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.
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...
Textile
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
Pair of Pierre Paulin CM 194 Armchairs for Thonet, France, circa 1958
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
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
‘Dangari’ armchairs by Pierre Paulin for Allibert, 1978.
By Pierre Paulin, Allibert
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 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
"Orange Slice" Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An exceptional and original Artifort “Orange Slice” Lounge Chair, designed by the renowned French designer Pierre Paulin. One of the most iconic and sculptural seating designs of th...
Steel
Oyster Chair with Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A beautiful set of the famous Artifort Oyster Chair with a Ottoman. This very comfortable chair is designed by Pierre Paulin in the beginning of the 60's. This particular set is als...
Metal
Mushroom Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
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
Mid Century Little Globe Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Cute and comfortable "Little Globe" armchair, designed by the famous Pierre Paulin in te 60's. Fabricated by Artifort in the 80's. Round metal base ...
Steel
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
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 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
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
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
Mushroom Armchair and Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Mushroom set, designed by Pierre Paulin and fabricated by Artifort in the 60s. This very comfortable and cosy set is just covered with beautiful and the highest quality ...
Fabric
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 te 60's. Fabricated by Artifort in the 80's. Round metal base with ...
Steel
Mushroom Poof or Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing Mushroom poof, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the 60's. It is covered with the original and stunning Momentum fabric by Jack Lenor Larsen in the colors blue and ...
Fabric
Mid Century 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. This is the v...
Metal
Pierre Paulin F598 Groovy Armchair for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
$12,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair First Edition "Big Tulip" Lounge Chairs F551 by Pierre Paulin Artifort 1959
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Very rare pair of the first edition of the "Big Tulip" chair, model F551 Just Married! Designed by French designer Pierre Paulin in 1959 for Artifort, The Netherlands Reuph...
Steel, Nickel
Mid Century First Edition Big Tulip Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1959
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare first edition of the "Big Tulip" chair, model F551 designed by Pierre Paulin in 1959 for Artifort. The chair is just upholstered with lovely Italian Bouclé wool fabric ...
Steel
Iconic Pierre Paulin 'Mushroom' Chair (Model F560) for Artifort, 1960's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Presenting a magnificent, authentic 'Mushroom' lounge chair (Model 560), designed by the visionary French master Pierre Paulin in 1960 for Artifort. Celebrated for its revolutionary...
Fabric, Wood
Iconic Pierre Paulin 'Mushroom' Chair (Model F560) for Artifort, 1980's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Presenting a magnificent, authentic 'Mushroom' lounge chair, designed by the visionary French master Pierre Paulin in 1960. Celebrated for its revolutionary organic silhouette, this...
Fabric, Wood
$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
Customizable Artifort Tulip Midi Armchair with Cross Base by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
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...
Textile
Archi Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset Post Modern Leather & Chrome.
By Ligne Roset, Pierre Paulin
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Archi Armchair, designed by the legendary French designer Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Ligne Roset.This eye-catching piece features a hot pink leather...
Stainless Steel
$5,276 / item
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...
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
Mushroom Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and cosy Artifort Mushroom chair, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60s. These particular chair is fabricated in the 80s Covered with very nice wool fabric. The ch...
Fabric
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, Holland 1960s. This origi...
Steel
Mid Century Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Ribbon Chair, designed by the famous French designer Pierre Paulin in the 60's. This amazingly comfortable chair is produced by Artifort. Metal frame with horizontal s...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Orange Slice Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The famous Artifort Orange slice chair by Pierre Paulin. Designed in the 60's and produced in the 80's. Cute and very comfortable chair. It has chrome metal legs. The structure is in...
Metal
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...
Textile
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
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
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
$5,400 / set
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Pair of Lounge Chairs
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
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
Set of 2 Tongue Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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 ...
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
Artifort Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1966
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An iconic Ribbon Chair, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. Originally introduced in 1966, the Ribbon Chair has become one of the most celebrated and recognizable designs of the ...
Fabric, Wood
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
$2,617 / item
"Ben" Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable Artifort "Ben" chair. The famous Pierre Paulin designed it in the 80's and named it after his favorite Artifort colleague. Just restored with lovely bouclé woo...
Aluminum
Big Tulip Chair and Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and original big tulip lounge chair with Ottoman, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1965. This 80's pivoting edition has a round metal foot. The set is j...
Metal
Mid Century F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
This stunning easy chair named "Butterfly" is designed by French designer Pierre Paulin in 1963. It is produced by Artifort, a Dutch high quality furniture manufacturer. These parti...
Steel
Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Ribbon Chair, designed by the French designer Pierre Paulin in the 60's. This original chair is produced in the 60's by Artifort, The Netherlands. The Ribbon Chair is a pi...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Iconic F598 ‘Groovy’ Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Zagreb, HR
Pair of iconic F598 ‘Groovy’ chairs in vibrant red upholstery. Designed by the legendary Pierre Paulin in the early 1970s for Dutch manufacturer Artifort. The design was an evolution...
Metal
$17,135 / 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
$12,936 / item
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
Mid Century Big Globe Armchair with Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and turnable Big Globe Lounge Chair with Ottoman. The Globe Chair is designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1959, this particular set is fabricated in the 1960s. ...
Steel
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...
Metal
Midcentury Big Globe Armchair with Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and turnable Big Globe Lounge Chair with Ottoman. The Globe Chair is designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1959, this particular set is fabricated in the 1970s....
Steel
Mushroom Armchair and Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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...
Fabric
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
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
Big Mushroom Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Extremely comfortable and cosy Artifort big mushroom chair, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60's. This lovely chair is covered with the original Kvadrat ...
Fabric
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...
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...
Textile
Mid-Century 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. This is the v...
Metal
Oyster Chair and Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The famous Artifort Oyster chair by Pierre Paulin, the big model with a ottoman. Designed in the beginning of the 60's, this particular set is manu...
Metal
Mid Century Model F570 Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare lounge chair, 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, and is d...
Metal