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.
Harvey Probber Impressive 16 Foot Angle Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
This sofa has a wow factor. The upholstery is actually good and we think the seat cushion could be flipped to show the unfaded section. It can also be reupholstered to update. This s...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 495 Sofa, Mahogany, Mid-Century
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
This sofa has beautiful lines and a gently curved back. A true classic. The fabric is original and in very good condition. It is a rich and high-quality texture that looks like embro...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully updated and restored. The iconic bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been reupholstered in a stunning high-quality mohair from "The Sign". This sofa ...
Mohair, Mahogany
Adrian Pearsall Semi-Circle Sectional Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Dallas, TX
Great looking sectional sofa by Adrian Pearsall. Very comfortable. Ready for your choice of fabric. Arm can be added on other end if desired.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Sectional Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, 1980s
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a dramatic Bilbao sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan was made by Preview. Sofa is five sections. The seat is upholstered in black micro-fiber and the back is a gray weave.
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Dijon Colored Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully updated and restored. The iconic bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been reupholstered in a stunning high-quality mohair. Color is listed as "Dijon"...
Mohair, Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa, 1960s Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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
Mid-Century Modern Platform Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a sculptural walnut frame with a finished back, teal upholstered seat cushions in velour, and integrated marble side table. A striking example of Pearsall’s signature organ...
Marble
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
Mid-Century Gondola Sofa Designed By Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This strunning gondola sofa was designed by Adrian Pearsall. This piece is upholstered in beautifully textured fabric. The back features an ornate gold pattern while rest of the sofa...
Upholstery, 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
1960s Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Gondola Sofa Mid Century Modern
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1960s gondola sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Mid century modern at its finest with sweeping solid walnut sculptural legs. Spanning 102” in width with two o...
Fabric, Wool, Walnut
