In its inaugural days, iconic mid-century modern furniture brand Craft Associates was largely the work of founder and forward-thinking designer Adrian Pearsall and his wife, Dorie. The pair assembled sexy, stylish furniture in their Pennsylvania basement that they later sold from the back of a truck to the era’s marquee department stores in Philadelphia and New York City.
The New York–born Pearsall (1925–2011) served in the Navy before earning his architectural engineering degree from the University of Illinois in 1950. He abandoned architecture after only a couple of years and turned instead to furniture design, opening Craft Associates in 1952 to sell his sophisticated living room seating, dining room furnishings and more. Flush with dynamic angles and clean lines, Pearsall’s sculptural, expressive designs — coffee tables, luxurious lounge chairs and more — helped define the style of the Atomic Age. With the help of Dorie and working in partnership with his brother Richard, Pearsall oversaw the expansion of Craft Associates into a leading employer of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with popular furniture including architecturally striking tables as well as plush beanbag chairs.
From Craft, there was Pearsall’s low-slung Gondola sofa, which embraces the sitter with its enveloping, geometrically rich form, his range of glass-topped tables — most boasting provocatively shaped wood slabs that serve as bases — as well as his skinny, high-backed upholstered walnut armchairs. Pearsall drew on his background in architecture for the organic and eye-catching structures of these pieces in addition to his larger scale work. One of his biggest projects was the complete design of his family’s 10,000-square-foot Pennsylvania home in Forty Fort, which boasted an indoor pool, sauna, tennis court and ice cream bar.
After growing his business to 800 employees, Pearsall sold Craft Associates in 1968 to Lane Furniture, which continued producing his pieces into the late 1970s before halting production. With business partner John Graham, Pearsall established a new company, Comfort Designs, in the 1970s, while also devoting time to his lifelong hobbies of sailing and restoring classic yachts.
A company called New Craft Associates revived Pearsall’s brand’s name, referencing mid-century-era furniture design in its current projects while not formally associated with Pearsall or his family. Restoration Hardware has also reissued some of his Craft Associates designs, with Pearsall and his company’s distinctive furniture remaining popular statement pieces adaptable to any home.
Find a range of vintage Craft Associates furniture on 1stDibs.
Rare Single Armchair Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Denver, CO
Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, this chair is a unique and very hard-to-find item. It features a single arm that curves across the back with two carved walnut panel...
Upholstery, Foam, Walnut
$5,000 / item
Vancouver Modern Side Chair
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Craft Associates modern side chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The lounge chair's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and ...
Walnut
Peabody Wicker Chairs, Modern Wicker Chairs, Teak and Thick Weave
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Lawrence Peabody wicker lounge chair for Craft Associates Furniture, 1806P This Lawrence Peabody wicker lounge chair - 1806P fo...
Wicker, Teak
Mid Century Walnut Back Chair in Yellow Loro Piana Cashmere by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern chair was realized by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the United States, circa 1970. It features a sculptural base with hourglass form cross s...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates lounge chair This chair measures: 24.25 wide x 23.5 deep x 25.75 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 21.5 inches All ...
Upholstery, Wood
CraftAssociates Chair, Peabody Oak Occasional Chair, Upholstered
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Chair, Peabody Oak Occasional Chair, Upholstered This Lawrence Peabody occasional chair is expertly handcrafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. The chair is shown here in solid oak, but each is hand built and made to order so wood species and fabric can be customized. Craft Associates® has a full fabric program available. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. The price reflects a COM price (client's own material). If you provide the fabric, there is no additional charge for upholstery designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid Century Modern Indoor/Outdoor...
Upholstery, Wood, Oak
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates MCM Slim Jim Highback Lounge Chair, Pair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury Slim Jim Highback Lounge Chair - Pair Each chair measures: 33 wide x 29 deep x 53.5 high, with a seat heigh...
Upholstery, Wood
Craft Associates Highback Chairs, Peabody Leather High Back Chairs, Modern
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craft Associates Highback Chairs, Peabody Leather High Back Chairs, Modern This Lawrence Peabody high back chair P-1714 for Craft Ass...
Leather, Walnut
CraftAssociates Chair, Peabody Walnut Occasional Chair, Leather
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Chair, Peabody Walnut Occasional Chair, Leather This Lawrence Peabody walnut occasional chair is expertly handcrafted and upholstered with leather. These Peabody cha...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 136 in D 32 in
Mid Century Sectional Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates c 1960's
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in New York, NY
Architectural two piece sectional sofa, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. The sofa features an angled section, which has a storage cabinet on its end, with a drop down door cover. The other section is straight, making it possible to use the pieces together, as shown, or placed separately if you prefer. This example is in good, vintage estate condition, usable as is, or you can have it reupholstered if you prefer a more finished look. Specific condition report as follows. The knob on the side cabinet door has been replaced using an appropriate mid century knob...
Upholstery
Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A wonderfully long, low and deep upholstered sofa having a floating back and an organic sculptural walnut sled base with a floating frontal stretcher. Reupholstery is recommended.
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A sophisticated pair of 1950s Italian sidechairs in green leather with wicker backs and brass detailing. Add some classic mid-century modern elegance to your home with this gorgeous pair of 1950s Italian side chairs...
Upholstery
$3,095
H 31.5 in W 25.25 in D 25.75 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Walnut Swivel Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury walnut swivel chair. This chair measures: 25.25 wide x 25.75 deep x 31.5 high, with ...
Metal
Adrian Pearsall Havana Lounge Chair & Ottoman for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
The Havana set, designed by Adrian Pearsall, consists of a chair and matching ottoman, displaying a cohesive design characterized by rounded, organic forms. The chair features a barr...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Prestige Lounge Chair after Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century lounge chair makes a comfortable and stylish addition to any interior, combining vintage fabric with shapely seat design. Unique tapered legs in the style of Adrian ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Lawrence Peabody Rocking Chair
By Lawrence Peabody
Located in Chicago, IL
Adorable chair form by Lawrence Peabody. Well constructed. In the style of Danish Modern, Scandinavian design, Adrian Pearsall, Milo Baughman.
Wood
$3,419 / item
H 28 in W 34 in D 36 in
Occasional Armchair Upholstered in Light Gray with Black Oak Finish, Laguna Line
By Uultis Design
Located in Miami, FL
A Laguna occasional chair designed by Aciole Félix for Uultis, with black wood finish, black and gold cane and light gray fabric. The Laguna oc...
Metal
Lawrence Peabody Mid Century Captains Chair
By Lawrence Peabody
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lawrence Peabody Mid Century captains chair This chair measures: 21.5 wide x 19.5 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and ...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,784
H 26.5 in W 23 in D 20.25 in
Contemporary Occasional Chair Upholstered Seat, Walnut & Bronze Detail COM
By Baker Hesseldenz Studio
Located in Tucson, AZ
COM OR COL ONLY The meticulously handcrafted Dudley dining or occasional chair, with its woven bronze back detail and plush seat cushion will provide for hours of dinner conversati...
Bronze
$3,250
H 29 in W 27.5 in D 36 in
Expertly Restored -Adrian Pearsall Model 843-C Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, New Boucle Tweed, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
$2,914Sale Price|35% Off
H 27.96 in W 30.71 in D 29.53 in
Contemporary Isabella Occasional Chair in Liberty Pink Velvet Upholstered Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Isabella Occasional Chair is a new take on one of our signature pieces. The exquisite tailored fluting and distinctive lines give a shapely feminine edge, without the wings of its equally as elegant cousin. Shown here upholstered in Liberty Fabrics Bloomer cotton velvet, with trim in Samuel & Sons Cambridge cord in Melon. This edition features upholstered legs...
Velvet, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall 'Havana' chair and ottoman
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Mid century modern chair and ottoman designed by Adrian Pearsall for his company Craft Associates in the 1960s. This set probably earned the Havana moniker as it evokes a romantic im...
Walnut
Sold
H 26 in Dm 29 in
Pair Adrian Pearsall Barrel Form Swivel Chairs New Blue Silk Blend & Tulip Bases
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of sapce-age chairs is one of Adrian Pearsall's most iconic and rare designs, and these are great examples. These chairs are elegant and striking with their circular design...
Aluminum
Adrian Pearsall 'Havana' chair and ottoman
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Classic Chair and ottoman designed by Adrian Pearsall for his company Craft Associates in the 1960s, this set earned the Havana moniker as it evokes a romantic image of one curling u...
Walnut
Sold
H 31 in W 25 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs By Adrian Pearsall For Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of fantastic, Mid-Century Modern, slipper, lounge chairs by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates features fully upholstered frames with attached tufted seats and backs in tanger...
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall 1970s Caged Lounge Chair Custom Bouclé and White Frame
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Mario Bellini
Located in San Diego, CA
Great Craft and Associates caged lounge chair designed by Adrian Pearsall. Chair is early 1970s. This chair has custom Boucle and Custom off white powder...
Metal
Adrian Pearsall Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Adrian Pearsall lounge chair. Newly upholstered and walnut frame cleaned! Nice scale and size!
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Model 2231-C High Back Wing Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Adrian Pearsall Model 2231-C high back wing chair. Probably one of his most Dramatic Designs for Craft Associates! Pearsall took elements of Hans...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 27.25 in D 25 in
Set of Six Adrian Pearsall Dining Chairs Model 2418-C and 2416-C, 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hamburg, PA
A sculptural Mid-Century Modern set of six dining chairs by Adrian Pearsall. This amazing set of chairs represents form and function. The accented structure of the leg on Model 2416-...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Walnut Drum Chair for Craft Associates, circa 1970
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Adrian Pearsall Walnut Drum Chair for Craft Associates, circa 1970.
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Highback Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist highback dining or office chair. Newly upholstered seat with original relief base. It's condition shows visible wea...
Upholstery, Resin
Adrian Pearsall Wingback Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Adrian Pearsall's style is the epitome of Mid-Century American design. The dramatic and exuberant lines echoed other design industries of the era that looked forward from the jet age into the rocket and atomic age. Swooping lines and fins made their way into cars, architecture and other fixtures of modern American life. Pearsall brought this into America's living room. This 2231-C wingback chair exhibits a number of these design features. The heavily canted back and gracefully curved legs resemble the angular jet-set lines of the automobiles of the time. While many traditional wing chairs...
Upholstery, Wood
Purple Mohair Pearsall for Craft Associates Highback Lounge Armchair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A stunning Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates highback lounge armchair reupholstered in stunning purple mohair fabric. In excellent condition. Dimensio...
Mohair