Question 1

What is a tulip table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Why is it called a tulip table?

Accepted Answer

The Tulip table is called that because it matches the Tulip chair. With its tapered shape, the seat of the chair resembles a tulip flower. Eero Saarinen designed both the Tulip chair and the Tulip table. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Tulip tables.

Question 3

What era are tulip tables from?

Accepted Answer

Tulip tables are from the mid-century modern era. Finnish-American architect and furniture maker Eero Saarinen created the table in 1956 as part of the Pedestal collection of chairs and stools. The Pedestal table and its accompanying Tulip armchairs and armless chairs comprised cast-aluminum bases (“Tulip” became a common descriptor for all of the furnishings in the collection). Each table, stool and chair was crafted with a single, tapered cylindrical leg that descends to a base that flares into a circle, giving the illusion of being one piece. The series was designed for Knoll Inc. On 1stDibs, find vintage Tulip tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 4

Are tulip tables sturdy?

Accepted Answer

With a cast iron or aluminum alloy base, rest assured, the tulip table is indeed sturdy. With its centrally-placed leg, the style of the table was designed to be functional and structurally solid. You’ll find a variety of tulip tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How can I tell if a tulip table is real?

Accepted Answer

Eero Saarinen tulip tables are beloved by interior designers worldwide, and there are some key things to look for to ensure your table is authentic. Examine the base of the chairs and table and confirm they're made from one piece of cast aluminum with no visible seams. Tulip tables have been crafted from various materials over the years, but never plastic. You can also turn the table over to look for a Knoll Inc. tag, though some vintage tables may not have this. On 1stDibs, you'll find a collection of authentic Eero Saarinen tulip furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 6

What chairs work with a Tulip Table?

Accepted Answer

Many chairs can work with a Tulip table. The Tulip armchair, for example, was part of Eero Saarinen’s Pedestal collection of armless chairs, stools, Tulip side tables and more. The series, produced for Knoll, was a mid-century modernist exercise in simplifying, and Tulip chairs, with their curvy contours, match Tulip side tables and Pedestal dining tables very well. However, you can also try other mid-century modern chairs to see what works best in your space. Shop a collection of mid-century modern dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 7

How can you tell a real Saarinen Tulip table?

Accepted Answer

To tell a real Saarinen Tulip table, look under the tabletop. Authentic Saarinen tables will usually feature a label bearing the Knoll Industries name and a metal plaque that features Eero Saarinen's signature. The style of these tags and labels has changed over the years, but you can find pictures of them on the pages of trusted online resources to compare to the markings on your table. Materials can also be useful when authenticating Tulip tables. Authentic tables will have cast aluminum bases. A wood or plastic base is a good indication that the table is a replica, as is a plastic top rather than one made of wood, laminate or natural stone. If you're still unsure about the authenticity of your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. Find a selection of Eero Saarinen Tulip tables on 1stDibs.

Question 8

Is a tulip table mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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