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.
Mid 20th Century Fireplace Chair Attributed to Tove & Edvard Kindt Larsen
By Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Tove & Edvard Kindt Larsen "Fireplace" chair designed in 1939 and produced by Gustav Bertelsen. This chair is unmarked, as are almost all Tove & Edvard Kindt Larsen pieces. Measures...
Faux Leather, Wood
"The President" Lounge Chair Model 265 by Steen Ostergaard, circa 1968
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
An iconic example of Scandinavian Space Age design, this President Lounge Chair by Danish designer Steen Østergaard embodies the bold futurism and sculptural elegance that defined the late 1960s and early 1970s. Featuring a fluid white fiberglass shell with sweeping organic lines, the chair appears almost suspended in motion, balancing dramatic form with exceptional comfort. The generously proportioned seat and separate headrest are upholstered in a rich plum-colored fabric, accentuated by channel tufting that enhances both visual depth and ergonomic support. Østergaard’s innovative use of molded fiberglass creates a seamless silhouette that feels simultaneously architectural and inviting. Originally produced by Cado, this highly collectible lounge chair exemplifies the designer’s pioneering approach to modern seating and remains a standout statement piece for contemporary, mid-century modern, and design-forward interiors alike. A striking and increasingly sought-after Danish design classic, the President Chair...
Wool, Fiberglass
Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern Channeled Back Swivel Chair, Fresh Upholstery
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Freshly upholstered swivel lounge chair featuring a sculptural barrel form with softly channel-tufted back panels and a generous circular seat. This inviting chair combines classic m...
Fabric, Wood
Arthur Umanoff Mid Century Modern Sculptural Chair
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Sculptural Arthur Umanoff chair with signature rush back, slatted wood seat, and iron legs. Stunning from all angles! Measures: 32.5" high, 18.5" wide, and 18.5" deep with a seat he...
Metal
Pair of Paul McCobb Model 400 Slipper Chairs for Custom Craft, Circa 1955
By Paul McCobb
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Pair of Paul McCobb Model 400 Slipper Chairs for Custom Craft, circa 1955 A striking pair of Model 400 slipper chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Custom Craft, Inc., USA, circa 1955...
Walnut, Fabric
Warren Platner for Knoll Dining Chair, Circa 1970s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Warren Platner for Knoll circa 1970s armchair / dining chair. In the 1960's, Warren Platner transformed steel wire into a sculptural furniture collection, creating what is now consi...
Steel
Expertly Restored -Adrian Pearsall Model 843-C Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Boucle Tweed, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Lounge Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates lounge chair This chair measures: 24.25 wide x 23.5 deep x 25.75 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 21.5 inches All ...
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pasadena, TX
A beautiful and pristine Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Chair. The chair features solid rosewood base and armres...
Fabric, Rosewood
Adrian Pearsall Lounge Chair for Craft Associates-01181620
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Medina, OH
This armless Adrian Pearsall Lounge Chair for Craft Associates reupholstered in an inviting and sophisticated performance white boucle fabric that compliments the rich walnut frame p...
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
Vintage Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall, model 1806-C
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Model 1806 lounge chair by Adrian Pearsall. beautiful walnut base with walnut arms. has new knoll fabric upholstery.
Walnut
Restored Adrian Pearsall For Craft Associates 2056-C Highback Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This commanding high-back chair, part of Adrian Pearsall’s visionary 2056-C line for Craft Associates, epitomizes the fusion of modernist clarity with architectural drama. From the m...
Upholstery, Walnut
