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 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
$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
Jens Risom Walnut Danish Styled Small Mid Century Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A smaller sized walnut credenza with two drawers to the left side one small one file and a door to the other having an adjustable shelve. Designed by Jens Risom whose slim trademark ...
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
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
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
$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
Mid-Century Jens Risom Walnut Credenza for IBM
By Jens Risom, IBM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home the Transatlantic elegance of genuine mid-century modern vintage design with this luxurious credenza designed by legendary Danish industrial designer Jens Risom for his na...
Metal, Chrome
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
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
