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.
$7,999Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.25 in W 72 in D 20 in
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
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
$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 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
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 Modern Walnut Cabinet Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Two-door Mid-Century Modern cabinet by Jens Risom. Classic style of Risom where case appears to be floating on base. Nickeled hardware, finished back, Divided in centre with two adju...
Chrome
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
Fully Restored Jens Risom Walnut & Brass 8-Drawer Cabinet or Dresser
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Danish design icon Jens Risom, this super rare model was made in the USA by his own company: Jens Risom Design Inc. This cabinet rarely comes up for sale, especially in t...
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
$3,375Sale Price|25% Off
H 28.25 in W 54.25 in D 20.25 in
Mid Century Modern Walnut Office Credenza by Jens Risom, c1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time and enhance your workspace with the sophisticated elegance of this Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Office Credenza, designed by the legendary Danish-American desi...
Walnut
Mid-Century Walnut Dresser Founders Furniture Attributed to Jack Cartwright
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Baltimore, MD
Handsome, richly grained walnut Mid-Century Modern 8 drawer dresser, attributed to Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Company, USA circa 1960’s. Expertly crafted, this absolute j...
Walnut
Mid-Century Walnut 9 Drawer Credenza Dresser Laminate Top
By Lane Furniture
Located in Baltimore, MD
A classic Mid Century Modern walnut dresser or sideboard by Lane Furniture Company. This vintage walnut dresser features a beautiful laminate top, six dovetailed drawers, adorned wit...
Laminate, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Nils Jonsson for HJN Mobler Danish Teak Dresser
By HJN Møbler, Nils Jonsson
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautiful Danish modern teak long dresser designed by Nils Jonsson and manufactured by HJN Mobler, made in Denmark circa 1960’s. Features a rectangular top over six (6) easy gliding ...
Teak
Teak Mid Century Denmark Sliding Door Sideboard Credenza
Located in Baltimore, MD
Remarkable, teak, stunning sliding door credenza made in Denmark. This Danish Modern teak credenza is beautifully embellished with bands of teak running perpendicular to the main sur...
Teak
1960s Mid Century Vintage Lane Walnut and Burlwood Tall Five Drawer Dresser
By Lane Furniture
Located in Baltimore, MD
Absolutely stunning Mid-Century Modern Highboy dresser designed by Lane Furniture in the United States circa 1960's. This beautiful dresser is a difficult to find style. An extremely...
Walnut, Burl
Mid-Century Lane Acclaim Dovetail Walnut Dresser
By Andre Bus, Lane Acclaim
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant Mid Century Modern Lane Acclaim 7-Drawer Dresser c. 1960s. This is a beautiful example of Mid-Century craftsmanship by Lane Furniture. This beautiful dresser is a difficul...
Walnut
