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.
Jonathan Adler "Talitha" Armoire
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Astoria, NY
Jonathan Adler "Talitha" Armoire, with starburst pattern nickel-plated metal exterior, the two doors with abalone shell inlaid pulls opening to three shelves above three drawers, wit...
Metal, Nickel
$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
$1,800 / item
Delphine Mirrored Desk
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Reflectology. Minimalist forms meet Maximalist glamour. Antiqued mirror with a polished brass base. Our Delphine Desk features a single center drawer finished with bright robin's egg...
Brass
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
$3,360Sale 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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Hollywood Regency Torino Dry Bar Cabinet by Jonathan Adler`
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 rich and moody Milan moments into your life with our new Torino collec...
Brass
$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
$11,367 / item
H 32.68 in W 100.4 in D 15.75 in
"Il Pezzo 1 Credenza" sideboard in solid walnut - marble top - brass base
By Il Pezzo Mancante
Located in Firenze, IT
An alternation of rounded shapes and geometrical lines, reassuming discipline and freedom, a composite, multiethnic plan in which each component and each material contributes to the ...
Marble, Gold, Brass
Regency Mahogany Credenza
Located in Westwood, NJ
A fine Regency style mahogany veneered and yew burl banded buffet, the break bowfront top with an ebony and brass inlaid edge, above an arrangement of four frieze drawers above centr...
Wood
$2,900 / set
H 48 in W 27.5 in D 18.25 in
Vintage Mid Century Art Deco Vanity or Desk with Mirror in Pine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A funky art deco vanity with mirror. Solid pine with period deco hardware. Mirror has some small dark spot from age. All in all very good condition. Price includes both vanity & mirr...
Mirror, Pine
Bleached Oak Credenza, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Unearthed in Normandy, this piece of furniture in solid oak will bring a touch of authenticity to an interior. The sideboard consists of three compartments with shelves whose doors ...
Oak
CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane The CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane is expertly hand crafted. The Peabody collection pieces are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. This cabinet is built with a solid oak frame, door fronts, interior shelf and legs. It features beautiful cane front door that have slide left to right covering an adjustable shelf. This cabinet is amazing and has perfect proportions to be used in multiple settings. It is available in custom wood and variations (different sizes). 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. History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle chair...
Cane, Oak
Quebecois Armoire
Located in Greenwich, CT
A French-Canadian armoire in pine having two doors on a narrow case with an overhanging molded cornice, the doors each featuring rebated full door X-crosses in a rectangular surround...
Pine
Napoleon III Armoire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Napoleon III Armoire with 4 glass windows on the door. Can be used as a bookshelf , wardrobe or curio cabinet. Beautiful black patina. Four shelves, one shelf with 2 dra...
Oak
Modern Minimal Writing Desk
Located in Nyack, NY
The Modern Minimal Writing Desk's all solid wood construction is evident throughout. Turned legs, radiused edges and soft corners all contribute to the organic nature of this design....
Ash, Walnut
1930s French Art Deco Armoire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Art Deco armoire from France, 1930's. Beautiful matched chevron wood veneer doors with small brass decorative ornament on front. Sliding doors ope...
Oak
A Jansen desk
By Maison Jansen
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A neo classic black lacquer double face , can float in oak circa 1950
Oak, Lacquer
Jules Leleu mahogany cabinet nickeled metal 1930
By Jules Leleu
Located in Paris, IDF
This very fine Art Deco cabinet was created in the 1930s by Jules Leleu, with flamed mahogany veneer and a nickeled metal base, and bears the workshop stamp. The piece perfectly illu...
Metal
1980s Mirrored Armoire
By Ello Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
1980s mirrored armoire with brass accents in the style of Ello. Giant storage space for clothes, shoes, and purses while also a full size functional m...
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 58 in W 36 in D 18 in
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
Sold
H 33.5 in W 38 in D 18 in
Jonathan Adler ‘Reform’ Chest Three Drawer Dresser in Brass and Ebonized Wood
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Lutz, FL
Current production Jonathan Adler 3 drawer dresser from the “Reform” line. An ebonized and limed oak cabinet with drawer faces featuring the signature Reform design—a relief texture ...
Brass
Sold
H 58 in W 36 in D 18 in
Hollywood Regency Styled Torino Glass and Brass Cabinet by Jonathan Adler - Pair
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Chicago, IL
Hollywood Regency Styled Torino Reverse-Painted Glass and Brass 2 Door Dry Bar Cabinet by Jonathan Adler - Set of 2 “Bring a set of unique, rich and moody Milan moments into your li...
Brass
Reform Hammered Brass Circle Bar
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
An ebonized and limed oak cabinet with doors featuring a relief texture originally sculpted in our Soho pottery studio—clad in a sheet of brass, then hand...
Brass
Channing Desk in White Lacquer and Nickel
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Luxe lacquer. Neoclassical lines, a dash of Hollywood glamour and a top note of Mod moxie: that's our Channing collection. The Channing desk puts a svelte spin on Classic Campaign st...
Nickel
Pair of Talitha Cabinets by Jonathan Adler
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The Talitha cabinet pair features sheets of nickel-plated metal hand-stamped into a modern starburst pattern and routed onto solid wood. Each is capped...
Metal
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
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
Harlequin Credenza in Multi-Blue
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Avant Wow. A little Italian Modern, a lot of irresistible color. Our Harlequin Credenza features back-painted glass panes in angular forms in bold a...
Brass
Harlequin Three-Drawer Chest in Multi-Blue
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Avant Wow. A little Italian Modern, a lot of irresistible color. Our Harlequin Three-Drawer Chest features back-painted glass panes in angular forms and bold, brilliant blues. The iv...
Brass
Jonathan Adler "Jacques" Étagère Signed on Lower Rear with Metal Label
By Jonathan Adler
Located in Kingston, NY
Offered is a signed Jonathan Adler "jacques" plexiglass and chrome étagère. The piece is signed on lower rear with metal label. The étagère measures 66" x 30" x 16" and is in good co...
Chrome
Talitha Console Cabinet
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Global glamour. Crafted from nickel-plated metal with hand-stamped patterns applied to Minimalist, modernist forms, Our Talitha console is jewelry for ...
Nickel