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.
Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional and rare set of Mid Century dining chairs, designed by Jens Risom, for Risom Design Inc. The chairs feature solid walnut bases, with fully upholstered seats and backrest...
Upholstery, Walnut
Four Restored Jens Risom Dining Side Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
Four Vintage Side Arm Chairs Set New upholstery in gray microfiber Wood frame and legs
Oak
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
Chet Beardsley Designed Dining Chairs
By Chet Beardsley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of six mid-century modern dining chairs by Chet Beardsley for California Living Designs. Soft, rounded lines throughout, with single seat and back set on a sculpted wood frame. P...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$1,694Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.68 in W 18.51 in D 17.52 in
1960's Midcentury Dutch Design Dining Chairs
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Dutch Design Dining Chair set of 4. Made in the Netherlands, 1960's period. Teak or Wenge wood constructed with black skai fabric seat and back rest. Beauti...
Faux Leather
Mid-Century Set of High Back Dining Chairs
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish set of four matching dining chairs offer a shapely vinyl covered seat, with comfortable high backs. Hardwood walnut frames with tapered legs and clean modern lines add t...
Wood
$2,995 / set
H 33 in W 19.25 in D 20.75 in
Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, Set of Five
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of five Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, "Far East Collection" USA, Circa 1950s Solid carved walnut frames, with upholste...
Upholstery, Walnut
Rare set of 10 Jean Gillon dining chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of 10 dining room chairs in original black leather by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s. Matching dining room table available.
Leather
Set of 6 Vintage Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs
Located in Gardiner, NY
Set of 6 authentic vintage mid century modern dining chairs. This set is in excellent condition with brand new black vegan leather upholstery and few signs of age-related wear (see ...
Wood
Set of 6 Vintage Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Gardiner, NY
Set of 6 authentic vintage mid century modern dining chairs. By G Plan. Maker's label on bottoms. This set is in excellent condition with brand new black vegan leather upholstery ...
Teak
Lawrence Peabody Dining Chairs for Craft Associates
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Lawrence Peabody dining chairs for Craft Associates - quick ship. All show samples are in excellent condition. This set includes four side chairs and six armchairs in high grade leat...
Leather, Walnut
Lawrence Peabody Dining Chairs P-1708, Craft Associates Furniture
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, leather These Lawrence Peabody dining armchairs P-1708 are expertly handcrafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. Chairs are solid walnut with each frame hand steamed and bent. The price includes our standard leather seat. Craft Associates® Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. dimensions H: 29.5" (74.93cm) W: 23.75" (60.325cm) D: 21" (53.34cm) Seat Height: 18" (45.72cm) Seat Width: 19" (48.26cm) Seat Depth: 17.5" (44.45cm) Arm Height: 27" (68.58cm) "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 history Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Leather, Walnut
Lawrence Peabody Dining Side Chair P-1709 Craft Associates Furniture
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, leather These Lawrence Peabody dining side chairs P-1709 are expertly handcrafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates. Chairs are solid walnut with each frame hand steamed and bent. The price includes our standard leather seat. Craft Associates furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. dimensions H: 29.5" (74.93 cm) W: 20.5" (52.07 cm) D: 21" (53.34 cm) Seat Height: 18" (45.72 cm) Seat Width: 18" (45.72 cm) Seat Depth: 17.5" (44.45 cm) "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, Fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 history Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Leather, Walnut
Peabody Modern Dining Chairs
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Lawrence Peabody modern white dining chairs for Craft Associates furniture These Lawrence Peabody modern white dining chairs for Craft Associates furniture are expertly handcrafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates. These chairs are solid maple with each frame hand steamed and bent. The price includes our standard leather or fabric seat. The wood is finished with a beautiful matte lacquer in white. Craft Associates furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Maple, leather or fabric History: Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Maple
Modern Dining Chairs, 1901 for Craft Associates Furniture
By Laura Trenchard, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Modern dining chairs, 1901 for Craft Associates Furniture are expertly handcrafted. Each chair base is constructed by hand from hard wood. T...
Leather, Ziricote
Craft Dining Chair, Alto Mid Century Modern Dining Chair, Upholstered
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
The Alto Mid Century Modern Dining Chair for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly handcrafted in Walnut and fabric. Each chair is constructed by our talented team by hand per clien...
Oak
