What Is a Saarinen Table? How to Identify Genuine Pieces

In This Article

History of Tulip Table
How to Identify
FAQ

The Saarinen Tulip Table is an iconic midcentury modern design because of its narrow, flaring column base and slim round top. The Tulip Table has proved to be a classic style and is still a popular furniture piece that works in a variety of design styles, from midcentury modern to modern and eclectic to contemporary homes.

Genuine Saarinen Tulip Tables are often expensive when found in good condition. Because of their popularity, there are many imitation pieces on the market. Before you spend a hefty chunk of your paycheck on a Saarinen table, be sure you're getting your money's worth with these tips to confirm it's genuine.

History of Saarinen Tulip Tables

Eero Saarinen (1910-1961), is the Finnish architect who designed the Tulip Table and Tulip Chair in 1956. The table and chair set was named The Pedestal Collection early on when it was introduced between 1957 and 1958 by the furniture company, Knoll. Saarinen also designed chairs with the same type of base, with the intention of removing the chaotic visual appearance of table and chair legs. According to the table's patent filed in 1957, Saarinen wrote, "These designs have a very restful and pleasing effect on an observer, particularly when used in conjunction with chairs of corresponding design."

Saarinen also conceived the St. Louis Gateway Arch, along with many other well-known structures, and received accolades for his modernist furniture designs made by Knoll. But with popularity, imitation usually follows.

One of Saarinen's first notable furniture achievements was in partnership with Charles Eames after the two met while attending the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Their collaborative design, known as the Organic Chair, a small and comfy reading chair, won first place in the Organic Design Home Furnishings competition hosted by the Museum of Modern Art in 1940.

Saarinen didn't start working with Hans and Florence Knoll, whom he also met at Cranbrook, until the late 1940s. Together they created forward-thinking furniture designs until his early death at the age of 51. One of those pieces was the popular Saarinen table, often referenced as the Tulip Table, dating to the late 1950s. These popular tables have been made in both round and oval versions, and they have always been solidly built.

How to Identify a Real Saarinen Tulip Table

The Tulip Table has been widely copied. Savvy shoppers know what clues to look for indicating that the table is authentic. A genuine Saarinen Tulip Table made by Knoll can be identified based on the table's base, top, size, and label. Here's how:

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Examine the Base

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Saarinen's Pedestal Collection dates back to 1956. The seating in the grouping consists of molded fiberglass chairs and upholstered stools, both with aluminum pedestal bases. These popular designs are known as Tulip Chairs. Versions exist with arms and without, and they can be stationary or swivel.

To determine whether a Saarinen table you're considering is authentic, take a look at the materials. The bases of Saarinen tables, like the coordinating Tulip Chairs, are made of cast aluminum, finished in black, white, or platinum. A genuine Saarinen table would never have a base made of plastic, wood, or any other material. They are also made of one piece of aluminum, so there will not be multiple seams present.
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Examine the Top

Fairfield Co. Antique & Design Center / 1stDibs.com

Tabletops were made in an array of colors constructed of laminate or wood veneers, or natural materials like granite or coated Arabescatomarble (in comparison to less expensive Carrera marble). Knoll never used plastic for these tops, however, so that can be a knockout giveaway. Edges should be tapered as well. A table with flat edges is not likely to be authentic.

If you're considering a table with a white-coated marble top with gray veining, take a closer look. Some copies try to get the Saarinen look using marble, but the quality will be lesser in the lookalikes. In fact, the quality of these tables should be high all the way around. If you're looking at a flimsy, cheaply-made table, it's not an original Saarinen.
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Look for a Label

circa20c / 1stDibs.com

With the Pedestal Collection, Eero Saarinen's goal was to eliminate the "slum of legs" typically seen under chairs and tables with four legs. He made hundreds of drawn designs and models to arrive at the final design. Though many of the older, original tables have a label or even a signature from the designer, other originals are devoid of a label or marking.

Nevertheless, always take a look under the table's top to see if you can locate an attached plaque with Saarinen's signature or the Knoll name. If the quality of the table seems to be high, and you don't find a label on a vintage table, do a bit more investigating while you're down there.

Another telltale sign that the table is original: the top of a genuine Tulip Table screws into a single-threaded rod at the base's top. However, you should not see any screws when the top and base are connected.
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Take Measurements

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Be sure to measure the table. Both round and oval versions should be 28 1/4 inches tall. The diameter of the round style will fit one of these sizes:
- 35 3/4 inches (fits three chairs)
- 42 1/2 inches (fits four to five chairs)
- 47 1/4 inches (fits five to six chairs)
- 54 inches (fits six chairs)
- 60 inches (fits seven to eight chairs)
Oval Saarinen tables will have one of these measurements:
- 72 inches by 42 inches (fits six chairs)
- 78 inches by 47 3/4 inches (fits six chairs)
- 84 inches by 47 inches (fits eight chairs)
- 96 inches by 54 inches (fits eight chairs)
Keep in mind that most all Saarinen designs have been copied, but only authentic pieces made by Knoll (now known as MillerKnoll) will hold their high value in the vintage marketplace.

FAQ

How much is the original Tulip Table?

The original Tulip Table (The Pedestal Collection) was sold directly to the interior design trade and not through retail outlets. Knoll's price lists were not made public for the company's products, including this Saarinen table. Today, you can find an original Tulip Table through many vintage furniture dealers that will cost a few thousand dollars. Knoll now sells the Tulip Table directly to consumers, starting at around $2,500 and up, depending on size. Note the Saarinen tables sold now through Knoll are manufactured with the original design, but they are not original tables from the 1950s.
Are Tulip Tables still in style?

Yes, the Tulip Table is considered to be a classic midcentury modern design. It remains a highly functional and attractive table style in contemporary homes.
Is a Tulip Table appropriate for a dining room?

The Tulip Table is typically used in a midcentury modern dining room. It is particularly suitable for smaller spaces.

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