Jens Risom Benches
Danish, American, 1916-2016
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.
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Creator: Jens Risom
Vintage Jens Risom Six Foot (6ft) Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An uncommon six (6) foot long floating bench. Features a walnut frame base with a slightly curved cushion. A classic and timeless design that could blend into a variety of different ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Architectural Mid Century Jens Risom Bench with Walnut Legs and Leather Top
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
This is the hard to find longest size, it has the original leather top (minor wear and missing two tufting buttons). Tapered wood legs support "floating" curved top. Mid-Century Mode...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Benches
Materials
Wood, Leather
$4,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare Early Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice solid walnut bench or coffee table by Risom.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Benches
Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Signed Jens Risom Floating Bench
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Black Vinyl Upholstered Oiled Walnut Bench by Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice mid-century modern bench by Jens Risom
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Floating Bench Model T621
By Jens Risom
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jens Risom Bench
An iconic form Re-upholstered in Boucle Fabric
Original label present.
Category
1950s American Vintage Jens Risom Benches
Materials
Walnut
Jens Risom Custom Eight Foot Walnut Table/ Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Highland, IN
This spectacular eight foot long table or bench by Jens Risom is not only a beautiful design with it's architectural base with tapered legs and a top that appears to float, it is hig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Benches
Materials
Walnut, Leather
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Southwestern Pattern Upholstery and Wood Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish mid-century rectangular floating bench with a banded Southwestern blue and green patterned fabric upholstered seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Benches
Materials
Wood
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Located in St.Petersburg, FL
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Jens Risom
1916-2016
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Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic four foot Jens Risom upholstered bench with a floating top. Walnut base with a beautiful patina. Freshly reupholstered.
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Jens Risom benches for sale on 1stDibs.
Jens Risom benches are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Jens Risom benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches by Jens Risom were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider benches by Harry Bertoia, Arthur Umanoff, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Jens Risom benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,395 and can go as high as $7,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,098.
Creators Similar to Jens Risom
Questions About Jens Risom Benches
- Who is Jens Risom?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Jens Risom was a Danish designer. Many people credit him with bringing the modern style of Scandinavian design to the U.S. He is well-known for his chairs, which feature angled seat backs often upholstered with webbing. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Jens Risom furniture.
- Was Jens Risom Danish?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Jens Risom was Danish. He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 8, 1916, and attended Copenhagen School of Industrial Arts and Design. Following his graduation, Risom moved to the U.S., where he lived for the rest of his life. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Jens Risom furniture.
- Who sells Jens Risom rockers?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Normally, vintage furniture dealers or auction and online platforms specializing in authentic vintage furniture sell Jens Risom rockers. From time to time, rocking chairs produced by the Danish designer may appear at thrift shops and secondhand stores or be available directly from individuals who own them. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Jens Risom chairs.