Adrian Pearsall

American, 1925-2011

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.

Average Sold Price

$4,297

Styles

Materials

Related Creators

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Iconic Designs from Adrian Pearsall

Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.

Gondola Sofa

Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa

Wave Chaise Longue

Adrian Pearsall Ribbon Table

Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé

$34,500

H 28.15 in W 124.41 in D 67.72 in

Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey 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, United States, 1960s This exceptional Boomerang sofa, designed by Adria...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Mid-Century 2249-C Lounge Chair in Walnut & Viridian Velvet by Adrian Pearsall

$6,475

H 28 in W 28 in D 30 in

Mid-Century 2249-C Lounge Chair in Walnut & Viridian Velvet by Adrian Pearsall

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in New York, NY

An outstanding example of Mid-Century Modernist design, this 2249-C lounge chair by acclaimed American designer Adrian Pearsall showcases both luxurious materials and bold architectu...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Expertly Restored-Adrian Pearsall Model 2450TK Coffee Table for Craft Associates

$3,500

H 15.5 in W 51 in D 27 in

Expertly Restored-Adrian Pearsall Model 2450TK Coffee Table for Craft Associates

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Glass, Wood, Walnut

American Mid Century Large Sofa by Adrian Pearsall with Slate Table & Walnut

$2,890

H 31 in W 85 in D 33 in

American Mid Century Large Sofa by Adrian Pearsall with Slate Table & Walnut

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in San Diego, CA

This 1960s sofa by Adrian Pearsall features a walnut frame floating over a black plinth base with fabric straps, upholstered back and cushions. Ideal for an interior designer looking...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Slate

Strictly Spanish Swivel Chair Pair, Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates

$5,400 / set

H 43 in W 32 in D 32 in

Strictly Spanish Swivel Chair Pair, Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Lutz, FL

Pair of Mid Century Modern High Back Swivel Chair Pair by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Reupholstered and restored walnut and ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Fabric, Chenille, Wood, Walnut

Fully Restored Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Gondola Platform Sofa

$8,500

H 28 in W 104 in D 35 in

Fully Restored Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Gondola Platform Sofa

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Lutz, FL

Mid Century Modern Platform Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1960’s. Iconic, timeless design from renowned designer, Adrian Pearsall. His pieces are highly ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Fabric, Chenille, Wood, Walnut

Adrian Pearsall Ottoman in Walnut

$4,400

H 13.78 in W 31.11 in D 31.11 in

Adrian Pearsall Ottoman in Walnut

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, ottoman, walnut, fabric, United States, 1960s This Adrian Pearsall ottoman is defined by a clear, cohesive geometry. Its circular seat creates ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Expertly Restored - Adrian Pearsall "Stingray" Side Tables for Craft Associates

$3,250

H 19.5 in W 27 in D 20 in

Expertly Restored - Adrian Pearsall "Stingray" Side Tables for Craft Associates

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This pair of Adrian Pearsall “Stingray” side tables for Craft Associates exemplifies mid-century modern design with dynamic organic form and s...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Glass, Wood, Walnut

Browse all Furniture from Adrian Pearsall

Shop Now

Adrian Pearsall Sale Prices

Sold Date

Sold Price

Category

Material

Creation Year

2026	$2,900	Chaise Longues	Fabric, Walnut	1950s
2026	$2,139	Dining Room Tables	Glass, Resin, Wood	1970s
2026	$2,650	Ottomans and Poufs	Wood	Mid-20th Century
2026	$9,360	Chaise Longues	Upholstery, Walnut	1960
2026	$6,000	Slipper Chairs, Lounge Chairs	Upholstery, Bouclé	1980
2026	$3,000	Rocking Chairs	Upholstery, Walnut	1950s
2026	$1,500	Armchairs	Upholstery, Walnut	1960s
2026	$3,567	Side Tables	Resin	1970s
2026	$2,538	End Tables	Metal, Glass, Smoked Glass, Rosewood	Circa 1970s
2026	$3,890	Sofas	Fabric, Walnut	Mid-20th Century
2026	$1,000	Coffee and Cocktail Tables	Glass, Wood	1950/60's
2026	$2,400	Side Tables	Glass, Walnut	Unknown
2026	$7,500	Lounge Chairs	Wool, Walnut	1950s
2026	$6,144	Lounge Chairs	Resin, Wood	Late 1960s
2026	$6,000	Dressers, Credenzas	Walnut	circa 1960s
2026	$1,308	Wall Mirrors	Mirror, Walnut	1960s
2026	$1,895	Lounge Chairs	Upholstery, Plywood	1970
2026	$4,500	Dining Room Tables	Glass, Wood, Walnut	1960
2026	$2,500	Sofas	Upholstery	unknown
2026	$1,232	Side Tables	Resin	1960

$4,297

Average sold price of items in the past 12 months

$802-$34,500

Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

Creators Similar to Adrian Pearsall

Harvey Probber

Shop All Harvey Probber

Florence Knoll

Shop All Florence Knoll

Craft Associates

Shop All Craft Associates

Thayer Coggin

Shop All Thayer Coggin

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Shop All Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Jens Risom

Shop All Jens Risom

Directional

Shop All Directional

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Shop All T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Century Furniture

Shop All Century Furniture

More Adrian Pearsall Designs

Gondola Sofa

Average Price

$10,885

Number Available

Gondola Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Walnut, Upholstery

Styles

Mid Century Modern

One look at the furniture of Adrian Pearsall (1925–2011), and it’s easy to intuit that the American mid-century modern designer had a background in architecture. Although Pearsall did, in fact, earn a degree in architectural engineering from the University of Illinois in 1950, he would leave the architecture field just two years later to found his own furniture company. There, his celebrated work — such as the mid-1950s Gondola sofa — continued to retain a daring structural sensibility that n...

Shop All

Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa

Average Price

$21,392

Number Available

Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Walnut, Upholstery

Styles

Mid Century Modern

The early days of Craft Associates— the furniture company founded in 1952 by Adrian Pearsall (1925–2011) — took shape in his mother-in-law’s duplex. There, the American architect and designer would build pieces while his wife, Dorie, would manage purchase orders and invoices. Even if the Pennsylvania-based operation was at first limited to the confines of an apartment, the company afforded Pearsall the opportunity to bring to life his residential furniture designs, such as his revered low-pro...

Shop All

Wave Chaise Longue

Average Price

$5,111

Number Available

Wave Chaise Longue

By Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Walnut, Upholstery

Styles

Mid Century Modern

Shop All

Adrian Pearsall Ribbon Table

Average Price

$2,966

Number Available

Adrian Pearsall Ribbon Table

By Adrian Pearsall

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Glass

Styles

Mid Century Modern

Shop All

Adrian Pearsall furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Adrian Pearsall furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Adrian Pearsall furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Adrian Pearsall were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Florence Knoll, Harvey Probber, and Craft Associates. Prices for Adrian Pearsall furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $499 and can go as high as $34,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,862.

Questions About Adrian Pearsall

How do I identify Adrian Pearsall?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
One way to identify an Adrian Pearsall is to consider the materials used. A genuine Adrian Pearsall will feature real wood, glass and metal, while imitations often use cheaper materials like composites and plastics. Pearsall didn't sign his work, so items that show his signature are unlikely to be authentic. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted Adrian Pearsall furniture.
How do I pronounce Adrian Pearsall?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To pronounce Adrian Pearsall, say "A-dree-an PEER-sall." Pearsall was an American architect and furniture designer. He was born on September 18, 1925, in Trumansburg, New York, and he died on September 6, 2011, in Upper Makefield Township, Pennsylvania. You'll find a collection of Adrian Pearsall furniture on 1stDibs.
Did Adrian Pearsall design lamps?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024
Yes, Adrian Pearsall designed lamps. Most of his lighting designs were floor lamps produced by the manufacturer Modeline during the 1960s. Many have not survived the years.

Pearsall is a revered mid-century modern designer. He gave his imagination free rein, and his flamboyant, eye-catching styles are icons of what has become known as “Atomic Age” design.

Find vintage mid-century modern lighting on 1stDibs.
How was Adrian Pearsall furniture made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Most Adrian Pearsall furniture was handmade. Although wood composites and plastics gained popularity during the period, Pearsall preferred to build his pieces from genuine wood, glass and metal. Walnut wood was one of his most commonly used materials. Shop a range of Adrian Pearsall furniture on 1stDibs.
How can I authenticate an Adrian Pearsall table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To begin to authenticate an Adrian Pearsall table, closely examine the materials. Authentic pieces will contain no plastics or composite woods, as Pearsall only worked with genuine wood, metal and glass. Also, you won't find a signature or mark on a real Adrian Pearsall table. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Adrian Pearsall tables.
Did Adrian Pearsall sign his work?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, Adrian Pearsall did not usually sign his work. One way to identify his work is to examine the materials. Pearsall only used genuine wood, glass and metal. Pieces that feature wood composites or plastics aren't genuine. His pieces reflect characteristics of the atomic style, often flaunting smooth lines, graceful curves and asymmetrical details. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Adrian Pearsall furniture.
Did Adrian Pearsall work for Bassett?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, Adrian Pearsall did work for Bassett, designing tables and seating. He also manufactured his own designs through his company Craft Associates. He founded his workshop in 1952 in Pennsylvania. The company exists today but no longer has an affiliation with Pearsall. Find a selection of Adrian Pearsall on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate an Adrian Pearsall sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To authenticate an Adrian Pearsall sofa, focus on the frame. A genuine Pearsall piece will have a solid wood frame because the designer never used wood composites. Original upholstery tends to show off bright, solid colors. However, many authentic Adrian Pearsall sofas come reupholstered. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted Adrian Pearsall sofas.
What kind of upholstery was used by Adrian Pearsall?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Like other designers working in the atomic style, Adrian Pearsall typically used fabric upholstery. Generally, the upholstery was a bright color, and solids were more common than patterns. Often, Adrian Pearsall sofas and chairs being sold today do not feature original upholstery because the fabric tends to wear out before the frame. You'll find a selection of Adrian Pearsall furniture on 1stDibs.