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.
• photography credits in order of appearance: neville trickett; elle decoration; habitually chic; sfgirlbybay; est living; julia robbs photography; est living; etsy; holly marder; la cool et chic; a beautiful mess; abitare studio; the shiny squirrel; design within reach; the guardian; the socialite family; style me pretty; semikah textiles; fantastic frank; anne sage; studio del mar; traditional home; apartment therapy; elle decoration; etsy; holly marder; t.a. lorton; studio oink; my domaine; nicole valentine don; remodelista.
The tulip table…the Cherner chair…both on my dream wish list.
Of course, no mention of Eero Saarinen should go by without mentioning the amazing TWA Terminal at JFK, which has recently been remodeled into a hotel. With all the appropriate decor. Well worth a look. I would love to stay there!
I’m also fond of his fathers work, Elliel Saarinen. A good starting place is Cranbrook Academy of Art and Architecture.
true, true! i briefly mentioned airports, but it is a very cool one!
Your Saarinen obsession is well-founded. I do wish you would separate the knock-offs from the authentic Knoll pieces – which are easy to spot because of their perfect proportions and ever-so-slender “stems”. While not everyone can afford a genuine Saarinen piece, we can all aspire to owning one!