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 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
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 Sofa in the Manner of Adrian Pearsall, Circa 1950
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century Modern sofa in the manner of Adrian Pearsall. Walnut with slate inlay end tables, Circa 1950s.
Wood
Adrian Pearsall Armless Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Napa, CA
This well taken care of armless sofa by American furniture designer, Adrian Pearsall will surely make your space that much more unique! This armless sof...
Fabric, 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
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 Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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
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
Brazilian Modern Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960's
By Percival Lafer
Located in Uccle, BE
Sofa Mod. MP-13, 1960's Made by Lafer S. e Co, Sao Paulo Rosewood, chrome and faux leather H 70 x L219 x W80 x Seat Height 41Percival Lafer Mid-Century Brazilian sofa made of Walnut ...
Chrome
19th Century Important Canadian Sofa
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This gorgeous sofa was made in Quebec, circa 1860 and done in the French Louis XVl style. The wood frame is handcrafted from tiger maple and it features iconic Canadian motifs such as the beaver...
Pair of Erik Worts for Niels Eilersen Danish "Safari' Chairs in Brown Leather
By Niels Eilersen
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of lounge chairs were designed by Erik Worts and made by Niels Eilersen of Denmark in approximately 1960 in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The frames of the chairs ar...
Brass
Modern Abstract Constructivist Wood Sculpture Signed Czeslaw Budny
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This contemporary abstract wooden sculpture is by Czeslaw Budny in constructivist style circa 2024. This unique sculpture is made of recycled wood. Budny utilizes the simplicity of s...
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Pair of ABO Randers Danish Lamps
By ABO Randers A/S
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Pair of ABO Randers Danish lamps. Mid-Century Modern / Scandinavian Modern
Anglo Indian Settee, Late 18th or Early 19th Century Carved Rosewood
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Hand-carved rosewood, mid 19th century. Free shipping within the United States and Canada.
Rosewood
Contemporary Signed Modern Abstract Constructivist Styled Wooden Oak Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This contemporary abstract wooden sculpture was done by Czeslaw Budny a Polish-Canadian artist in the constructivist style circa 2019. This sculpture was made entirely of up-cycled, ...
Wood, Oak
