Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

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

Rare Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Three-Piece Wall Unit Bar Stereo Cabinet Speakers

$20,000Sale Price|20% Off

Rare Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Three-Piece Wall Unit Bar Stereo Cabinet Speakers

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Extremely rare Adrian Pearsall three-piece wall unit bar with built in speakers. This is probably the only one of these wall units ever produced and was custom-made for the customer....

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Resin, Wood

Danish Modern Mid century Rosewood Bookcase Stereo media Record shelf unit

$2,500

H 40 in W 53 in D 12 in

Danish Modern Mid century Rosewood Bookcase Stereo media Record shelf unit

By Gunni Omann

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful simple Danish modern mid century rosewood wide Media audio record bookcase shlef unit. Has adjustable shelves. Amazing rosewood grain! In great vintage condition, circa 196...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Modern Teak & Glass Cado Wall Unit Display Cabinet

$1,250

H 19.75 in W 31.5 in D 9.5 in

Danish Modern Teak & Glass Cado Wall Unit Display Cabinet

By Poul Cadovius, Cado

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful teak wall display cabinet designed by Poul Cadiovious for the Cado wall system , this one has its own poles fo easy hanging on the wall and removable glass doors for easy s...

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Teak

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

$575

H 14 in W 30.75 in D 18 in

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

By George Nelson

Located in St. Louis, MO

Mid-Century Modern 1960s George Nelson designed for Omni Systems, this is part for a wall unit, Two Drawer File Cabinet in oiled walnut, no hardware. I nee...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Italian Mid Century Wall unit Bookcase with Cabinet Bar, 1960s

$5,641

H 104.34 in W 37.01 in D 17.72 in

Italian Mid Century Wall unit Bookcase with Cabinet Bar, 1960s

Located in Traversetolo, IT

Stylish wall unit bookcase in a pleasant walnut wood with warm tones, great executive quality and attention to detail, the refined line of the lateral black metal supports made up of...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Iron

Italian Wall Unit, 1950s

$2,233

H 79.14 in W 33.08 in D 16.54 in

Italian Wall Unit, 1950s

Located in bruxelles, BE

Modular wall unit with 2 shelves, 1 boxes with 2 doors containing one shelf and one box with 2 drawers. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian Wall Unit, 1950s

$4,466

H 79.14 in W 65.36 in D 16.54 in

Italian Wall Unit, 1950s

Located in bruxelles, BE

Modular wall unit with 5 shelves, 2 boxes with 2 doors containing one shelf and one box with 2 drawers and one box with a folding door that contains a drawer and a shelf. Wear due to...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Postmodern White Illuminated Wall Unit Dry Bar Display Case

$3,499

H 92 in W 106 in D 17 in

Vintage Postmodern White Illuminated Wall Unit Dry Bar Display Case

Located in Lutz, FL

1980’s Post Mod White Lacquered Wall Unit Dry Bar Display Cabinet. An incredible wall unit/dry bar to take you straight to Miami in the 80s! This cam...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Disc Cabinet Bar

$12,995

H 48 in W 48 in D 14 in

Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Disc Cabinet Bar

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Disc Cabinet Bar This cabinet bar measures: 48 wide x 14 deep x 48 inches high Great Vintage Condition. We take our phot...

Category

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

Materials

Resin, Wood

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

$675

H 14 in W 30.75 in D 15 in

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

By George Nelson

Located in St. Louis, MO

Mid-Century Modern 1960s George Nelson designed for Omni Systems, this is part for a wall unit, A Drop Leaf Desk, no hardware. Part # 6405314. I need to co...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

$675

H 24 in W 30.75 in D 15 in

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

By George Nelson

Located in St. Louis, MO

Mid-Century Modern 1960s George Nelson designed for Omni Systems, this is part for a wall unit, a four drawer cabinet in walnut, no hardware. Part # 631532...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Modular Wooden Wall Unit with Adjustable Shelves and Drop-Front Bar, Italy, 1970

$2,585

H 68.12 in W 41.34 in D 13.78 in

Modular Wooden Wall Unit with Adjustable Shelves and Drop-Front Bar, Italy, 1970

Located in Santa Margherita Ligure, IT

Elegant modular wall unit in wood, produced in Italy in the 1970s. This versatile piece features a large central compartment with a drop-front bar cabinet and three adjustable open ...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Danish Modern Mid century Rosewood Large Wall Floor Bookcase shelf unit cabinet

$2,560Sale Price|20% Off

H 56 in W 48 in D 11.5 in

Danish Modern Mid century Rosewood Large Wall Floor Bookcase shelf unit cabinet

By Gunni Omann

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful simple Danish modern mid century rosewood large Tall wall floor bookcase on tapered legs with 2 cabinet doors (Cabinet doors are removable). Has 9 adjustable shelves. Amazi...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

Previously Available Items

Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Brutalist Étagère Bookcase Shelving

Sold

H 76 in W 37.13 in D 17.75 in

Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Brutalist Étagère Bookcase Shelving

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Wayne, NJ

Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Brutalist Etagere with smoked glass shelving. The highly decorated resin surfaces are similar to Paul Evans Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Series studio p...

Category

1970s American Brutalist Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Glass

Paul Evans Style Brutalist Étagère by Adrian Pearsall w/ Decorative Resin Relief

Sold

H 76 in W 18 in D 37 in

Paul Evans Style Brutalist Étagère by Adrian Pearsall w/ Decorative Resin Relief

By Adrian Pearsall, Paul Evans

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1970's Brutalist Étagère by Adrian Pearsall with new smoked glass shelves and detailed resin frame. In original condition, with visible wear, includi...

Category

1970s Dutch Brutalist Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Smoked Glass, Resin

Adrian Pearsall Walnut Brass Brutalist Modern Étagère Bookcase FINAL CLEARANCE

Sold

H 50 in W 60 in D 16 in

Adrian Pearsall Walnut Brass Brutalist Modern Étagère Bookcase FINAL CLEARANCE

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Gorgeous Adrian Pearsall walnut and brass Brutalist Mid-Century Modern étagère bookcase. Multiple cabinets, sculptural flip down doors as well gold /red accented sliding doors. Lovely proportions. Brutalist expressiveness with the perfect geometry and straight lines of high modernism. This is an Otto...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Unusual and Rare Pair of Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Etageres

Sold

H 76 in W 37 in D 17.5 in

Unusual and Rare Pair of Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Etageres

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Unusual and rare pair of Adrian Pearsall Brutalist etageres. Very hard to find one but to have a pair-oh my. Please see our huge selection of other p...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Resin

Brutalist Etagere by Adrian Pearsall for Craft & Associates

Sold

H 79 in W 37 in D 18 in

Brutalist Etagere by Adrian Pearsall for Craft & Associates

By Paul Evans, Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration an etagere by Adrian Persall for Craft & associates. In the manner of brutalist work by Paul Evans. The smoke glass shelves can...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

Materials

Plywood, Plaster, Glass

Adrian Pearsall bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Adrian Pearsall bookcases are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of resin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Adrian Pearsall bookcases, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bookcases by Adrian Pearsall were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider bookcases by Charles Hollis Jones, Wim Rietveld, and Paul Evans. Prices for Adrian Pearsall bookcases can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,750 and can go as high as $25,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $18,000.

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Questions About Adrian Pearsall Bookcases

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.