Design Icon: Eero Saarinen

Eero Saarinen lived from 1910-1961 and is most famously known for two things:

1) The St. Louis Arch

2) The Tulip Table

I find it interesting that famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Eero Saarinen who built famous structures also built furniture. Designing buildings and furniture seem like two totally different things to me but what would I know. I guess what I do know is that I love the tulip table.

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So simple and classic. Getting an original or licensed tulip table will set you back a few thousand dollars but of course there are reproductions galore. IKEA makes the most popular reproduction.

For only $199 you can get this Docksta dining room table. I know I should feel guiltier about buying knock-offs but I don't.

Saarinen made other famous pieces of furniture which included matching chairs to the tulip table.

Tulip Chairs

Womb Chair and Ottoman

Executive Chair

Do you recognize any of these pieces? I know when I first started researching Saarinen I was surprised at what he had designed. Now I play a sort of game when I'm looking at design books and magazines... what designer pieces can I name?

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What do you think of Saarinen? I love the modern look of his pieces but I don't think I'd want a complete matching set... I like that modern plastic mixed together with rustic wood in the last picture..