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.
Pair of Original Ribbon Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of iconic Ribbon Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. Original Made in the Netherlands labels.
Upholstery, Linen, Wood
Pierre Paulin, Little Tulip chair, Artifort, 1960
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Uppsala, SE
Little Tulip chair (originally known as the F163), designed in the 1960s by Pierre Paulin. The Artifort Tulip collection remains a true Mid-Century Modern icon. A perfect fusion of e...
Metal, Chrome
Two Early Pierre Paulin F598 "Groovy" Chair for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Two iconic early Pierre Paulin "groovy" chairs, reupholstered in a Maharam woven fabric, with new foam. Known for its striking, sculptural shape. It is also known as the "M" chair du...
Metal
Original Pierre Paulin, Reupholstered Mushroom Chair by Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in London, GB
A fully reupholstered Pierre Paulin original Mushroom chair model F560 for Artifort, the Netherlands, circa 1960. The chair has its original metal tag label intact. Professionally re...
Steel
Mid-Century Pierre Paulin Concorde Chair by Artifort, Citrus Yellow Fabric
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Paulin designed the Concorde chair for Artifort as a compact companion to the high-back F784 model, named after the French Concorde aircraft he also contributed design work to...
Metal
Pierre Paulin F444 Lounge Chair Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The F444 chair by Pierre Paulin is a true design classic. With its metal frame and saddle leather seat, it has a strong and elegant look. This is an early edition of the chair, makin...
Metal
Mushroom Pouf or Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Cute and comfortable Artifort Mushroom pouf or ottoman, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60's. This lovely Mushroom pouf is made in the 70's. The poof is completely restored with n...
Fabric, Wood
Pierre Paulin, Lounge Chair, Metal, Leather, Netherlands, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in High Point, NC
A brown leather and metal "F-444" lounge chair designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort, Netherlands, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 37.8” H x 32.75” W x 29.5” D ...
Metal
Pierre Paulin Pacha Lounge Chair for Gubi
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Skokie, IL
Pierre Paulin classic Pacha Lounge Chair for Gubi. This chair features a non swivel base. A mid-century modern dark, rounded lounge chair with a low pro...
Upholstery, Plastic
Groovy F598 M Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Funky and elegant Mid-Century Modern Groovy F598 M chair. Design by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1973, this version is from the 1980s. Striking French/Dutch design from the 1980s. R...
Metal
Model "577" Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, The Netherlands 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Utrecht, NL
Artifort was founded in 1890, when Jules Wagemans started a business as an upholsterer in Maastricht. A great deal changed with the arrival of the interior and furniture designer Kho...
Metal
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Outdoor Armchair with Returning Swivel for Gubi
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Glendale, CA
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Outdoor Armchair with Returning Swivel for Gubi Designed for durability, this authorized re-edition of the 'Pacha' Collection for outdoors is executed in a spe...
Cotton, Wood
Mid Century Pierre Paulin F557 Swivel Lounge Chairs for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Paulin F557 Swivel Mid Century Lounge Chairs. Pierre Paulin Swivel chairs F557 in original condition, all original fabric. These ar...
Fabric
$4,612Sale Price|20% Off
Pierre Paulin AP-14 cognac leather armchair for A. Polak, 1955
By Pierre Paulin
Located in The Hague, NL
Stunning and rare AP-14 “Anneau” chair, designed by French designer Pierre Paulin in the 1950s and produced by AP Polak. An exceptional early Paulin piece, celebrated for its refined...
Metal
Pierre Paulin x Jack Lenor Larsen little tulip armchair by Artifort
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Pierre Paulin
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Rare Jack Lenor Larsen Mementum fabrics little Tulip chair. Made by Artifort - Netherlands
Chrome
Pair Mid Century Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's Whit Label
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Pair mid century ribbon chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's Whit Label.
Iron
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Lounge Chair with Returning Swivel for GUBI
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Glendale, CA
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Lounge Chair with Returning Swivel for GUBI Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' lounge chair upholstered in Harp ivory fabric (24- Fabric group A). Paulin designed the 'Pacha' lounge chair in 1975 with the intention of creating a sensation of sitting on clouds. With ivory cotton upholstery and a returning swivel wood base with a pearl gold finish, the curvaceous and low-slung Pacha lounge chair...
Cotton, Wood
$10,103 / item
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...
Textile
Pierre Paulin F444 Lounge Chair in Black Leather – All Original, Vintage
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Dronten, NL
A true design classic, this vintage F444 lounge chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort embodies the relaxed, sculptural elegance of 1960s modernism. The chair features its original blac...
Steel
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Outdoor Lounge Chair with Returning Swivel for Gubi
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Glendale, CA
Pierre Paulin Pacha Outdoor Lounge Chair with Returning Swivel for Gubi Designed for durability, this authorized re-edition of the Pacha Collection for o...
Cotton, Wood
Model F-580 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Dallas, TX
The iconic Groovy chair, designed for Artifort and also known as the M chair, is a first edition model designed with soft sculptural curves. The piece has been reupholstered in a Rog...
Metal
Customizable Artifort Swivel Tulip Lounge with Ottoman 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...
Textile
Pierre Paulin, Ribbon Chair, Fabric, Wood, Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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 63...
Fabric, Wood
Mushroom Pouf or Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Cute and comfortable Artifort Mushroom pouf or ottoman, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60's. This lovely Mushroom pouf is made in the 70 It has the original brown wool fabric. It...
Fabric, Wood
Model F598 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely and very comfortable Artifort Groovy Chair (or "M" Chair), model F598. This model is designed by Pierre Paulin in the 80's. These particular chairs are fabricated in the end ...
Metal
Pierre Paulin Pacha Lounge Chair with Returning Swivel for GUBI
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Pierre Paulin Pacha Lounge chair with returning Swivel for GUBI. Pierre Paulin designed the Pacha lounge chair in 1975 with the intention of creati...
Cotton, Wood
Model F580 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1966
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely and very comfortable Artifort Groovy Chair (or "M" Chair), model F580. This model is designed by Pierre Paulin in 1966. These particular chairs are the very first edition wi...
Metal
‘Dangari’ armchairs by Pierre Paulin for Allibert, 1978.
By Allibert, Pierre Paulin
Located in Athens, Attiki
‘Dangari’ armchairs by Pierre Paulin for Allibert, 1978. Injection-molded “Ultra Resin” The ‘Dangari’ was one of Allibert’s best-selling chairs for many years. Even today, Allibert i...
Plastic
$7,533Sale Price / set|46% Off
Pair of Groovy Chairs F598 designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Doornspijk, NL
The Groovy Chair, or F598, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, has become a true design classic. Very pleasant to the eye, especially in this stunning corn color, it is also rem...
Steel
Model F580 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1966
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely and very comfortable Artifort Groovy Chair (or "M" Chair), model F580. This model is designed by Pierre Paulin in 1966. These particular chairs are the very first edition wi...
Metal
Rare Artifort F8800 Swivel Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin, The Netherlands 1970's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
This exceptional and rare Artifort F8800 lounge chair was designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort in the mid-1970s. The F8800 belongs to a select group of Paulin’s mor...
Metal
Mid-Century Tongue Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing and very comfortable Tongue chair, designed by the French designer Pierre Paulin in the 60s and produced by Artifort. This lovely chair has the original high quality Kvad...
Fabric, Foam
Mid-Century Little Tulip Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and turnable Armchair, named "Little Tulip". Designed by the famous Pierre Paulin in te 60's. Fabricated by Artifort in the 80's. Solid metal base with a wooden f...
Steel
Model F580 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1966
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely and very comfortable Artifort Groovy Chair (or "M" Chair), model F580. This model is designed by Pierre Paulin in 1966. These particular chairs are the very first edition wi...
Metal
Artifort Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing Ribbon Chair in a very rare edition. It is designed by the famous Pierre Paulin (France) in the 60's and produced by Artifort (The Netherlands). This Iconic piece is produce...
Fabric, Wood
Pierre Paulin Butterfly Lounge Chairs model F675, Artifort The Netherlands 1963
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pierre Paulin Butterfly chairs model F675, Artifort The Netherlands 1963 First rare early editions. Reupholstered years ago and now already broken i...
Steel
Set of 4 Stackable Plastic Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Henry Massonnet
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of 4 stackable plastic chairs was designed by Pierre Paulin for Henry Massonet and manufactured by STAMP in France in 1988. The chairs stand ou...
Plastic
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...
Textile
Pierre Paulin Groovy Chair - 1st edition
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1966. The groovy chair is known for its sculptural shape and is truly an iconic form. The first edition seems to be more collectable and f...
Steel
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...
Textile
Midcentury Model F572 Lounge Chair with Pouf by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1967
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning creation of the French designer Pierre Paulin, the model F572 with pouf. He designed this amazing model for Artifort in 1967 and it is produced for just a few years. This ...
Fabric, Foam
Big Tulip Chair Set by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A set with 2 very comfortable and original Big Tulip lounge chairs. These chairs are designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1965. This low version without head rest is a rare...
Metal
$15,380 / set
Set of Ribbon Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning set of Ribbon Chairs, designed by the French designer Pierre Paulin in the 60's. It is produced by Artifort, The Netherlands. The Ribbon Chair is a piece of Art and it i...
Fabric, Wood
Ben Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Dronten, NL
Designed by visionary French designer Pierre Paulin for Artifort, the Ben Chair exemplifies his signature sculptural approach to seating. With its soft, organic curves and inviting f...
Aluminum
$3,552Sale Price|40% Off
F598 Groovy 'M' Chair in orange/red boucle by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in amstelveen, NL
The Groovy chair, or F598, was designed in 1973 by France’s top designer Pierre Paulin for Holland’s most Avant-Garde furniture maker Artifort. Their compactness combined with great ...
Fabric
Orange Slice Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The famous Artifort orange slice chair by Pierre Paulin, designed in the 60s. This is an original set with chromed legs, they are produced in the 80s. ...
Steel, Chrome
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...
Textile
Customizable Artifort Tulip Lounge with Swivel Base 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...
Textile
Mushroom Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and cosy Artifort Mushroom Chair, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60’s. This particular chair is fabricated in the late 60's. Recovered some years ago with stunni...
Bouclé
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Beige Ribbon Chair
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Astoria, NY
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Beige Upholstered Ribbon Chair, with Turner Ltd label to the underside, mounted on painted wood and mirrored base. 28" H x 39" W x 29" D; seat: 15" H. Prov...
Steel
Mushroom Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Vienna, AT
Blue Mushroom armchair designed by Pierre Paulin in the 1960s for Artifort, Netherlands. Excellent original condition.
Fabric, Wool
Pierre Paulin Rare and Early "Ribbon Chairs" with Original Fabric 1967 (Signed)
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Dallas, TX
An extraordinary and rare matched 1st edition pair of Pierre Paulin’s iconic Ribbon chairs for Artifort dating to 1967. These sculptural masterpieces retain their original psychedeli...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Pair Swivel Lounge Chairs Model 421 by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Pierre Paulin lounge chairs model 421 made by Artifort, circa 1970. Both chairs are in very good condition and ready to use. The swivel mechanism works perfectly. Rare and fi...
Chrome
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Upholstered Ottoman with Black Base for Gubi
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Glendale, CA
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Upholstered Ottoman with Black Base for Gubi Pierre Paulin’s first sketches for what would become the 'Pacha' Collection were simple pencil outlines that rese...
Cotton, Wood
$8,119Sale Price|20% Off
Artifort Pierre Paulin Blue Ribbon Velvet Lounge Chair in Stock
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...
Velvet
Customizable Artifort Mushroom Junior Armchair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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...
Textile
Pierre Paulin Lounge Chair F572 for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
In 1967, Pierre Paulin designed this comfortable, round, sculpted chair for Artifort. The F572 model was produced for only a few years and is now a rare item. Its structure is made o...
Steel
Mushroom Pouf or Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Cute and comfortable Artifort Mushroom pouf or ottoman, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60's. This lovely Mushroom pouf is made in the 70's. The poof is completely restored with n...
Fabric, Wood
Artifort by Pierre Paulin Green Fabric Little Tulip Swivel Chairs, Set of Three
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1965, the Little Tulip Chair is a design icon. Inspired by the flower, the chair has a Tulip-esque silhouette with a petal shaped seat which ...
Fabric
Pierre Paulin Model F598 Groovy Armchair for Artifort Netherlands, 1972
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
Fantastic F598 armchair, also called Groovy, by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands 1972. This sculptural armchair has been recently reupholstered with lovely and high quality Pierre Frey wool and alpaca blend fabric from Paris, France. Like all iconic...
Metal