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 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
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...
Textile
‘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
Model F580 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1966
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
Model F580 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1966
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
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 Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
Pierre Paulin, Pair of Spider Lounge Chairs "Model F678" for Artifort. 1966
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Exceptional and rare pair of lounge chairs model F678, also known as the Spider Lounge Chair, designed by French master Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort, the Netherlands, 1...
Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Velvet, Rope, Plywood
Pierre Paulin, Pair of Spider Lounge Chairs "Model F678" for Artifort. 1966
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Paris, FR
Exceptional and rare pair of lounge chairs model F678, also known as the Spider Lounge Chair designed by the French designer Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort Furniture Comp...
Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Velvet, Rope, Plywood
Mushroom Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Vienna, AT
Blue Mushroom armchair designed by Pierre Paulin in the 1960s for Artifort, Netherlands. Excellent original condition.
Fabric, Wool
Model F598 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
Artifort Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
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 Model F598 Groovy Armchair for Artifort Netherlands, 1972
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
Pair of Pierre Paulin CM 194 Armchairs for Thonet, France, circa 1958
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
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 Th...
Steel
Set of 2 Mushroom Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and cosy set of 2 Artifort Mushroom Chairs, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60’s. Covered with stunning and high quality ...
Bouclé
Orange Slice Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The famous Artifort orange slice chair by Pierre Paulin, designed in the 60's. This is an original and early edition chair with ni...
Nickel
Vintage Mushroom Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in KUTNO, PL
The world-famous Mushroom ® (F560) by Pierre Paulin is an armchair for all generations. Part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. A sensitive but stur...
Textile
$15,264 / set
Set of Ribbon Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
$11,750 / set
Pair of Mushroom Armchairs by Pierre Paulin, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of mushroom armchairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort 1960s.
Wood
$17,626 / set
Pierre PAULIN - pair of "Groovy" armchair
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of two iconic Groovy lounge chairs designed in 1972 by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort in the Netherlands. Model F598, also known as the A&M chair, these sculptural se...
Metal
Model F580 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1966
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely and very comfortable Artifort Groovy Chair (or "M" Chairs), model F580. This model is designed by Pierre Paulin in 1966. This particular chair is the very first edition with...
Metal
"Little Tulip" Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Cute and very comfortable armchair. This "Little Tulip" armchair with cross base is designed by the famous Pierre Paulin in the 60's. This early and rare edition is fabricated by Ar...
Steel
Pierre Paulin, 557 or Tongue Chairs, Artifort, 1967, free color choice
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
An astonishingly comfortable Tongue chair, designed by French designer Pierre Paulin in the 1960s and produced by the renowned high-end seating manufacturer Artifort. The chair has ...
Metal
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
Pierre Paulin, 557 or Tongue Chair, Artifort, 1967, free color choice
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
An astonishingly comfortable Tongue chair, designed by French designer Pierre Paulin in the 1960s and produced by the renowned high-end seating manufacturer Artifort. The chair has ...
Metal
$1,668Sale Price|20% Off
Artifort Pierre Paulin Little Tulip Swivel Chair in STOCK
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
upholstered in vidar 0554 - cat. FF base: p33 grey beige ral 1019 The Tulip midi was the missing member of the Tulip family for a long time. The armchair was designed by Pierre Pa...
Fabric
2016 Artifort Little Tulip Chair by Pierre Paulin in White Leather and Chrome
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Little Tulip Armchair, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1965. This example dates to 2016 and was produced in Belgium. The piece features a polished-alumi...
Aluminum
Customizable Artifort Big Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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...
Textile
Little Tulip Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Cute and very comfortable pivoting armchair, designed by the famous Pierre Paulin in the 60's. Fabricated by Artifort in the 80's. Solid round metal bas...
Steel
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
Big Tulip Chair Set by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
Mid-Century Big Tulip Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable big Tulip lounge chair, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1965. This particular chair is fabricated in the 70's. The lovely pivoting chair...
Metal
$5,400 / set
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 ...
Steel
Ben Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
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
Pierre Paulin Set of 2 F598 Groovy Armchairs for Artifort New Upholstery, 1972
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in The Hague, NL
Set of 2 groovy lounge chairs designed by Pierre Paulin in 1972 and manufactured for Artifort, Holland. Model No: F598, or also known as "M" chair. Chairs has been newly reupholstere...
Metal
Pierre Paulin F598 Groovy Armchair for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in The Hague, NL
Groovy lounge chair designed by Pierre Paulin in 1972 and manufactured for Artifort, Holland. Model No: F598, or also known as "M" chair. Chair has been newly reupholstered in green ...
Metal
Orange Slice Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s, Set of 2
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
The famous Artifort orange slice chairs by Pierre Paulin. Designed in the 60s and produced in the 80s. Cute and very comfortable chairs. They have chrome metal legs. This gorgeous...
Metal
Set of 4 Little Tulip Armchairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Set of 4 Little Tulip Armchairs. These cute and very comfortable armchairs are designed by the famous French designer Pierre Paulin in the 60's. ...
Steel
$10,348Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elysée Shelving System by Pierre Paulin for MAGIS
By Magis, Pierre Paulin
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...
Plywood
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 '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...
Plastic
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...
Textile
‘Ben’ Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Hilversum, NL
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, French designer Pierre Paulin created several sculptural masterpieces for Dutch manufacturer Artifort. We are pleased to offer this beautiful Artif...
Aluminum
Set of Ribbon Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
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. This original set is produced in the 60's by Artifort, The Netherlands. The Ribbon Chair...
Fabric, Wood
1960 Pair of Armchairs by Pierre Paulin model F444 for Artiflort
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Original pair of model F444 lounge chairs designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort in 1963. The armchairs feature a sturdy steel frame upholstered in beautiful cognac-c...
Metal
Mid-Century Desk Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very cute desk- or armchair. This extremely rare chair is designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort in the 60's. The nicely shaped seat with the soft cushion makes the chair very comfortable. It has been restored by a Pierre Paulin specialist with new fabric and new foam. Upholstered with the high quality and soft Pierre Frey bouclé fabric. This lovely pivoting chair...
Steel
"Little Tulip" swivel chair with footrest, Pierre Paulin, Netherlands circa 1960
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
“Little Tulip” swivel chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. Polished cast aluminum base and chrome-plated stainless steel footrest. Seat covered with original fabric. Five available,...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
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
“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
Ribbon Chair With Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1990's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing Ribbon Chair with Ottoman 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 pie...
Fabric, Wood
Pierre Paulin F598 Groovy Armchair for Artifort in Deep Purple Leather, 1972
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
F598 ‘Groovy’ 'M' lounge chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in purple leather. Designer: Pierre Paulin (France) Manufacturer: Artifort (Netherlands) Country: Netherlands Model: F5...
Aluminum
Lounge chair "F545" "BIG TULIP" by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in DE MEERN, NL
SKAI LEATHER LOUNGE CHAIR "F545" BIG TULIP BY PIERRE PAULIN FOR ARTIFORT, NETHERLANDS 1980S Introducing the SKAI Leather Lounge Chair "F545" Big Tulip, a...
Metal
$1,341 / set
Pair of Ben Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in London, London
A pair of Ben upholstered armchairs designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, circa late 1980s–1990s. The chairs are characterised by their compact, sculptural form, with...
Fabric
Pierre Paulin 442 Fauteuils
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Washington, DC
Pierre Paulin very rare pair of 442 fauteuils with two loose cushions. Beautiful and unusual flare with color scheme.
Fabric
Model F598 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely and very comfortable Artifort Groovy chair (or "M" Chairs), designed by Pierre Paulin. This F598 model is designed and produced in the ...
Aluminum
Pierre Paulin Groovy armchair 1970s.
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in bari, IT
The Groovy chair, also known by catalog code F598, is one of the absolute masterpieces of Pierre Paulin, the French designer of the 1960s and 1970s. Designed in 1972 for the Dutch co...
Fabric
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...
Textile
Set of 2 Model F444 Lounge Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning set of 2 model "F444" Chairs. This model is designed by the famous French designer Pierre Paulin (1927-2009). It is manufactured by Artifort, The Netherlands 1960s. This o...
Steel
Set of 2 Model F598 Groovy Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely and very comfortable Artifort Groovy chairs (or "M" Chairs), designed by Pierre Paulin. This F598 model is designed and produced in the...
Metal