Original CM197 Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet France
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original CM197 armchair by Pierre Paulin. Designed for Thonet, France in 1958.
Original CM197 Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet France
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original CM197 armchair by Pierre Paulin. Designed for Thonet, France in 1958.
Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1953
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic small midcentury modern writing desk was designed by Pierre Paulin 1953 and produced by Thonet, Model CM141.
Steel
Office desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet - 1950s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
A magnificent Model CM141 desk designed by Pierre Paulin for Thonet in the 1950s (specifically 1954).
Metal
”CM 172” Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1950s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Designed in the 1950s by legendary French designer Pierre Paulin for Thonet France, the "CM 172" desk epitomizes mid-century minimalist functionality and refined structural balance.
Wood
$7,250Sale Price|20% Off
Desk by Pierre Paulin, CM141 design editited by Thonet, France, 1960's
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Desk CM141 designed by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1950-60's, France
Metal
“CM 190” model fireside chair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1959
By Pierre Paulin
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Low chair model “CM 190” Black lacquered metal and floral canvas, Thonet Edition 1959 Dimensions: H_70 cm W_58 cm D_60 cm
Iron
CM 172 Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, Teak and Steel, France, 1960
By Pierre Paulin
Located in LYON, FR
CM 172 desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet 1960s desk by Pierre Paulin in teak (1955-1957) Genuine CM 172 model.
Steel
Set of six chairs "CM 196" by Pierre Paulin 1960's Thonet edition
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Set of six chairs "CM 196" by Pierre Paulin 1960's Thonet edition
Metal
$4,600 / set
Pair Vintage Leather Lounge Chairs by Thonet
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful pair of chrome base leather lounge chairs by Thonet offer exquisite Mid-Century style suitable for almost any seating situation. Sturdy stretchers and vintage leather ...
Chrome
$3,599Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Vintage Mid Century Modern 4331 Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a rare example of the Model 4331 lounge chair designed by Pierre Paulin for Thonet. Chair features a plywood frame with black enamel finish, fresh white boucle upholstery, t...
Metal
Pair of 1960s Thonet Armchairs by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Pair of armchairs in black vinyl and steel, designed by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, circa 1962. About the designer: Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) was one of the most important designers...
Chrome, Steel
Unavailable
H 28.75 in W 51.19 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Bauhaus Writing Desk by Thonet and Designed by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed by Pierre Paulin, circa 1930. In the style of the Bauhaus era.
Wood, Walnut
Unavailable
H 34.5 in W 23 in D 20.5 in
Pair of Midcentury Armchairs and Single Footstool by Pierre Paulin for Thonet
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Southhampton, NY
Extremely rare French Mid-Century Modern armchairs and single footstool by Pierre Paulin upholstered in olive green naugahyde. Architectural frames are gilt steel wire. These chairs ...
Steel
Unavailable
H 27.56 in W 26.78 in D 22.45 in
Two Sets of Lows Chairs CM190 with Footstools by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1959
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Paris, FR
This complete set include two lows chairs CM190 and two foot stool CM190P they need to be restaure, so you can choose your fabric This price include tonus4 Kvadrat fabric.
Unavailable
H 28.75 in W 37.8 in D 21.26 in
Pierre Paulin 's Desk "CM 174" Produced by Thonet, circa 1960
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint Ouen, Île-de-France
Pierre Paulin 's desk "CM 174" produced by Thonet, circa 1960.
Metal
Pair of 1950s CM145 Vinyl Chairs by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Bridge Chairs, Model CM145 by Pierre Paulin in green vinyl and foam over molded plywood with black painted metal legs.
PVC
Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Paris, FR
Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet.
Metal
Desk CM174 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Paris, FR
Desk CM174 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet.
Wood
Coffee Table by Pierre Paulin for Thonet
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite CM191 coffee table designed by Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) for Thonet Mahogany top with steel wire base France, Designed in 1959.
Metal
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Paris, FR
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954.
Iron
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Paris, FR
Oak desk model CM141 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1954.
Metal
Cm141 Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1954
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in bruxelles, BE
Desk with two wooden drawers, formica top and metal legs by Pierre Paulin. Marks of wear on the top due to the age of the desk.
Metal
CM141 Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1954
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in bruxelles, BE
Desk with two drawers. Wear marks on the shelf and one drawer (see photo).
Metal
Desk Model CM178 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1950s
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Paris, FR
Desk model CM178 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1950s.
Leather, Oak
Early ‘CM141’ Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1953
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Antwerp, BE
Admire this early ‘CM141’ desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France 1953. This perfect proportioned desk features a black lacquered steel frame with a black formica top.
Steel
CM 190 Low Chair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1950s
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pierre Paulin's orange fabric armchair. Black metal structure. Slight wear due to time and the age of the armchair. (see photo) Measures: seat height 40cm.
Metal
Pair of CM 190 Low Chair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Pair of low chairs CM190 by Pierre Paulin designed in 1950 for Thonet. Black tubular steel structure Reupholstered in a blue Kvadrat fabric.
Metal
CM197 Chair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Culver City, CA
Faux leather upholstery on black metal frame.
Metal
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Desk model CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954.
Metal
Sold
H 29.14 in W 23.63 in D 35.44 in
CM194 Low Chairs – high back – by Pierre Paulin for Thonet around 1959s
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This pair of chairs is an early piece designed by visionary designer Pierre Paulin for the French Thonet furniture company around 1958.
Steel
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet edition, 1954.
Steel
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954.
Iron
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954.
Steel
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954.
Steel
CM141 Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Pierre paulin desk model "cm141", produced by thonet in 1953, model from the 50/60 period.
Metal
CM190 Slipper Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
CM190 slipper chair by Pierre Paulin, France, Thonet editions.
CM190 Slipper Chairs by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
CM190 slipper chairs by Pierre Paulin, France, Thonet editions.
CM190 Slipper Chairs by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
CM190 slipper chairs by Pierre Paulin, France, Thonet editions. Recently reupholstered with a beige fabric by Bisson Bruneel.
Metal
CM190 Slipper Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
CM190 slipper chair by Pierre Paulin, France, Thonet editions, in similar leather, ready to be re-upholstered.
Metal
Chair CM196 Model, by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Pierre Paulin chair, CM196 model, Thonet edition, 1950s.
Steel
Midcentury Chair "CM197" by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1950s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Almelo, NL
Chair "CM197" by Pierre Paulin for Thonet. From the 1950s. Black lacquered tubular frame and original skai.
Faux Leather
Pair of CM190 Chairs by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of CM190 chairs by Pierre Paulin, France, Thonet editions.
Metal
Pair of Armchairs by Pierre Paulin, circa 1955
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of armchairs created by Pierre Paulin in 1955 edited by Thonet. Orange-red fabric (short velvet).
Sold
H 27.56 in W 22.45 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Cm190 Slipper Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1950s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of CM190 Slipper Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1950s
Metal
Sold
H 27.56 in W 22.45 in D 19.69 in
Pair of CM190 Slipper Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1950s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of CM190 slipper chairs by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1950s Recently reupholstered with a light blue velvet.
Metal
Sold
H 27.56 in W 22.45 in D 19.69 in
Pair of CM190 Slipper Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1950s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of CM190 slipper chairs by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1950s Recently reupholstered with a cream/white fabric.
Metal
CM 178 Desk in oak and metal by Pierre Paulin, Thonet, 1957
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint Ouen, France
CM 178 Desk in oak and metal by Pierre Paulin, Thonet, 1957 Born in 1927, Pierre Paulin enrolled at the end of the war at the Camondo school where his artistic and technical quali...
Metal
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet edition, 1954.
Sycamore
Pair of CM190 Slipper Chairs and Ottomans by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of CM190 slipper chairs and matching ottoman by Pierre Paulin, France, Thonet editions.
Metal
Mushroom Armchair Set by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Set of 2
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of armchairs of black color in fabric. stamped ARTIFORT. Seat height: 40cm. Wear due to time and age of the chairs.
Fabric
Pierre Paulin desk by Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small Desk with Metal Frame, Dusty Blue Formica Top and Matching Formica Faced Wood Drawer.
Metal
Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Important Modernist Desk Designed by Pierre Paulin and edited by Thonet. Upon a Structure of Enameled Steel sits a Cantilevered Set of 2 Drawers and Desk Top Composed of Walnut and B...
Steel
Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Mahogany desk model CM141 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1954.
Metal
Black Leather Armchairs Designed by Pierre Paulin
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pair of lounge chairs by Pierre Paulin produced by Thonet in black leatherette and black tubular structure.
Sold
H 31.11 in W 22.45 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Armchairs CM 197 by Pierre Paulin, Edition Thonet, France, 1958
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Pair of armchairs CM 197 by Pierre Paulin, Edition Thonet, France 1958. They have undergone a careful restoration, black epoxy lacquer, dressed in woolen fabric Kvadrat Divina.
Metal
Architectural Mid Century Desk by Thonet
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural desk by Thonet in the style of Paulin. This desk features a bank of three black drawers, each having a semicircular aluminum handle, a white formic top, white meta...
Metal
Chair CM194 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1959
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Chair CM194 by Pierre Paulin (1927-2009). Thonet edition - 1959.
Metal
Chair CM194 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1959
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Chair CM194 by Pierre Paulin (1927-2009). Thonet edition, 1959.
Metal
Pair of Armchairs by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of armchairs CM195 by Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) Thonet edition - 1958/1959
Metal
CM 141 Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1954
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Paris, FR
From 1953 to 1967, Pierre Paulin designs desks and chairs for the French manufacturer Thonet.
Metal
1956 Pierre Paulin CM 174 Desk Edited by Thonet
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
This model is rare thanks to its laminated grey surface. Made of wood and black lacquered metal structure, the CM174 desk is a rare and instantly recognizable masterpiece of the Fre...
Desk chair CM179 by Pierre Paulin - Thonet edition - Circa 1955
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Desk chair CM179 by Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) Thonet edition - Circa 1955
Aluminum
CM141 Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet 1st Edition 1954
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
CM141 desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1st edition 1954 in oak.
Metal
Sold
H 28.35 in W 50.79 in D 23.23 in
Desk Cm141 By Pierre Paulin For Thonet - Mahogany & Metal - Ca 1953
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Aubervilliers, IDF
Modernist desk by French designer Pierre Paulin produced by Thonet. This model called CM 141 is Pierre Paulin's most emblematic desk.
Metal
Pierre Paulin CM197 Office Chair edited by Thonet in the 1950s
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
From 1953 to 1967, Paulin designs furnitures for Thonet. Some famous desks and chairs were born at this time. The CM197 got the same simple line which ensures timeless sturdiness and...
Sold
H 29.53 in W 15.56 in D 18.51 in
"CM 131" chair designed by Pierre Paulin, edited by Thonet in 1954
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
From 1953 to 1967, Paulin designs furnitures for Thonet. Some famous desks and chairs were born at this time such as the CM 141, CM 137 or CM 131. The CM 131 is a robust but charming...
Pair of CM197 Armchairs by Pierre Paulin ed. Thonet from 1958
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
From 1953-1967, Paulin designs furniture's for Thonet. Some famous desks and chairs were born at this time. The CM197 got the same simple line which ensures timeless sturdiness and s...
Sold
H 30.71 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Set of 8 chairs CM196 by Pierre Paulin - Thonet edition - Circa 1958
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Set of 8 chairs CM196 by Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) Thonet edition - Circa 1958
Metal
Sold
H 30.52 in W 18.51 in D 20.87 in
Set of Six CM196 Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1950s
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Grenoble, FR
Set of six vintage chairs CM196 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet Original and iconic model of the 1950s Tubular structure in black lacquered metal Black rubber feet.
Sold
H 14.77 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in
Rare Square Coffee Table Designed by Pierre Paulin and Edited by Thonet
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Sometimes called as well the CM190, this CM192 square coffee table is a rare model because it is a 75 cm, and not the more common 60 cm. Beautiful detail of the wood tray slightly...
Mid-Century Modern Italian Writing Desk, 1960s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Italian desk from the 1960s, restored and shellac polished. Note the brass handles and feet, the green glass top with original period adhesive paper underneath and the black painted ...
Brass, Iron
$750 / item
H 32.68 in W 22.45 in D 22.45 in
Francesco Zaccone for Thonet Golf Chairs in New Bouclé Upholstery, Germany 1970
By Thonet, Francesco Zaccone
Located in Almelo, NL
Presenting this stunning set of ‘Golf’ chairs by Francesco Zaccone for Thonet. Beautifully shaped chrome bases creating an incredibly sturdy and stately presence while keeping a stre...
Aluminum, Chrome
$27,500 / set
H 29 in W 33 in D 32 in
Pair of Pierre Paulin CM 194 Armchairs for Thonet, France, circa 1958
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Miami, FL
Distinctive pair of mid 20th century design armchairs, model CM 194. This pair of chairs are early works designed by the visionary designer Pierre Paulin for Thonet Furniture Company...
Steel
Arne Jacobsen Danish Modern "DJOB" Desk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Arne Jacobsen Danish Modern "DJOB" Desk. 60w 30d 27.5
Plastic, Wood
$2,788
H 30.71 in W 50.01 in D 24.22 in
Stylish Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk from Italy, 1960s, 127cm Wide
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern wooden desk, Italy, 1960s.
Wood
$2,021
H 28.75 in W 49.22 in D 26.78 in
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Pierre Guariche, Mahogany, France, 1960
By Pierre Guariche
Located in LYON, FR
Pierre Guariche Desk Model 620 1960s desk by Pierre Guariche ARP (plastic arts workshop) for Minvielle, made of mahogany and laminate. Clean lines: mahogany cabinet on the left wit...
Mahogany
$3,200
H 26.5 in W 34.5 in D 16 in
Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early George Nelson desk / return, child's desk, Modernist, Herman Miller, Retains original Herman Miller foil label, 4 drawers, pencil dividers, steel frame, minor pitting (lower ri...
Aluminum, Steel
$1,950
H 25.5 in W 72 in D 23 in
1970s 6ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original 1970s Herman Miller Action Office desk with two drawers, designed by George Nelson and Robert Probst. This is a delightfully original example, which ca...
Laminate, Oak
$56,935
H 28.75 in W 86.62 in D 37.41 in
Midcentury Modernist “Architect's Desk”, Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, 1960s
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing “Architect’s Desk”, model #JH571, by Hans J. Wegner, made from teak in a generous size. Subtly tapering oak legs supported by brass stretchers. Deep drawers with custom made ...
Metal
Thonet Anton Lorenz Cantilevered Chrome Armchair
By Thonet, Anton Lorenz
Located in Pasadena, TX
(1 ) Thonet Lorenz arm chair The Lorenz arm chair was designed by Anton Lorenz in 1929 and manufactured by Thonet. In 1929 Anton Lorenz founded the firm Desta (Deutsche Stahlmöbel)...
Chrome
$14,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.25 in W 72 in D 36 in
Pierre Paulin Bird's-Eye Maple and Walnut Inlay Executive Desk
By Pierre Paulin, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Pierre Paulin executive desk for Baker. Bird's-eye maple veneers inlaid with dark walnut in the signature motif for the Paulin Collection. Drawers are fitted to give a floating ...
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
$2,044Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.35 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Vintage "Student" desk by Pierre Guariche for Meurop, 1962.
By Pierre Guariche
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Iconic "Student" desk model by Pierre Guariche for Meurop. Produced between 1962 and 1967, this particular piece dates back to approximately 1962. It features a black lacquered m...
Steel
Fauteuil Modèle 54 par Gae Aulenti pour Knoll
Located in Rouen, FR
Fauteuil modèle 54 conçus par Gae Aulenti et édités par Knoll International. Modèles entièrement noirs avec structure en métal et assise ainsi que dossier rembourrés et recouverts de...
Metal
Modernist Reconstruction Design Writing Desk, France 1950's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Modernist Reconstruction Period Design Writing Desk. Made in France, early 1950's period. Solid oak constructed desk with two drawers and slender tapered le...
Oak
George Nelson Home Office Desk Model 4658 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
George Nelson & Associates Home Office desk, model 4658 Manufactured by Herman Miller USA, 1946 This example is constructed of combed oak, chrome-plated steel, aluminum, and leat...
Aluminum, Steel
$7,901
H 30.32 in W 63 in D 26.78 in
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by André Lurçat, Manufactured by Thonet, circa. 1935
By André Lurcat
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel desk designed by André Lurçat and probably manufactured by Thonet. Chrome plated tubular steel, stained oak veneer, circa 1930.
Metal, Chrome
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.
Now synonymous with 1960s and ’70s French chic, the designer conceived his modular modernist furnishings to change the way we decorate.
A new exhibition in Philadelphia stars a complex decade that continues to inspire.
A sprawling show at the Centre Pompidou in Paris spotlights the famed furniture designer’s oeuvre, including rooms for two French presidents.