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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Style: Modern
Creator: Pierre Paulin
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
Pumpkin 3-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset 2010
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Stavenisse, NL
Modernist design by Pierre Paulin, the Pumpkin was designed by Paulin in the 70s to represent an organic interpretation to furniture. In line with many other Paulin designs, its insp...
Category
2010s French Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Plastic, Foam
Pierre Paulin “Ben” Lounge Chairs for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair Artifort Lounge Chairs designed by french designer Pierre Paulin. Labeled. Original fabric. 28w 29d 29h 17s
Category
1990s Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Fabric
CM 196 Side Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
All original CM 196 side chair by Pierre Paulin. Measure: Seat height is 18" inches. Very comfortable and sturdy.
Category
1960s Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
Artifort Black Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin in STOCK
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Mushroom medium F 560
The Mushroom armchair is one of the world’s most famous designs. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this armchair in the original shape, bright colours and revolutionary manufacturing technique for the time.
The idea for the Mushroom came to Pierre Paulin while he was watching women...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Very Long "Mississippi" Lounge Sofa by Pierre Paulin For Artifort, 1970's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare and exclusive "Mississippi" sofa model 100.
This very comfortable sofa was designed and manufactured in the Netherlands by Artifort in 1978.
Designed by the Artifort de...
Category
1970s Dutch Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Foam
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Green F560 Mushroom Chair
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1960 in collaboration with Artifort, the Mushroom chair, also known as the F560, is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, making it a true design icon.
Inspired by women’s swimming...
Category
1960s Dutch Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Fabric
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
Category
1960s French Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Metal
Smart Desk in Oak, Steel, and Laminate by Pierre Paulin, circa 1950
By Pierre Paulin
Located in New York City, NY
Oak, Steel, and Laminate Desk by Pierre Paulin, France
Smart desk with clean lines and beautiful patina.
Category
20th Century French Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Oak
Artifort Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin in STOCK
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Mushroom medium chair
Tonus 135 category CC
The Mushroom armchair is one of the world’s most famous designs. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this armchair in the original shape, bright colours and revolutionary manufacturing technique for the time.
The idea for the Mushroom came to Pierre Paulin while he was watching women...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Customizable Artifort Moulin Chair Designed by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
A good, old-fashioned chair designed by the late Pierre Paulin. Previously in the collection of Thonet France, it now completes the Artifort collection. The design of the Moulin date...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Pierre Paulin 'Boston' Chairs for Henry Massonnet, France 1988
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Almelo, NL
Pierre Paulin 'Boston' chairs for Henry Massonnet, France 1988
Great Group of Boston Garden chairs by Pierre Paulin inspired by Piet Mondriaan and C...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Customizable Artifort Little Tulip Swivel Barstool by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Elegance through and through. Delicate, flowing, cheerful, light. Like a blossoming flower or a friendly smile. Available with a disk-shaped or cross-foot base. Both styles are equal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Pierre Paulin "Pumpkin" Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Pierre Paulin, Ligne Roset
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Pierre Paulin Pumpkin swivel chairs and matching ottoman. Set is upholstered with designer and manufacturer label.
Manufactured by Ligne Roset. France, 1971.
Chairs: 27.5 h ...
Category
1970s French Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Pierre Paulin, 3 Seater Armchair Model 442, Édition Artifort, 1962
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Pierre Paulin - 3 seater armchair model 442 - Édition Artifort, 1962
Original textile
Measures: L 210 x P 80 x H 72.
Sofa - Pierre Paulin
Sofa 442, Artifort edition
Original fabri...
Category
1960s European Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Metal
Customizable Artifort Mushroom P Stool by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The Mushroom P. for Artifort is one of Pierre Paulin’s most famous designs. First there was the Mushroom armchair, that is now exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Then...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Tulip Lounge with Swivel Base by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The tulip armchair for Artifort…. as if designer Pierre Paulin had premonitions of flower power! The simple tulip spreads its half-open petals around the sitter, inviting and warming...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Tulip Midi Armchair by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Vinyl
The Tulip Midi was the missing member of the Tulip family for a long time. The armchair was designed by Pierre Paulin in 1960 and now completes the Tu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Moulin Chair with Armrests by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
A good, old-fashioned chair designed by the late Pierre Paulin. Previously in the collection of Thonet France, it now completes the Artifort collection. The design of the Moulin date...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Ribbon Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
A completely upholstered design by Pierre Paulin from 1966 and a professional, innovative vision on the well-known ribbon form. Metal frame with horizontal springs, covered with foam...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
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
Original CM197 Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet France
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original CM197 armchair by Pierre Paulin. Designed for Thonet, France in 1958. Green vinyl upholstery in excellent original condition. Can be reupholstered easi...
Category
1950s French Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Metal
Artifort Little Tulip Stool by Pierre Paulin in STOCK
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Elegance through and through. Delicate, flowing, cheerful, light. Like a blossoming flower or a friendly smile.
M2L little tulip B 70cm/27.5" seat height
Arm height is 91cm /25...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile, Fabric
Customizable Artifort Mushroom Junior Armchair by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
If you’re a design-lover and your son or daughter likes to have their own chair with the “big people” then Artifort’s Junior Collection is for you. Like the junior version of the Mus...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
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
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
Customizable Artifort Orange Slice Junior Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
If you’re a design-lover and your son or daughter likes to have their own chair with the “big people” then Artifort’s Junior Collection is for you. Like the junior version of the Ora...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Big Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
A design that is so clearly Artifort as the mushroom is something that’s dear to our hearts. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this armchair in the original shape, bright colours and revolutionary manufacturing technique for the time. The idea for the mushroom came to Pierre Paulin while he was watching women, shaped and sheathed in their swimming suits. He wanted the same thing for a seat. The inspiration can be found in the beautiful curves as well as in the seamless one-piece elastic fabric. The mushroom is the first piece of furniture that is manufactured with an seamless one-piece elastic cover method. Its original shape will mark the furniture of the 60s by inspiring many other creations with sculptural forms. Today, the seat is part of the permanent collection of MoMa (The Museum of Modern Art in New York). The round shapes and comfortable padding are a perfect match with bright colours for an original and trendy effect. This iconic armchair was once launched as the F562, and has been re-launched as big mushroom...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The mushroom armchair is one of the world’s most famous designs. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this armchair in the original shape, bright colours and revolutiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The Mushroom armchair is one of the world’s most famous designs. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this armchair in the original shape, bright colors and revolutionar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
A completely upholstered design by Pierre Paulin from 1966 and a professional, innovative vision on the well-known ribbon form. Metal frame with horizontal springs, covered with foam...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Tulip Midi Armchair with Cross Base by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The Tulip Midi was the missing member of the Tulip family for a long time. The armchair was designed by Pierre Paulin in 1960 and now completes the Tulip se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Tulip Lounge by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The Tulip armchair for Artifort…. as if designer Pierre Paulin had premonitions of flower power! The simple Tulip spreads its half-open petals around the sitter, inviting and warming...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Artifort Orange Slice Low Coffee Table by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
Orange Slice table was especially designed as a table with the fauteuil. The Orange Slice table is available in two sizes. The base is either chrome...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Orange Slice Armchair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The Orange Slice armchair by designer Pierre Paulin is one of the most popular design armchairs in the world. The iconic armchair makes every roo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Swivel Tulip Lounge with Ottoman by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The Tulip armchair for Artifort…. as if designer Pierre Paulin had premonitions of Flower Power! The simple Tulip spreads its half-open petals around the sitter, inviting and warming...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Orange Slice Armchair F437 by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The orange slice armchair by designer Pierre Paulin is one of the most popular design armchairs in the world. The iconic armchair makes every roo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Customizable Artifort Orange Slice Armchair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The orange slice armchair by designer Pierre Paulin is one of the most popular design armchairs in the world. The iconic armchair makes every roo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
Artifort Orange Slice High Coffee Table in Oak by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Orange Slice table was especially designed as a table with the fauteuil. The Orange Slice table is available in two sizes. The base is either chrome...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Oak
Customizable Artifort Orange Slice Armchair in Blue by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The orange slice armchair by designer Pierre Paulin is one of the most popular design armchairs in the world. The iconic armchair makes every roo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Textile
CM 196 Side Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
All original CM 196 side chair by Pierre Paulin. Measure: Seat height is 18" inches. Very comfortable and sturdy.
Category
1960s Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
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. Green vinyl upholstery in excellent original condition. Can be reupholstered easi...
Category
1950s French Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Steel
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. Green vinyl upholstery in excellent original condition. Can be reupholstered easi...
Category
1950s French Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Furniture
Artifort Mushroom Velvet Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin in STOCK
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Mushroom chair
Gentle (FF) 0733
+ Plastic gliders
The Mushroom armchair is one of the world’s most famous designs. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this armchair in the original shape, bright colours and revolutionary manufacturing technique for the time.
The idea for the Mushroom came to Pierre Paulin while he was watching women, shaped and sheathed in their swimming suits...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Furniture
Materials
Velvet
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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