Adrian Pearsall Sofas

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.

Creator: Adrian Pearsall

Glass Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates

$9,400

Glass Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1970s. USA. Walnut end caps with glass legs. Reupholstered in Designtex floral.

Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé

$34,500

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 Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Stunning Adrian Pearsall Tufted Sofa Hollywood Regency Mid-Century Modern

$3,600Sale Price|20% Off

Stunning Adrian Pearsall Tufted Sofa Hollywood Regency Mid-Century Modern

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Stunning Adrian Pearsall button tufted sofa in the Hollywood Regency style. This piece has been meticulously restored 7 years ago with new high end shimmering silver grey velvet and ...

Category

1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Adrian Pearsall Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Rare Adrian Pearsall Sofa with End Tables Displayed at Habitat 67, Expo 67

$14,960Sale Price|24% Off

Rare Adrian Pearsall Sofa with End Tables Displayed at Habitat 67, Expo 67

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in New York, NY

A special edition of a couch designed by Adrian Pearsall for Cimons, Canada and displayed at Habitat 67 for Expo 67, Montreal, Canada. The sofa features two Ro...

Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Sofas

Materials

Travertine, Wrought Iron

Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates

$15,000

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. ...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Sofas

Materials

Iron

Adrian Pearsall 'Cloud' Sofa in Illustrative Fabric

$22,000

Adrian Pearsall 'Cloud' Sofa in Illustrative Fabric

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Adrian Pearsall for Crafts Associations, cloud sofa, fabric, walnut, United States, 1960s The Cloud sofa by Adrian Pearsall features a long, asymmetrical seat defined by sinuous, sc...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Sculptura Sofa Loveseat

$6,887

Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Sculptura Sofa Loveseat

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Tulsa, OK

Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Sculptura Sofa Loveseat Iconic Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Sofa. This is an item I've only seen a couple times in ten years. Above average conditi...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Vintage Adrian Pearsall Kidney Shaped Sofa

$4,500 / item

Vintage Adrian Pearsall Kidney Shaped Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage kidney-shaped sofa by Adrian Pearsall is a masterclass in form and flow. With its sweeping curves and floating profile, the design feels as fresh today as it did when it...

Category

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

Materials

Fabric

Expansive 12-Foot Platform Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960s

$15,960Sale Price|20% Off

Expansive 12-Foot Platform Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960s

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Deland, FL

Designed by the incomparable Adrian Pearsall, this iconic "Platform" sofa is the epitome of functional art. Audacious in it's scope, shape and materials used this sofa is a true American masterpiece. Featuring new heavy ply wool fabric, new support straps and professionally re-finished wood this sofa is perhaps the best conditioned platform sofa available for sale in North America. The veneered American black walnut base shows exceptional old-growth woodgrains that are breathtaking from all angles. In homage to the late great Pearsall this sofa was painstakingly restored using the same techniques, materials and sewing patterns used by the Craft Associates factory...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Walnut

Adrian Pearsall sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Adrian Pearsall sofas 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 sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas 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 sofas by Knoll, Edward Wormley, and Craft Associates. Prices for Adrian Pearsall sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,680 and can go as high as $32,495, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,523.

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Questions About Adrian Pearsall Sofas

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.

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