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.
Pierre Paulin, Armchair, Fabric, Metal, Netherlands, 1970s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in High Point, NC
A grey suede fabric and metal armchair, model Little Tulip, designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifact, Netherlands, 1970s. Carries Artifort label along with Turner Ltd. ret...
Metal
Pierre Paulin F675 Butterfly Chair for Artifort, 1963
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Austin, TX
This stunning Butterfly lounge chair is designed by Pierre Paulin and was manufactured by Artifort, 1963. The tubular frame is thin and geometric. The beautiful leather seating and b...
Leather
Pierre Paulin, Armchairs, Fabric, Metal, Netherlands, 1970s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of grey suede fabric and metal armchairs, model Little Tulip, designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifact, Netherlands, 1970s. Carries original Turner Ltd. retail labe...
Metal
Pierre Paulin Concorde F784 chair, 1970s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Iconic 'Concorde' lounge chair model F784 - designed by Pierre Paulin for the waiting spaces of the famous Concorde airplane. The chair has a timeless design with itsd original bro...
Metal
$10,842 / set
H 25.2 in W 31.5 in D 26.78 in
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
$5,021 / set
H 25.2 in W 33.47 in D 26.38 in
Pair of F598 Groovy Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, 1970s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
A refined pair of F598 Groovy lounge chairs designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the early 1970s. The low, flowing form is shaped around the body, combining a steel structure wi...
Metal
Pierre Paulin F500 lounge chair Artifort Netherlands 1975
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
An extraordinary opportunity to acquire an exceedingly rare lounge chair model F500, designed by the legendary Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort in Holland in 1975. This sculptu...
Fabric
$23,500
H 25.6 in W 96.46 in D 31.5 in
Pierre Paulin ABCD Three-Seater Sofa for Artifort, Netherlands, 1969
By Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1968 and produced by Artifort in the Netherlands from 1969, the ABCD sofa is one of the most recognisable designs of the Space Age era. Rather than readi...
Fabric, Foam
Tongue Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing and very comfortable Tongue Chair, designed by the French designer Pierre Paulin in the 60's and produced by Artifort. This original chair is completely restored. The foam...
Fabric
$3,983
H 36.23 in W 34.26 in D 31.5 in
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
Groovy Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Netherlands. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. First edition. Reupholstered/refoamed in Kvadrat Tonus.
Fabric
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
$5,695
H 26.78 in W 31.89 in D 25.2 in
Mid Century F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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. The tubula...
Steel
$2,410Sale Price|35% Off
H 26.78 in W 31.89 in D 24.02 in
Cowhide F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Izegem, VWV
The F675 als known as the Butterfly Chair was designed by Pierre Paulin in 1963 and manufactured by Artifort, Holland. This chair with elegant lines is edited with the original cow s...
Metal
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
1970s Rattan Pierre Paulin orange slice Style Chair
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1970s with this exquisite rattan chaise lounge. The ultra rare chaise exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding desig...
Steel
$1,015 / item
H 24.02 in W 23.63 in D 24.02 in
1970s Modular Sofa by Karl Wittmann after Pierre Paulin
By Karl Wittmann, Pierre Paulin
Located in Wien, AT
A sculptural and elegant modular sofa designed by Karl Wittmann after Pierre Paulin, produced by Wittmann, Austria, in the 1970s. This rare and highly collectible piece embodies the ...
Fabric, Upholstery
"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
2er Set Little tulip Sessel Artifort Pierre Paulin 1970 schwarz
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten zwei wunderschöne Sessel vom niederländischen Traditionshersteller "Artifort" aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Pierre Paulin, wobei sie in dies...
Fabric
Pierre Paulin, Little Tulip chair, Artifort, 1960
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Uppsala, Uppsala
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
Beige Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
Sold
H 25.2 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Magenta red Pierre Paulin tongue side chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort 1967
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Playful Pierre Paulin tongue chair covered in a bright red fabric with a magenta touch. It was designed in 1967 and produced by Artifort, an expressive and timeless design that was i...
Metal
Sold
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
1973, Pierre Paulin for Boro Belgium, Very Rare Organic 8810 Flower Chair
By Pierre Paulin, BORO Belgium
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...
Plastic
Sold
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
1973, Pierre Paulin for Boro Belgium, Very Rare Organic 8810 Flower Chair
By Pierre Paulin, BORO Belgium
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...
Plastic
Sold
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
1973, Pierre Paulin for Boro Belgium, Very Rare Organic 8810 Flower Chair
By Pierre Paulin, BORO Belgium
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...
Plastic
Sold
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
8810 Flower Chair and Table Leg by Pierre Paulin for Boro Belgium, 1973
By BORO Belgium, Pierre Paulin
Located in Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Originally made as outdoor furniture in 1972 this 8810 model flower chair and table is now a very rare and sought after iconic piece of plastic design history. Designed by Pierre Pau...
Plastic
Tongue Chair "Model F577" by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Long Island City, NY
Tongue chair "Model F577" by Pierre Paulin reupholstered in grey boucle.
Bouclé
Mushroom Chair 'Model F560' by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mushroom chair (Model F560) by Pierre Paulin.
Cotton
Sold
H 38.19 in W 32.29 in D 27.56 in
Pierre Paulin F444 Leather Lounge Chair Artifort, Holland, 1970s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pierre Paulin; F444; Lounge Chair; Artifort; 1970s; Netherlands; Holland; Cognac; Leather; Metal Frame; Easy Chair; Armchair; Lounge chair model F444 in dark cognac leather, designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort in Holland in the 1970s. The solid metal frame gives a nice contrast to the cognac leather. A sturdy and streamlined design with an angled open seat. In good original condition, with a beautiful patina on the saddle leather. A very comfortable chair, perfect for lounging. Pierre Paulin was most famous for his innovative designs during the 1960s when he worked for Artifort. His most famed chair...
Metal
Sold
H 29.93 in W 26.78 in L 29.93 in
Set of Two Pierre Paulin Orange "Tulip" Swivel Chairs for Artifort, 1980s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Antwerp, BE
Great Luxury swivel chairs of Pierre Paulin. the Tulip chair has an inviting appearance for a relaxed sitting with a nice intens orange in original condition. The Artifort Tulip loun...
Metal, Chrome
Little Tulip Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort First Edition
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
The first edition of the little tulip chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1963. Newly upholstered with Yellow Dedar bouclette fabric. Label is pr...
Metal
Sold
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
1973, Pierre Paulin for Boro Belgium, Very Rare Organic 8810 Flower Chair
By Pierre Paulin, BORO Belgium
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...
Plastic
Original Pierre Paulin Butterfly Chair
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural leather and nickel chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. Type F675. Original leather and frame. Frame has been repainted silver. Very good condition. ...
Nickel