saarinen tulip collection
whats the history of the tulip collection?
The idea was born in 1955, when Saarinen told Florence Knoll: “We have chairs with four legs, with three and even with two, but no one has made one with just one leg, so that’s what we’ll do.”
Driven by this bold vision, Saarinen embarked on a years-long process of sketches, scale models, and material experimentation. By 1958, Knoll International brought the collection to market. The collaboration between Eero Saarinen and Florence Knoll fostered through their shared education at the Cranbrook Academy of Art was key to turning artistic vision into practical reality.
The Tulip Collection was part of a broader postwar modernist movement, focused on clean lines, honest materials, and industrial production. Saarinen’s work, in particular, stood out for its sculptural sensitivity.
the design
how are they made?
The iconic base of the tulip design is crafted from heavy, moulded cast aluminium. Each base is coated in a protective Rilsan finish, available in black or white, which provides exceptional durability and resistance to scratches, chips, and fading.
In the chairs, the seat shell is made from moulded fibreglass, while the stem and base are also cast aluminium. Saarinen originally envisioned the entire chair to be made from one piece of fibreglass, but due to structural limitations, the decision to separate the shell from the base was made leading to the addition of a swivelling mechanism, which became a distinctive feature.
The chairs are available with either a seat pad or a fully upholstered inner shell, offered in a wide selection of fabrics and leathers to suit different interiors and personal preferences.
who was Eero Saarinen?
Born into a deeply creative family his father, Eliel Saarinen, was a prominent architect and his mother, Loja Saarinen, a respected textile designer Eero was immersed in the world of design from an early age. He studied sculpture at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris before turning to architecture at Yale University. Throughout his career, Saarinen collaborated with leading figures such as Charles Eames and Florence Knoll, developing a distinctive design language rooted in modernist ideals.
His architectural legacy includes some of the 20th century’s most iconic structures, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport in New York, and Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. Saarinen believed in “total design,” where everything from furniture to urban planning was connected by a unified vision a philosophy perfectly embodied in his revolutionary Pedestal Collection for Knoll.
what are the choices in the tulip collection?
dining tables
The Saarinen dining tables come in round or oval. Each piece features the signature single pedestal base made from cast aluminium, protected with a durable Rilsan finish. Base colours are usually in white or blac but in some recent collections, a platinum finish may also be available. Tabletops can be specified in an extensive range of finishes including laminate, wood veneer, and various luxurious marbles. Popular marble choices mirror those of the side tables Arabescato, Nero Marquina, and Grigio Carnico among them but Knoll has recently introduced new options such as Emperador Light marble, which brings a warm, soft-toned alternative. Additional finish innovations include Modern Clay, a tactile laminate with a matt, stone-like texture, and Topo Noir Veneer, a dark, richly grained wood veneer. These newer options reflect Knoll’s effort to expand the collection’s design versatility while staying true to Saarinen’s original sculptural intent.
coffee + side tables
Saarinen side tables and coffee tables come in a range of sizes and heights and are available with a cast aluminium pedestal base finished in Rilsan, typically in white, though black may also be an option depending table. The tabletops come in a range of premium finishes, including satin-smooth laminate, natural veneer, and a wide selection of marble types. Marble finishes available include Arabescato, Statuarietto, Nero Marquina, Rosso Rubino, Brown Emperador, Verde Alpi, Grigio Carnico, and Sahara Noir each offering a distinct look from soft, cloudy whites to bold, veined blacks and rich earth tones.
tulip chairs
The tulip chaircomes in a armless and armchair version. The base is made from heavy cast aluminium and coated in Rilsan, available in white or black finishes. The seat shell is formed from moulded fibreglass and is offered in both fixed and swivel models. Customers can choose between two upholstery options: a removable seat pad, which attaches with Velcro, or a fully upholstered inner shell that lines the entire interior of the seat. A wide range of fabric and leather choices are available through Knoll’s upholstery program, allowing for customisation in everything from bold colours to soft neutrals and luxurious textures. These chairs are designed not only for visual harmony with the Pedestal tables, but also for comfort and practicality in everyday use.
real or fake?
Investing in an authentic Saarinen Tulip piece is about far more than just owning a beautiful piece of furniture it's about owning a work of design history. Designed by Eero Saarinen in collaboration with Knoll, each table or chair in the collection is the result of years of experimentation, sculptural refinement, and innovative engineering. These aren’t just stylish furnishings; they’re the physical embodiment of mid-century modern ideals and a legacy of American design excellence. When you purchase an authentic version, you are assured exceptional quality, durability, and attention to detail. The materials used such as solid cast aluminium bases, real marble tops, and finely tailored upholstery are selected not just for aesthetics, but for longevity.
These pieces are built to last generations, which is why they are so often found in museums, design institutions, and iconic interiors across the world. Counterfeit or replica versions, by contrast, are frequently made with substandard materials, compromised construction, and incorrect proportions that diminish both the visual and structural integrity of the design. Owning a genuine Saarinen piece also means you're supporting ethical design production. Knoll continues to manufacture the collection using the same rigorous standards set when it was introduced in 1958.
Each piece includes the KnollStudio logo and Saarinen’s signature engraved on a nameplate beneath the top, offering a guarantee of authenticity, craftsmanship, and traceable provenance something no imitation can provide. Moreover, authentic Saarinen furniture retains its resale and collectible value. As appreciation for original mid-century design continues to grow, these pieces are considered investment-worthy, often increasing in value over time. Replicas, on the other hand, tend to depreciate quickly and offer little to no return on investment.
Ultimately, choosing the real Pedestal Collection is a choice to value originality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. It’s a decision that respects the designer’s vision and ensures that your space is enhanced by a piece of true design heritage - not a shallow imitation.
How to look after your tulip collection? See Knolls product maintenance and cleaning guides.
