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.
Mid-century Danish Rosewood Dresser or Nightstand
Located in Oakland, CA
Four drawer dresser crafted in Brazilian rosewood with book-matched grain and raised on tapered legs. Finely restored and in excellent condition. Measurements Width 32.50’’ x Depth 1...
Rosewood
1960's Mid-century Danish Teak Credenza with Doors and Drawers
Located in Oakland, CA
1960s Danish teak credenza crafted with three sliding doors and series of four drawers, each adorned with angled triangular pulls, raised on tapered legs. The interior is made of cub...
Teak
Bruno Hansen Danish Rosewood Credenza
By Bruno Hansen
Located in Oakland, CA
Finely crafted Brazilian rosewood credenza attributed to Bruno Hansen, Denmark, 1955. Features beveled edges, mitered corners, and stunning book-matched grain patterns across the fro...
Rosewood
Nils Jonsson Mid-century Modern Teak Credenza for Hugo Troeds, c. 1960
By Nils Jonsson, Hugo Troeds
Located in Oakland, CA
Scandinavian Modern teak credenza or sideboard designed by Nils Jonsson for Hugo Troeds, Sweden, circa 1960. This finely crafted mid-century cabinet is handcrafted in old-growth teak...
Teak
Midcentury Danish Rosewood Dresser
Located in Oakland, CA
Three-drawer dresser crafted from rich, dark rosewood with bookmatched grain and set on tapered legs. Finely restored.
Rosewood
Johannes Andersen Rosewood High Sideboard, Danish Mid-century
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Oakland, CA
Johannes Andersen 'Model 31' credenza by J.Skaaning & Son.The cabinet is crafted of Brazilian rosewood and features sliding doors with adjustable shelves, mirrored bar and drawers. M...
Rosewood
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
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
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
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
Mid century American Modern Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful American Modern Mid-Century Modern long black walnut 8-drawer dresser credenza with all solid Brass curved pull handles. High end Construction with Metal Drawer slides. Gre...
Brass
