The Risom Side Chair was designed by Jens Risom for Knoll in 1943 and has become a modern design classic over the years. The chair's frame is made of solid maple wood with a clear lacquered finish. The seat and backrest are made of braided cotton webbing and are available in three colors.

The Risom Collection was the first collection designed for and produced by Knoll. As the collection was designed in a time of war, where materials were in short supply, the design, and choice of materials had to be economical. The chair was constructed from a simple maple frame, the seat, and backrest were created from discarded parachutes. With The Risom Collection, Knoll established itself as a modern brand in the American furniture market.