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.
Chartreuse Velvet Serpentine Sofa with Tapered Bone Legs
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
Electric color meets organic flow in this expansive serpentine sofa. Upholstered in vibrant chartreuse velvet, the design features a sweeping, tight backrest and a uniquely curved se...
Upholstery, Hardwood, Maple
$9,226
H 29.93 in W 118.12 in D 49.22 in
L.A. Studio Contemporary Lime Cotton Velvet Curved Italian Sofa
By L.A. Studio
Located in Madrid, ES
Curved sofa upholstered in lemon green cotton velvet. Structure made of solid wood and legs made of brass. Manufactured in Italy. Transform your living space with the stunning curve...
Brass
Sofa Greaves Thomas Midcentury Green
By Greaves and Thomas
Located in Otley, GB
A rare 1960s Greaves & Thomas sofa, highly prized by collectors for its distinctive organic silhouette. The three seater sofa has beautiful curved sides & deep button tufting on the ...
Wool
Italian Curved Three-Seat Sofa in Light Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric and wood, Italy, 1950s. Simplistic Italian sofa with clean lines and a high back. The sofa features small tapered wooden legs. The high back embraces the sitter in com...
Fabric, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Gondola Green Print Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in New York, NY
Model 2408-S, or the Gondola sofa, for Craft Associates. Original mid-century printed green velvet wool. Walnut base. One main settee cushion with t...
Fabric, Walnut
Ward Bennett Style Mid Century Green Mohair Sofa Settee
By Ward Bennett
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ward Bennett Style Mid Century Green Mohair Sofa Settee This sofa measures: 61 wide x 29 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18 inches Great Vintage Condition - Mohair h...
Upholstery, Wood, Mohair
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.5 in W 85 in D 36 in
Spectacular Curved Harvey Probber Even Arm Sofa Chartreus Mid-century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Spectacular Harvey Probber curved front even arm sofa. The original chartreus velvet fabric still looks great-looks like it was barely used. We love the super deep even arms with a...
Upholstery
$3,750
H 30.75 in W 64 in D 28 in
Danish 1950s Settee or Loveseat in Green Wool in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the early Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt made circa 1950. Back and seat nice and firm and frame on Cuban mahogany legs r...
Wool, Mahogany
$3,750
H 33.47 in W 69.3 in D 28.35 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa in Moss Green Velvet and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, brass, Italy, 1950s This gorgeous sofa is an iconic example of Italian design from the 1950s. Organic and sculptural, this sofa is anything but minimalistic. Equipped ...
Brass
Mid Century Green Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mid Century Green Chesterfield Sofa This sofa measures: 91.5 wide x 36 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 27 inche...
Upholstery
