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.
Set of Two (2) Tubular End Tables After Adrian Pearsall for Craft, c. 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Deland, FL
Solid, rich-grained doweled end tables with heavy glass tops. With shelves underneath the glass, these tables can be used for a display as well as storage. These tables are as strong...
Walnut
Set of 2 Glass-Top End Tables After Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
This stunning set of custom-made end tables is unlike any we've ever come across. Clearly taking inspiration from the great Adrian Pearsall, this set of tables is constructed from a ...
Glass, Walnut
Set of 2 End Tables by Henning Nørgaard for Komfort of Denmark, c. 1960's
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare set of two floating top accent tables designed by Henning Nørgaard for Komfort of Denmark that is as iconic as it is architecturally fascinating. Constructed from ...
Rosewood
Pair of 2-Tier Mid-Century Modern End Tables Attributed to Lubberts & Mulder
Located in Deland, FL
A truly exceptional build and architectural design. This set of two end tables is constructed from pecan having been created from a hand-picked s...
Fruitwood
Set of 2 End Tables in Teak by Kristiansen Thomassen, Denmark, c. 1970s
Located in Deland, FL
This refined pair of Mid-Century Danish Modern end tables by Kristiansen Thomassen showcases the clean, functional elegance that defined 1960s Da...
Teak
Set of 2 Coffee Table w/ Side Table in Teak, Johannes Andersen, Denmark, 1970's
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a true Danish Modern treasure: a rare, signed coffee table with matching end table designed by the well respected and prolific Johannes Andersen. Featuring table tops con...
Ceramic, Teak
Pair of Ebonized Mahogany Side Tables by Paul Laszlo
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Danville, CA
Pair of mahogany occasional tables by Paul Laszlo refinished in dark brown lacquer. Top quality materials and workmanship.
Mahogany
Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1955
By Branco & Preto
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An archetypal example of Branco & Preto’s rational elegance, these side tables exemplify the group’s pursuit of harmony between proportion, material, and function. The transparen...
Glass, Rosewood
A pair of Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Style Jax Side Tables
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of walnut and glass Pearsall side tables known to the profession as the "Jax Table" because of their close design reminiscent of the jax and ball game. This set was,manufactur...
Glass, Walnut
Pair of Modern Parsons Endtables / Night stands attributed to Robsjohn Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Modern Parsons Endtables / Night stands attributed to Robsjohn Gibbings. Original black finish dating to the mid 20th century. Tables are unmarked. Attributed to Robsjohn Gi...
Wood
Pair of Paul Frankl Black Cerused End Tables.
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of iconic side/end tables by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company. Much of Frankl’s work is influenced by the art deco period and these classic end tables are no exception....
Glass, Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley Side Tables for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Edward Wormley Side Tables for Dunbar
Wood
