The Saarinen Table is a timeless design icon

Anyone who has come face-to-face with the awkward design dilemma that often befalls most eat-in kitchens will recognize this problem, which Finnish-American architect and furniture designer Eero Saarinen recognized early.

In 1956, he solved it with his elegant Pedestal Collection - still stunning today with Saarinen Dining Table and Tulip Chairs that still draw admiring glances.

Eero Saarinen’s Ingenious Pedestal Design

Eero Saarinen was an iconic modernist, seamlessly merging his Scandinavian roots and American industrial influences into pioneering designs that were years ahead of their time. His works helped define post-World War II American landscape; today his influence can still be felt by design enthusiasts, vintage collectors, and television shows such as Mad Men or Grace and Frankie that feature his works.

As a designer, Saarinen sought solutions to common issues through nature and human anatomy as sources of inspiration, creating designs that were both functional and comfortable. He was heavily influenced by both of his parents: Eliel was an architect at Cranbrook Academy of Art while Loja was a textile artist/sculptor; these influences can be found throughout Saarinen's architecture and furniture designs.

Saarinen was well-travelled, often returning with samples from various architectural styles from different cultures to his studio. These experiences allowed him to observe how other designers approached similar design challenges - a crucial influence on his style. Furthermore, Finnish architect Alvar Aalto's minimalistic yet organic forms also had a tremendous effect on Saarinen.

Saarinen would often turn to scaled models during his design process for testing out ideas. He found great joy in seeing how they looked and could help visualize an interior space. Biomorphic forms popular at that time also provided him with ample inspiration, serving as the basis of many of his later creations.

The Tulip Collection’s Sophisticated Aesthetic

Saarinen considered four-legged table designs unrestful and disorganized, but the single pedestal base of the Tulip Collection exudes grace and sophistication, creating an open feel in any room that gives space a wider appearance - making this table ideal for modern and contemporary living spaces alike.

Saarinen's Tulip Table's elegant aesthetic can also be attributed to his emphasis on functionality and practicality, particularly swivel designs which enable easy movement for modern living spaces or urban dwellings, without joints or seams in its design which gives it a sleek organic appearance still sought-after today.

Knoll still produces its Tulip Dining and Coffee tables today (Eero Saarinen was friends with Florence Knoll at that time), with various top options including marble, laminate and wood veneer available as top choices. Furthermore, the variety of sizes makes them suitable for various interior design aesthetics.

Saarinen Tulip Tables have quickly become design classics thanks to their classic silhouette and innovative design, winning over architects, designers and home decorators alike. Boasting timeless beauty and long-term appeal, these iconic tables make an excellent addition to any interior design project or renovation effort.

The Saarinen Dining Table – 72’’ Oval is a Timeless Design Icon

The Saarinen Dining Table - 72'' Oval features a modern, refined design that elevates any dining or work space. Its versatile color options can easily blend in with various decor styles; white offers a clean and crisp aesthetic perfect for light spaces while black creates a dramatic presence that works well in more formal or upscale environments. Both colors boast stunning marble veining designs to bring movement and fluidity into their designs and further elevate this table's timeless allure.

The Saarinen Dining Table - 72'' features an eye-catching sculptural base crafted of heavy molded cast aluminum for stability and durability, featuring KnollStudio logo engravings as well as Eero Saarinen's signature on its underside for authentication of this premium piece.

The Saarinen Dining Table - 60'' Round is more than just a table; it is an iconic statement of style and sophistication. Perfect for hosting guests or enjoying quiet family meals, this timeless piece will become the focal point of your home or office, sure to capture everyone who enters. Exceptional craftsmanship ensures this timeless piece has stood the test of time.

The Saarinen Dining Table – 40’’ Tulip is a Timeless Design Icon

The 40'' Round Tulip Dining Table is an icon of Mid-Century Modern design and an indispensable must-have in any space, big or small. Ideal for smaller environments like apartments, its sleek lines can fit easily in corners to save floor space; while its beautiful marble top adds an exquisite aesthetic.

Saarinen set out to completely reinvent how we perceived tables when he created his iconic Tulip Table and its collection of pedestal tables, known as Tulip Collection tables. His intention was to remove from sight all those uncomfortable chair legs found under traditional tables that rendered them unsightly and uncomfortable for chairs to sit on. He spent five years designing this iconic design which now ranks among one of modern furniture's greatest achievements.

Knoll still produces its iconic tulip table and modern pedestal tables today - Florine and Eero were great friends back then). Offering an incredible range of top options that pair beautifully with its stunning base, these oval tables come in different sizes to meet every seating need; be it an industrial atmosphere provided by Tolix chairs, Scandinavian charm of classic wishbone chairs, or contemporary trends of lounge seats like Tolix chairs.