One Table, Five Ways

We see Eero Saarinen's classic Tulip Table, and many variations on it, across the pages of Apartment Therapy. It's a simple design that's popular in part because of its versatility. A lot of different chairs look good with the Tulip Table, whether it's the standard white type, a marble-topped model, or a black version. For the same basic table, styled five different ways, click through the photos above and the links below...

• 1 Tulip Table with Eames Chairs: InSpace
• 2 Tulip Table with Chinese Chairs: Interior by April Tidey
• 3 Tulip Table with Eames and Ant Chairs: Inspace
• 4 Tulip Table with Panton Chairs: Glorily and Jeremy's Wicker Park Nest
• 5 Tulip Table with Toledo Chairs: Knoll

Photos: Inspace, Heather Ross courtesy of April Tidey, Inspace, Glorily & Jeremy, Knoll

Comments (13)

long live the tulip table!

posted by timmy jr. on July 23rd 2009 at 4:38pm
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Can't say that any of these chair/table pairings really work for me -- either too much contrast, too little contrast or the wrong type of contrast. If the beautiful kitchen with blue tile backsplash had used four of the molded plywood chairs, I'd be a little in love.

posted by sheilasinn on July 23rd 2009 at 5:03pm
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I like your post, but I really expected to see more variety in the room layouts - there are Eames chairs in 2 of your photos. I've often said almost any chair will work with that table, though I don't really like the french styled chairs in the second photo.

posted by mod-century on July 23rd 2009 at 5:08pm
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The larger tulip table with the Chinese chairs (the 2nd photo) is amazing. It is so beautiful and elegant. The chairs and table are from two different cultures, eras, aesthetics and yet they elegantly compliment one another. The world cannot thrive without beauty. This combination visually illicits beauty.

posted by ShellyinMSP on July 23rd 2009 at 5:16pm
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White Panton chairs on white shag carpet doesn't work for me. Especially with a bottle of red wine on the table.

posted by cleeuw on July 23rd 2009 at 5:21pm
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huh. i've been hesitant to get a docksta or save for the 'real thing' in white because i'd pair it with my parchment coloured shell chairs, and i didn't think the combo would work - but i quite like that first picture.

posted by bullyproofvest on July 23rd 2009 at 6:35pm
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I have a tulip knockoff (that I don't really like) but I am happy with the casala chairs that I bought secondhand:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d125/bmballiett/loft.jpg

posted by bmb on July 23rd 2009 at 10:51pm
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I believe Saarinen designed the Tulip table and chairs to get rid of the clutter of legs. Personally, I like either the Tulip chairs or Panton chairs with this table. The second photo, with the Chinese chairs isn't doing it for me at all.

posted by david @ justveggingout.com on July 24th 2009 at 8:07am
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#2!

posted by jlg on July 24th 2009 at 12:19pm
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#4 is lovely and crazy with the fuzzy rug making the table anc chairs look like their on a cloud...

posted by citipearl on July 24th 2009 at 2:42pm
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posted by rosaleen on July 26th 2009 at 2:55pm
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Not a fan of #2... looks a little awkward, can't put my finger on it.

posted by thecondoist on July 27th 2009 at 2:35pm
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The #4 is very impressive.I have that shag rug and a replica of the tulip,but i think without the rug is more functional.I am going to use them separate

posted by wow10 on July 28th 2009 at 11:22pm
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