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.
$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
Square Wool Boucle Swivel Chairs
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fantastic pair of newly produced square swivel chairs. Comfortable cushioned seats with low profile back cushion. Sits on walnut wood swivel base. ...
Wool, Bouclé, Walnut
$34,000 / set
H 26 in W 48 in D 36 in
Pair of Adrian Pearsall Attributed Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Saint Louis, MO
So sculptural so fresh, this pair of 1970s modern Adrian Pearsall attributed throne swivel chairs were professionally reupholstered in soft ivory bouclé and swivel atop walnut bases professionally refinished in a dark, contrasting wood stain. The look is modern luxe. Beautiful to admire. If you're simply looking to add "furniture art" into your space, these Adrian Pearsall attributed swivel lounge chairs check that box. Wow factor. Rare. In great condition. The chairs are also comfortable, cozy and wide enough to enjoy most lounging activities you can probably think of. Did we mention the chairs swivel 360 degrees? And ready to ship. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed alongside and currently available at our shop: Vladimir Kagan for Directional Poufs in ivory bouclé Jens Risom walnut chairs...
Bouclé, Walnut
$6,135 / item
H 31.5 in W 37.41 in D 33.47 in
Contemporary Conchula Swivel Accent Chair, Italian Boucle, Handmade Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Conchula Swivel Accent Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Conchula swivel accent chair is a room-defining furniture piece, distinguished by its eye-catching silhouette. Designed to provide ultimate comfort for moments of relaxation, Conchula seamlessly combines timeless craftsmanship with modern sophistication. Whether paired with the Conchula curved sofa or daybed, this swivel accent chair enhances any contemporary interior, elevating the space with its refined presence. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Conchula Armchair...
Brass
$10,800 / set
H 27 in W 30.5 in D 34 in
Ivory Bouclé Post Modern Swivel Chairs & Ottoman Attributed to Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Comfort Designs, Inc.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A high sculptural look that's modern with curvy plush all over cushioning is what you'll get with this ménage à trois set of swivel chairs attributed to Adrian Pearsall paired along with a sexy modern custom mushroom shaped ottoman. It all swivels - chairs and ottoman. Reminiscent of Vladimir Kagan and his crescent chair...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory...
Bouclé
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory Boucle. Corkscrew shape with sloped back and scrolled arm. The Nautilus chairs swivel making them a good choice for open floor plans - you may align your sight with any person or object in the room simply with a gentle swivel. Matching contoured Ottoman is on casters and seamlessly rolls into place like a puzzle piece inviting you to relax and put your feet up with a good book or a glass of your favorite vino. Fabric is highly durable; it's texture provides for ventilation to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Nautilus Swivel Chairs: 36” W x 33” D x 29” H (Seat Height 17”) Ottoman: 33” W x 21” D x 17” H Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop: Post Modern Karl Springer Style ottoman...
Bouclé
Pair of 1980s Bouclé Swivel Lounge Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A modernist's dream! Offered is a stunning pair of restored 1980s swivel lounge chairs. Solid wood frames wrapped in a gorgeous bouclé fabric brings the comfort of sitting on a cloud...
Upholstery
$24,400 / set
H 31.5 in W 36 in D 36 in
Preview Post Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs in Super Soft Ivory White Bouclé C.1990
By Preview
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Launch in first class comfort with this spaceship like pair of 1990s ivory white bouclé Post Modern swivel chairs by Preview. Gorgeous sculptural silhouette. Uber luxurious modern lo...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$12,200 / set
H 31.5 in W 32 in D 32 in
Milo Baughman for Thayer Cogggin Swivel and Tilt Lounge Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
These 1970s Milo Baughman mid century modern swivel and tilt chairs on chrome bases were made by Thayer Coggin and were newly professionally reupholstered in super soft ivory white b...
Chrome
Pair of Modern French Mushroom Swivel Chairs in Latte Bouclé
Located in Saint Louis, MO
French Modern feels to the max with these Sculptural Mushroom Swivel Chairs that immediately transport you to that Parisian flat you rented decades ago. A silhouette that's as sexy n...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$18,600 / set
H 32 in W 32 in D 36 in
Pair of Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stylish, sculptural and incredibly comfortable pair of tilt and swivel wide seat lounge chairs by Directional. Our shop has carried several Directional and Vladimir Kagan style lounge chairs...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$2,357
H 30 in W 31 in D 33 in
Customizable Swivel Chair with Beige Bouclé and Brown Faux Leather, Mule Series
By Uultis Design
Located in Miami, FL
A Mule Swivel chair designed by Uultis Studio with brown faux leather, beige bouclé fabric and black metallic base. With its sculptural form and seamless blend of textures, the Mule swivel chair brings modern refinement to any living space. Inspired by the timeless elegance of the mule loafer, this chair pairs sleek lines with a thoughtfully designed silhouette. A curved back wraps around the generously cushioned seat, creating an inviting embrace. The combination of soft beige bouclé and smooth brown faux leather accentuates its sophisticated aesthetic, while the black metallic base offers a sturdy yet understated foundation. Designed for both style and comfort, the Mule chair...
Metal
Bacharach Teddy Swivel Chair
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Louche glamour. Think Halston, think Studio 54, think sybaritic style. But also think cozy, comfy swivel chair. Upholstered in ivory teddy with an architectural antiqued brass swivel...
Brass
Bacharach Champagne Velvet Swivel Chair
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Louche glamour. Think Halston, think Studio 54, think sybaritic style. But also think cozy, comfy swivel chair. Upholstered in luxurious blush Como Champagne velvet...
Brass
Bacharach Reef Velvet Swivel Chair
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Louche glamour. Think Halston, think Studio 54, think sybaritic style. But also think cozy, comfy swivel chair. Upholstered in inky blue Rialto Reef velvet with an architectural brus...
Stainless Steel
Vertigo Tufted Swivel Chair
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Swivel in style. Cocoon-like form with nifty tufting detail upholstered in rich petrol velvet. Demure in scale but powerful in presence, the Vertigo swivel chair is our modern interpretation of a classic barrel club chair. Works beautifully as a comfy reading chair...
Upholstery, Velvet, Hardwood