Furniture By Eero Saarinen
It is likely that everyone has seen a table by Eero Saarinen. This understated Modern Classic design is probably the most recognizable collection of tables in the past 50 years.Originally introduced in 1956 this classic is a true staple in modern furniture.
In his purist approach to design, Finnish-born Eero Saarinen sought the essential idea and reduced it to the most effective structural solution. The underside of typical chairs and tables makes a confusing, unrestful world,” explained Saarinen.
“I wanted to clear up the slum of legs.” In his pedestal collection, which includes a dining, coffee and side table, Saarinen realized his ideal of formal unity: “Every significant piece of furniture has a holistic structure.”
Winner of the 1969 Museum of Modern Art Award
50th Anniversary of Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Dining Tables
Just over 50 years ago Knoll unveiled the Pedestal Collection of tulip dining tables by Eero Saarinen, known today as the “Tulip Collection“, which has evolved into a symbol of mid-century modern furniture design and a staple in the Knoll design legacy.
In that time the collection has become the most well know modern oval and the round dining table series in a laminate, marble, granite or veneer. For the 50th anniversary of this iconic collection, Knoll is adding a platinum base finish and reintroducing rosewood and teak table tops which will be a permanent addition to the line.
All tulip pieces ordered during the anniversary year will carry a special commemorative medallion and a special certificate of authenticity. These are wonderful pieces to have in a home and do exceptionally well in a small space such as an apartment or flat.
Revival of the Womb Settee by Eero Saarinen
The Womb Settee by Eero Saarinen was out of production for a while, but never “out of style” as its manufacturer says. The always modern settee was reintroduced in production and into Knoll’s 2016 furniture collection.
While the Womb chair continues to be even today the most iconic and recognized representations of mid-century organic modernism, the double seat also has a special place of its own in furniture history manuals. Saarinen developed his fit-for-two Womb Settee in 1948 for his first big architectural commission, the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.
This double seat owes its popularity to the simple, wide structure with concave armrests and movable cushions that enable you to lounge, sit upright or lay in any position you desire.
The double-wide design is the perfect modern refuge for the living room, bedroom or office. Seat shell is foam-covered molded fiberglass and upholstered in a wide range of fabrics and leather, including KnollTextiles fabrics and a range of Spinneybeck leathers.
The separate seat & back cushions are constructed of polyester fiber with a foam core. They manufacture the base of the Womb Settee from a steel rod with polished chrome or black paint.
They design the Womb Settee to facilitate a relaxed sitting posture, providing comfort and a sense of security. Saarinen created a shell shape that allowed for multiple, relaxed sitting positions, and meant that curled up comfort could be achieved without tons of cushioning.
At around $6,300 the Womb loveseat is not exactly an affordable piece, but if you want to own a piece of history and you are ready to wait 8-10 weeks for your item to be delivered, then it’s worth every penny.
Founded in 1938 by Hans and Florence Knoll, today Knoll is recognized internationally for creating workplace and residential furnishings that inspire, evolve, and endure.
A furniture manufacturer that continues to remain true to the Bauhaus design philosophy it was founded on, that modern furniture should complement architectural space, not compete with it.
