Pedestal collection by Eero Saarinen

The Pedestal Collection: Iconic design by Eero Saarinen

Eero Saarinen counts among the most influential architects and designers of the 20th century. With his famous Pedestal collection he created a perfect combination of innovation, elegance and functionality; a collection which owes its name to the distinctive one-legged base of the tables and chairs. Saarinen's vision of a clear, flowing design language is particularly evident in the iconic Tulip Chairs, and to this day his designs are timeless classics that inspire design lovers around the world.

► The Saarinen Furniture Collection: A vision of modern living
► From which design era is the Saarinen furniture?
► Saarinen furniture as an interior design element
► For whom is Saarinen furniture an interesting option?
► Saarinen Tulip furniture from Knoll International in store in Germany

The Pedestal collection, here with Saarinen Tulip armchairs with red upholstery, the Saarinen Tulip chairs with green seat upholstery and the Saarinen oval dining table

The Saarinen Furniture Collection: A vision of modern living

The Finnish architect and designer Eero Saarinen found traditional, multi-legged furniture visually restless and was looking for a clearer, more elegant solution. After five years of development he proposed a radical alternative: tables and chairs with a single, slim base frame. A concept which although known Saarinen employed contemporary materials to refine and visually reduce thereby creating a new, iconic design language responsive to contemporary domestic arrangements.

Saarinen designed the now legendary Pedestal collection between 1955 and 1957 in close cooperation with the American furniture manufacturer Knoll, who continue to produce the collection to this day. The collection's iconic designs include the Saarinen Tables and the Saarinen Tulip Chairs, whose curved, organic, floral, shape, bequeaths it its name and its singular charm.

Saarinen Tulip Chairs: Available as a swivel chair, with or without armrests and in various upholstery options

Saarinen Tables: Dining, coffee and side tables in round or oval shapes, with table tops made of laminate or marble

From which design era is the Saarinen furniture?

The furniture in the Tulip collection embodies the ideas of Mid Century Modern Design, a style era that emerged in the middle of the 20th century and remains relevant to this day. This style is characterised by clear, straightforward shapes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The characteristic one-legged base of the Saarinen furniture not only offers maximum legroom, but also gives the tables and chairs an extraordinary elegance. This combination of function and aesthetics is the central principle of Mid Century Modern design: furniture should not only look good, but also make everyday life easier. Typical of this style is the combination of natural materials such as wood with materials that were revolutionary at the time, such as aluminum and fiberglass. Saarinen furniture combines die-cast aluminum, glass fiber reinforced plastic for the seat shell and – for the Saarinen tables – marble.

Mid Century Modern avoids excessive ornamentation and instead relies on the effect of form and material – a principle that has also made Saarinen furniture with its distinctive one-legged frame a timeless design classic and makes Saarinen a furniture pioneer.

The Saarinen furniture is representative of Mid Century design, seen here in a minimalist setting

Saarinen furniture as an interior design element

The furniture in the Saarinen collection works best with other pieces of furniture and accessories that either underline or subtly contrast their clear design language. With the right combination, contemporary spaces can be furnished that are inviting, authentic and original.

Which chairs go with the Saarinen tables?

The Tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen are the most obvious choice, as they were designed specifically for these tables. Their shapes and proportions are perfectly coordinated and form a harmonious unit. If however you like something a little more varied, you can also choose other chairs with clear lines and organic shapes:

Diamond armchair by Harry Bertoia: With its delicate, curved wire frame, this armchair brings a sculptural and airy touch to the room and skilfully complements the Saarinen side tables.

Panton Chair by Verner Panton: The curved shape of the Panton Chair fits surprisingly well into the organic aesthetics of the Saarinen dining tables and at the same time sets a futuristic accent.

Platner Armchair by Warren Platner: The Platner chair is also produced by Knoll International and, in combination with the Saarinen dining tables, creates a breathtaking mix of materials and a particularly sophisticated look.

Which tables go with the Saarinen Tulip Chairs?

The Saarinen tables are the most obvious addition to the Tulip Chairs, as together they form a consistent design concept. The versions with a marble top in particular look elegant and timeless. Another option is the Platner dining table by Warren Platner; with its wire construction and curved shapes, the Platner table matches the Saarinen chairs well in terms of material and design, but at the same time sets its own sculptural accent.

For whom is Saarinen furniture an interesting option?

The furniture with the striking columnar base by Eero Saarinen combines innovative furniture design with timeless aesthetics in a unique way. With their clear lines and iconic design they set special accents in every room. Whether it's a dining table, coffee table or Tulip chair - Saarinen furniture is more than just furnishings, it is a work of art that lasts for generations. That's why the furniture in the Pedestal collection is ideal for people who value quality, exceptional design and functionality. They fit into both minimalist interiors and rooms that should exude a touch of luxury.

Saarinen Tulip furniture from Knoll International in store in Germany

Would you like to buy a Saarinen table or a Saarinen Tulip chair, or are you thinking about redecorating your living room or dining room with Saarinen furniture? We would be happy to advise you on Knoll International in your area throughout Germany in one of our smow stores and introduce you to selected models of Saarinen furniture.