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.
1960s Torbjorn Afdal for Mellemstrand Bruksbo of Norway 59" Bench in Oak
By Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1960s Stained Oak Bench or Coffee Table, designed by Torbjorn Afdal and produced by Mellemstrands Mobelfabrik in Norway. The fine grain of the stained oak veneer on this pi...
Oak
1970s Modernist Chromed Steel and Fabric Three Seat Bench Newly Redone 64"
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a long rectangular bench, dating to the 1970s. We are unsure as to the designer on this piece. The sophisticated design features a highly polished stainless-steel base, and i...
Chrome, Steel
1960s Florence Knoll Chrome and Green Mohair Bench 36x18 2x Available
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Bench, designed for Knoll in 1954. This particular example dates to the 1960s. The design incorporates a simple chromed steel frame with a padded seat that i...
Steel
1949 Jens Risom No. 23 Sofa with New Upholstery Signed H.G. Knoll Products
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare and early Jens Risom Sofa, model number 23, produced by Knoll and labelled H.G. Knoll Products. This particular examples dates to circa 1949....
Fabric, Wood
1970s Jim Eldon for Knoll Two Seat Loveseat Sofa in Walnut and Black Fabric
By Jim Eldon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a two-seat loveseat sofa, originally designed by Jim Eldon for Knoll. This particular example was produced in the 1970s. The design features a solid walnut frame paired with ...
Foam, Walnut, Fabric
1960s Danish Kastholm-Like Oak and Aluminum Three Seat Sofa / Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a wooden bench dating to the 1960s, having an aluminum frame with oak slats for the seat and back. It is an unusual, modern form, and we believe it to be Danish in origin. It...
Aluminum
Danish Mid-Century Floating Bench by Jens Risom in Walnut and Gray
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a walnut stretcher base supporting a rectangular seat cushion upholstered in light gray woven fabric with button tufted detail. (JENS RISOM).
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Jana Entry Bench, Upholstered Cushion Version - Walnut Mid-Century Modern
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Jana entry bench is an original design, rooted in my love of all things modern, mid century, and Scandanavian. It's lovingly hand-built by me and my team from solid walnut (other...
Walnut
Odyssey Bench Series 96 in Special Walnut by Stamford Modern
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Odyssey Bench Available in four standard sizes: Series 48, Series 60, Series 72, and Series 96, with custom sizing also available. The Odyssey Bench is a sculptural study in moveme...
Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Oak, Walnut
ARC Bench Series 48 in Special Walnut
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Arc Bench is a sophisticated reinterpretation of mid-century modern design, where architectural form and modern functionality meet in seamless balance. Inspired by the timeless e...
Brass
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Floating Bench This bench measures: 49.5 wide x 19.5 deep x 17.25 high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17.25 inches Fair Vintage Condition - Wa...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sabre Leg Bench Series 48 in Special Walnut by Stamford Modern
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Sabre Leg Bench The Sabre Leg Bench is a refined expression of mid-century modern design, defined by its sculptural frame and distinctive tapered legs that sweep gracefully bene...
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
