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.
Pair of Benches
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Pair of hand made patinated bronze benches each with an upholstered seat. PLEASE NOTE: Green Fabric no longer available.
Bronze
Stunning Custom Made Fully Upholstered Dog Bed
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
In superb condition - was never used. This exquisitely upholstered dog bed has been finished on all sides. 13” h seat 20” high sides
Fabric
Pair of Hand Made Patinated Iron Benches
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Each bench having hand wrought iron legs with a bronze paination. Upholstered with a leather seat. Benches can be ordered with customization to color and size.
Wrought Iron
Gilbert Rohde Slipper Chair
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
The Gilbert Rohde slipper chair designed for Herman Miller, having an upholstered round seat supporting a separate upholstered back all on four turned legs.
Upholstery
French Mid-Century Cabinet
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
French Mid-Century Bar Cabinet with an ebonized oak exterior, having a stepped top, with the left side door opening to a shelved interior and the right side having a fall front door ...
Oak
Pair of Patinated Steel Benches
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A fine pair of patinated steel benches with a "saddle seat" form, having four tapered legs resting on a shaped foot.
Steel
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Pierre Frey 'Louison' bouclé, walnut, United States, 1960s This exceptional Boomerang sofa, designed by Adria...
Bouclé, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Grand Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Grand Boomerang Sofa This sofa measures: 122 wide x 71 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 13 inches Fair Vintage Condit...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa By Rowe Furniture
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous Mid-Century Modern gondola sofa was produced by Rowe Furniture Co. in the 1950s designed in the style of Adrian Pearsall's gondola sofa model 2640-S, the hottest sellin...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa new upholstery
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high-quality long gondola walnut framed sofa Adrian Pearsall style. In new upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional sofa both f...
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall mid century cloud sofa Sofa measures: 124 wide x 72 deep x 31.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in wh...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa new upholstery
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high-quality long gondola walnut framed sofa Adrian Pearsall style. In new upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional sofa both f...
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
