Eero Saarinen Style Tulip Armchair
This is a mid-century modern pedestal armchair, famously known as the Tulip Chair, originally designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957. The chair features a sculptural, fluid silhouette with a white molded fiberglass or reinforced plastic shell that encompasses the back and integrated armrests. It is supported by a sleek, trumpet-shaped cast aluminum pedestal base finished in a matching white Rilsan or powder coating. The seat is fitted with a removable, circular cushion upholstered in a vibrant orange textured hopsack fabric, which provides a bold color contrast to the stark white frame. Structurally, the chair utilizes a swivel mechanism at the base of the stem, allowing for 360-degree rotation. The overall aesthetic belongs to the Space Age or Mid-Century Modern style era, characterized by its rejection of the 'slum of legs' typically found in traditional furniture. The condition appears fair to good: the shell maintains a high-gloss finish, though visible smudges and light surface dirt are present. The orange fabric shows some minor pilling and surface wear consistent with age and use. While no branding is immediately visible in the image, authentic Knoll pieces typically feature the manufacturer's name embossed on the base or a sticker under the cushion; knock-off versions often use lower-grade materials or fixed bases.
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Estimated Value
$600 - $1,200
Basic Information
Category
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Appraised On
April 21, 2026
Estimated Value
$600 - $1,200
Item Description
This is a mid-century modern pedestal armchair, famously known as the Tulip Chair, originally designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957. The chair features a sculptural, fluid silhouette with a white molded fiberglass or reinforced plastic shell that encompasses the back and integrated armrests. It is supported by a sleek, trumpet-shaped cast aluminum pedestal base finished in a matching white Rilsan or powder coating. The seat is fitted with a removable, circular cushion upholstered in a vibrant orange textured hopsack fabric, which provides a bold color contrast to the stark white frame. Structurally, the chair utilizes a swivel mechanism at the base of the stem, allowing for 360-degree rotation. The overall aesthetic belongs to the Space Age or Mid-Century Modern style era, characterized by its rejection of the 'slum of legs' typically found in traditional furniture. The condition appears fair to good: the shell maintains a high-gloss finish, though visible smudges and light surface dirt are present. The orange fabric shows some minor pilling and surface wear consistent with age and use. While no branding is immediately visible in the image, authentic Knoll pieces typically feature the manufacturer's name embossed on the base or a sticker under the cushion; knock-off versions often use lower-grade materials or fixed bases.
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