Pierre Paulin Seating
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
F555 Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare F555 model, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the 60's.
Just upholstered with new foam and lovely high quality 100% wool fabric. The chair is ...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
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 Seating
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century F555 Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare F555 model, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the 60's.
Executed with high quality and original green and yellow fabric from the 80's.
Perhaps the design was too m...
Category
1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pierre Paulin “Oyster” Lady Chair for Artifort, Netherlands 1950
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Wilnis, UT
This eye-catching lounge chair, a lady version of model “Oyster”, is an iconic piece designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the Netherlands around 1950.
This fantastic chair is a...
Category
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Pair of Pierre Paulin Little Tulip Chairs for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Pierre Paulin little tulip chairs for Artifort, circa 1965, swivel, enameled metal bases with upholstered sculptural form seat...
Category
1960s American Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Oyster Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A beautiful Artifort Oyster chair.
This very comfortable chair is designed by Pierre Paulin and fabricated by Artifort.
This particular piece is manufactured in the 60's it has ...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
$4,763 / item
Set of Pierre Paulin French Mid-Century Black Ribbon Armchairs and Ottoman
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 3 French Mid-Century black ribbon form seating consisting of 2 armchairs on a metallic painted wooden base and a single matching winged ottoman (2 Armchairs, 1 Ottoman) (PIERR...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century 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.
This is the v...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Gubi Pacha Lounge Chair with Arm Designed by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Left or right arm.
Price listed for starting fabric.
Curvaceous, soft and low-slung, the Pacha lounge chair is a joyfully modernist creation which embraces both extreme comfort and effortless versatility. Iconic designer Pierre Paulin’s vision was to create a sensation of ‘sitting on clouds’. A little ahead of its time in 1975, the modular Pacha Collection is finally coming into its own today. While the overall feel is organic and hyper-relaxed, Paulin’s obsession for ergonomic precision and craftsmanship can only be fully appreciated by sitting in one of his striking creations. Taking up very little floor space, it is extraordinarily comfortable, and there is also a choice between a fixed or swiveling base. Paulin’s vision of sitting in an entire cloud formation is made possible by the many modular combinations available. The Pacha Ottoman provides extra comfort for the Lounge Chair, or even as an informal seat of its own. Mix and match Pacha Sofa...
Category
2010s Danish Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Textile
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 Seating
Big Tulip Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Extremely rare Big Tulip lounge chair, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1960's.
This comfortable chair is a not common but original Pierre Paulin model.
It is upholstered...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Restored Artifort Oyster Lounge Chair With Cross Base by Pierre Paulin, 1960's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
This iconic and rare "Oyster Chair" with cross base, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the 1960s, is a true collector’s item that perfectly embodies mid-century modern elegan...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Mid Century F555 Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare F555 model, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the 60's.
Just upholstered with new foam and lovely Pierre Frey bouclé fabric. The chair is in p...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Vintage Artifort Design Armchair Model Ben in High-Quality Red Fabric
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This is the BEN chair designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort. It features a sleek design and is upholstered in luxurious red fabric. The armchair is very comfortable and ...
Category
20th Century Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Fabric
Oyster Chair with Cross Base by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1965
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A beautiful and rare Artifort Oyster chair with cross base.
This very comfortable and pivoting chair is designed by Pierre Paulin and fabricated by Artifort in the 60's.
It is just...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Oyster Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The famous Oyster chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort.
Designed in the beginning of the 60's.
This female edition has been made just for a few years!
This chair is very comfort...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Steel
1960, Pierre Paulin, Original 1st Fabric Silver Grey Leather Slice Chair
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal, Chrome
$1,671 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid Century "Big" Mushroom Armchair and Pouf by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Comfort at the utmost!
This very rare Big Mushroom set is designed by Pierre Paulin and fabricated by Artifort in the 60's.
Covered with lovely and ...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Foam, Wood
1990s Vintage Authentic Peirre Paulin "Green" Orange Slice Lounge Chair Labeled
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Monrovia, CA
Authentic "PIERRE PAULIN" Orange Slice Lounge Chair.
The Famous "ORANGE SLICE" Lounge by Pierre Paulin Was Designed In 1960s.
This Authenti...
Category
Late 20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Mushroom Armchair and Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Mushroom set, designed by Pierre Paulin and fabricated by Artifort in the 60’s.
The chair and the pouf are completely restored with new fabric and new foam by a French Pie...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Fabric
Set of 2 Tongue Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Set amazing and very comfortable Tongue chairs, designed by the French designer Pierre Paulin in the 60s and produced by Artifort.
These original chairs are completely restored by ...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Fabric
Oyster Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The famous and very comfortable Artifort Oyster Chair by Pierre Paulin.
Designed in the beginning of the 60's, this particular chair is manufactured in the 80's.
It has chromed me...
Category
1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Boston Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Henry Massonnet, 1988, Set of 6
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 stackable Boston dining chairs by Pierre Paulin inspired by Piet Mondriaan and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
These dining chairs can be used in a...
Category
1980s French Post-Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Plastic
Osaka Cyan 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 Seating
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
$8,641 / item
Set of Model F570 Lounge Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare set of lounge chairs, model F570.
Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1963 and manufactured by Artifort.
This beautiful model was produced for just a very short time, 1 year, ...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Pierre Paulin, Armchair and Ottoman "Mushroom", France, 1960
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pierre Paulin (1927-2009)
Armchair and ottoman model “Mushroom” Manufactured by Artifort
France, 1960s
Steel, upholstery
Measurements
86.36 cm x 81.28 cm x 63.5 cm
34 in. x ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Steel
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Mid Century Big Globe Chair
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Big Globe Lounge Chair F422 designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. Designed in 1959. Newer upholstery
Category
1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Fabric
Osaka Cyan 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 Seating
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
$12,275 / item
Mushroom Armchair and Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Artifort Mushroom set, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60’s.
This very comfortable and cosy set is just covered with beautiful and high qual...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Fabric
“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
Category
Mid-20th Century French Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Iron
Oyster Chair Set by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A set of the famous and very comfortable Artifort Oyster Chairs by Pierre Paulin.
Designed in the beginning of the 60's, this particular set is man...
Category
1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
"Oyster" Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, 1970s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Artifort F157 "Oyster" chair designed by Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) for Artifort in 1970S.
Introducing the Oyster lounge chair by Pierre Paulin...
Category
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Chrome
Pierre Paulin, Globe Seat F 422 and Its Ottoman in Steel and Fabric, circa 1960
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pierre Paulin, globe seat F 422 and its ottoman in steel and fabric, circa 1960
Artifort Edition.
Category
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Steel
Osaka Cyan Flexible Curve Sofa 280cm 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 Seating
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
$7,966 / item
Osaka Cyan Flexible Curve Sofa 380cm 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 Seating
Materials
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
$9,876 / item
1959, Pierre Paulin, Large Early Oyster, Easy Chair F157
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1959, Pierre Paulin, large early oyster, easy chair F157
vintage condition.
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
1965, Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Set Early Original Base and Red Blue Fabric
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-)
Set of four Tulip chairs in red with red bleu upholstery. All chairs are rotatable. This unique set off four consist of 2 chairs in a fairly good condition (pictures 1st chair...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Pierre Paulin 446 Pair of Rare Club Chairs for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Antwerp, BE
Artifort 446 lounge chairs designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured in Holland, 1962. The chairs have been newly upholstered in off-white / light grey velvet. The chairs have solid steel legs, chrome-plated. This is an extremely rare and very collectible pair of chairs by Paulin.
Pierre Paulin was most famous for his innovative designs during the 1960s when he worked for Artifort. His most famed...
Category
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Steel
French Mid-century Pink Fabric Armchair and Ottoman "CM 190" by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pierre Paulin
Armchair and ottoman model “CM 190”
Manufactured by Thonet
France, 1954
Iron, fabric upholstery.
Measurements:
57 cm x 49 cm x 67 H cm
22.44 in x 19.29 in x ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Iron
Vintage Reupholstered Pierre Paulin Big Tulip Chair, for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage reupholstered Pierre Paulin big tulip chair, for Artifort, 1960s
A lounge chair by Pierre Paulin produced by Artifort, with red wool...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Oyster Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The famous and very comfortable Artifort Oyster Chairs by Pierre Paulin.
Designed in the beginning of the 60's, this particular set is manufactured in the 80's.
It has chromed met...
Category
1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Seating
Materials
Metal
Pierre Paulin seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Pierre Paulin seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Pierre Paulin seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 323 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 61 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Pierre Paulin were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Artifort, Geoffrey Harcourt, and Metz & Co.. Prices for Pierre Paulin seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $165 and can go as high as $40,049, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,887.
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