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.
Fully Restored Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Gondola Platform Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Platform Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1960’s. Iconic, timeless design from renowned designer, Adrian Pearsall. His pieces are highly ...
Fabric, Chenille, Wood, Walnut
$12,500
H 30 in W 115 in D 30 in
Adrian Pearsall American Mid-Century Orange Upholstered Platform Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century orange nap upholstered platform sofa with floating walnut frame and end tables on both sides (ADRIAN PEARSALL) Torn Upholstery, Not Good Shape
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
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist-Inspired Two-Cushion Sofa (1 of 2)
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall, Paul Evans
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking example of Adrian Pearsall’s bold design vision, this two-cushion sofa blends clean modernist lines with dramatic Brutalist detailing. Upholstered in rich black fabric, th...
Upholstery, Resin, Wood
$16,700
H 31.11 in W 102.37 in D 31.5 in
Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa in Walnut and Pastel Pink Upholstery
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Platform' sofa with two drawers, fabric, walnut, United States, 1960s Adrian Pearsall is known for his rather unique sofa designs. The present model is no exceptio...
Fabric, Walnut
$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
$12,400
H 28.75 in W 144.49 in D 31.5 in
Adrian Pearsall 'Platform Gondola' Sofa in Walnut and Red Upholstery
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, ‘Platform Gondola’ sofa, fabric, walnut, wood, United States, 1960s A wonderful sofa that features the combination of two great sofa models by ...
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist-Inspired Two-Cushion Sofa Loveseat (2 of 2)
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, Paul Evans
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking example of Adrian Pearsall’s bold design vision, this two-cushion sofa or loveseat blends clean modernist lines with dramatic Brutalist detailing. Upholstered in rich blac...
Upholstery, Resin, Wood
Boomerang Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A rare "boomerang" sofa having a recently polished frame supporting a freshly upholstered back and seat done in a grey boucle fabric.
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$15,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 144 in D 39.5 in
Expansive 12-Foot Platform Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the incomparable Adrian Pearsall, this iconic "Platform" sofa is the epitome of functional art. Audacious in it's scope, shape and materials used this sofa is a true American masterpiece. Featuring new heavy ply wool fabric, new support straps and professionally re-finished wood this sofa is perhaps the best conditioned platform sofa available for sale in North America. The veneered American black walnut base shows exceptional old-growth woodgrains that are breathtaking from all angles. In homage to the late great Pearsall this sofa was painstakingly restored using the same techniques, materials and sewing patterns used by the Craft Associates factory...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
70's Selig Rosewood Upholstered / Leather Strap Sofa
By Selig
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An exceptional stunning slab-sided Brazilian rosewood cube styled sofa with upholstered seat cushions. The loose cushions sit on thick black leather straps that are held by chromed a...
Aluminum
Sottsass Mid Century Candlestick Center Piece
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A well crafted candlestick center piece in a mixed blue toned copper enameled metal with step down design and three copper candle holders. The holders have great age and patina which...
Metal
6 Paul McCobb 6-Piece Contempri Place Settings by Jackson China Co.
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A fine 36-piece midcentury China set with six 6-piece place settings designed by Paul McCobb with dark gray and black graphics produced in 1959-1960. The china is in a restaurant style which means it a heavier form and dish washer safe, retains the ink stamps to the bottom manufactured by the Jackson China...
Porcelain
Milo Baughman Rosewood / Chrome Curved Sofa Table for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An exceptionally stunning Brazilian rosewood curved sofa table with squared tubed chrome base. The slightly curved contours of the table work perfec...
Chrome
Raymond Loewy 3 Piece Vanity Model DF 2000 Vanity for Doubinsky Freres France
By Raymond Loewy
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A rare luxurious DF 2000 vanity with pull down locking vanity surface, inside having two small glass shelves and a mirror with storage cubies and a...
Laminate
Metlox California Pottery Grill / Divided Plates Set
By California Pottery
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A set of five divided or grill dinner pottery plates , two in blue and three in a bright orange . Coined California Pottery because of the style and manufactured in the state by the ...
Pottery
