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.
Moreno Sectional by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 2 piece Moreno Sectional sits deep and spacious with a beautifully curved silhouette. This sectional consists of a bench sofa and a generous chaise which can be specified for eit...
Upholstery, Walnut
$8,750
H 25.5 in W 101.5 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa new upholstery
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...
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
Forster Sectional by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The finely tailored two piece Forster Sectional consists of a bench sofa and a generous chaise which can be specified to land on either side. This sectional rests atop an elegantly t...
Upholstery, Oak
$8,750
H 25.5 in W 101.5 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa new upholstery
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
$7,262
H 27.5 in W 110.25 in D 30 in
Mid Century Modern Sofa with Side Tables George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Sofa with Integrated Side Tables for Herman Miller – This exquisite vintage piece, dating back to the 1950s-1960s, epitomizes the functional elegance...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Sofa w/End Table
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your space with this iconic Mid-Century Modern sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall, a true statement of sculptural elegance and function. Crafted with a rich walnut frame, this ...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Sofa Set With Side Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The set consists of three armless lounge chair modules and integrated low tables featuring white laminate tops framed by walnut. Upholstered in a charcoal gray textured fabric, each ...
Metal
Portola Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Portola sofa features a handcrafted solid walnut or oak frame with loose seat and back cushions. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, Californi...
Upholstery, Oak
$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
$4,900
H 31 in W 100 in D 100 in
Mid Century Modern Boxy Modular Parsons Style L Shaped Sofa with Chaise Lounge
By Parsons, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage five piece modular sofa in need of recovering. Design lines for days. Measurements below. Single chair W33 D35.5 Corner piece W 34 D35.5 Ottoman W33 D35
Fabric
