Anyone shopping for a Saarinen table soon runs into words that sound interchangeable but are not: original, reissue, replica, "Tulip style". Knowing the difference helps you spend wisely, understand exactly what you are buying and choose the right table for your home. Here is a plain-English guide.
Eero Saarinen and the idea of a table on a single foot
Eero Saarinen, the Finnish-born American architect and designer, created the Pedestal Collection in the mid-1950s: tables and chairs resting on a single, chalice-shaped central base. His aim was to clear away the jumble of table and chair legs that, in his view, made rooms look cluttered. The result is a smooth, almost sculptural silhouette that we still recognise at a glance. For the full story of the design, read our history of the Tulip table.
Original, reissue, "style": three words worth separating
Original refers to the table made by the company that holds the rights to Saarinen's design, Knoll, which has produced it since the 1950s. It is a collector's piece, priced accordingly.
Reissue or replica are terms many manufacturers use for tables that reproduce the shape and proportions of the model. They are generic words: they tell you the table is inspired by the design, not how it is made.
Tulip style or Saarinen style is the most accurate description of a table that reinterprets the pedestal base with its own materials and sizes. That is what Tavoli.Design offers: tables inspired by Saarinen's design, not original Knoll products. Calling things by their proper name is the first sign of a trustworthy seller.
What really matters, beyond the name
Whether original or style, a quality table shows in the same places.
- The base. It should be stable, heavy enough to balance the top and carefully finished. A well-lacquered cast aluminium base gives strength without weighing down the line.
- The top. With marble, look at thickness, polish and the consistency of the slab; with laminate, look at surface resistance and the finish of the edges.
- The proportions. The appeal of the Tulip lies in the ratio between top and base: if the top overhangs too much, the table loses its balance, both visually and physically.
- The joint between top and base. A hidden detail, but it decides how stable the table stays over the years.
We have gathered every check in a dedicated guide: how to recognise a quality Tulip table.
Marble or laminate: the choice that sets the table's character
A marble top is the most iconic version. White Carrara with grey veining brightens a room; black Marquinia creates a bold contrast with a white base; Emperador Dark brings warm, deep tones. Every slab is different, and that is exactly its value.
Laminate is the practical choice: it stands up well to scratches, stains and moisture, which makes it ideal for a table used every day, in the kitchen for example. Worth knowing: the extendable versions, round and oval, are available with a laminate top only.
Shape and size: round or oval?
The Saarinen table comes in two shapes. The round Tulip table encourages conversation and suits smaller rooms, with diameters from 90 to 160 cm. The oval Tulip table seats more guests and fits longer dining rooms. Either way, the central base leaves plenty of legroom and makes it easy to add an extra chair.
To complete the look, many customers choose matching pedestal chairs such as the Tulip chair with fabric seat, which echoes the line of the table.
Why is it called "Tulip"?
The nickname comes from its shape: the base flares upwards like the stem and cup of a tulip. That is why people speak of a Tulip table, a tulip dining table or a Saarinen table almost interchangeably: three ways of describing the same family of pedestal tables. When comparing offers, look past the name and check the materials, sizes and finishes that are actually stated.
In short: which table is right for you?
If you want a collector's piece bearing the historic maker's name, the original is the answer. If you want the same clean elegance with a natural marble or laminate top, in a range of sizes and at a more accessible budget, a well-made Tulip-style table is the right choice. What matters is always knowing what you are buying: stated materials, clear dimensions and a seller who uses the right words.
Browse all our Tulip tables in marble and laminate and, if you are unsure about shape or size, get in touch: we will help you choose.