
Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel - Set of 8 Dining Chairs Teak & Cane, Denmark 1955
By Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel, Poul Kold Savvaerk
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel - Set of 8 Dining Chairs Teak & Cane, Denmark 1955 Set of eight Model 111 dining chairs designed by Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel for Poul Kolds Savværk, Denmark, 1955...
Cane, Teak
Set of Twelve Mid-Century Teak Dining Chairs by Wilkhahn Germany, 1958
By Wilkhahn, Georg Leowald
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Set of Twelve Dining Chairs by Wilkhahn Germany, 1958 Set consisting of twelve delicate mid-century chairs from Wilkhahn. The chairs were made in Germany in the 1950s/60s and are re...
Cotton, Teak
Set of 8 Rosewood Steen Eiler Rasmussen Dining Chairs by Søborg, Denmark 1960s
By Steen Eiler Rasmussen, Søborg Møbelfabrik
Located in Rosendahl, DE
A rare set of eight Danish Modern dining chairs designed by Steen Eiler Rasmussen and manufactured by Søborg Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the 1960s. Crafted from beautifully figure...
Leather, Rosewood
Italian Modern Side Chairs with Mohair, 1960s
By Gastone Rinaldi
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Set of two chairs with thin steel frames and upholstered seat and backrest. Upholstery has been reneewed with Mohair fabric (by Kvadrat).
Steel
Mid-Century Tropical Lounge Chair by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, 1970s
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Rosenthal
Located in Rosendahl, DE
"Hombre" lounge chairs designed by Burkhard Vogtherr for the Rosenthal Studio Line. Four chairs with strong wooden frames, high quality down cushions with original tropical fabric...
Fabric, Wood, Down
Highback Chair by Henry Schubell for Vik & Blindheim, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Wingback lounge chair by Schubell, Denmark 1950s. Beautifully sculpted frame, newly upholstered in sophisticated off-white wool fabric.
Wool, Beech
Mid-Century Dining Chairs by Johannes Andersen - Set of Six
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century Danish set of six dining chairs designed by Johannes Andersen. Crafted from sculpted teak wood. The teak frames are sturdy, streamlined, and create a fantastic side profi...
Wood, Teak
1960s Johannes Andersen Dining Chairs, Set of 6, Denmark
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Praha, CZ
A rare and exceptional set of six dining chairs designed by the renowned Johannes Andersen during the 1960s. These chairs are a masterclass in Danish Mid-Century Modern design, chara...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Eight Erik Buch Vintage Dining Chairs by Nova Mobler of Denmark
By Nova, Erik Buch
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A complete set of eight mid-century modern Danish Erik Buch style dining chairs by Nova Mobler of Denmark. Each chair features striking yellow upholstered seats and backs, adding a v...
Fabric, Walnut
Set of Five Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Arne Vodder, 1960s
By Arne Vodder
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
An exquisite set of five mid-century modern dining chairs designed by renowned Danish architect Arne Vodder and produced by France & Son. The sleek black wooden frames contrast b...
Textile, Wood
Rare Set of Six Dining Chairs by Helge Vestergaard Jensen for Peder Pedersen
Located in Victoria, BC
A rare and architecturally elegant set of six dining chairs by Danish designer Helge Vestergaard Jensen, crafted in the 1950s by master cabinetmaker Peder Pedersen. These chairs exem...
Teak
Mid Century Dining Chairs by Farstrup set of 4
By Farstrup
Located in Seaford, GB
Farstrup Danish teak dining chairs - This is a refined set of four Danish mid-century dining chairs by Farstrup, attributed to renowned designers Johannes Andersen or Erik Buch. Craf...
Teak
