Eero Saarinen Tulip Dining Table Value Guide

The 1957 Eero Saarinen Tulip Dining Table is a masterpiece of mid-century modernism designed for Knoll to eliminate the visual clutter of traditional four-legged furniture. Its revolutionary single-pedestal cast aluminum base and organic oval marble top represent a pinnacle of 20th-century American industrial design.

What affects the value of Eero Saarinen Tulip Dining Table?

• The presence of original Knoll branding and manufacturer labels significantly increases the market value to the $4,500-$5,500 range.
• Condition of the marble surface, specifically the absence of deep etching, yellowing, or structural cracks in the stone.
• The quality and type of marble used, with specific varieties like Arabescato or Calacatta often commanding higher prices than standard white marble.
• Authenticity of the base finish, as original Rilsan coatings in good condition are more desirable than tables that have been poorly repainted.

How to Identify Eero Saarinen Tulip Dining Table?

• Check for the Knoll Studio logo and Eero Saarinen's signature engraved on a nameplate located on the underside of the tabletop or top of the pedestal.
• Verify the base is constructed from heavy cast aluminum with a Rilsan finish, rather than plastic or lightweight fiberglass found in reproductions.
• Examine the connection point where the tabletop meets the pedestal; authentic Knoll tables feature a heavy-duty threaded rod system for stability.
• Confirm the marble top has a tapered 'knife-edge' profile, which is a signature aesthetic detail of the original Saarinen design.

History of Eero Saarinen Tulip Dining Table

The Tulip Table, designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957 for Knoll, is a quintessential example of mid-century modern design. Saarinen aimed to eliminate the 'ugly, confusing, unrestful world' underneath chairs and tables, leading to his revolutionary single-pedestal concept. The Tulip collection, which includes dining tables, coffee tables, and chairs, became an instant classic, renowned for its organic forms and sleek minimalism. It remains a highly sought-after piece in the design world.