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.
Awesome Lane Furniture 9-Drawer Cabinet or Dresser in Rosewood & Paldao Walnut
By Lane Furniture, Warren C. Church
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Over my long career in the mid-century modern field, I have owned hundreds of Lane pieces. While they're all nice and I enjoy owning all of them, there are some that rise above. This...
Brass
Jack Cartwright for Founders 8-Drawer Walnut & Brass Dresser or Cabinet
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This cabinet was made in the 1970s by Founders after a design by Jack Cartwright, one of the most prolific designers of the 20th century modern scene. Featuring pleasant proportions,...
Brass
Restored Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Long Cabient by Red Lion in Sculpted Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
American-designed and made, this dresser features everything that makes mid-century modern furniture what it is: high quality American walnut construction, thoughtful and light desig...
Hardwood, Walnut
Restored Mid-Century Modern 5-Drawer Tall Dresser by Red Lion in Sculpted Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
American-designed and made, this dresser features everything that makes mid-century modern furniture what it is: high quality American walnut construction, thoughtful and light desig...
Hardwood, Walnut
Lane Furniture 6-Drawer Tall Chest of Drawers in Rosewood & Paldao Walnut
By Lane Furniture, Warren C. Church
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Over my long career in the mid-century modern field, I have owned hundreds of Lane pieces. While they're all nice and I enjoy owning all of them, there are some that rise above. This...
Brass
Mid-Century Danish Modern Tall Chest of Drawers , Cabinet or Dresser in Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome clean line chest of drawers with a classic louver front design. It features beautifully grained walnut with 5 deep drawers. Very clean and ready to use condition.
Walnut
Mid-century Jens Risom Walnut Eight Drawer Dresser
By Jens Risom
Located in Oakland, CA
High-quality chest of drawers by Danish designer Jens Risom, made in the USA. This early work features eight drawers, meticulously constructed with mitered corners and metal rails fo...
Brass
Walnut Dresser by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Jens Risom, c.1960s, USA. This eight drawer walnut dresser features two narrow top drawers and six larger drawers below. One of the narrow drawers has a fold down drawer ...
Walnut
Danish Mid-Century Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser by Jens Risom, Writing Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century walnut 8-drawer dresser with four narrow drawers on the left and four wider drawers on the right, the top of which folds down to crea...
Wood, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 2 Door Cabinet Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 2 Door Cabinet Credenza This credenza measures: 36.5 wide x 20.25 deep x 29 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Minor Stain Wear and Scratches on Top...
Walnut
Danish Mid-Century Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser by Jens Risom, Writing Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century walnut 8-drawer dresser with four narrow drawers on the left and four wider drawers on the right, the top of which folds down to crea...
Wood, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 9-Drawer Dresser Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut 9-Drawer Dresser Credenza This credenza measures: 54.25 wide x 20.25 deep x 27 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Scratches on Top Surface. Credenza...
Walnut
