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What is a tulip table?

1 Answer
What is a tulip table?
A tulip table is a dining table or occasional table of a certain shape. It’s typically characterized by a slender stem-like pedestal base and a round tabletop. Its name is drawn from the name given to chairs that are part of a collection that Finnish-American designer and architect Eero Saarinen created for iconic mid-century furniture manufacturer Knoll during the 1950s.

The tables in Saarinen’s acclaimed series were called Pedestal tables, while the chairs were called Tulip chairs, armless or not, owing to their flower bulb-like shape. Today, design lovers everywhere frequently refer to Saarinen's Pedestal tables as tulip tables, and any table that looks like a Pedestal table is generally referred to as a tulip table, whether or not Saarinen had anything to do with it.

Find vintage Eero Saarinen tables on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Shop for Eero Saarinen Tables on 1stDibs
Early Saarinen Knoll International Tulip Coffee Table Oval Calacatta Marble Top
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Originally designed by Eero Saarinen, this table was manufactured in the 1960s by Knoll International for resale in the heart of New York City. Being an early model, this specificati...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Enamel, Iron

Eero Saarinen Coffee Table Mod “Tulip” Circular Top in Carrara Marble Italy 60s
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Palermo, IT
Eero Saarinen. “Tulip” model table designed in (1956/1960), base in black painted cast aluminum and circular top in Carrara marble. Timeless beauty, Eero Saarinen Round Coffee Table...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Aluminum

Eero Saarinen x Knoll "Tulip" Dining Table
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Astoria, NY
Eero Saarinen (Finnish/American, 1910-1961) by Knoll "Tulip" Dining Table, with white base and oak top, Knoll label to underside of top. 29" H x 78" W x 47.5" D. Provenance: From a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Ta...

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage 1970s Eero Saarinen Tulip Side Table for Knoll Oval Emperador Marble Top
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Eero Saarinen tulip side table for Knoll with oval Emperador marble top. There has been a repair, older restoration done by a professional. I didn't even notice it I took pho...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

Early Eero Saarinen for Knoll 20" Round Side Table in Rare Calacatta Gold & Iron
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by iconic Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, this table was produced by Knoll. This is a very early and unique example, featuring a solid cast iron base and an exceed...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Gold, Iron

Eero Saarinen Oval Dining Table by Knoll, Carrara Marble, Mid-Century
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An oval, vintage Mid-Century modern American dining room table made of hand crafted Carrara marble designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, in good condition. The top of the detailed con...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Metal, Aluminum

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