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.
1960s Mid Century Walnut and Leather Rocking Chair by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exceptional mid-century rocking chair, designed by the legendary Adrian Pearsall, beautifully embodies his signature sculptural aesthetic and bold, organic lines. The solid waln...
Leather, Walnut
Sculptural California Studio Craft Walnut Rocking Chair
Located in Oakland, CA
1970's California studio crafted rocking chair of solid black walnut with floating arms, and original black vinyl sling upholstery. Finely hand scu...
Leather, Walnut
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.5 in W 32.25 in D 25 in
Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Lounge Chair, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking sculptural lounge chair designed by American architect and furniture designer Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, dating from circa 1968. Pearsall (1925–2011) is celebra...
Walnut, Fabric
$2,200
H 27 in W 28 in D 29 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Arm Chair in Walnut by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sexy sculptural lounge chair designed by Adrian Pearsall in the 1960's. It features the original floral fabric on the back rest but the seat cushion was redone at some point. Solid...
Wood, Fabric, Walnut
$2,795
H 32 in W 26 in D 32 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 812-CR Walnut Rocking Lounge Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 812-CR Mid Century Walnut Rocking Lounge Chair This rocking chair measures: 26 wide x 32 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height...
Upholstery, Walnut
$5,588
H 35.44 in W 21.66 in D 36.62 in
Adrian Pearsall Midcentury Walnut Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Armchair designed by the American designer Adrian Pearsall. The frame of this cocktail lounge chair is made of walnut wood in a beautiful curved shape and upholstered in white chenil...
Chenille, Walnut
$3,600Sale Price|40% Off
H 36 in W 27 in D 21 in
Rare Mid Century Studio Craft Sculptural Walnut Arm Chair by James Martin
By James Martin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Mid Century Studio Craft Sculptural Walnut Arm Chair by James Martin. Handmade in the USA - New Hope, PA. All Solid American black walnut wood. James Martin worked with George N...
Walnut
$4,200
H 28 in W 28.5 in D 27 in
Mid Century Italian Modern Sculptural Rocking Chair in Walnut after Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful and sculptural rocking chair in the style of Gio Ponti. This chair features solid walnut construction and newly upholstered seat cushions. Marked: Made in Italy. Circa 19...
Fabric, Walnut
$1,255
H 31.75 in W 22.25 in D 23 in
Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Playboy Lounge Chair, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern "Playboy" lounge chair or club chair By Jens Risom USA, 1960s Sculpted solid walnut frame, with original tan upholstery. Measures: 22.25"W x...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,400
H 38 in W 27 in D 33.5 in
Vintage High-Back Walnut Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A rare highback lounge chair by Adrian Pearsall produced by Craft Associates of Pennsylvania, embodying the bold, sculptural elegance of Mid-Century Modern design. Featuring a gracef...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Amazing Adrian Pearsall Angular Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Simply scrumptious Adrian Pearsall angular and sculptural lounge chair. This chair is newly upholstered in a high-end citrus orange velvet with all-new straps and foam. The solid w...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Rocking Chair for Craft Associates Mid-Century Modern
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Spectacular Adrian Pearsall walnut rocking chair for Craft Associates. This fabulous sculptural rocker is in great restored condition. The high end woven turquoise upholstery and foa...
Upholstery, Walnut
Lovely Pair of Adrian Pearsall style Sculptural Walnut Scoop Chairs
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely Pair of Adrian Pearsall style sculptural walnut scoop chairs. This pair have been re-upholstered recently in a stunning beige grey velvet by the original owners and look great...
Upholstery, Walnut
Handsome Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Risom
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Designed by Danish-born Jens Risom, this vintage chair is beautiful perfection. The comfortably contoured faux leather seat floats in an exquisite, oiled walnut frame. The original ...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Sculptural Pair of Adrian Pearsall Walnut Lounge Chairs Mid-Century Modern
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Pair of sculptural walnut Adrian Pearsall Lounge chairs. This pair will need re-upholstery but that's what you designers are looking for anyway-right? The slightly smaller...
Upholstery, Walnut
Fantastic Organic Modern Bobby Falwell Rocker and Ottoman Mid-Century
By Wendell Castle
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic organic modernist rocking chair and ottoman, hand-carved by Kentucky craftsman Bobby Falwell, a student of Wendell Castle. Each piece...
Wood, Walnut
