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 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
Adrian Pearsall 'Cloud' Sofa in Walnut
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall, 'Cloud' sofa, walnut, fabric, United States, 1950s Adrian Pearsall's "Cloud" sofa, crafted in the 1950s in the United States, is a stunning example of mid-century m...
Fabric, 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
Adrian Pearsall 'Cloud' Sofa in Illustrative Fabric
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Crafts Associations, cloud sofa, fabric, walnut, United States, 1960s The Cloud sofa by Adrian Pearsall features a long, asymmetrical seat defined by sinuous, sc...
Fabric, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic long-frame sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall, featuring his signature gently arcing silhouette and tapered walnut legs. Fully reupholstered in Maharam's premium "Meld" wool ...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern "Cloud" Walnut Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Cloud Sofa, C. 1950s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Westport, CT
Indulge in luxurious comfort with the Low-Profile Cloud Sofa, a timeless piece designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the mid-20th century. Meticulously restored to its ...
Bouclé, Maple
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa for Craft Associates Inc.
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa for Craft Associates Inc.
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 123 wide x 70 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat heigh...
Upholstery, 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
