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.
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
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...
Aluminum, Chrome
Pierre Paulin, Little Tulip chair, Artifort, 1960
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Uppsala, SE
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
Pair of Pierre Paulin Little Tulip Chairs for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Pierre Paulin little tulip chairs for Artifort, circa 1965, swivel, enameled metal bases with upholstered sculptural form seat...
Metal
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 /25.8" S...
Fabric
Pierre Paulin x Jack Lenor Larsen little tulip armchair by Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Rare Jack Lenor Larsen Mementum fabrics little Tulip chair. Made by Artifort - Netherlands
Chrome
$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
"Little Tulip" Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Cute and very comfortable armchair. This "Little Tulip" armchair with cross base is designed by the famous Pierre Paulin in the 60's. This early and rare edition is fabricated by Ar...
Steel
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
Mid Century Little Tulip Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Cute and very comfortable armchair. This "Little Tulip" is designed by the famous Pierre Paulin in te 60's. It is fabricated by Artifort in the late 60's. The chair has the origin...
Steel
Set of 4 Little Tulip Armchairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Set of 4 Little Tulip Armchairs. These cute and very comfortable armchairs are designed by the famous French designer Pierre Paulin in the 60's. ...
Steel
Little Tulip Armchair with Cross Base by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very cute and comfortable 975 Lounge Chair designed by the famous Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort in the 70's. Cute and very comfortable pivoting armchair. This "Little Tulip" with c...
Metal
"Little Tulip" swivel chair with footrest, Pierre Paulin, Netherlands circa 1960
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Paris, FR
“Little Tulip” swivel chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. Polished cast aluminum base and chrome-plated stainless steel footrest. Seat covered with original fabric. Five available,...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
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
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 the 60's. Fabricated by Artifort in the 80's. Solid round metal bas...
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 ...
Steel
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
$1,575Sale Price|25% Off
Artifort Pink Swivel Little Tulip Armchair by Pierre Paulin by Stock
By Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Artifort Lana (AA) 541 Pink Disk aluminium polished, tube in chrome With felt ring at the bottom Stain on the fabric.
Chrome
$3,152Sale Price|20% Off
Artifort Pierre Paulin Swivel Tulip Midi Lounge in STOCK
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
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
$5,179 / item
Customizable Artifort Tulip F 550 by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The Tulip F550, designed by Pierre Paulin, is a true Mid-Century modern classic. The perfect fusion of elegance, lounge comfort and innovation, this visually striking lounge chair is...
Upholstery
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
$1,668Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.32 in W 25.2 in D 22.84 in
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
$3,725
H 36.23 in W 35.44 in D 31.5 in
Mid Century Big Tulip Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and original Big Tulip lounge chair, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1965. This model remains one of the best known of the Pierre Paulin's work. The chair ...
Steel
$8,160
H 30.32 in W 27.56 in D 26.78 in
Artifort Tulip Chairs by Pierre Paulin, Set of Four in Burgundy Wool Fabric
Located in Nottingham, GB
An iconic set of four Tulip lounge chairs designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, one of the most celebrated seating designs of the 20th century. Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Tul...
Stainless Steel
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 the 60's. Fabricated by Artifort in the 80's. Solid round metal bas...
Steel
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
$14,850 / set
H 32 in W 37.75 in D 33 in
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...
Chrome
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
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...
Leather, Walnut
On Hold|$1,389 / item
H 29.53 in W 27.96 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Little Tulip Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and turnable Armchair, named "Little Tulip". Designed by the famous Pierre Paulin in te 60's. Fabricated by Artifort in the 80's. Solid metal base with a wooden f...
Steel
$4,075
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
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
Pair of 'Antibes' Swiveling Bar Stools by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of swiveling bar stools by Design Frères. 30 in. seat height. Suitable for bar, not counter height.
Steel
Little Tulip Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Centreville, VA
Little Tulip Design by Pierre Paulin The elegant Little Tulip chair for Artifort…. as if designer Pierre Paulin had premonitions of Flower Power! The Little Tulip® spreads its ha...
Leather
Artifort Leather Pierre Paulin Little Tulip Chair
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Little Tulip Pierre Paulin design 1965 Leather: Artifort Ox 5080 Cognac (EE) Base: P57 black grey.
Leather
Classic Artifort Swivel Blue Little Tulip Armchair in Fabric
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Little Tulip, swivel round base The simple Little Tulip design chair spreads its half-open petals around the sitter. Delicate, cheerful, light, inviting and warming at the same time....
Fabric
Original Vintage "Little Tulip" Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Geneva, CH
Original vintage "Little Tulip" purple wool chair by Pierre Paulin, produced by Artifort, France, circa 1970s Very good condition, few stripes on the chr...
Wool
Artifort Little Tulip High Stool by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Little Tulip High Stool by renowned designer Pierre Paulin for Artifort. This stunning piece features a sleek and modern design, with a curved backrest and comfortabl...
Metal
Sold
H 30.32 in W 25.2 in D 22.84 in
Classic Artifort All Black Little Tulip Armchair in Raf Simons Fabric
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Brand new little tulip, swivel round base The simple little tulip design chair spreads its half-open petals around the sitter. Delicate, cheerful, light, inviting and warming at the...
Fabric
Classic Artifort Set of Two Little Tulips Armchairs in Fabric
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Little Tulips, cross base non-swivel The simple Little Tulip design chair spreads its half-open petals around the sitter. Delicate, cheerful, light, inviting and warming at the same ...
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.
Steel
Sold
H 25.75 in W 27 in D 23 in
Pierre Paulin, "Little Tulip" Chair, Fabric, Painted Plastic, Netherlands, 1965
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in High Point, NC
A fabric, painted plastic and steel "Little Tulip" chair designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort, Netherlands, 1965.
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 30.32 in W 27.17 in D 19.69 in
Six "Little Tulip" Armchairs, Pierre Paulin, Artifort, circa 1965
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Six "Little Tulip" swivel armchairs, manufactured and edited by Artifort, circa 1965. Structure in wood with foam and new upholstery in woolen by Bisson Bruneel. Base in polished a...
Aluminum
Sold
H 30.32 in W 27.17 in D 19.69 in
Eight "Little Tulip" Armchairs, Pierre Paulin, Artifort, circa 1965
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Eight "Little Tulip" swivel armchairs, manufactured and edited by Artifort circa 1965. Structure in wood with foam and new upholstery in woolen by Bisson Bruneel. Base in polished ...
Aluminum
Pair of Little Tulip Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Dallas, TX
Newly restored pair of little tulip chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort. Base stamped. New Maharam "Messenger"; upholstery. The chairs swivel.
Metal