Designers That Inspire Me : Pierre Paulin & My Chair Obsession
Have I ever mentioned my obsession with chairs? Well, it’s time to do it now. I like them curvy and playful, organic and cocooning, rich in texture and joyful in spirit but above all, comfortable. There’s something special about a beautiful chair in a room. It can elevate a plain sofa, bring interest into a neutral space, soften sharp layouts, and create a focal moment all on its own.
A designer chair is an investment, yes, but one that’s absolutely worth making. The right piece adds both personality and presence to any space.
My journey into “chair mania” has long been dominated by one name: Pierre Paulin. His work is a masterclass in organic form and playful sophistication.
Pierre Paulin was a French designer who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s with his bold, organic furniture pieces that redefined modern comfort. Trained as a sculptor, he treated upholstery like a second skin, wrapping foam and fabric around soft, fluid forms that invited you to sink in and stay a while. His designs were revolutionary at the time: playful yet refined, futuristic yet deeply human. Paulin believed that design should make life better, not just look good, and that philosophy shines through every curve of his work. His influence extended well beyond residential interiors; he notably designed furniture and spaces for three French Presidents at the Élysée Palace.
Paulin was also one of the pioneers of low, informal seating, a concept that broke away from the upright postures of traditional furniture. His pieces encouraged relaxation and conversation at lower level, reflecting the cultural shifts of the 1960s toward freedom, comfort, and ease. This “living closer to the ground” philosophy became a defining element of modern design and remains as relevant today as ever.
Paulin’s genius lies in creating designs where comfort is second to none, and the sheer playfulness adds an instant, unforgettable impact to any room. His aesthetic - all soft curves and sculptural presence - is the perfect antidote to interiors that take themselves too seriously.
Here are some of my favourite Pierre Paulin pieces - timeless icons that never fail to make me smile:
Pumpkin Chair by Ligne Roset (1971) : Originally designed for French President Georges Pompidou. One of my all-time favourites: playful, enveloping, and somehow both retro and timeless. The first designer chair I purchased 15 years ago - heavily used since then, yet still looks and feels like new.
Pacha Chair by Gubi (1975) : A modern classic. Easy to incorporate into any interior, it’s the definition of relaxed luxury.
Mushroom Chair by Artifort (1960) : A joyful, sculptural piece that adds a touch of whimsy. Now part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York - a work of art with added comfort.
Groovy Chair by Paulin Paulin Paulin (1964) : A re-edited classic available in limited colours and fabrics; a collector’s dream.
Slice Chair by Artifort (1952) : For when you want a moment of surprise and strong graphic lines.
Elysée Chair by Ligne Roset (1971) : A piece of design history with effortless elegance, marked by graphic purity and visual lightness. Originally created for the Élysée Palace at the request of President Pompidou. Its compact proportions make it perfect for smaller spaces.
Oyster Chair by Ligne Roset (1952) : Elegant simplicity with its slim legs and generous, welcoming seat.
Bonnie Armchair by Ligne Roset (1975) : Sublime in both look and comfort.
Ribbon Chair by Artifort (1966) : Not just a chair, but a design monument - a sculptural masterpiece that commands attention in any room. It’s part of the collections at both the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
Source : Ligne Roset, Artifort, Paulin Paulin Paulin
And if I had to name the most comfortable chair I’ve ever sat on, it would have to be the Anda Armchair by Ligne Roset (one of Paulin’s late designs around 2008/2009) - with higher proportions, it’s comfort heaven for sensitive backs.
Anda Armchair by Ligne Roset, with high back and swivelling base
Image credit : Ligne Roset
For me, Paulin’s chairs embody the joy of design : pieces that make you smile, sit back, and truly feel at home.
