Potter-turned-home-design guru Jonathan Adler is a man with a peripatetic mind, inspired in equal parts, it seems, by classic modern design, Surrealism and pop culture.
Although his namesake company has expanded into a mini empire touching just about every aspect of modern living — chairs and ice buckets, wallpaper and menorahs, chandeliers and rugs — made in myriad materials, Adler still creates almost every object in clay first. His guiding principle is a simple one: “I make the stuff I want to surround myself with, and I surround myself with it.”
Adler grew up in a New Jersey farm town. His grandfather became a local judge, and his father returned home after graduating from the University of Chicago. “My pop was a brilliantly talented artist. At one point, he had to decide whether to become an artist or a —,” he pauses, searching for the right word, “person.” His father became a lawyer but spent all his free time in his studio, “making art, unencumbered by the need to make money from it. It was a totally pure pursuit.” Adler’s mother, who had worked at Vogue and moved to the rural town reluctantly, was also creative, and both parents encouraged their three children’s creativity.
When he was 12, Adler went to sleepaway camp, where he threw his first pot. “And it was on,” he says. His parents bought him a pottery wheel, and he spent the remainder of his adolescence elbow-deep in clay. Even while majoring in semiotics and art history at Brown University, he hung out at the nearby Rhode Island School of Design, making pots.
Adler moved to New York City, worked briefly in entertainment, and in 1993 returned to his true love, throwing pots (in exchange for teaching classes) at a Manhattan studio called Mud Sweat & Tears. One day, at Balducci’s food market, he ran into Bill Sofield, an old friend who had recently cofounded, with Thomas O’Brien, the now-legendary Aero Studios, a design firm and shop. Sofield paid a studio visit and promptly gave him an order. Then, another friend introduced Adler to a buyer at Barneys New York, who also wrote an order.
For about three years after Adler began devoting himself to ceramics full-time. Despite the street cred of both Aero and Barneys, he also wasn’t really making enough money to live on. Then, in 1997, he teamed with Aid to Artisans, a nonprofit aimed at creating economic opportunity for skilled artisans in developing countries, and traveled to Peru to hire potters who could follow his designs, thus increasing production.
Adler’s first store opened in 1998, in the Soho shopping mecca in Manhattan. He now operates about two dozen shops, as far-flung as London and Bangkok. During Adler’s trip to Peru, he connected not only with potters but also with several talented weavers and decided to branch out into textiles. Other categories followed, leading him to travel the world in search of artisans who could execute his endless supply of ideas. In India, Adler found a man who’s expert at beadwork; he has his limed furniture made in Indonesia, his honey-colored wood pieces in Vietnam.
After a friend asked him to decorate her house, Adler expanded to interior design, taking on hotels as well as private residences — projects for which he remains “agnostic,” using pieces by other designers. “I really try to get to know my clients and then make them seem more glamorous and more eccentric than they think,” he says. “I see myself as a slimming mirror for them.”
Find Jonathan Adler seating, case pieces, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
A Jonathan Adler Venetian Style Optic Convex Etched and Beveled Oval Mirror
By Jonathan Adler
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Jonathan Adler Venetian Style Optic Convex Etched and Beveled Oval Mirror, 40" x 20" A striking and refined oval wall mirror by Jonathan Adler, blending modernist glamour with cla...
Mirror, Wood
Modern Lacquer & Rattan Credenza, Jonathan Adler, Indonesia
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Francisco, CA
Riviera-inspired with an equestrian sensibility, the Wellington Credenza pairs natural texture with a bold lacquered finish. The case features wrapped rattan peel edging inset with h...
Iron
Vintage Ceramic Elephant Sculpture by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical vintage ceramic elephant sculpture with trunk up by Jonathan Adler, circa 2000s. The piece is in very good condition and measure 4.75"W 4.75"D x 8"H. Cool piece! #4503
Ceramic
Set of 3 Bronze & Gold Biomorphic Decorative Bowl Sculptures by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Troy, MI
A grouping of 3 bronze biomorphic decorative bowls by Jonathan Adler Retired design model 13020 circa 2012 Graduated size and varied organic forms in bronze with gold interior Impre...
Bronze
Serpentine Upholstered Queen Bed
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Our Serpentine Bed features an ultra-mod tubular framework at the head and foot and is wrapped all the way around in our luxe yet hardworking Olympus Oa...
Bouclé
$4,200
Talitha Credenza
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Global glamour. Our Talitha Collection is crafted from nickel-plated metal with hand-stamped patterns applied to Minimalist, modernist forms. The surface is reminiscent of silver lea...
Nickel
$2,200 / item
Globo Console
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Futuristic elegance. A glossy, white lacquer cabinet cradled by a sinuous brass framework and capped with blue solid acrylic cabochons. Small footprint but big impact, our Globo console...
Brass
$2,240Sale Price / item|20% Off
Talitha Nickel and Abalone Console Cabinet
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Our Talitha collection is crafted from nickel-plated metal with hand-stamped patterns applied to minimalist, modernist forms. The surface is reminiscent of silver leaf it emits that same lustrous glow—but is wonderfully durable. Our Talitha console...
Nickel
$1,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Globo Lucite and Nickel Fretwork Console
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Futuristic elegance. A polished nickel fretwork cradles a constellation of emerald Lucite cabochons. Topped with a generous slab of Carrara marble, our Globo fretwork console is peti...
Marble, Nickel
Reform Hammered Brass Credenza
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
The Reform credenza is inspired by the Brutalist architecture of modernist temples and churches from Le Corbusier's Ronchamp to Miami's Temple Israel t...
Brass
$3,100 / set
Bond Burled Wood and Lucite Desk
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Timelessly chic. A Minimalist world of burled wood, acrylic panels, and stainless steel. Pieced, burled mappa wood floats between Lucite legs with stainless...
Acrylic, Wood
$2,350 / item
Serpentine Ivory Bouclé Swivel Chair
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Our ultra-mod Serpentine Swivel Chair features a thick and cushy seat cradled by an ultra-mod tube wrapped in our luxe Olympus Oatmeal bouclé. Perfect f...
Bouclé
$3,360Sale Price / item|20% Off
Delphine Mirrored Credenza
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Reflectology. Minimalist forms meet Maximalist glamour. Antiqued mirror with a polished brass base. Two double-door compartments open to reveal a bright robin's egg blue interior fitted with two adjustable shelves. Quatrefoil handles and escutcheons add a decorative flourish to the simple form. Use our reflective Delphine credenza...
Brass
$1,080Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lisbon Brass and Enamel Torchiere
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Magic Mood. Wash your room in warm ambient light with our Lisbon Torchiere. A thick marble base with a polished brass stem and three perforated enamel...
Marble, Enamel, Brass
Pair Jonathan Adler Venetian Style Optic Convex Etched and Beveled Oval Mirrors*
By Jonathan Adler
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Jonathan Adler Venetian Style Optic Convex Etched and Beveled Oval Mirrors* 40" x 20" * We have 4 pairs available at the time of posting and some singles. A sophisticated a...
Mirror, Wood
$3,500 / item
Bond Burled Wood Dining Table
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Timelessly chic. From our chic burled wood collection, a Minimalist dining table that feels organic, worldly, and wonderfully warm. Naturally honey-hued, pieced mappa wood...
Brass, Nickel
Bond Burled Wood and Lucite Cocktail Table
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Timelessly chic. From our chic burled wood collection, pieced warm mappa wood floats atop a simple but glamorous X-shaped acrylic base. At 40 in. x 40 in., the bond cocktail table...
Acrylic, Wood
$380Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Gold Ceramic Bird Bowls from"Menagerie Collection" by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
A lovely pair of bright gold ceramic bird bowls from the "Menagerie Collection" by Jonathan Adler, circa 1980s . The set is in very good condition with no chips or cracks; the large...
Porcelain
White Vase Faces Sculpture
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
A relatively large white ceramic face or 'faces' vase. This sculpture vase can make a great statement piece in a living room, library, powder room, ...
Ceramic
$3,600 / item
Bond Burled Wood Six-Drawer Dresser
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Timelessly Chic. From our chic burled wood collection—warm mappa wood floats between acrylic legs with stainless steel accents. Six generous drawers showcas...
Lucite, Wood, Burl
$4,200 / item
Globo Lucite Cabochon Cabinet
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Futuristic elegance. A glossy, white lacquer cabinet featuring two front doors capped with blue solid acrylic cabochons. Tapered brass legs give it an elegant edge. Guaranteed to del...
Brass
Jonathan Adler Couture Ceramic Vase
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Westport, CT
Jonathan Adler Couture ceramic vase handmade for a friend. One of four pieces form the early 1980s rare.
Ceramic
Curtis Jere "Raindrops" Chrome Sculptural Wall Mirror by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler, Curtis Jeré
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Curtis Jere over 50 years ago, this mirror has now been brought back in exclusive partnership with Jonathan Adler. Still hand-made with the finest quality construction, t...
Steel, Chrome, Iron
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Mid Century Modern Style Tubular Rod Chandelier Jonathan Adler Milano
By Robert Abbey, Jonathan Adler
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Modern tubular Milano chandelier by Jonathan Alder, for Robert Abbey. This sculptural tiered statement chandelier features a deep bronze tone metal. Thi...
Metal, Bronze
Large Porcelain "Balloon" Vase by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
A lovely unglazed white mat porcelain "Balloon" vase by Jonathan Adler, circa 2000s. The large sized vase is in like new condition with original box and measures 5.75"D x 10.5"H. G...
Porcelain
White Ceramic Picture Frame with Greek Keys by Jonathan Adler - New in Box
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful white ceramic picture frame with Greek key design by Jonathan Adler, new in original box, circa 2000s. The frame holds a 4" x 6" photograph and measures 7.5"W x .75"D x ...
Ceramic
$415 / item
Dora Maar Urn
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Porcelain Reverie. Our Dora Maar Urn gives good face from every angle, an unglazed finish highlighting the muse's flawless features in fabulously delicate detail. Inspired by Dora Ma...
Porcelain
$3,600 / item
Bond Burled Wood Six-Drawer Dresser
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Timelessly Chic. From our chic burled wood collection—warm mappa wood floats between acrylic legs with stainless steel accents. Six generous drawers showcase naturally occurring patt...
Lucite, Wood, Burl
White Ceramic Picture Frame by Jonathan Adler - New in Box
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful white ceramic picture frame by Jonathan Adler, new in original box, circa 2000s. The frame holds a 5x7 photograph and measures 7"W x .75"D x 9.5". Very high quality and...
Ceramic
$4,100 / item
Bond Burled Wood Credenza
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Timelessly Chic. Pieced, burled mappa between Lucite legs with stainless steel accents. Pieced veneer cabinet faces showcase naturally occurring patterns in the wood, and an adjustab...
Acrylic, Burl, Wood
$2,600 / item
Jacques Lucite and Brass Étagère
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Clearly cool. Our Jacques collection is the perfect blend of simplicity and glamour, modern and traditional. Shown in crystal clear Lucite with brushed brass. Also available in moody...
Brass
White Ceramic Picture Frame by Jonathan Adler - New in Box
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful white ceramic picture frame by Jonathan Adler, new in original box, circa 2000s. The frame holds a 5" x 7" photograph and measures 9.25"W x .75"D x 11.25". Very high qu...
Ceramic
Medium Porcelain "Balloon" Vase by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
A lovely unglazed white mat porcelain "Balloon" vase by Jonathan Adler, circa 2000s. The medium sized vase is in like new condition with original box and measures 5.75"D x 8.25"H. ...
Porcelain
"Mr. & Mrs Muse" Ceramic Salt and Pepper Shakers with Box by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical pair of "Mr. & Mrs. Muse" ceramic salt and pepper shakers in original box by Jonathan Adler, circa 2000s. The set is in like new condition and appears to have never been u...
Ceramic
$1,256Sale Price / set|30% Off
Jonathan Adler Grey Velvet Rider Counter Stools, Set of 2
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Basildon, London
Designed by Jonathan Adler, these contemporary counter stools have an ornate aesthetic. Constructed from a white frame, the stools have polished nickel sabots and accents, with a ...
Nickel
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sailor and Siren Ceramic Salt and Pepper Shakers by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical pair of sailor and siren ceramic salt and pepper shakers by Jonathan Adler, circa 2000s. The set is in very good condition w...
Ceramic
Lampert Charcoal Tufted Velvet Sofa by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Chicago, IL
Lampert Charcoal Tufted Velvet Sofa by Jonathan Adler This stunningly designed Lampert Sofa has all the perfect qualities-- the high tuxedo back gives it an elegant yet formal prese...
Metal
Postmodern Memphis Style Glazed Ceramic Vase by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful ceramic 2 tone vase in postmodern design , by Jonathan Adler no chips or cracks.
Ceramic
$2,100 / item
Beaumont Bouclé Lounge Chair
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
New Traditionalism. Minimalist rigor meets cocoon-y comfort. Our Beaumont collection's architectural yet airy bases are juxtaposed with silhouettes softened by sculptural flair. Balance and geometry get a glamorous lift from shiny polished brass and luxe Olympus Ivory bouclé. Pairs perfectly with our Beaumont Settee. Specs: Upholstered in Olympus Ivory Bouclé upholstery (54% polyester, 41% acrylic, 5% wool) Loose bench seat cushion...
Brass
Scandinavian Lounge Chair by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Blending modern glamour with Nordic simplicity, this Scandinavian-style lounge chair by Jonathan Adler features clean lines, tapered legs, and plush upholstery. A fresh take on mid-c...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Contemporary Modern Window Bench by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern style window bench in the style of Paul McCobb features unique tapered and splayed legs. Stylish design with plush white tufted upholstery and thick padde...
Upholstery, Walnut
Jonathan Adler Hand-Thrown Vase
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jonathan Adler Hand-Thrown and painted 14" tall vase. Nice condition with one very small rim chip as seen in photo.
Ceramic
Sculptural Brass "X" Base Desk by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Brass "X" Base "Channing" Model Desk, designed by Jonathan Adler after a Milo Baughman design, American, circa 2000s.
Brass
$400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of "Salvador" Vases" by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
A lovely pair of unglazed white mat porcelain "Salvador" vases by Jonathan Adler, circa 2000s . Inspired by the surrealist painter and printmaker, Salvador Dali—a master of subconsci...
Porcelain
$5,050 / item
Claridge Modern Chesterfield Sofa in Navy Leather
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
21st Century comfort. Our spin on the Classic Chesterfield. We took the original profile—clubby comfort, tailored tufting—and made it modern with a pared down silhouette. The finishi...
Brass
$2,800 / item
Beaumont Bouclé Settee
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
New traditionalism. Minimalist rigor meets cocoon-y comfort. Our Beaumont collection's architectural yet airy bases are juxtaposed with silhouettes softened by sculptural flair. Bala...
Brass
$140Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Bookends Happy Chic White Arrow
By Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
Jonathan Adler bookends happy chic Katie white arrow in white plaster finish.
Plaster
$2,250 / item
Channeled Goldfinger Lounge Chair
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Shock Waves. Minimalist comfort gets a modernist makeover—we've taken our definition of leaned-back luxury to the next level with our Channeled Goldfinger Lounge Chair...
Brass
$3,800 / item
Delphine Mirrored Bar
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist forms meet Maximalist glamour. Antiqued mirror with a polished brass base. The robin's egg blue interior is fitted with four adjustable tempered glass shelves...
Brass
$2,100 / item
Eyes Hand-Beaded Wall Art
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Beaded Brilliance. Dazzlingly detailed, our hand-beaded eyes beaded wall art is a truly subversive showpiece at 52 inches wide by 25 inches high. Stret...
Linen, Wood, Beads, Glass
$3,600 / item
Delphine Mirrored Dresser
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Reflectology. Minimalist forms meet Maximalist glamour. Our Delphine six-drawer dresser features antiqued mirror with a polished brass base and jewel-like quatrefoil escutcheons. Eac...
Brass
$2,350 / item
Caracas Black and Brass Sixteen-Light Chandelier
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Kinetic modernism. Simple geometric shapes cones and spheres collide with dynamic results. Ideal scale for a dining room or a spacious foyer, the architectural Caracas sixteen-light chandelier will wow your world. Antiqued brass and black lacquer create a chic and classique contrast with a hint Mid-Century Modern. It's the perfect piece to update your 16th century palazzo or to add a touch of French 1950s style...
Brass
Jonathan Adler Modern Silver Lip Vase Romeo and Juliet Thy Lips Are Warm Scene
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Miami, FL
American Deco Jonathan Adler Modern Silver Lip Vase Thy Lips Are Warm Romeo & Juliet Act V - Scene III, TMS 2006. Marked underneath. In good vintage condition with patina to the Alu...
Aluminum
Vintage Boho Jonathan Adler “Rider” Dining Chairs- Set of 6
By Jonathan Adler
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite set of six “Rider” dining chairs by Jonathan Adler perfectly blends glam boho flair with neoclassical elegance. Each chair features polished brass frames, sleek angula...
Metal
$1,920Sale Price / set|36% Off
29 Piece Set of Pottery Tableware Designed by Jonathan Adler, Brazilia Pattern
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Doraville, GA
29 Piece set of pottery stoneware with a white ceramic overglaze designed by Jonathan Adler. The pattern is called "Brazilia", which was part of Adler's "Pot à Porter" line, the line was hand made in...
Pottery
Contemporary Modern Square Coffee Table by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful Mid-Century style coffee table features a black and white zebra patterned design. The elaborate style and sturdy construction make this contemporary modern piece an im...
Wood
Pair of Jonathan Adler “Seurat” Seaside Down Fillled Pillows
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Winder, GA
Love this fun fabric! “Seurat” in Seaside features velvet rows of beautiful geometric patterns in deep blues and greens on a white background. Seurat Seaside has tones of blue, teal...
Linen, Velvet
Johnathan Adler Couture Bowl Early Handmade
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Westport, CT
Johnathan Adler handmade ceramic couture bowl circa 1980s made for a friend early and rare.
Ceramic
Hollywood Regency Styled Torino Reverse Painted Glass and Brass 2 Door Dry Bar
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Chicago, IL
Hollywood Regency Styled Torino Reverse-Painted Glass and Brass 2 Door Dry Bar Cabinet by Jonathan Adler “Bring a unique, rich and moody Milan moments into your life with our new To...
Glass
Vintage Porcelain & Marble Horn Sculpture by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Jonathan Adler White Porcelain & Marble Horn Sculpture — Handmade Modern Decorative Object A striking handmade porcelain and marble horn sculpture by celebrated American designer Jo...
Marble