$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 124 in D 48 in
Unusual Adrian Pearsall Boomerang Walnut Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual Adrian Pearsall boomerang sofa with 2 attached tables. Yes, this sofa will need to be
Upholstery, Walnut
Boomerang Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A rare "boomerang" sofa having a recently polished frame supporting a freshly upholstered back and
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
1960s Boomerang Sofa by Adrian Pearsall in Icelandic Sheep Wool
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Uncommon one piece sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the 1960s. This sofa
Iron
$28,000
H 31 in W 128 in D 78 in
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa, Craft Associates, New Shearling Upholstery
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
This distinctive sofa showcases Pearsall's signature sculptural approach with its sweeping
Sheepskin, Walnut
$12,995
H 27.5 in W 122 in D 71 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Grand Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Grand Boomerang Sofa This sofa measures: 122 wide
Upholstery, Wood
$15,595
H 27 in W 136 in D 66 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2300-S Mid Century Walnut Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2300-S Mid Century Walnut Boomerang Sofa This sofa measures
Upholstery, Walnut
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.5 in W 91 in D 91 in
Monumental 91" Mid Century Ebonized Walnut and Glass Arcade Coffee Table
Located in Culver City, CA
Vladimir Kagan Cloud sofas, Adrian Pearsall boomerangs, or a pair of curved De Sede DS-600s. Honestly, this
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 28.35 in W 127.96 in D 68.9 in
Adrian Pearsall 'Boomerang' Sofa for Crafts Associates, US, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Berlin, DE
Adrian Pearsall 'Boomerang' sofa for Crafts Associates, US, 1960s. We used a Kvadrat fabric for
Fabric
Adrian Pearsall Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Chicago, IL
Boomerang sofa by Adrian Pearsall. Fully restored. New upholstery over refinished base.
Wood, Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a rare Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Boomerang Sofa
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 127 in D 66.5 in
Original Unrestored Adrian Pearsall Boomerang Sofa by Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Boomerang Sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. This model not only has an expansive walnut
Metal
Sold
H 27.56 in W 122.05 in D 70.87 in
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa Upholstered in Luxurious Pierre Frey
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Boomerang' sofa, in Pierre Frey fabric and walnut, United States, 1960s This
Wool, Walnut
Signed Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Boomerang Sofa One-Piece
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning one-piece, twelve feet wide, Adrian Pearsall "Boomerang" sofa for Crafts Associates, US
Fabric, Textile, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 144 in L 27 in
Signed Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Boomerang Sofa One Piece 12FT
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning one piece, twelve feet wide, Adrian Pearsall '"Boomerang'" sofa for Crafts Associates, US
Fabric, Textile, Wood, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang 1600-S Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Southampton, NJ
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang 1600-7 Sofa Phenomenal Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Adrian
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa on Boomerang Legs
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a gondola sofa similar to the style of Adrian Pearsall. It has been completely restored
Fabric, Walnut
"Boomerang" Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hamburg, PA
A fabulous Mid-Century Modern "Boomerang" Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Limited
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Sofa Gondola Sofa on Boomerang Legs Model 2303
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is a mid-century modern"Gondola" sofa, designed by Adrian Pearsall. Features a
Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Walnut and Velvet Boomerang Storage Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall mid century walnut and velvet boomerang storage sofa This sofa measures: 128
Velvet, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa on Boomerang Legs
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Wilmington, DE
This is an original Pearsall sofa. It features a walnut base with "boomerang" legs. It is in decent
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 27.5 in W 101 in L 27.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa on Boomerang Legs 2303
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is an original Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola' sofa. Features a wood base with
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 28 in W 126.5 in D 65 in
Adrian Pearsall For Craft Associates Boomerang Platform Sofa 50% OFF original
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern corner sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall and made by Craft Associates. A
Fabric, Walnut
Massive Mid-Century Adrian Pearsall Platform Boomerang Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This monumental platform boomerang sofa, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the
Metal
"Boomerang" Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hamburg, PA
A monumental "Boomerang" sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. This sculptural and iconic
Steel
Sold
H 28.5 in W 128 in D 66 in
Adrian Pearsall 2300-S "Boomerang" Sofa in Walnut & Knoll Bouclé, USA, c. 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the incomparable Adrian Pearsall, this iconic "boomerang" sofa (Model 2300-S) is the
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 127 in D 55 in
Adrian Pearsall "Boomerang" Walnut & Boucle Tweed Sofa for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adrian Pearsall "Boomerang" walnut & boucle tweed saofa for Craft Associates
Bouclé, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 74 in D 67 in
Midcentury Adrian Pearsall Boomerang 1700 Sofa with Table 1705 Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in West Hartford, CT
! Magnificent and coveted signed Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates squarish boomerang sofa with matching
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 74 in L 27 in
Midcentury Adrian Pearsall Boomerang 1700 Sofa with Table 1705 Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in West Hartford, CT
! Magnificent and coveted signed Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates squarish boomerang sofa with matching
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 74 in D 67 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Boomerang Grey Sofa 1700-S
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in West Hartford, CT
! Magnificent and coveted signed Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates squarish boomerang sofa. The epitome of
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 74 in D 67 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Boomerang Grey Sofa 1700-S
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in West Hartford, CT
! Magnificent and coveted signed Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates squarish boomerang sofa. The epitome of
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century 2167S Boomerang Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Thayer Coggin, Adrian Pearsall, Milo Baughman, Craft Associates
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century model 2167S Boomerang platform sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 126 in D 52 in
2167S Platform Boomerang Sofa by Adrian Pearsall in Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric 60s
By Craft Associates, Jack Lenor Larsen, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the incomparable Adrian Pearsall, this iconic Platform "Boomerang" sofa is the epitome
Steel
Adrain Pearsall Walnut Boomerang Sofa Danish Mid-century Modern
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Pemberton, NJ
OUTSTANDING NEWLY REUPHOLSTERED ADRIAN PEARSALL BOOMERANG SOFA. THIS PIECE IS AMAZING IN PERSON
Walnut, Upholstery
Adrian Pearsall Grand 'Boomerang' Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Boomerang' sofa, walnut, fabric, United States, 1960s This 'boomerang' sofa
Wool, Walnut
Sold
H 27.56 in W 125.99 in D 71.66 in
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa Upholstered in Luxurious Pierre Frey
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Boomerang' sofa, in Pierre Frey fabric and walnut, United States, 1960s This
Wool, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Reupholstered Beige Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Boomerang' sofa, in beige Dedar fabric and walnut, United States, 1960s This
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Reupholstered Moss Green Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Boomerang' sofa, in green Pierre Frey fabric and walnut, United States, 1960s
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Reupholstered Moss Green Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Boomerang' sofa, in green Pierre Frey fabric and walnut, United States, 1960s
Fabric, Walnut
Oversize Boomerang Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Massive boomerang shaped sofa, and matching coffee table designed by Adrian Pearsall, for Craft
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Pierre Frey Bouclé
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Pierre Frey 'Louison
Bouclé, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Crème Wool Bouclé
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', reupholstered in Pierre
Bouclé, Walnut, Wood
Walnut Boomerang Sofa by Adrian Pearsall, 1960
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Hamburg, PA
This is one of Adrian Pearsall's Iconic designs. A very dramatic and modern sofa in the shape of a
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage Walnut "Boomerang" Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional vintage walnut "Boomerang" sofa created by American furniture designer Adrian Pearsall
Brass
Sold
H 24 in W 109.5 in D 54.25 in
Super Sexy Iconic Grand Boomerang Sofa Attributed to Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Iconic and grand boomerang sofa attributed to Adrian Pearsall having great proportion and form. One
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 120 in D 60 in
Classic Modernist "Boomerang" Sofa with Built in Table by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic modernist "boomerang" sofa with built in table by Adrian Pearsall, appears to have been
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Tibetan Wool
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Tibetan wool, walnut
Wool, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Boomerang Platform Sofa Mid-century
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Pemberton, NJ
GORGEOUS ADRIAN PEARSALL BOOMERANG PLATFORM SOFA WITH BUILT IN TRIANGULAR SIDE TABLE. THIS PIECE
Sold
H 29.75 in W 123 in D 50.25 in
Vintage Walnut "Boomerang" Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage walnut “Boomerang” sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the
Brass
Sold
H 25.25 in W 101.5 in D 34 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Gondola Sofa on Boomerang Legs, 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gondola sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 26.19 in W 125.6 in D 61.03 in
Adrian Pearsall '2300-S' Boomerang Sofa in Walnut and Off-White Fabric
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '2300-S', newly reupholstered fabric
Fabric, Walnut
Boomerang Sofa with Walnut Frame by Adrian Pearsall, USA, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Adrian Pearsall Boomerang Sofa with Walnut frame for Crafts Associates, USA, 1960s
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Iconic Boomerang Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Tulsa, OK
This is one of the most eye appealing designs to come from Adrian Pearsall. It is his iconic long
Upholstery, Walnut
Awesome Adrian Pearsall Boomerang L-Sofa Ottoman Set
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Tulsa, OK
This is one of the coolest Adrian Pearsall sofas out there! It consists of an L-shape sofa, with
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 125 in D 32 in
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Boomerang Sofa with Matching Coffee Table, 1964
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in santa monica, CA
Adrian Pearsall for Craft & Associates. Includes coffee table as shown, sofa had only one owner
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall 1960s mid-century sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Oberstown, Lusk, IE
A superb Adrian Pearsall midcentury boomerang sofa reupholstered in a period-appropriate high
Walnut
$9,462
H 26.78 in W 83.47 in D 31.11 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Bastiano” Sofa for Gavina, Brown Leather, 1962
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Bastiano” sofa for Gavina, brown leather, Italy, 1962 The "Bastiano" sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, designed for Knoll in 1962, epitomizes architectural design an...
Leather, Wood
$12,312
H 27.56 in W 96.46 in D 37.41 in
Fabric sofa bed Anfibio by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni, 1970s
By Alessandro Becchi
Located in MIlano, IT
Fabric sofa bed Anfibio by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni, 1970s Sofa bed model Anfibio with padded seat and backrest upholstered in fabric. The front features decorat...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Curved or Circular Modular Serpentine Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six piece modular sofa circa 1970's. These feature their original burnt orange wool fabric. In usable condition but would look great with updated fabric. We have 2 matching sof...
Fabric
$8,906
H 33.08 in W 20.87 in D 22.45 in
Fast Track, Vintage Style Dining Chairs in Burnt Orange Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This armchair embodies ease, plushness, and coziness. Crafted from linen and solid wood structure with swivel base. The secret lies in the intricate particulars, which is why the sta...
Metal
Contemporary Brutalist Cabinet in Solid Oak, Black
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Brutalist cabinet made of solid oak by Denis Milovanov for SOHA Concept Dimensions: 180 x 80 x 45 cm - Custom size on request Unique piece made to order. Founded by a...
Oak
$9,261 / item
H 35.44 in W 63 in D 27.56 in
Brass and Alabaster Mobile Chandelier by Glustin Luminaires
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Mobile kinetic chandelier made of patinated brass with a round counterweight and two enlighten alabaster globes. Original design by Glustin Luminaires.
Alabaster, Brass
$12,200 / item
H 43.31 in W 17.72 in D 35.44 in
Contemporary Mexican Design Handcrafted Wood Cabinet Carmen, Mirror
By Comité de Proyectos
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Carmen is a bartender, a storage cabinet with a functional design. Inside, it has a pair of drawers for storing objects, space for bottles, compartments for glasses and a cup holder...
Steel
$5,126 / item
H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Walnut
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
$1,050 / item
H 5.5 in Dm 8 in
KINA Wall Sconce or Flushmount in Blown Glass and Bronze by Blueprint Lighting
By George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Kina - a striking display of naturalism and intricate design. With its delicate lines and curves, this fixture emulates the beauty of a sea urchin, evoking a sense of...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
Chic 'Méandre' Gilt Bronze Side Chair by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Undulating 'Méandre' gilt bronze finish side chair by Design Frères. Gilt bronze finish over steel frame. Natural linen upholstered cushion with contrasting piping. Chic and unders...
Steel
Vintage Dining Table in Italian Wood, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful wooden dining table made in Italy in 1950. The wooden dining table has a nice rectangular top, the legs are slightly curved outwards. The top of the dining table is covere...
Laminate, Wood
70s Tiled Top Coffee Table by Tue Poulsen
By Tue Poulsen, Haslev Mobelsnedkeri
Located in Toronto, CA
A table of solid oak wood with handmade ceramic tile inlay, designed by Danish artist designer Tue Poulsen for Haslev Mobelsnedkeri. Strong, organic and rustic.
Ceramic, Wood
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé Burgundy Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé Burgundy Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called i...
Textile
On Hold|$8,673
H 43.31 in W 70.08 in D 82.68 in
Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina 'Toledo' double bed in Wood and leather, Italy
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Carlo Scarpa (1906 - 1978), “Toledo” Bed, Simon Gavina, Italy, 1975. Bed with load-bearing structure in turned solid padouk wood with light wood inserts, leather headboard, brass b...
Leather, Wood
$12,752Sale Price|20% Off
H 72 in W 225 in D 18 in
Danish Wall Unit in Rose Teak, w/ seats, 4 panels, Cabinets w/ keys, Shelves
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Basel, BS
Priced for the entire set! Truly a one-of-a-kind and extremely rare piece. This is a truly incredible, one-of-a-kind modular teak wall system that can be customized, and set up howe...
Metal
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.
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.