Set of 6 Eliel Saarinen 'Cranbrook' Dining Chairs, Refinished and Reupholstered

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Description

Offered here is a beautifully restored set of six (6) Eliel Saarinen 'Cranbrook' dining chairs, an enduring icon of early … Read more Offered here is a beautifully restored set of six (6) Eliel Saarinen 'Cranbrook' dining chairs, an enduring icon of early American modernism and one of the most recognizable seating designs associated with Saarinen’s refined architectural language initially designed in 1929 for his home at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. With their tall, gently flared slat backs, sculptural vertical lines, and elegant tapered legs, these chairs strike the perfect balance between Streamline Moderne, Art Deco revival, and the clean restraint that would later define Mid-Century Modern interiors.

This set has been professionally refinished and reupholstered, allowing the warmth and depth of the wood grain to read cleanly while maintaining the crisp, tailored edges that make this model so special. The seats have been newly upholstered in a sophisticated ivory leather featuring a subtle pearlescent sheen, giving the chairs an elevated glow under natural light and lending a quiet luxury that feels at home in both classic and contemporary spaces. The combination of the luminous upholstery with the dark contrasting base creates a striking, graphic look that feels equally suited to Scandinavian Modern, Minimalist, Modern Classic, or even Hollywood Regency settings.

Ideal as a complete dining set, these chairs also work beautifully as side chairs, hall chairs, desk chairs, or accent seating, especially in interiors that lean toward curated, architectural pieces with provenance. Whether paired with a Saarinen table, a marble top dining table, or a sleek wood or glass surface, they bring a distinctive “collected” feel associated with designer-driven spaces, galleries, and design-forward residences.

ABOUT ELIEL SAARINEN:
Eliel Saarinen (1873–1950) was a Finnish-born architect and designer whose work helped shape the transition from European Art Nouveau into the refined modernism of the early 20th century. Celebrated for his ability to merge architecture, interiors, furniture, and decorative arts into a unified whole, Saarinen believed that great design should be “total”, every detail considered, from the building structure down to the furnishings within.

After establishing an international reputation in Finland, Saarinen relocated to the United States in the 1920s and became the first resident architect of Cranbrook Educational Community in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. There, he developed what would become one of America’s most important design campuses, while also serving as the founding president and head of the architecture department at the Cranbrook Academy of Art.

Saarinen’s influence at Cranbrook extended beyond architecture, his interiors and furnishings reflected a distinctive blend of modernist clarity, sculptural form, and meticulous craftsmanship. His legendary Saarinen House, designed in the late 1920s as his family home and studio, stands today as an Art Deco masterpiece and a defining expression of his holistic design philosophy.

Often considered one of the most important figures in modern design, Eliel Saarinen’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Cranbrook’s creative community and his work continues to be prized for its timeless elegance, architectural discipline, and museum-level historical significance.

MEASUREMENTS:
H 38.5" x W 20" x D 18.5"
Seat Height: 20"
Seat Depth: 16.5"

CONDITION:
Refinished and reupholstered with new luxury leather. Some minor imperfections and age visible under the refinishing, as these are vintage chairs - they are not perfect but they are beautiful and ready for immediate use in a luxury designer setting. See less