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.
Fabulous Adrian Pearsall Wing Back Walnut Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Amazing and rare Adrian Pearsall wing back chair with sculptural walnut base. Gorgeous from all angles-this chair is a show stopper. If...
Upholstery, 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
Lovely Lawrence Peabody Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chair, Mid-Century Modern
By Lawrence Peabody
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Very uncommonly seen club chair designed by Lawrence Peabody. This is a great wide comfortable lounge chair, circa 1960s. It features a sculptural walnut base and Classic barrel back...
Upholstery, Walnut
Outstanding Jack Lenor Larsen Adrian Pearsall Crescent Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding Adrian Pearsall crescent lounge chair upholstered in Jack Lenor Larsen "Caravan" velvet. There are no words to describe how ...
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
Handsome Teak Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome teak lounge chair. We love the exaggerated protruding back legs that almost look like turkey legs.
Upholstery, Teak
Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Lounge Chair, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Arm Chair in Walnut by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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
Adrian Pearsall Walnut Lounge Chair Model 2161-C For Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern lounge chair was designed by American design legend Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1960s. This armchair is documented in the Craft Associates cata...
Velvet, Walnut
Super Rare Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Walnut & Orange X-Base Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Super rare, possibly unique armchair designed by Adrian Pearsall and made by Craft Associates in the 1960s. While other variations of this design reached mass production and still se...
Upholstery, Hardwood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chair, 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage sculptural walnut lounge chair, designed in the United States, circa 1950s. This chair is the epitome of the perfect balance between design and comfort. It has been ...
Leather, Bouclé, Walnut
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
