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 Credenza in Oiled Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Jens Risom credenza in oiled walnut, features four drawers and one file drawer, two doors with adjustable shelves, finished on the backside, and Stainless...
Stainless Steel
$5,000
H 31.75 in W 21 in D 54.25 in
1960s Jens Risom Designs Large 3-Drawer Cabinet / Credenza American Black Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a walnut credenza, designed by Jens Risom and produced by his company, Jens Risom Designs. It was handcrafted in the USA in the 1960s. It has a beautifully grained walnut cas...
Walnut
Jens Risom Executive Walnut Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Puslinch, ON
Condition: Good Vintage Condition Dimensions: 77.75” L x 21” D x 25.5” H Description: A vintage walnut executive credenza by Jens Risom. Made in the USA, circa 1970s. Uncommon and ...
Walnut
1970s Jens Risom Designs 72 inch Credenza / Cabinet in Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a walnut credenza / cabinet designed by Jens Risom and produced by his company, Jens Risom Design. This particular piece was handcrafted in the USA and dates back to the 1970...
Brass
$5,000
H 28.38 in W 77.82 in D 21 in
Impressive Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Large Walnut Credenza or Sideboard
By Jens Risom
Located in St. Louis, MO
Handsome Jens Risom (1916-2016) designed Danish Modern walnut credenza is perfect for office or home. Designed and produced by Jens Risom...
Walnut
1960's Midcentury Jens Risom Walnut Cabinet Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
An exceptional midcentury walnut file cabinet/credenza by iconic designer Jens Risom, circa 1960s, manufactured in the USA. This absolutely stunning piece features gorgeous walnut, s...
Chrome
1970s Jens Risom Design 72 inch Credenza / Cabinet in Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a walnut credenza / cabinet designed by Jens Risom and produced by his company, Jens Risom Design. This particular piece was handcrafted in the USA and dates back to the 1970...
Brass
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20.25 deep x 27.5 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Minor Wear and Scratches on Top Credenza Surface. D...
Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut and Brass Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20.25 deep x 26.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...
Brass
Walnut Credenza by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Jens Risom, c.1960s, USA. This four drawer walnut credenza features one side of drawers and two shelves concealed by a roll top tambour door. The walnut handles have a br...
Walnut
Peter Hvidt Solid Teak Dressers
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Highly sought after pair of solid teak five drawer dressers designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France and Son in the 1950s. Featuring the distinctive smile shaped ...
Teak
Paul McCobb Drop Down Desk and Credenza for Winchendon
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Vintage Paul McCobb drop down desk unit with credenza on bench made by Winchendon in the 1950s. Part of McCobb's hugely popular Planner group which made sleek modern accessible for t...
Maple
Edward Wormley Curved Desk for Dunbar
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Important Edward Wormley designed semi circular desk with swing out drawers and rear bookshelf for Dunbar circa 1938. This rare and early design from Wormley is an important piece in...
Leather, Mahogany
Italian Midcentury Modern Desk attributed to Silvio Cavatorta
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
An eye-catching mid century modern desk from Italy with built in lighting made in the 1950s. This Silvio Cavatorta attributed piece is a wonderful combination of Italian modernist fo...
Marble
Vintage Mid Century Modern Architects shelving unit
By George Nelson
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
From well known mid century modern architect's Pittsburgh studio, this minimalist shelving unit features a combination of solid walnut shelves, grooved walnut shelves and walnut slat...
Steel
Hans Olsen 'TV 161 set' Teak and Cane Modular seating
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Rare six double set of Hans Olsen's Danish modern classic modular seating system from the 1950s. Featuring six woven cane teak chairs, two solid teak benches, one side table and twel...
Cane, Teak
