With their cushy organic forms sheathed in stretchy swimwear fabric in Pop art colors and mod patterns, vintage Pierre Paulin sofas and chairs have a fresh and bouncy charm still evocative of the freewheeling days of the 1960s. Even the names of the designs — Mushroom, Oyster, Orange Slice, Tulip and Tongue — have a sybaritic ring. In many minds, Paulin is forever the Designer as Swinger.
Pierre Paulin created a range of sofas and other seating for the likes of Artifort and Mobilier International. His Élysée sofa, which is part of a collection that was originally conceived for one of two Élysée Palace projects during the early 1970s, was later reintroduced by Ligne Roset from the designer’s archived plans (British housewares retailer Habitat reissued other Paulin seating under Tom Dixon's artistic direction). Mid-century modern furniture and Space Age design enthusiasts also know Paulin for his low-slung Dune sofa, — a favorite of musician Frank Ocean. The acclaimed seating collection features four different interchangeable modules for a custom arrangement.
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.
Find vintage Pierre Paulin couches, armchairs, lounge chairs and other seating for sale on 1stDibs.
$8,641 / item
Osaka Coral 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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
$12,275 / item
Osaka Coral 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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Sectional Sofa 'Mississippi' by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brussels, BE
Sectional Sofa 'Mississippi' by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s - New Upholstery
Fabric
ABCD 3 Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, 1969
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Melbourne, VIC
The ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1968, is indeed a remarkable piece of furniture that exemplifies his innovative and forward-thinking approach to design. This sofa is high...
Fabric
ABCD 2 Seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, 1969
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Melbourne, VIC
The ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1968, is indeed a remarkable piece of furniture that exemplifies his innovative and forward-thinking approach to design. This sofa is high...
Fabric
Mid Century ABCD 3-Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing sculptural three-seater ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. The sofa is composed of three separate segments characterized by the wave-shaped curves. Th...
Fabric
ABCD Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Oakville, CA
ABCD sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1968. Sofa has been carefully restored by stripping down to bare metal frame and latex seat sling, re foaming and re upholstering in a velvet...
Formica, Latex, Polyester
Osaka 280cm Coral Flexible Curve Sofa 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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Pierre Paulin sofa 442/3 Artifort Netherlands 1962
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice minimalistic model 442/3 sofa designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort, The Netherlands 1962. This is for a three-seater sofa model 442/3 which is the largest from...
Steel
$18,916Sale Price / item|20% Off
Osaka Extra Large Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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...
Upholstery
$40,860 / set
ABCD Set by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning sculptural ABCD set, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. This amazing set consist of one 2-seat sofa and two 1-seat sofa's. The sofa's are composed of three...
Bouclé
$9,876 / item
Osaka Coral 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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
2023 Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset Pumpkin 3-Seat Large Settee / Sofa
By Ligne Roset, Pierre Paulin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Pumpkin Sofa made of an ABS base and polyether foam covered in a green wool Vidar Perroquet fabric. The sofa was designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Ligne ...
Fabric, Foam
$12,180Sale Price / item|20% Off
Osaka Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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...
Upholstery
$16,669Sale Price / item|20% Off
Osaka Medium Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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...
Upholstery
ABCD 2-seat Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning sculptural ABCD 2-seat sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. The sofa is composed of three separate segments, characterized by the lovely wave-shaped curves...
Metal
Cashmere 'ABCD' Two Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Long Island City, NY
Three shades of blue 'ABCD' cashmere two-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort on metal casters.
Fabric
$10,150Sale Price|30% Off
ABCD Loveseat by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Oakville, CA
ABCD loveseat by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1968. Loveseat has been carefully restored by stripping down to bare metal frame and latex seat sling, re foaming and re upholstering in ...
Steel
Mid Century ABCD Set by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning sculptural ABCD set, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. This amazing set consist of one 2-seat sofa and one 1-seat sofa's. The sofa's are composed of three se...
Bouclé
New and Made to Order Gubi 3-Seater Pacha Sofa with Armrests by Pierre Paulin
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for the starting fabric category A. Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony wit...
Textile
Pierre Paulin "Osaka" Sofa for La Cividina, Italy 90's
By La Cividina, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Wonderful "Osaka" sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1967 for the 1970 World Expo in Osaka Japan. Modular articulated and adjustable sofa system, comprised of a back and 2 seats flo...
Metal
ABCD 2-seat Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960's
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning sculptural ABCD 2-seat sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. The sofa is composed of three separate segments, characterized by the lovely wave-shaped curves...
Metal
Mid Century ABCD 2-Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing sculptural two-seater ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. The sofa is composed of three separate segments characterized by the wave-shaped curves. ...
Fabric
Osaka 280cm Sunset Flexible Curve Sofa 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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
2023 Pierre Paulin for GUBI Pacha Module Two Seater Sofa with Middle Armrest
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pacha Sofa, originally designed by Pierre Paulin for GUBI in 1975. This particular example was produced in in 2023. The sofa is comprised of a met...
Metal
New and Made to Order Gubi 2-Seater Pacha Sofa with Armrests by Pierre Paulin
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for the starting fabric category A. Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony wit...
Textile
Osaka 280cm Shell White Flexible Curve Sofa 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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Shell White 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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Shell White 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 Expo 1970 in the city after which it is named, the Osaka sofa...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka 380cm CAT.Maxi_Uniform Mélange_shell Sofa 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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Mid Century Model 442 Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Pierre Paulin "442" Sofa for Artifort, designed in the 1960s. This lovely 3-seat sofa is also fabricated in the 60s The combination of steel and the upholstery give thi...
Steel
$18,016Sale Price / item|20% Off
Osaka Large Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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...
Upholstery
$14,900Sale Price / item|20% Off
Osaka Small Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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...
Upholstery
Midcentury Set of 2 Model 442 Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning set of 2 Pierre Paulin "442" Chairs for Artifort, designed in the 1960s. These lovely chairs are also fabricated in the 1960s The combination of steel and the upholster...
Steel
$13,475Sale Price / item|20% Off
Osaka Extra Small Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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...
Upholstery
New and Made to Order Customizable Gubi 3-Seater Pacha Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for the starting fabric category A. Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony wit...
Textile
Customizable Gubi 2-Seater Pacha Outdoor Sofa by Pierre Paulin
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for the starting fabric category A. Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony wit...
Textile
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Sofa in Blue Upholstery
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, sofa model '442/3', fabric upholstery, chromed steel, The Netherlands, 1962 This modest sofa is based on a solid construction featuring clear lines and g...
Steel
$7,966 / item
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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Osaka Sunset Flexible Curve Sofa 330cm by La Cividina
By Pierre Paulin, La Cividina
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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
$12,275 / item
Osaka Sunset 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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
Model 442 3-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1962.
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
A minimalist icon from the golden era of modern design — this rare Model 442 sofa was designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the early 1960s. The sleek architectural frame, uphol...
Chrome
$8,641 / item
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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
$12,275 / item
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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester
$9,876 / 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...
Wool, Nylon, Polyester