Ligne Roset Pumpkin Two-seater, Fabric Blue

Ligne Roset Pumpkin – Paulin’s design for the Élysée Palace

Pierre Paulin designed the Pumpkin seating in 1971 for Claude and Georges Pompidou’s private apartment in the Élysée Palace. It only went into series production with Ligne Roset, which has made the reissue since 2008. The name alludes to a pumpkin: the backrest encloses the seat like a protective, rounded shell. The plinth and centre section are made of polyether foam on a thermoformed ABS base. The seat and back are made of moulded polyurethane foam with a comfort layer of the same foam.

Pumpkin two-seater in blue fabric

This Pumpkin is the small sofa in the series, a two-seater upholstered in blue fabric. Ligne Roset covers every Pumpkin in a single colour, in fabric or leather. The backrest wraps around the seat in an arc, which makes the shape look enclosed and soft. The sofa does not need a wall behind it and can be placed freestanding in the room, for example opposite an armchair from the series.

Seating comfort and space

Moulded foam provides even support and keeps its shape, while the comfort layer makes the surface softer. The shell-shaped backrest wraps around your back and sides, so you feel cocooned. At 38 cm, the seat is lower than the usual 42 to 45 cm, which suits the relaxed shape. The sofa needs around 1.8 m in width and 0.83 m in depth. Leave 60 to 80 cm of walking space in front of it and, if it stands freely in the room, a passage behind it too.

Elements and additions

The Pumpkin has no mechanism. The series includes a large sofa for three and this small one for two people. There is also an armchair and a swivel armchair, both also available with a high back, as well as a footstool. Ligne Roset still makes the series, and armchairs or footstools can be added through specialist retailers. A swivel armchair opposite the sofa can be turned towards the conversation one moment and towards the window the next.

Caring for the fabric cover

According to Ligne Roset, the cover of the Pumpkin can be removed by a professional; you should not try it yourself. For everyday care, vacuum the fabric with the upholstery nozzle, especially in the curve between seat and backrest. Dab fresh stains with a damp cloth rather than rubbing them. Leave a deep clean to a professional upholstery cleaner, as Ligne Roset advises.

Why buy a pre-owned Ligne Roset Pumpkin?

Ligne Roset has been making furniture on the Rhône since 1860 and produces in Briord, where most of the work is done by hand. The manufacturer has had the Pumpkin in its collection since 2008, so a pre-owned sofa matches today’s model. Moulded foam on a solid ABS base, with no mechanism, keeps its shape. An upholsterer can remove the cover. This piece has been inspected in eight stations.