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.
Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in San Francisco, CA
An iron-framed gondola sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Fully restored. The frame is newly powder coated in black. ...
Iron
$2,620Sale Price|20% Off
H 25 in W 126 in D 66 in
Boomerang Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Fraser, MI
Large Boomerang Sofa. Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. This sofa is needs to be reupholstered. Current fabric is for templating. Sofa frame has been reinforced.
Fabric, Walnut
$10,000
H 28 in W 127 in D 35 in
Mid-Century Modern Platform Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a sculptural walnut frame with a finished back, teal upholstered seat cushions in velour, and integrated marble side table. A striking example of Pearsall’s signature organ...
Marble
Serpentine Cloud Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Fraser, MI
Serpentine Cloud Two Piece Sectional Sofa. Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Appears to have been reupholstered some time in the last 20th century. A riser base has ...
Fabric, Walnut
$12,559 / item
H 23 in W 69 in D 35 in
Customizable La Manufacture-Paris Luizet Sofa Designed by Luca Nichetto
By Luca Nichetto
Located in New York, NY
As in a game that frees the imagination and possibilities, Luizet is a modular sofa system that invites to combine together various elements by a distinctive geometry. An arched ang...
Textile
Venfield Custom Gondola Sofa
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Custom Gondola sofa designed by Venfield. The price does not include the cost of fabric/COM (Customer-Owned-Material). 12 yards of fabric are required ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic long-frame sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall, featuring his signature gently arcing silhouette and tapered walnut legs. Fully reupholstered in Maharam's premium "Meld" wool ...
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 123 wide x 70 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat heigh...
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa
Leather, Walnut
Costela Sofa by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Red Lion, PA
Costela Sofa made out of wood with metal legs Comes with reupholstered cushions Very good condition Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma Brazil 1950s,
Metal
Butaque Sofa by Clara Porset
By Clara Porset
Located in Danville, CA
Clara Porset Butaque sofa from an important architectural masterpiece designed by Ricardo Legarreta in Emeryville California. Part of a reception ...
Oak
Stunning Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa in Plush Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Danville, CA
This beautiful Serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan is a design masterpiece. The proportions and scale are both delicate and bold giving it unparalleled presence. Its sinuous curve and ...
Mohair, Wood
Bilbao Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Preview, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Danville, CA
Bilbao sofa by Vladimir Kagan. These sofas were some of Kagan's most Avant Garde creations and are quite dramatic. There is wear to the upholstery and it ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Alvar Aalto Paimio Sofa for Finmar Finland ca 1932
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Danville, CA
Rare original Alvar Aalto Paimio sofa design circuit 1932 by Finmar, Finland. Spectacular bent plywood frame, recent neutral green micro chenille upholste...
Bentwood
Huge Leather Ottoman by Matteograssi, Italy
By Matteograssi, Kunihide Oshinomi
Located in Danville, CA
The mother of all ottomans by Kunihide Oshinomi for Matteograssi with heavy top grain leather and polished aluminum trim with chrome fluted feet. Matteogr...
Aluminum, Chrome
Clara Porset Lounge Chairs
By Clara Porset
Located in Danville, CA
Pair of iconic arm lounge chairs by Clara Porset from an architect, really significant building designed by Ricardo Legarreta architect located in Emeryville, California.
Oak
