Pierre Paulin Furniture
French, 1927-2009
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.
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Creator: Pierre Paulin
Recognized Seller Listings
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. Developed for Expo...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Sofa in Black Upholstery and Steel
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, sofa ', fabric, steel, The Netherlands, 1962.
This tufted comfortable two-seat sofa shows elegant steel details. The combination of steel and the black u...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Ribbon Chair and Ottoman
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Dallas, TX
Ribbon chair and ottoman designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Teddy / Winter White.
Category
1960s Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Pierre Paulin for Artifort 'F-444' Easy Chair in Cognac Leather
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, F-444 easy chair, metal and cognac leather, the Netherlands, circa 1962.
This cognac leather F-444 chair is designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 196...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Lounge Chair in Black Leather
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, lounge chair, model '442/3', leather, steel, The Netherlands 1962.
A design by Pierre Paulin that radiates a modern minimalist look featuring simple geom...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pierre Paulin for Artifort ´ABCD´ Settee in Fuchsia Upholstery
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, two-seat sofa from the ABCD series, fabric Kvadrat Hallingdal 65 - Color 0563, wood, metal, The Netherlands, design 1968
Beautifully curved and iconic tw...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Metal
Elysée Shelving System by Pierre Paulin for MAGIS
By Pierre Paulin, Magis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The modular shelving system Elysée was born from the collaboration between Magis and the French designer Pierre Paulin. It was September 2002 when Eugenio Perazza, Magis founder, wen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Plywood
Pierre Paulin, "Little Tulip" Chair, Fabric, Painted Plastic, Netherlands, 1965
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in High Point, NC
A fabric, painted plastic and steel "Little Tulip" chair designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort, Netherlands, 1965.
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Osaka 280cm Coral Flexible Curve Sofa By La Cividina
By La Cividina, Pierre Paulin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Pierre Paulin, Ribbon Chair, Fabric, Wood, Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in High Point, NC
A lacquered wood and graphic printed fabric Ribbon Chair designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s.
Originally sourced from Turner Limited, 305 East ...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pierre Paulin, ABCD Sofa, Red Velvet, Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in High Point, NC
A red velvet ABCD sofa designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s.
Originally sourced from Turner Limited, 305 East 63rd street, New York.
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Pierre Paulin, ABCD Sofa, Purple Velvet, Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in High Point, NC
A purple velvet ABCD sofa designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s.
Originally sourced from Turner Limited, 305 East 63rd street, New York.
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Sofa in Blue Upholstery
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
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...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pierre Paulin, Lounge Chair, Leather, Steel, Artifort, 1963
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in High Point, NC
A lounge chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. Designed in 1963, produced in the 1960s. Features its original leather with dramatic patina.
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
Osaka Coral Flexible Curve Sofa 480cm by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Sofa in Black Upholstery
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, sofa model '442/3', fabric, steel, The Netherlands, 1962.
A sofa design by Pierre Paulin made into realization in 1962. The sleek fusion of steel and bla...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
Osaka Sunset Flexible Curve Sofa 330cm by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Expo 1970 in the city after which it is named, the Osaka sofa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Pierre Paulin Set of Twelve Dining Chairs for Meubles TV, France 1960's
By Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Set of twelve dining chairs by Pierre Paulin for Meuble TV, classic mid-century design, and great comfort. Only one chair is upholstered, ask us about COM services.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Metal
Osaka Shell White Flexible Curve Sofa 330cm by La Cividina
By La Cividina, Pierre Paulin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka 280cm Sunset Flexible Curve Sofa By La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Coral Flexible Curve Sofa 330cm by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
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. Developed for Expo 1970 in the city after which it is named, the Osaka sofa...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Osaka 280cm Shell White Flexible Curve Sofa By La Cividina
By La Cividina, Pierre Paulin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Expo 1970 in the city after which it is named, the Osaka sofa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Sunset Flexible Curve Sofa 480cm by La Cividina
By La Cividina, Pierre Paulin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Shell White Flexible Curve Sofa 480cm by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Expo 1970 in the city after which it is named, the Osaka sofa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Coral Flexible Curve Sofa 380cm by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Cyan Flexible Curve Sofa 280cm by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Expo 1970 in the city after which it is named, the Osaka sofa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Cyan Flexible Curve Sofa 480cm by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Cyan Flexible Curve Sofa 330cm by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka 380cm CAT.Maxi_Uniform Mélange_shell Sofa by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Expo 1970 in the city after which it is named, the Osaka sofa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Cyan Flexible Curve Sofa 380cm by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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.
Developed for Exp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
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. Developed for Expo...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
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. Developed for Expo...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
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. Developed for Expo...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Pair of Armchairs Model '442' in Brown Leather
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, lounge chairs model '442', steel, leather, the Netherlands, 1960s
These comfortable armchairs show elegant steel details. The combination of steel and le...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
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. Developed for Expo...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Paulin CM 190 Bergeres for Thonet Original Upholstery. Free transport
By Pierre Paulin
Located in London, GB
Pair of original "Chauffeuse" or low seat designed by Pierre Paulin in the 50's for Thonet.
In skaie leather which in the 50 60's was very chic and revolutionary.
Category
1950s French Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Faux Leather
Pierre Paulin Model 6135 (Large) Wall Applique/Sconce
By Pierre Paulin
Located in London, GB
Made from folded metal, this light creates a precisely focussed effect, shielded from the eye.
Designed initially for the bedroom, it is today offered in a wide range to create many...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pierre Paulin Model 6135 'Small' Wall Applique/Sconce
By Pierre Paulin
Located in London, GB
Made from folded metal, this light creates a precisely focused effect, shielded from the eye.
Designed initially for the bedroom, it is today offered in a wide range to create many ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Pair of Lounge Chairs
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, pair of armchairs, model '442/3', grey upholstery and steel by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, the Netherlands, 1960s
These comfortable chairs shows elegant ...
Category
1960s Dutch Post-Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Pair of Lounge Chairs in Lacquered Metal
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of easy chairs by Pierre Paulin, pair of lounge chairs, model F-444, white metal and mesh, The Netherlands, circa 1962
This pair of mesh F-444 chairs is designed by Pierre Paul...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Metal
F-444 Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Easy chair by Pierre Paulin, metal and mesh, F444, the Netherlands, circa 1962.
This mesh F-444 chair is designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1962. This chair shows sharp lines...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pierre Paulin for Artifort 'Mississippi' Sectional Sofa
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, sectional sofa 'Mississippi', Belgium, 1978
French designer Pierre Paulin created the 'Mississippi' modular sofa in 1978. This sofa shows five elements t...
Category
1970s Belgian Post-Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery
Pierre Paulin furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Pierre Paulin furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of steel and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Pierre Paulin furniture, although purple editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 1 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 2 modern edition to choose from as well. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Artifort, UMS Pastoe, and Geoffrey Harcourt. Prices for Pierre Paulin furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $632 and can go as high as $5,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $746.
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