Pair of 1960s Eero Saarinen Tulip Side Chairs for Knoll

Details

Description

A pair of iconic Tulip side chairs designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, dating to the 1960s. These sculptural chairs … Read more A pair of iconic Tulip side chairs designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, dating to the 1960s. These sculptural chairs are part of Saarinen’s celebrated Pedestal Collection, introduced in 1957 as a radical solution to what he called the “slum of legs” created by conventional table and chair bases.

Saarinen’s vision replaced traditional four-legged furniture with a single, fluid pedestal, creating a clean and unified form that transformed modern interiors. The molded fiberglass shells gently cradle the body while the cast aluminum pedestal bases provide both strength and visual lightness. More than sixty years later, the Tulip chair remains one of the most recognizable and influential designs of the mid-century modern movement.

This pair retains their original shells and pedestal bases, with Knoll markings visible beneath, including a “Knoll Associates” sticker with a Madison Avenue NY22 address and no zip code. The seat cushions have been later upholstered in rich teal leather, offering a sophisticated contrast against the white shells while preserving the chair’s timeless silhouette.

Perfect around a Saarinen dining table or used individually as accent seating, these chairs remain a cornerstone of modern design history.

Dimensions (each):
19” seat width
17.5” seat depth
18” seat height
32” total height

Condition:
Good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The pedestal bases show scattered chips and wear to the white finish. The fiberglass shells show light surface marks from use. It’s possible the chairs were at some point refinished with white paint. Seat pads are later replacements upholstered in teal leather. One chair is missing internal hardware, causing the base to separate from the seat if the chair is lifted by the seat; however, the chair functions normally when in use. Structurally stable overall with expected wear for pieces of this age. See less