Working from home has changed the way we use our living space. Not everyone has a spare room to turn into a study, so the dining table often becomes the main workstation for at least part of the day. If that sounds familiar, it is worth asking whether your table, or the one you are about to buy, can handle both jobs. The Tulip table is a smart choice: it was designed for dining, but its shape makes it surprisingly comfortable as a desk. Here is how to get the most out of it.
Why a pedestal base works so well for a desk
Anyone who sits for hours knows how annoying it is when a table leg is always in the wrong place. Eero Saarinen's tulip base solves this: there is a single support in the centre, so you can sit anywhere around the edge, pull your chair in as close as you like and move your legs freely. Even a wheeled office chair glides around without bumping into anything. For a closer look at the differences, read our comparison pedestal table or four legs.
Round or oval: which shape suits a home office
The shape of the top makes a real difference to how you work.
- Round: ideal for one person working alone with a laptop and a few papers. It takes up little room, fits neatly into a corner of the living room or next to a window, and becomes a dining table again in the evening without moving anything. You will find every size in our round Tulip tables category.
- Oval: a better fit if two people work from home, or if you need plenty of surface for a monitor, a printer, files or samples. The elongated shape lets you set up two workstations at opposite ends without getting in each other's way.
A useful rule of thumb: a comfortable laptop station needs at least 60 cm of depth in front of you and about 80 cm of width. With an external monitor you will need more. For how much room to leave around the table, see our guide to the right dining table dimensions.
Marble or laminate: what changes when you work on it
The material of the top matters when you use it every day.
Marble looks stunning, feels pleasant to the touch, stays cool in summer and makes a statement all year round. It does need a little care, though: coffee cups, acidic drinks and pens can leave marks. If you often work with a drink nearby, use coasters and a mouse mat, and follow the tips in our article on how to protect marble from stains and scratches.
Laminate is the most practical choice for heavy use: it copes well with everyday wear, wipes clean with a cloth and does not mind keyboards, laptops and other objects sliding across it. It is also the only material available for the extendable models, which are handy if the table has to host both work and meals for a larger group.
The right chair for working (and eating)
A desk is only as comfortable as the chair in front of it. If the table doubles as a dining table, look for a balance: a backrest that supports you well, a seat height that suits the tabletop and a style that matches the room. Tulip-style chairs, with their enveloping shell, pair naturally with the table; for long working days a lumbar cushion can help. Find more ideas in our article on how to match chairs to your Tulip table.
Light and position in the room
Where you put the table matters as much as its shape. The ideal is natural light coming from the side, so there is no glare on the screen and no shadow on the keyboard. If you can, avoid sitting with the screen facing straight into the window. In the evening, a pendant light centred over the table works well for both dinner and work, perhaps with a small adjustable desk lamp alongside. For more ideas, read how to light your dining area.
From work to dinner in five minutes
The real advantage of a table that doubles as a desk is flexibility, but a little organisation stops the living room from turning into a permanent office:
- keep a box, drawer or trolley near the table to store the laptop, cables and papers at the end of the day;
- use a single charger and an extension lead that is easy to hide;
- choose accessories (pen pot, mat, lamp) in colours that match the table, so they blend in when left out;
- give the top a quick wipe and the table is ready for dinner.
Small spaces: one surface, two uses
In a small flat the Tulip table really comes into its own: the single base keeps it visually light, and a small round top fits even into a tight corner. Working and eating at the same table saves you buying a separate desk. You will find more advice in our guide to the Tulip table for small spaces.
In short
- The pedestal base leaves your legs free and works well with an office chair.
- Round for one person and small rooms, oval for two workstations or lots of equipment.
- Marble for looks, with a little care; laminate for heavy daily use.
- Side lighting, a good chair and somewhere to put everything away at night.
Not sure which model will work best for working and dining in the same space? Get in touch and we will help you choose the right Tulip table for your home.