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.
Pair of Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning pair of authentic mid century lounge chairs by Jens Risom. This pair of chairs is absolutely breathtaking, the gorgeous two tone mohair upholstery contrasts the beautiful wa...
Mohair, Walnut
Set of Lounges Model 2136 by Jens Risom, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
A-Line Lounge Chairs, designed by Jens Risom in the 1950s. These iconic chairs feature a sculptural walnut base, fully restored to its original splendor, and are reupholstered in Oce...
Walnut
$9,995 / set
H 29.93 in W 22.64 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom (Attr.), United States ca 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Utrecht, NL
This pair of lounge chairs attributed to Jens Risom is truly a magnificent example of American design, reflecting the sleek elegance of mid-century aesthetics. With their clean lines...
Fabric, Wood
Pair Ernst Schwadron Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Ernst Schwadron lounge chairs. Nicely upholstered chairs with curved arms and solid wooden legs.
Upholstery, Wood
Pair Midcentury Lounge Chairs 1950s Refurbished
Located in Otley, GB
A PAIR of superb midcentury lounge chairs. The 1950s chairs have a superb sculptural & ergonomic silhouette. They feature a high, supportive back, angled arms & black splayed...
Fabric, Wool
Pair of Mid Century Scoop Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare and unique pair of Mid Century Scoop Chairs. This pair has the most beautiful sculpted wood bases that gently cradle the seat, creating the perfect lounge chair. If you've bee...
Wood
Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Danish Jens Risom attributed Mid-Century Modern armchairs with new wool felt upholstery, circa 1960s . Button tufted. Tapered legs with minor loses and fading to wood. Good original ...
Wool
$7,295 / set
H 32.25 in W 26 in D 25 in
Set of 2 Model C-108 Chairs by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, USA, c. 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a limited set of two restored Model C-108 armchairs designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design. Constructed from frames, legs and arms of solid black walnut replete wit...
Walnut
Pair of Lounge Chairs Style of Raphael
Located in New York, NY
Pair of lounge chairs style of Raphael. Has solid walnut legs and newly reupholstered.
Upholstery, Walnut
$7,295 / set
H 32.25 in W 26 in D 25 in
Set of 2 Rare Model C-108 Armchairs, Jens Risom, Jens Risom Design, USA, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a limited set of two restored Model C-108 armchairs designed by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design. Constructed from frames, legs and arms of solid black walnut replete wit...
Walnut
