Tulip Bistro Table

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.

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.

The main difference between a bistro table and a pub table is the size. A bistro table is usually around 28 to 36 inches tall, so you can sit at it with a standard dining chair. Often, people pair bistro chairs with bistro tables. A pub table is taller at around 40 to 44 inches and requires a pub-height chair or stool for comfortable seating. Find a variety of pub and bistro tables on 1stDibs.

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.

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.

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.

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.