Cashmere 'ABCD' Two Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Long Island City, NY
Three shades of blue 'ABCD' cashmere two-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort on metal casters.
Fabric
Sectional Sofa 'Mississippi' by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brussels, BE
Sectional Sofa 'Mississippi' by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s - New Upholstery
Fabric
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Sofa in Blue Upholstery
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, sofa model '442/3', fabric upholstery, chromed steel, The Netherlands, 1962 This modest sofa is based on a solid construction featuring clear lines and g...
Steel
$15,225 / item
Osaka Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines.
Upholstery
Ligne Roset Pumpkin Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Ligne Roset
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Pumpkin sofa by Ligne Roset, designed by Pierre Paulin. This iconic piece is a revolutionary example of soft, organic seating that prioritises comfort and protective ...
Leather
Osaka Small Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines.
Upholstery
Osaka Large Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines.
Upholstery
Osaka Medium Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines.
Upholstery
Osaka Extra Small Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines.
Upholstery
Osaka Extra Large Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines.
Upholstery
Customizable Gubi 2-Seater Pacha Outdoor Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for the starting fabric category A. Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony wit...
Textile
Gubi Pacha 2-seater Modular Sofa with armrest by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony with the changing design style of its period, replaci...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
Gubi Pacha 3-seater Modular Sofa with armrest by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony with the changing design style of its period, replaci...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
Model 442 3-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1962.
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
A minimalist icon from the golden era of modern design — this rare Model 442 sofa was designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the early 1960s.
Chrome
1970s Modular Sofa by Karl Wittmann after Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Karl Wittmann
Located in Wien, AT
A sculptural and elegant modular sofa designed by Karl Wittmann after Pierre Paulin, produced by Wittmann, Austria, in the 1970s.
Fabric, Upholstery
ABCD 3 Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, 1969
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Melbourne, VIC
The ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1968, is indeed a remarkable piece of furniture that exemplifies his innovative and forward-thinking approach to design.
Fabric
ABCD 2 Seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, 1969
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Melbourne, VIC
The ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1968, is indeed a remarkable piece of furniture that exemplifies his innovative and forward-thinking approach to design.
Fabric
ABCD 2-seat Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning sculptural ABCD 2-seat sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968.
Metal
ABCD 2-seat Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning sculptural ABCD 2-seat sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968.
Metal
Mid Century ABCD 2-Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing sculptural two-seater ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968.
Fabric
Mid Century ABCD 3-Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing sculptural three-seater ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968.
Fabric
Mid Century Model 442 Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Pierre Paulin "442" Sofa for Artifort, designed in the 1960s.
Steel
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Rare First Edition ABCD Three-Seat Sofa, 1968
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An exceptionally rare first-edition ABCD three-seat sofa (Model F260), designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968.
Fabric, Foam
Sofa, Pierre Paulin, Curved Modular Design, Navy Blue Upholstery, Italy
By La Cividina, Pierre Paulin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Sofa, Pierre Paulin, Curved Modular Design, Navy Blue Upholstery, Italy TITLE: Osaka Sofa DESIGNER: Pierre Paulin STYLE: Modern MATERIALS: Fabric, Polyurethane Foam, Steel DIMENSION...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Gubi Pacha Outdoor 2-seater Modular Sofa with armrest by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony with the changing design style of its period, replaci...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
Gubi Pacha Outdoor 3-seater Modular Sofa with armrest by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony with the changing design style of its period, replaci...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Pacha Outdoor 3-seater Modular Sofa with armrest by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony with the changing design style of its period, replaci...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Pacha Outdoor 4-seater Modular Sofa with armrest by Pierre Paulin
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony with the changing design style of its period, replaci...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
Gubi Pacha 3-seater Modular Sofa with middle armrest by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony with the changing design style of its period, replaci...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
ABCD Loveseat by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Oakville, CA
New trim fabric at underside of sofa.
Steel
Pierre Paulin "Osaka" Sofa for La Cividina, Italy 90's
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Wonderful "Osaka" sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1967 for the 1970 World Expo in Osaka Japan.
Metal
Gubi Pacha 3-seater Modular Sofa with armrest in White Fabricby Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony with the changing design style of its period, replaci...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
2023 Pierre Paulin for GUBI Pacha Module Two Seater Sofa with Middle Armrest
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pacha Sofa, originally designed by Pierre Paulin for GUBI in 1975.
Metal
New and Made to Order Customizable Gubi 3-Seater Pacha Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for the starting fabric category A. Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony wit...
Textile
2023 Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset Pumpkin 3-Seat Large Settee / Sofa
By Ligne Roset, Pierre Paulin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The sofa was designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Ligne Roset in France.
Fabric, Foam
New and Made to Order Gubi 2-Seater Pacha Sofa with Armrests by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for the starting fabric category A. Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony wit...
Textile
New and Made to Order Gubi 3-Seater Pacha Sofa with Armrests by Pierre Paulin
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for the starting fabric category A. Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony wit...
Textile
Pierre Paulin Rare BLUB BLUB Seating Lounge 1972
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare Blub Blub by Pierre Paulin in gradient original fabric. The “Blub Blub” sofa, chair seating system is a rare 1972 design by Pierre Paulin, created during his experimental orga...
Fabric, Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber
$30,800
Pierre Paulin ABCD Sofa
Located in New York, NY
The ABCD Sofa by Pierre Paulin is a celebrated example of the designer’s innovative approach to modern seating, showcasing his ability to combine comfort, visual elegance, and sculpt...
Fabric
Midcentury Set of 2 Model 442 Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning set of 2 Pierre Paulin "442" Chairs for Artifort, designed in the 1960s.
Steel
Pierre Paulin Three-Seater Sofa, ‘Blub Blub 275’
Located in New York, NY
Combining functionality with sculptural expression, the sofa transforms seating into a bold statement of modern design, demonstrating Paulin’s mastery of aesthetics, innovation, and ...
Fiberglass
Modular Mississippi sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
Located in amstelveen, NL
The Mississippi Sofa (1965), designed by French master Pierre Paulin for Artifort, is a true design classic.
Wool
$52,800 / set
Pierre Paulin Living Room Suite, Model no. F500
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Paulin was a pioneering French furniture designer celebrated for transforming modern living spaces with organic, flowing forms and sculptural elegance.
Leather, Foam, Wood
Elysée Sofa and Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset
By Pierre Paulin
Located in BAUD, FR
“Élysée” sofa and ottoman by Pierre Paulin This two-seater sofa is produced by Ligne Roset Two-seater seating Height: 70 cm Width: 170 cm Depth: 80 cm Matching half-moon ottoman W...
Metal
$15,399 / item
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Three Seat Outdoor Sofa for Gubi
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Three Seat Outdoor Sofa for Gubi Designed for durability, this authorized re-edition of the 'Pacha' Collection for outdoors is executed in a specially-develope...
Steel
$12,099 / item
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Two Seat Outdoor Sofa for Gubi
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Two Seat Outdoor Sofa for Gubi Designed for durability, this authorized re-edition of the 'Pacha' Collection for outdoors is executed in a specially-developed ...
Steel
$19,799 / item
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Four Seat Outdoor Sofa for Gubi
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Four Seat Outdoor Sofa for Gubi Designed for durability, this authorized re-edition of the 'Pacha' Collection for outdoors is executed in a specially-developed...
Steel
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Stilwood, Mario Bellini, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Pierre Paulin
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Lara sofa by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy 1950s/1960s. Newly reupholstered in a premium, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Ships worldwide.
Foam
Model ABCD 1-Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1990s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing sculptural one-seater ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968.
Fabric
Model 446 Three-Seater Sofa and Club Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Izegem, VWV
The rather rare and sleek model 446 sofa and matching armchairs were designed in 1962 by the famous french architect Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort, Holland.
Steel
Unavailable
H 24.81 in W 95.28 in D 31.5 in
Pierre Paulin, a “F260” Sofa by Pierre Paulin, from the ABCD Series
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Pierre Paulin, L'homme et l'oeuvre, Nadine Descendre, Albin Michel A “F260” sofa by Pierre Paulin, from the ABCD series, in an original purple fabric.
Fabric
Pierre Paulin Elysee Leather Sofa
By Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
designed for Palais Elysee, George Pompidou's private apartments, and edited by Alpha International
Leather
Sofa Seat by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Interesting sofa seat by Pierre Paulin. Concord model ref. 780 (1966).
Pierre Paulin 'blu blu' sofa, Model 275
By Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
3 seat upholstered sofa/chair
(can be joined with other units)
Edited by Artifort and no longer in production
Unavailable
H 23.63 in W 110.24 in D 27.56 in
Modular Sofa von Karl Wittmann für Wittmann nach Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Wittmann, Karl Wittmann
Located in Wien, AT
Sehr seltenes Modular Sofa entworfen von Karl Wittmann nach Pierre Paulin, hergestellt von Wittmann um circa 1975, bestehend aus 5 Modulen bezogen in hellem Stoff, schöne altersbedin...
Fabric
2 Seater Pumpkin Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in lyon, FR
2 seater pumpkin sofa by Pierre Paulin. White leather. Good condition.
Leather
PIERRE PAULIN SOFA
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
TO BE reupholstered
Wood, Plastic, Fabric
Mississippi Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mississippi by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, the Netherlands, 1978. The depth of the sofa is 80 cm, height backrest 65 cm, seat height 36 cm , length +/- 800 cm.
Leather, Upholstery
Pierre Paulin ABCD Sofa
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in London, GB
The ABCD sofa by Pierre Paulin is iconic due to its inviting and undulating form.
Wool, Foam
Ligne Roset Andy Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the iconic Andy Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset. This stunning piece features a sleek and modern design, with clean lines and a low profile.
Metal
Ligne Roset Andy Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the iconic Andy Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset, now available at Rehaus.
Metal
Pumpkin Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Dronten, NL
Apple green pumpkin three-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset France. Marked.
Fabric
ABCD Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1968
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
ABCD sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1968 one of the greatest French designer Fabric by Kvadrat Raf Simons for Kvadrat The artistic director of the Dior house, Raf Si...
Fabric
ABCD Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Oakville, CA
ABCD sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1968. Sofa has been carefully restored by stripping down to bare metal frame and latex seat sling, re foaming and re upholstering in a velvet...
Formica, Latex, Polyester
Pierre Paulin "Osaka" Sofa for La Cividina, Italy
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1967 for the 1970 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
Steel
Pierre Paulin "ABCD" Sofa for Artifort, 1968
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Paris, FR
Pierre Paulin three-seat sofa from the F260 series also known as "ABCD."
Fabric, Upholstery, Wool
Pierre Paulin "ABCD" Sofa for Artifort, 1968
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Paris, FR
Pierre Paulin two-seat sofa from the F260 series also known as "ABCD."
Fabric, Upholstery, Wool
Pierre Paulin ABCD Sofa Set, Artifort, 1968
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Amazing pair of so called ABCD lounge sofas designed by Pierre Paulin, manufactured by Artifort, Holland, 1968.
Metal
Pierre Paulin White Leather "Pumpkin" Sofa for Ligne Roset, 2008
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning, sleek and super comfy "Pumpkin" sofa designed by Pierre Paulin in original, supple white leather.
Leather
Pierre Paulin sofa 442/3 Artifort Netherlands 1962
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice minimalistic model 442/3 sofa designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort, The Netherlands 1962.
Steel
Sold
H 28 in W 99 in D 32 in
Pierre Paulin "Pumpkin" Leather Sofa with Three Seats, circa 1970, France
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Girona, Spain
Pierre Paulin "Pumpkin" leather sofa with three seats. Designed for the Elysée Palace, Paris, France, circa 1970, France.
Leather
Pierre Paulin 442/3 Sofa by Artifort, Holland, 1962
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice and rare early sofa designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Holland, 1962.
Steel
Pierre Paulin, Rare Sofa Model 442 for Artifort, 1962
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Here is the two-seat model sofa from the 442 series designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort, Netherlands, 1962.
Steel, Chrome
Pierre Paulin 442/3 Sofa by Artifort Holland 1962 Black
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice and rare early sofa designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort, Holland 1962.
Steel
Sold
H 23.63 in W 63 in D 29.53 in
Pierre Paulin ABCD Sofa and Armchair for ARTIFORT – Netherlands, 1968
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Rare ABCD sofa and chair in original fabric by Pierre Paulin for Artifort – Netherlands, 1968.
Chrome
Sofa "442" by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, the Netherlands, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Utrecht, NL
Thus, the collaboration between Paulin and the Dutch furniture manufactory began and from this fertile collaboration the iconic “442” sofa was born.
Metal
Pumpkin Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset
By Pierre Paulin, Ligne Roset
Located in amstelveen, NL
Pumpkin 3-seater sofa designed by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset. Reupholstered in a boucle by Bisson Bruneel.
Bouclé
ABCD 2-Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in amstelveen, NL
ABCD sofa designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured during the 1960s by Artifort, Netherlands.
Wool
Pierre Paulin introduced a fresh breeze into French furniture design in the 1960s and ’70s, fostering a sleek new Space-Age aesthetic. Along with Olivier Mourgue, Paulin developed chairs, sofas, dining tables and other furnishings with flowing lines and almost surreal naturalistic forms. And his work became such a byword for chic, forward-looking design and emerging technologies that two French presidents commissioned him to create environments in the Élysée Palace in Paris.
Paulin was born in Paris to a family of artists and designers. He initially sought to become a ceramist and sculptor and was studying in the town of Vallauris near the Côte d'Azur — a center for pottery making, where Pablo Picasso spent his postwar summers crafting ceramics — but broke his hand in a fight. He enrolled at the École Camondo, the Paris interior design school. There, Paulin was strongly influenced by the work of Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Arne Jacobsen, as was reflected in his early creations for the manufacturer Thonet-France.
It was at the Dutch firm Artifort, which he joined in 1958, where Paulin blossomed. In a few years, he produced several of his signature designs based on abstract organic shapes. These include the Butterfly chair (1963), which features a tubular steel frame and slung leather, and a group of striking seating pieces made with steel frames covered in polyurethane foam and tight jersey fabric: the Mushroom (1960), Ribbon (1966) and Tongue (1967) chairs. The revered designer not only introduced new construction techniques to Artifort furniture but contributed fresh materials, Pop art colors and dazzling shapes to the mid-century modern era as a whole.
In 1971, the Mobilier National — a department of France’s Ministry of Culture in charge of furnishing top-tier government offices and embassies — commissioned Paulin to redesign President Georges Pompidou’s private apartment in the Élysée Palace. In three years, Paulin transformed the staid rooms into futuristic environments with curved, fabric-clad walls and furnishings such as bookcases made from an arrangement of smoked-glass U shapes, flower-like pedestal chairs and pumpkin-esque loungers.
Ten years later, the Mobilier National called on Paulin again, this time to furnish the private office of President François Mitterand. Paulin responded with an angular, postmodern take on neoclassical furniture, pieces that looked surprisingly at home in the paneled, Savonnerie-carpeted Louis XVI rooms. As those two Élysée Palace projects show, Paulin furniture works well both in a total decor or when used as a counterpoint to traditional pieces. His creations have a unique personality: bright and playful yet sophisticated and suave.
Find vintage Pierre Paulin lounge chairs, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.