Big Mushroom

An armchair designed to transcend time, Big Mushroom® by Pierre Paulin embodies sensitivity, strength and enduring comfort. A celebrated example of modern design, it forms part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Originally introduced as the F562, the chair has been reintroduced as Big Mushroom®, continuing its legacy as an icon of contemporary furniture design.

Pierre Paulin established a new direction in furniture design with this armchair, combining an innovative manufacturing technique with a distinctive sculptural form. The inspiration for Mushroom® came from Paulin’s observation of the natural contours created by women’s bodies in swimsuits. He sought to translate this sense of fluidity and shaping into a seating design, resulting in the chair’s characteristic curves and seamless, one-piece elastic upholstery.

Mushroom® was the first piece of furniture manufactured using a seamless, one-piece elastic cover technique – an innovation that transformed upholstery design at the time. Its original organic form influenced furniture design throughout the 1960s, inspiring a new generation of sculptural seating.

With its rounded silhouette, generous cushioning and expressive use of colour, Big Mushroom® continues to deliver a unique balance of visual character and exceptional comfort. A true design classic, it remains relevant across generations, offering a timeless expression of artistry, innovation and everyday luxury.