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.
The Big Chair and Ottoman by Jens Risom in Navy Blue Velvet, C. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Westport, CT
This iconic Jens Risom lounge chair and ottoman set embodies the elegance and comfort of mid-century American design. Fully restored by our expert workshop, the chair features its di...
Velvet, Walnut
Set of Slipper Chairs by Adrian Pearsall in Navy Mohair, 1950s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Westport, CT
Sculptural set of slipper chairs designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1950s. Walnut bases fully restored, reupholstered in na...
Mohair, Walnut
Wingback Lounge Chairs by Adrian Pearsall, C. 1950s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Westport, CT
Set of vintage wingback lounge chairs by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1950–1959. These iconic chairs feature sculpted walnut bases and dramatic arm details, refinished...
Linen, Walnut
Set of Corkscrew Swivel Lounge Chairs in Mohair. C. 1970s
Located in Westport, CT
Rare pair of Corkscrew Swivel Lounge Chairs, circa 1970-1979. These chairs feature a unique corkscrew design with a swivel return system on polished steel tulip supports. They have b...
Mohair
Sculptural Lounge Chairs in Shearling by Luigi Tiengo, Canada, C. 1960s
Located in Westport, CT
A stunning set of lounge chairs by Luigi Tiengo for Cimon, Montreal, circa 1960s. These iconic pieces feature sculptural walnut frames with an elegant three-leg design, expertly rest...
Lambskin, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chair, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A swivel lounge chair designed by the iconic Edward Wormely for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new high-grade hand cut foam with all insides full...
Velvet, Mahogany
New Navy Blue Upholstery Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair on Brass Legs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Stunning new navy blue upholstery Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge chair on cone shape brass legs. Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti decor match.
Brass
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Lounge Chairs in Navy Romo Cotton Velvet, 1960s
Located in London, London
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Lounge Chairs in Navy Romo Cotton Velvet, 1960s An elegant pair of Italian lounge chairs dating from the 1960s, embodying the refined sculptural forms th...
Velvet
Marco Zanuso Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Reclining Armchair, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Reclining armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s, the armchair has been restored and upholstered in navy blue velvet with a gray piping finish. The extended armchair...
Iron
Navy Blue Velvet Armchair, GFM 142 type Designed by Edmund Homa, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchair model GFM-142, designed by Edmund Homa. The armchair was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory. Frame is made from solid beech wood. The GFM-142 armchair is regarded one of the best Polish armchair design from the previous age. The armchair have been thoroughly renovated. The tension belts have been changed, new upholstery foams - upholstery material...
Textile, Beech
Madsen & Schubell Pragh Armchair in Navy Pierre Frey Velvet, Denmark, 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell, La Maison Pierre Frey, Arnold Madsen
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare wingback chair was designed by Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell and produced in Denmark in the 1950s. The model is a variant of their iconic Pragh armchair, designed in 1948....
Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
Italian Slate-Blue Velvet Corner Chair Attributed to Marzio Cecchi, 1970s
By Marzio Cecchi
Located in Chicago, IL
One Sold / One Available A 1970s Italian corner chair attributed to Marzio Cecchi. Upholstered in plush, slate-blue velvet, its curved silhouette rests on a geometric white lacquer...
Velvet, Lacquer
