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.
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates '2006-S' Sofa in Walnut
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, sofa, model '2006S', fabric, walnut, United States, 1960s This timeless, softly contoured sofa embodies understated elegance through its graceful curves and minimal...
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Pierre Frey 'Louison' bouclé, walnut, United States, 1960s This exceptional Boomerang sofa, designed by Adria...
Bouclé, Walnut
Edward Wormley 'New York' Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture / DUX of Sweden, sofa model 5316, faux leather, metal, wood, United States, design 1952 This three-seat sofa was designed by Edward Wormley for D...
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Modern Corner Sofa in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Corner sofa, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1960s This sculptural Italian mid-century modern sofa from the 1960s is defined by its sweeping curved form, conceived to organize the surroundin...
Fabric, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc '6999' Sofa in Mohair and Walnut
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc, sofa, model '6999', reupholstered in “Bold” by Pierre Frey, walnut, United States, made 1950s This mid-century modern sofa, designed by Vladim...
Fabric, Walnut
Marco Comolli Sofa in Walnut and Taupe Leather
By Marco Comolli, ICF De Padova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Comolli for I.C.F. De Padova, two-seat sofa, in walnut and taupe leather, Italy, 1965 A highly comfortable sofa by Marco Comolli due to down filling and well-designed proporti...
Leather, 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
Outstanding Adrian Pearsall Boom-a-range Cloud Sofa Craft Associates Mid-Century
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Model 3600-8 Craft Associates "Cloud" sofa, circa 1970, designed by Adrian Pearsall. Having graceful undulating curves. One-piece cushion. Sofa floats above a matte black recessed pl...
Faux Leather, Wood
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
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
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Walnut Gondola Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in North York, ON
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Walnut Gondola sofa. By iconic mid-century modern designer Adrian Pearsall. Masterfully restored to its original glory with newly refinished walnut...
Mohair, Walnut
Mid-Century Cloud Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century Cloud sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1960s. This design by Pearsall is low profile and features a gently curved silhouette. Long and extreme...
Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood, Walnut
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
Designed by a giant of Swedish lighting, the large-scale fixtures bring major drama.
