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.
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
Arne Norell Ottoman 'Merkur' in Brown Leather
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Norell AB, 'Merkur' ottoman, leather, oak, Sweden, 1960s This rectangular shaped ottoman by Arne Norell features a comfortable cushion with tufted details. The brown...
Leather, Wood
Ivan Schlechter Ottoman in Fabric and Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ivan Schlechter ottoman or large pouf, fabric, leather, Denmark, 1960s This pouf by Ivan Schlechter, produced in Denmark in the 1960s, reflects the calm and functional elegance char...
Leather, Fabric
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno Ottoman in Cognac Brown Leather
By Eugenio Gerli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman, stool, brown cognac leather, beech, Italy, 1960s This refined ottoman by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno reflects the understated elegance of Italian modern design. Its compact, cu...
Leather, Beech
Scandinavian Stool in Teak and Shearling Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman or stool, Scandinavia, teak, shearling upholstery, 1960s Exhibiting a timeless blend of simplicity and functionality, this ottoman or stool epitomizes the understated elegan...
Fabric, Teak
Hans J. Wegner for Getama 'Cigar' Stool in Solid Oak with Green Cushion
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 'Cigar' ottoman, model 'GE240S', oak, fabric, Denmark, design 1955 Designed in 1955, this Cigar ottoman is a creation by Danish master Hans J. Wegner for ...
Fabric, Oak
Scandinavian Stool in Teak and Shearling Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman or stool, Scandinavia, teak, shearling upholstery, 1960s Exhibiting a timeless blend of simplicity and functionality, this ottoman or stool epitomizes the understated elegan...
Fabric, Teak
Mid-Century Walnut Ottoman by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully crafted walnut ottoman designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, epitomizing the organic lines and bold style of Mid-Century Modern design. The sculptural walnu...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Fabric, Hardwood
Lawson-Fenning Portola Ottoman, Mohair & Solid Walnut, Modern Foot Stool
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Portola Ottoman - Round has a handcrafted solid wood frame with an attached cushion. Pairs with the Portola Lounge Chair. Also available in a square design. The Lawson-Fenning C...
Upholstery
Moreno Ottoman by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut Moreno ottoman by Lawson-Fenning. The Moreno Ottoman features a round solid wood base with four cylindrical legs and an upholstered top. Available in American walnut or white ...
Walnut
1950s Vintage Danish Rosewood Ottoman
By Spøttrup Stolefabrik
Located in London, England
Spottrup Mobler - Round Ottoman, 1950s 3-leg rosewood frame with round seat pad covered in new Italian bouclé wool fabric. Produced c1950s.
Bouclé, Rosewood
Lawson-Fenning Headlands Ottoman, Solid Walnut Frame, Modern Footstool
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Headlands Ottoman features a sculptural solid wood frame and upholstered cushion. Available with the Headlands Lounge Chair. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handma...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman, Walnut, Reupholstered, Italy, 1950s
Located in Houston, TX
This is a very comfortable ottoman from Italy. The seat has been reupholstered with light fabric. It rests on two connected legs on each side. Italy, c. 1950s 25"w x 20"d x 18"h Th...
Fabric, Walnut
Gunnel Nyman was known as a glass artist, but this piece is a striking example of her early training in furniture design.
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
