Skip to main content

Jens Risom Footstools

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.

to
10
10
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
10
10
10
1
1
10
10
9
4
1
9
9
9
1
1
10
10
10
241
43
32
20
20
Creator: Jens Risom
Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Light Gray Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a walnut stretcher base supporting a rectangular seat cushion upholstered in light gray woven fabric with button tufted detail. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Walnut, Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Black Tufted Vinyl and Wood Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a black vinyl button tufted seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Gray Velvet Upholstered Walnut Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a walnut stretcher base supporting a rectangular seat cushion upholstered in gray velvet with button tufted detail. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Army Green Fabric Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century rectangular floating bench with a green fabric upholstered seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Purple Tufted Velour and Wood Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century rectangular floating bench with a purple button tufted velour seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Off-White Shou Patterned Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century rectangular floating bench with an off-white Shou-patterned fabric upholstered seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Upholstery

Jens Risom Walnut Ottoman
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a Jens Risom designed Walnut ottoman (signed under upholstery), angular framework and in the center sits the cushion that's built into the frame. Ottoman has an edge...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Walnut

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Rose Pink Upholstery and Walnut Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century floating bench with a textured rose pink upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Fabric

Jens Risom Multi-Colored Geometric Pattern Upholstery and Wood Floating Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century rectangular floating bench with a geometrically patterned blue, green, and orange fabric upholstered seat resting on a wooden floating frame base. (JENS RISOM).  
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Blue and Green Southwestern Pattern Upholstery
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

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Related Items
Ottoman pouf DROVA 4 Wool fabric WOO
By Dmitriy Kozinenko
Located in Kyiv, UA
Ottoman pouf Drova 4, a versatile and stylish addition to your living space. Handcrafted with precision in Ukraine, this cube pouf embodies the perfect fusio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Steel

Ottoman pouf DROVA 4 Wool fabric WOO
Ottoman pouf DROVA 4 Wool fabric WOO
H 15.95 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
English Victorian Leather Tufted Footstool
Located in Norwood, NJ
English Victorian leather tufted mahogany footstool/ottoman with turned legs olive green/beige weathered leather.
Category

Early 20th Century English Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany

Late 20th Century William and Mary Style Upholstered Footstool Ottoman
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful late 20th century walnut and Upholstered William and Mary style footstool or ottoman in very good vintage condition. Measures 19" in width, 19" in depth and 10" tall.
Category

Late 20th Century American William and Mary Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut

21st Century Samarcanda Pouf in Fabric and Brass by Etro Home Interiors
By Etro
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Available in two different shapes and sizes, Samarcanda pouf is a versatile and functional piece of furniture able to fit into any environments. The bamboo canes legs, natural elemen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Mongolian Goat Fur Round Footstool, Italy, 1950s
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian footstool with solid wood structure upholstered in natural Mongolian black goat fur. Legs made of brass, Italy, 1950s. Every item LA Studio offers is checked by our team of ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Brass

Alex Outdoor Ottoman Stainless Steel Powder Coated Upholstered Sunbrella
By Heather Ashton Design
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, the Alex Ottoman is created using a stainless steel powder coated frame and specialized outdoor foam. The design is minimal and light...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Large and Rare Double Rail Woven Leather Coffee Table or Ottoman Bench, 1990s
Located in Lisse, NL
Timeless and stylish ottoman with top quality leather woven rails. This finest quality and very large ottoman is another one of our recent great fi...
Category

20th Century European Art Deco Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Leather, Wood

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 Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Jens Risom Mid Century Danish Styled Loveseat ( A )
By Jens Risom
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very nice sized Danish styled Mid Century loveseat upholstered in a tight woven blue contract fabric which is original to this piece . Framed in a medium dark walnut with great bac...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Green and Brown Mohair X Base Ottomans by Billy Baldwin
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous pair of green mohair with dark brown velvet piping X base ottomans by Billy Baldwin. Newly upholstered. Measurements: 22” wide, 18” Deep, 18.5” High.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Mohair, Velvet

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 Footstools

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Floating Bench Model T621
Jens Risom Floating Bench Model T621
H 16.5 in W 48 in D 19.5 in
Chesterfield Brown Leather Tufted Square Footstool Vintage Biker Tan Leather
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely Tan brown leather chesterfield tufted footstool A good looking and comfortable stool, it has a nice heritage patina to it We have cleaned ...
Category

20th Century English Chesterfield Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Leather

Previously Available Items
Jens Risom Walnut Bench
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut T621 floating curved bench designed by Jens Risom.
Category

1950s Vintage Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Walnut Bench
Jens Risom Walnut Bench
H 17 in W 48 in D 19.5 in
Pair of Footstools by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of footstools by Jens Risom.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Footstools by Jens Risom
Pair of Footstools by Jens Risom
H 17.5 in W 19.5 in D 15.5 in
Pair of Footstools by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of footstools by Jens Risom.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Footstools by Jens Risom
Pair of Footstools by Jens Risom
H 16.5 in W 19.5 in D 15.5 in
Pair of Footstools by Jens Risom, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Set of footstools or benches designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s. Walnut bases fully restored, newly upholstered in aqua velvet by Holly Hunt.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Pair of Footstools by Jens Risom, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
Set of footstools or benches designed by Jens Risom, circa 1950s. Walnut bases fully restored, newly upholstered in aqua velvet by Holly Hunt.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century Footstools, Ottomans by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Matched pair of ottomans in walnut by Jens Risom. In fabulous original condition. All inquiries please call or just press "Contact Dealer" button.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jens Risom Footstools

Materials

Walnut

Birchwood Stool by Jens Risom for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Birchwood stool with woven fabric seat, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll. USA, circa 1950. Early model.

Measures 17.25 inches H by 15 inches W by 16 inches L.
Category

1950s American Vintage Jens Risom Footstools

Birchwood Stool by Jens Risom for Knoll
H 17.25 in W 16 in D 15 in

Jens Risom footstools for sale on 1stDibs.

Jens Risom footstools 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 footstools, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original footstools 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 footstools by Fritz Hansen, and Poul Hundevad. Prices for Jens Risom footstools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,145 and can go as high as $1,145, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,145.
Questions About Jens Risom Footstools
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Jens 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Normally, 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.

Recently Viewed

View All