Adrian Pearsall designed some of the most exuberant and expressive American chairs, sofas and other furniture of the 1950s and ’60s. For verve and vivacity of form, he surpasses even Vladimir Kagan — whose work is the emblem of swinging, sexy mid-20th century modernism. Pearsall gave his imagination free rein, and his flamboyant, eye-catching styles are icons of what has become known as “Atomic Age” design.
Pearsall studied architectural engineering at the University of Illinois before opening his Pennsylvania furniture company, Craft Associates, in 1952, and that training shows in many designs.
A Pearsall trademark, for example, is a lounge chair with an exceptionally tall, trapezoidal back, which give the pieces a skyscraper-like silhouette. Pearsall also had a talent for so-called Gondola sofas — long, low-slung pieces with upswept ends. Many of Pearsall’s sofas and chairs are supported not by legs, but on gently arced walnut skids.
Pearsall had a gift for tables, too, in particular glass-topped side tables and coffee tables with frames that have the look of an Alexander Calder stabile. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, Pearsall had flair, and his work adds an attention-getting, sculptural exclamation point to any décor.
Find vintage Adrian Pearsall sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century Modern Danish Paul McCobb-Style Reupholstered Lounge / Accent Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful restored Mid-Century Modern Danish lounge / accent chair! It is a very unique piece with its wide style and slate back. This chair was reupholstered in a gorgeous charcoal ...
Fabric, Wood
Jens Risom Style Mid-Century Modern Danish Armchair
By Jens Risom
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful reupholstered "Jens Risom Style" mid-century modern Danish armchair. Reupholstered in an Ivory "Paris Plush" fabric by Greenhouse Fabrics with a Gimp Trim on the back of th...
Fabric, Wood
1960s Reupholstered Adrian Pearsall Rocking Wave Chaise Lounge
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Medina, OH
The Adrian Pearsall rocking "Wave" chaise lounge fully reupholstered in an Ana Elisabeth S5443 Arctic faux fur fabric. The walnut base has been professionally refinished and is in an...
Fabric, Polyester, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Lee Woodward Tufted Chenille Sculptural Rocking Chair
By Lee Woodward Zeigler
Located in Medina, OH
Mid-Century Lee Woodward Tufted Sculptural Rocking Chair in a printed charcoal textured chenille. Beautiful tubular brass frame with sensation...
Brass
Original Steelcase Office Armchair
By Steelcase
Located in Medina, OH
"Steelcase" Armchair in its original fabric. This vintage office chair is not like any office chair in today's modern furniture. Take a look at the wood frame, with its Art Deco vibe...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 5 Mid-Century Foster-McDavid Dining Chairs
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Medina, OH
A set of five Foster & McDavid dining chairs, walnut, circa 1960s. Founded in Florida in 1950s. One arm chair and four side chairs. These chairs have been reupholstered in a beautiful textured black velvet fabric. If you take a look at the pictures, the back fabric is a different design than the front fabric, making the back even more unique with its exposed lattice structure...
Velvet, Walnut
Expertly Restored -Adrian Pearsall Model 843-C Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Boucle Tweed, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 932-C Scoop Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Adrian Pearsall 932-C Scoop Chair Designed by iconic mid-century modern furniture maker Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, the 932-C “Scoop” Chair is a stunning example of sculpt...
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pasadena, TX
A beautiful and pristine Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Chair. The chair features solid rosewood base and armres...
Fabric, Rosewood
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates lounge chair This chair measures: 24.25 wide x 23.5 deep x 25.75 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 21.5 inches All ...
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Wingback Lounge Chair Model 1611-c
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pasadena, TX
This chair was designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. It has a nice fabric on it and a walnut base. The chair has a swan like look as the arms wave out.
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall, model 1806-C
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Model 1806 lounge chair by Adrian Pearsall. beautiful walnut base with walnut arms. has new knoll fabric upholstery.
Walnut
