if you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know i’m a complete and utter sucker for all things Saarinen — eero saarinen, that is. a Finnish American architect and industrial designer noted for his neo-futuristic style and famous for his almost whimsical, some might say space-age looking tulip-based pedestal tables and chairs (makes sense since he’s also designed a few airports and his last name is eero — get it?) which he designed in collaboration when working with knoll furniture.
I actually had to take count, but i literally have five Saarinen tulip swivel chairs and five tables — from my dining and coffee table to three different sized side tables. i just love them that much. while they’re technically mid-century modern and debuted in 1958, i find their sculptural look easily blends with a lot of other eras, and have my dining table, for instance, paired with some vintage bentwood thonet chairs. and the thing about their beautiful tulip-shaped table base is that it never interferes with your chairs, like a typically four-legged table might — and they just feel airier to me than a more traditional dining table. the chairs are great, too – streamline and sleek, and did i mention, super comfortable? there are knock-offs like tulip table and ikea’s doksta, but i always support the real thing if you can swing it, and because it’s a classic it’s always a good investment — and vintage is always a great option. here are a few looks i love incorporating saarinen tables and chairs.