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.
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
$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 '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
Pierre Paulin F444 Lounge Chair in Black Leather – All Original, Vintage
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
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 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 designed the Pacha lounge chair in 1975 with the intention of creati...
Cotton, Wood
Customizable Artifort Tulip Midi Armchair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
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
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
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
Artifort - Pierre Paulin - Sofa - Groovy Chair - Aluminium, Wool
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Budapest, HU
Vintage Artifort Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin – Beige Mid-Century Modern (1970s–80s) Made in the Netherlands Add a touch of iconic mid-century modern style to your space with this...
Aluminum
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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
1 Curule Chair in the Style of Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Ligne Roset Curule chair in the Style of Pierre Paulin. This re-edition of Pierre Paulin's early 1980s design in solid beech with a s...
Beech
Mid Century Modern Orange Orange Slice Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Dronten, NL
Artifort Model F437, or more famously nicknamed the Orange Slice Chair, was designed by French designer Pierre Paulin for the Dutch manufacturer Artifort in Maastricht in the mid 20t...
Steel, Chrome
$1,137 / item
Customizable Artifort Moulin Chair 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...
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...
Textile
Chair F780 by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, New Upholstery, 1966
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Rijssen, NL
Paulin and Artifort developed these sensuous ‘Concorde’ lounge chairs back in 1960. Both chairs have a beautiful new rich high-end Boucle fabric ...
Chrome
Artifort Swivel Blue Little Tulip by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Artifort Little Tulip Artifort Lana (AA) 582 Light Blue Base: P39 Grey Blue RAL 5008 (Fine texture) Designed in the 1960s, the Artifort Tulip co...
Fabric
$10,750 / item
ABCD 1-Seat Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Mohair
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Toronto, ON
Incredible ABCD sofa, a sculptural one-seater designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. This sofa is comprised of three distinct segments distinguished by their wave-shaped cur...
Angora, Mohair, Goat Hair
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
Artifort Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin in STOCK
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
Mushroom lounge Tonus (BB) 0464 felt gliders Mushroom F 560 The Mushroom armchair is one of the world’s most famous designs. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this a...
Fabric
Pierre Paulin F-444 Lounge Chair by Artifort, 1960s — Mesh Seat
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Dronten, NL
A striking example of mid-century innovation, this F-444 lounge chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort epitomizes the designer’s sculptural yet functional approach to modern seating. D...
Steel
Customizable Artifort Moulin Chair with Armrests by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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...
Textile
$6,925 / item
1st Edition Pierre Paulin Groovy Chairs by Artifort
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Toronto, ON
The Groovy chair, designed by Pierre Paulin, embodies the spirit of the 60's and 70's with its innovative design and iconic style. Paulin, the renowned French designer, created the G...
Wool, Bouclé
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...
Textile
$1,668Sale Price|20% Off
Artifort Pierre Paulin Little Tulip Swivel Chair in STOCK
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
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
Early Production Pierre Paulin 'Mushroom' Chairs for Artifort, 1960s, Signed
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A collectors pair of early production year (circa 1965 to 1975) Pierre Paulin 'Mushroom' lounge chairs for Artifort, Netherlands, based on construction, materials and style of signat...
Fabric, Foam
French Design Pierre Paulin, Ribbon Chairs by Artifort, 1990s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Renens, CH
The Ribbon Chair, with its distinctive silhouette is an iconic piece of furniture designed in 1966 by Pierre Paulin: Pierre Paulin was a Paris-born French designer, who created his...
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...
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
$5,130 / item
Customizable Artifort Tulip Lounge 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 'Pacha' Upholstered Ottoman with Black Base for Gubi
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
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
Mid Century Modern Red Orange Slice Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Dronten, NL
Artifort Model F437, or more famously nicknamed the Orange Slice Chair, was designed by French designer Pierre Paulin for the Dutch manufacturer Artifort in Maastricht in the mid 20t...
Steel, Chrome
$3,152Sale Price|20% Off
Artifort Pierre Paulin Swivel Tulip Midi Lounge in STOCK
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 series for Artifort. In term...
Fabric
Pumpkin Chair by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Pierre Paulin
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2020s. France. White boucle fabric with stationary base.
Bouclé
Pierre Paulin Pacha Lounge Chair Upholstered in Vidar Kvadrat Boucle '0222'
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Glendale, CA
Pierre Paulin Pacha Lounge Chair Upholstered in Vidar Kvadrat Boucle '0222' Paulin designed the Pacha lounge chair in 1975 with the intention of cr...
Cotton, Wood
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
Metal
$2,480 / item
‘Ben’ Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Toronto, ON
During the 1980s, French designer Pierre Paulin crafted numerous sculptural masterpieces for the Dutch manufacturer Artifort. One of these special pieces, named after his favorite co...
Wool, Bouclé
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
$2,403Sale Price|10% Off
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...
Textile, Fabric
20th Century Ribbon Chair & Footstall By Pierre Paulin For Artifort, France
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare “Ribbon” chair and footstool, originally designed 1960s by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, France. Of sculptural form with lime green wool upholstery and white painted wood, these...
Wool, Pine, Paint
Customizable Artifort Orange Slice Armchair 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...
Textile
Customizable Artifort Little Tulip Swivel Barstool by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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...
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
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Upholstered Ottoman with Pearl Base for Gubi
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Pierre Paulin 'Pacha' Upholstered Ottoman with Pearl Base for Gubi Pierre Paulin’s first sketches for what would become the 'Pacha' Collection were simple pencil outlines that rese...
Cotton, Wood
Customizable Artifort Orange Slice Armchair in Blue 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
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...
Textile
Pair of Pierre Paulin First Edition "Big Tulip" for Artifort Lounge Chairs
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Pierre Paulin First Edition "Big Tulip" for Artifort lounge chairs.
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
Six chairs model "CM145", by Pierre Paulin, Ed. Meubles TV, France, circa 1954
By Pierre Paulin, Meubles TV
Located in Paris, FR
Six « CM145 » model chairs by Pierre Paulin for Meubles TV. Created in 1954, original edition (not a recent Ligne Roset reissue). Wooden structure covered with upholstery fabric, emb...
Steel
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...
Metal
1959, Pierre Paulin, Large Early Oyster, Easy Chair F157 in Brown Leather
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Beautiful Classic design. Brand new upholstery in soft comfortable leather, but there is a spot where the upholstery is not glued completely tightly to the backrest of the seat (see...
Metal
Pierre Paulin, Globe Seat F 422 and Its Ottoman in Steel and Fabric, circa 1960
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pierre Paulin, globe seat F 422 and its ottoman in steel and fabric, circa 1960 Artifort Edition.
Steel