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.
Martin Borenstein Platform Sofa
By Martin Borenstein
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful sofa by Martin Borenstein. Vintage piece in good condition. Upholstery appears original and has been cleaned. Teak frame and surface is good with some age appropriate wear ...
Upholstery, Teak
Knoll Parallel Bar Sofa Re-Upholstered in Knoll Rivington Fabric
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely complete re-upholstered vintage Knoll Parallel Bar Sofa or 2 seat settee. The fabric we chose to use is a sophisticated all-over multi...
Steel
Sally Sirkin Lewis J Robert Scott Sofa in Beautiful Nubuck Leather Suede
By Sally Sirkin Lewis
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An extremely comfortable and luxurious sofa by sally Sirkin Lewis for J Robert Scott in Nubuck Leather. The cushions are down. The sofa is labeled. This type of Nubuck leather feels ...
Suede
Pair of 1970’s Adriano Piazzesi Stitched Leather Lounge Chairs
By Adriano Piazzesi
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A stunning and exceptionally comfortable Italian Black Leather lounge chair attributed to Adriano Piazzesi. These chairs have very soft supple leather and wonderfully detailed stitch...
Leather
Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset Togo Red Leather Sectional Sofa Set
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A stunning red leather Togo sectional by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset. It is all tagged properly and in good condition with supple leather and free of rips or tears. There are a fe...
Leather
J Robert Scott Sofa Redone in Mario Sirtori Alpaca Cotton Wool Blend
By J. Robert Scott 1
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful and extremely comfortable sofa by Sally Siskin Lewis , J Robert Scott. We have had it redone in a sumptuous Mario Sirtori Alpaca/Cotton/Wool/Poly blend fabric hat is so s...
Upholstery, Wood
Complete Living Room Sofa and Armchairs Design Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 1962
By Poltronova, Sergio Asti
Located in taranto, IT
Designed by Sergio Asti and produced by Poltronova in 1962, the "Zelda" living room set—comprising a three-seater sofa and a pair of armchairs—is one of the finest expressions of Ita...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Walnut Sectional Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover a masterpiece of 1960s American design with this stunning Adrian Pearsall sectional sofa, crafted for Craft Associates. This is more than seating, it’s a statement piece tha...
Fabric, Formica, Walnut, Lacquer
Stunning 3 Piece John Widdicomb Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 3 piece John Widdicomb sectional sofa with 2 rosewood side tables. Wow, this set is beyond amazing, you should have seen it in its original owner's home-just gorgeous. This ...
Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood
Stunning Vladimir Kagan 3 Piece Omnibus Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 3 piece Vladimir Kagan Design Omnibus sofa sectional. This sectional retains its original fabric and will need to be reupholstered as the fabric is worn and dated. Fully sup...
Upholstery, Lucite
MCM 3 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa By Directional In Original Fabric
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 3 Peace Modular Living Room Set by Directional in Original Fabric The Mid Century Modern 3 Piece Modular Living Room Set by Directional showcases a timeless desig...
Upholstery
Adrian Pearsall Style Sofa Sectional with Removable Pouf
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Chicago, IL
Adrian Pearsall Style Sofa Sectional with Removable Pouf and upholstered plinth base with ledge back. The Pouf on it's own is 48" diameter Reupholstered with Great Plains Cotton-Poly...
Upholstery
