Adrian Pearsall designed some of the most exuberant and expressive American chairs, sofas and other furniture of the 1950s and ’60s. For verve and vivacity of form, he surpasses even Vladimir Kagan — whose work is the emblem of swinging, sexy mid-20th century modernism. Pearsall gave his imagination free rein, and his flamboyant, eye-catching styles are icons of what has become known as “Atomic Age” design.
Pearsall studied architectural engineering at the University of Illinois before opening his Pennsylvania furniture company, Craft Associates, in 1952, and that training shows in many designs.
A Pearsall trademark, for example, is a lounge chair with an exceptionally tall, trapezoidal back, which give the pieces a skyscraper-like silhouette. Pearsall also had a talent for so-called Gondola sofas — long, low-slung pieces with upswept ends. Many of Pearsall’s sofas and chairs are supported not by legs, but on gently arced walnut skids.
Pearsall had a gift for tables, too, in particular glass-topped side tables and coffee tables with frames that have the look of an Alexander Calder stabile. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, Pearsall had flair, and his work adds an attention-getting, sculptural exclamation point to any décor.
Find vintage Adrian Pearsall sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high-quality long gondola walnut framed sofa Adrian Pearsall style. In new upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional sofa both f...
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
$7,800
H 30 in W 96 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa By Rowe Furniture
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous Mid-Century Modern gondola sofa was produced by Rowe Furniture Co. in the 1950s designed in the style of Adrian Pearsall's gondola sofa model 2640-S, the hottest sellin...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Sculptura Sofa Loveseat
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Sculptura Sofa Loveseat Iconic Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Sofa. This is an item I've only seen a couple times in ten years. Above average conditi...
Walnut, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique midcentury sofa features stylish curved armrests, original studded upholstery, and a unique finish. Please confirm item location (NY or ...
Upholstery
$10,000
H 28 in W 127 in D 35 in
Mid-Century Modern Platform Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a sculptural walnut frame with a finished back, teal upholstered seat cushions in velour, and integrated marble side table. A striking example of Pearsall’s signature organ...
Marble
1970s Percival Lafer MP-167 Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present this authentic Brazilian sofa by Percival Lafer, circa 1970s. Recently reupholstered in premium yellow leather. Ships from Philadelphia.
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Europe ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Mid-century design is typically characterized by clean, simple lines and honest use of quality materials. It also generally includes minimal, tasteful use of decorative embellishment...
Fabric, Wood
A Midcentury Settee in the Style of Abel Sorenson
By Abel Sorenson
Located in Dallas, TX
This mid-century modern settee is designed in the style of Abel Sorenson for Knoll, showcasing strong Scandinavian influences. Its sleek lines, minimalist form, and angled legs refle...
Velvet, Oak
Guiseppe Scapinelli Sofa
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Washington, DC
A beautifully sculpted sofa by Giuseppe Scapinelli, one of the most important figures of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern design. Created during the height of the designer's career, this...
Upholstery, Wood
$9,995
H 29.5 in W 120 in D 31 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa, 1960s Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Raleigh, NC
This exceptional Adrian Pearsall platform sofa showcases the renowned mid-century modern designer's signature floating aesthetic with integrated walnut end tables elegantly positione...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage Black Leather Sofa, circa 20th Century
Located in Napa, CA
Comfortable vintage black leather couch, with six cushions. Some wear to cushions; please inquire for details.
Leather, Wood
Art Deco Leather Sofa
Located in Napa, CA
Leather Art Deco sofa. Tan leather with brown piping and wooden legs. Leather rip on top of sofa.
Leather, Wood
Le Corbusier, Wide Lounge Chairs
By Le Corbusier
Located in Napa, CA
Le Corbusier wide lounge chairs - beautiful condition Le Corbusier (born Charles-Edouard Jeanneret) was one of the most influential architects and urban planners of the twentieth c...
Steel, Chrome
"Ambassador" Seating Suite Designed by Aage Christensen for Erhardsen & Andersen
By Aage Christensen
Located in Napa, CA
A very handsome Danish mid-century model "Ambassador" seating suite designed by Aage Christensen for Erhardsen & Andersen, comprised of a two-seater loveseat and three-seater sofa up...
Leather
Vintage Black Sofa
Penguin Lounge Chair
Located in Napa, CA
IB KOFOD LARSEN "Penguin" lounge chair. Danish Modern seating; Black iron legs with bowed wood backrest. SELIG.
Wood
