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Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

French, 1927-2009

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.

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Creator: Pierre Paulin
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Textile

Pierre Paulin 'Little Tulip' Swivel Chair for Artifort, Netherlands, c. 1965
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantastic 'Little Tulip' swivel chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, designed in 1965, this example is an earlier one, making it ideal for collectors. Featuring its or...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

Artifort by Pierre Paulin Green Fabric Little Tulip Swivel Chairs, Set of 4
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1965, the Little Tulip Chair is a design icon. Inspired by the flower, the chair has a Tulip-esque silhouette with a petal shaped seat which ...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Pierre Paulin "Little Tulip" Bar Stools by Artifort, Pair
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Monrovia, CA
LITTLE TULIP designer Pierre Paulin, 1965. Made in The Netherlands by Artifort. "A chair should be more than simply functional. It should be friendly, fun and colorful." -Pierre Paulin "Little Tulip" like a blossoming flower, the little tulip barstool...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

2 Limited Edition Pierre Paulin Tulip Swivel Armchairs for Artifort, 1965
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Pair of limited edition Little Tulip swivel chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, 1965. The chairs are produced as a limited edition in gold faux leather. The swivel ...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

The Large And Rare Artifort Version Oyster Chair By Pierre Paulin, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Schagen, NL
Unusual Version of the Oyster chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. The chairs features a large comfortable seating with the original Mint/ Aqua colored Fabric and a Metal star or Swi...
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Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pierre Paulin for Artifort Mid Century Big Globe Chair
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Big Globe Lounge Chair F422 designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. Designed in 1959. Newer upholstery
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1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Pierre Paulin for Artifort Mid Century Big Globe Chair
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Big Globe Lounge Chair F422 designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1959. Original fabric. Labeled.
Category

1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Pair Swivel Lounge Chairs Model 421 by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Pierre Paulin lounge chairs model 421 made by Artifort, circa 1970. Both chairs are in very good condition and ready to use. The swivel mechanism works perfectly. Rare and fi...
Category

1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Related Items
Pair Pierre Paulin Ribbon Chairs for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Dallas, TX
Original pair of ribbon chairs model 582, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. A striking, space-age form with curving planes. Incredible swoo...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Customizable Artifort Mushroom P Stool by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The Mushroom P. for Artifort is one of Pierre Paulin’s most famous designs. First there was the Mushroom armchair, that is now exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Then...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Textile

Customizable Artifort Moulin Chair with Armrests 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Textile

Oyster Chair with Cross Base by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1965
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The famous Oyster chair by Pierre Paulin, the big model. This very comfortable model is a very rare version, with a turnable cross base. Designed in the 60's. The structure is in ver...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Textile

F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
This stunning "Butterfly" lounge chair is designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort, 1963. The tubular frame is thin and geometric. The beautiful leather seating and bac...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

Customizable Artifort Moulin Chair Designed 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Textile

Pair of Swiveling Workshop Bar Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Swiveling Workshop Bar Stools. Very sturdy.
Category

1940s American Industrial Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Little Tulip Armchairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Little Tulip Armchairs in Bouclé by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, The Netherlands 1980s The Little Tulip chair is a classic piece of furniture designed by Pierre Paulin fo...
Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Little Tulip Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
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 ...
Category

1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

Tonny Bar Stool
Located in Paris, FR
Bar Stool Tonny with steel structure in polished finish, swivel stool with solid walnut wood under seat and backrest, upholstered and covered with genuine italian leather in white...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Tonny Bar Stool
Tonny Bar Stool
H 38.98 in W 19.3 in D 17.33 in
Pair of 'Los Feliz' Swiveling Bar Stools by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of swiveling bar stools by Design Frères. 29 in. seat height. Suitable for bar, not counter height.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

Previously Available Items
Ligne Roset by Pierre Paulin Chocolate Brown Anda High Back Swivel Armchair
By Ligne Roset, Pierre Paulin
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset, the Anda chair reinvents the shape of the traditional armchair. Constructed from foam, the chair has a softly curved and sculpt...
Category

2010s French Organic Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Anda Chair + Ottoman by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Pierre Paulin
Located in Chicago, IL
Chair and ottoman designed by Pierre Paulin. Made in France. Chair swivels.
Category

Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Ultrasuede

Tulip Swivel Armchairs F594 by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oirlo, LI
Iconic Tulip Midi swivel chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, the Netherlands – 1960. The chairs are upholstered by Artifort in skai pink purple. This model is very comfortabl...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pierre Paulin Pair of Tulip Swivel Armchairs F594 in New Leather, Artifort, 1960
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Iconic Tulip Midi swivel chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands – 1960. The chairs have been reupholstered by Artifort in a custom leather by Alphenberg. This model is v...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Artifort by Pierre Paulin Pink Fabric Little Tulip Swivel Chairs, Set of 4
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1965, the Little Tulip chair is a design icon. Inspired by the flower, the chair has a tulip-esque silhouette with a petal-shaped seat whic...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Artifort by Pierre Paulin Grey Fabric Little Tulip Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1965, the Little Tulip Chair is a design icon. Inspired by the flower, the chair has a Tulip-esque silhouette with a petal shaped seat whic...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Artifort by Pierre Paulin Green Fabric Little Tulip Swivel Chair, Set of Two
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1965, the Little Tulip Chair is a design icon. Inspired by the flower, the chair has a Tulip-esque silhouette with a petal shaped seat which ...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Artifort by Pierre Paulin Grey Fabric Little Tulip Swivel Chairs, Set of 4
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1965, the Little Tulip Chair is a design icon. Inspired by the flower, the chair has a Tulip-esque silhouette with a petal shaped seat whic...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Artifort by Pierre Paulin Green Fabric Little Tulip Swivel Chairs, Set of 4
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1965, the Little Tulip Chair is a design icon. Inspired by the flower, the chair has a Tulip-esque silhouette with a petal shaped seat whic...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Little Tulip Swivel Base Dining Chairs by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of four early production Little Tulip dining chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1965. Chairs are in very good original condition with swivel bases.
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ligne Roset by Pierre Paulin Bonnie Grey Fabric Armchair
By Ligne Roset, Pierre Paulin
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1975, the Bonnie armchair became an instant design icon and was reissued by Ligne Roset in 2018. The chair h...
Category

2010s French Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Pierre Paulin Swivel 'Globe' Chair for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Brussels , BE
Pierre Paulin swivel 'Globe' chair for Artifort.
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre Paulin Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pierre Paulin Swivel 'Globe' Chair for Artifort
Pierre Paulin Swivel 'Globe' Chair for Artifort
H 29.14 in W 40.16 in D 29.14 in

Pierre Paulin swivel chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Pierre Paulin swivel chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Pierre Paulin swivel chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 7 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original swivel chairs by Pierre Paulin were created in the mid-century modern style in netherlands during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider swivel chairs by Geoffrey D. Harcourt, Geoffrey Harcourt, and Artifort. Prices for Pierre Paulin swivel chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,000 and can go as high as $14,850, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,484.

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