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.
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cork and Chrome Settee
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates mid century cork and chrome settee The settee measures: 57.5 wide x 35.5 deep x 27.5 high, with a seat height of 16 inches and arm height of 22 ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern "Cloud" Walnut Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your living space with this extraordinary vintage Cloud sofa, an iconic creation by celebrated architect and designer Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Handmade in the Un...
Fabric, Walnut
Gold Goop Brutalist Loveseat Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Paul Evans, Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Adrian Pearsall loveseat is a stunning fusion of mid-century modernism and sculptural bravado. Constructed in the 1970s for Craft Associates, its standout feature is a dramatic ...
Resin, Wood, Fabric, Upholstery
$10,995
H 27.5 in W 102 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa 2408
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates sculptural sofa 2408 Offered is a beautifully all original 'Gondola' sofa (model 2408) designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft A...
Upholstery, Walnut
$4,400 / set
H 36 in W 19 in D 22.5 in
Set 6 Adrian Pearsall 1613-C Dining Chairs for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Hanover, MA
Set 6 Adrian Pearsall 1613-C Dining Chairs for Craft Associates. 36” high x 19” wide by 22.5” deep x 18” seat height. Walnut frames are tight. Upholstery is original; clean but date...
Walnut
$3,883
H 24.81 in W 63.78 in D 24.81 in L 24.81 in
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Walnut Chaise Lounge by Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Chaise longue designed by American designer Adrian Pearsall. The frame is made of walnut, with a beautiful curved shape, and upholstered in white loop pile. The chaise longue has bee...
Bouclé, Walnut
$20,595
H 31 in W 124 in D 72 in
Mid-Century Modern Cloud Sofa by Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, USA, 1970s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and iconic "Cloud" sofa designed by the influential Adrian Pearsall. Audacious in it's scope, shape and materials used this sofa is a true American masterpiece. Wi...
Fabric, Walnut
$14,812Sale Price|25% Off
H 31 in W 124 in D 72 in
Serpentine Cloud Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Fraser, MI
Serpentine Cloud Two Piece Sectional Sofa. Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Appears to have been reupholstered some time in the last 20th century. A riser base has ...
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sectional Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sectional Sofa Sectional consist of 6 pieces plus two ottomans. Multiple sections of sofa retain Craft Assoc. labels. Each ottoman measures- 3...
Upholstery
$6,200
H 30.5 in W 38.5 in D 32 in L 30.5 in
Mid-Century Swivel and Tilt Lounge by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century swivel and tilt single lounge. Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1950s. An especially unique swivel lounge due t...
Fabric, Mohair, Foam, Wood
$2,850
H 30.5 in W 48.5 in D 33.5 in
1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb for Planner Group loveseat, settee or sofa. Upholstery needs to be updated as it has stains, foam is good. Price includes refinishing of legs. Measures: Seat 16" H, arm 1...
Upholstery, Wood
$15,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 144 in D 39.5 in
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...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
$2,660
H 33 in W 36 in D 60 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Wave Chair by Adrian Pearsall Crafts Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic Wave lounge chair by Adrian Pearsall for Crafts Associates C1959 an earlier version with four angled legs painted black and brass sabots one of which is missing. Will try t...
Brass
$17,020
H 31.5 in W 102.37 in D 34.26 in
Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola Sofa' in Brown Fabric for Craft Associates, USA, 1950s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Berlin, DE
A long, low sofa with Pearsall’s characteristic open structure, the iconic model 2408 pairs generous upholstered volumes with a sculptural walnut frame. Its partly open back and angl...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall mid century cloud sofa Sofa measures: 124 wide x 72 deep x 31.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in wh...
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall 1209-C Craft Associates Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Model 1209-C for Craft Associates. Walnut, cane back, upholstery. Seat has been re-done in Raf Simons for Kvadrat fabric. Good condition, some wear on walnut structure. Strap...
Fabric, Walnut
$4,800 / set
H 34.25 in W 30.25 in D 44 in
Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 990 LC
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in New York, NY
Rare mid century lounge chair and ottoman designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, model 990 LC, come with Pearsall designed ottoman. The chair and ottoman are both structur...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 123 wide x 70 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat heigh...
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall For Craft Assoc. Chrome Caged Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Westfield, NJ
Mid-century modern loveseat sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. High density foam is wrapped in the original soft boucle fabric and the foam pieces are caged toget...
Chrome
Sold
H 28 in W 57 in D 33 in
Platform Loveseat Sofa in Walnut by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960's
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the incomparable Adrian Pearsall, this iconic "Platform" loveseat sofa is the epitome of functional art. Audacious in it's scope, shape and materials used this loveseat i...
Fabric, Walnut
Rare Pair of Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Loveseats
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Hudson, NY
A rare pair of loveseats designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Made in the nineteen seventies these chairs are of exceptional quality and style, comfortable for any body ...
Bronze
Sold
H 29.5 in W 59.5 in D 27 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates MCM Walnut Plinth Base Red Loveseat
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associatesmid century walnut plinth base red loveseat This loveseat measures: 59.5 wide x 27 deep x 29.5 inches high, with an...
Upholstery, Walnut
Loveseat Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1960s settee 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 ...
Fabric, Wood
Pearsall Loveseat Sofa Bench
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Chic bench form settee, loveseat, sofa by Pearsall for Craft Associates. This example has a plinth base which supports the platform seat, with upholstered seat and backrest. Currentl...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Brutalist Case Loveseat, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible (and rare) brutalist loveseat by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960s, features a brutalist case sofa design with soft luxurious golden colored velvet fabric upholstery and six matching silk fabric loose pillows. This rare collectors piece is for the distinguished collector or for an interior designer with a client demanding the best of the best. Rarity is one factor that sells this piece on its own, but factor in the expensive and gorgeously soft fabric - this incredible piece is a one of a kind that you must get for yourself or your client before someone else does. Sink back into this generously proportioned deep settee...
Fabric, Resin
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Signed Orange Yellow Midcentury Loveseat
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in West Hartford, CT
Adrian Pearsall 66" loveseat by Craft Associates, circa 1960s has straps and metal rod accents - see pictures attached. Iconic Pearsall design gives a futuristic floating experience ...
Metal
Adrian Pearsall "Gondola" Sofa for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous vintage walnut "Gondola" sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for craft associates.
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Maple Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern sofa loveseat by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates features a sculptural, solid maple frame with seat and back cushions newly upholstered in medium grey woven c...
Maple, Fabric
Vintage Brutalist Loveseat by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This fabulous Brutalist loveseat was designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.
Fabric, Resin, Wood
Loveseat Sofa by Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Architectural armless settee, loveseat, sofa by Craft Associates, possibly by Adrian Pearsall. Original, clean condition and use as is or reupholster to taste.
Upholstery, Walnut
Milo Baughman Style Hollywood Regency Sofa with Chrome Panels
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Redding, CT
Milo Baughman Style Hollywood Regency Sofa with Chrome Panels by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates . Signed. Matching larger sofa available as well.
Chrome
Milo Baughman Style Hollywood Regency Sofa with Chrome Panels
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Redding, CT
Milo Baughman style Hollywood Regency Sofa with Chrome Panels by Craft Associates for Adrian Pearsall. Matching loveseat available as well.
Chrome
Sofa by Adrian Pearsall / Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Amarillo, TX
Adrian Pearsall sofa Craft Associates USA, circa 1960s. Velvet and resin. 91 w x 34 d x 25 h inches Brutalists sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in burnt orange.
Velvet, Resin