Question 1

What is a tulip glass?

Accepted Answer

A tulip glass has a bulbous body and a delicate flared top that resembles the lip of a tulip. These drinking glasses are mostly used for beer and are intended to promote flavor and aroma of pilsners and ales. We’re approaching happy hour — shop a range of tulip glasses on 1stDibs today.

Question 2

What is a tulip table?

Accepted Answer

A tulip table is a dining table or occasional table of a certain shape. It’s typically characterized by a slender stem-like pedestal base and a round tabletop. Its name is drawn from the name given to chairs that are part of a collection that Finnish-American designer and architect Eero Saarinen created for iconic mid-century furniture manufacturer Knoll during the 1950s.

The tables in Saarinen’s acclaimed series were called Pedestal tables, while the chairs were called Tulip chairs, armless or not, owing to their flower bulb-like shape. Today, design lovers everywhere frequently refer to Saarinen's Pedestal tables as tulip tables, and any table that looks like a Pedestal table is generally referred to as a tulip table, whether or not Saarinen had anything to do with it.

Find vintage Eero Saarinen tables on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is a champagne tulip glass?

Accepted Answer

Champagne tulip glasses are tall rectangular glasses used for champagne and champagne cocktails. It has a tapered mouth and a wider flared body, compared to the standard flute glass, and helps avoid the loss of carbonation from the drink. Shop a collection of champagne tulip glasses from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Why is it called a tulip table?

Accepted Answer

The Tulip table is called that because it matches the Tulip chair. With its tapered shape, the seat of the chair resembles a tulip flower. Eero Saarinen designed both the Tulip chair and the Tulip table. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Tulip tables.

Question 5

What era are tulip tables from?

Accepted Answer

Tulip tables are from the mid-century modern era. Finnish-American architect and furniture maker Eero Saarinen created the table in 1956 as part of the Pedestal collection of chairs and stools. The Pedestal table and its accompanying Tulip armchairs and armless chairs comprised cast-aluminum bases (“Tulip” became a common descriptor for all of the furnishings in the collection). Each table, stool and chair was crafted with a single, tapered cylindrical leg that descends to a base that flares into a circle, giving the illusion of being one piece. The series was designed for Knoll Inc. On 1stDibs, find vintage Tulip tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 6

Are tulip tables sturdy?

Accepted Answer

With a cast iron or aluminum alloy base, rest assured, the tulip table is indeed sturdy. With its centrally-placed leg, the style of the table was designed to be functional and structurally solid. You’ll find a variety of tulip tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

How can I tell if a tulip table is real?

Accepted Answer

Eero Saarinen tulip tables are beloved by interior designers worldwide, and there are some key things to look for to ensure your table is authentic. Examine the base of the chairs and table and confirm they're made from one piece of cast aluminum with no visible seams. Tulip tables have been crafted from various materials over the years, but never plastic. You can also turn the table over to look for a Knoll Inc. tag, though some vintage tables may not have this. On 1stDibs, you'll find a collection of authentic Eero Saarinen tulip furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 8

What chairs work with a Tulip Table?

Accepted Answer

Many chairs can work with a Tulip table. The Tulip armchair, for example, was part of Eero Saarinen’s Pedestal collection of armless chairs, stools, Tulip side tables and more. The series, produced for Knoll, was a mid-century modernist exercise in simplifying, and Tulip chairs, with their curvy contours, match Tulip side tables and Pedestal dining tables very well. However, you can also try other mid-century modern chairs to see what works best in your space. Shop a collection of mid-century modern dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How can you tell a real Saarinen Tulip table?

Accepted Answer

To tell a real Saarinen Tulip table, look under the tabletop. Authentic Saarinen tables will usually feature a label bearing the Knoll Industries name and a metal plaque that features Eero Saarinen's signature. The style of these tags and labels has changed over the years, but you can find pictures of them on the pages of trusted online resources to compare to the markings on your table. Materials can also be useful when authenticating Tulip tables. Authentic tables will have cast aluminum bases. A wood or plastic base is a good indication that the table is a replica, as is a plastic top rather than one made of wood, laminate or natural stone. If you're still unsure about the authenticity of your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. Find a selection of Eero Saarinen Tulip tables on 1stDibs.

Question 10

Is a tulip table mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What should you not put on a glass table?

Accepted Answer

With a glass table, avoid putting anything on top heavier than the recommended weight capacity of the table. Items with rough or sharp bottoms could scratch glass. If you wish to display an item on top of a glass table, line the bottom of the item with felt to protect the tabletop. On 1stDibs, shop a range of glass tables from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 12

Are glass coffee tables durable?

Accepted Answer

Whether glass coffee tables are durable depends on the craftsmanship and the materials. Generally, tables with tempered glass are less likely to shatter and break. How well you care for a coffee table will also impact its life span. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of glass coffee tables.

Question 13

What is the best thickness for a glass table top?

Accepted Answer

The best thickness for a glass table top depends on usage. If the glass is used just as a cover, then ¼-inch thick glass is likely good enough. If the glass will be used is as a table surface, then you should choose the thickness of the glass according to the size of the table. If the glass used is supporting heavy items, or its size is more than 24 inches, then choose glass that is thicker than ¼ inch. Thicker glass will feel and look more substantial, but thicker glass becomes heavier with increasing size. On 1stDibs, find antique and vintage glass-top dining room tables, glass-top coffee tables, side tables and more.

Question 14

Which is better: a glass or acrylic coffee table?

Accepted Answer

Whether a glass or acrylic coffee table is better is a matter of personal preference. An acrylic table is less likely to shatter and often lighter in weight, while a glass coffee table may have a more prominent shine. How carefully a coffee table is crafted also impacts its quality and longevity. On 1stDibs, shop a range of coffee tables.

Question 15

Should I put a glass top on my dining table?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should put glass on top of your dining table to minimize scratches and wear. Glass allows you to see the beauty of the wood while protecting it from everyday wear.

Question 16

What can I substitute for a glass coffee table top?

Accepted Answer

You can substitute a number of things for a glass table top. Try painted wood, marble or sheet metal. To decide what to use, consider the overall style of your room and the other types of materials featured in the space. Shop a selection of tables from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

Is a glass table better for small spaces?

Accepted Answer

Whether a glass table is better for small spaces is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find that a transparent glass table creates the illusion of a larger room and makes a compact area feel more spacious. Shop a variety of glass tables on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What type of glass is used for coffee tables?

Accepted Answer

The most preferred type of glass for a coffee table is tempered glass. In case of a mishap, this type of glass will fracture into small pieces. One-half inch thick glass is the most popular for coffee tables. 1stDibs offers different antique, vintage and new glass coffee tables.

Glass Tulip Table

20th Century American Art Deco End Tables

Pair of Elegant Art Deco Tulip Shaped Glass Top End Tables C.1930 s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Charles Hollis Jones Style Tulip Tube Glass Lucite Dining Table Vintage, 1970s

Late 20th Century American Modern Dining Room Tables

Vintage Modern Shaver Howard Slatted Steel Tulip Pedestal Base Table w/Glass Top

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Side Tables

Pair of Elegant Art Deco Tulip Shaped Glass Top End Tables American C.1930 s

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid-Century Modern Teak and Glass G Plan Tulip Table

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Table Lamps

French Art Deco Bronze and Porcelain Table Lamp with Vaseline Glass Tulip, 1920s

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Tulip Table Lamp by Designline in Lt. Orange with White Glass

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Italian Pair of Tulip Red Murano Glass Lamps, 1970s

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Mid-Century Tulip Table Lamps by Designline in Lt. Orange on White Glass

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Oval Table with Black Glass Top on Tulip Foot Turns into Full Length Mirror

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Table Lamps

Antique Signed Bradley Hubbard Cranberry Slag Glass Tulip Oil Lamp, c1890

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Brass Tulip Table Lamp by Laurel Co.

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Mid-Century Tulip Shaped Table and Four Chairs

20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables

French Art Deco Hammered Iron and Glass Tulip Console, Nickel-Plated, 1930

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Vintage Italian Round Gilded Gold Black Metal Tulip Cocktail Table

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Midcentury Green Mosaic Tulip Coffee Table by Heinz Lilienthal, 1960s

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Pair of White Lacquered German 1960s Tulip Side Tables by Opal

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau "Dispersed Tulip" Table Lamp by, Tiffany Studios

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Table Lamps

Patinated Bronze Art Deco Figurative Lamp with a Colored Glass Tulip Shade

Vintage 1960s French Hollywood Regency Table Lamps

French Tulip Shade Brass Table Lamp in the Manner of Rene Latique

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Bill Curry Stemlite Tulip Base Table Lamp for Design Line Egg Shaped White Globe

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Side Tables

Classicon Bell Side Black/Grey + Zanotta Yellow Cumano + Artifort Black Tulip

20th Century American Space Age Table Lamps

Midcentury Stemlite Tulip Lamp by Bill Curry for Design Line

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Midcentury Stemlite Tulip Lamp by Bill Curry for Design Line

20th Century Italian Modern Table Lamps

Angelo Mangiarotti Lesbo Table Lamp for Artemide Italian Blown Glass 1960s

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tables

Vintage Tulip Table

Vintage 1960s American Center Tables

Baguette Edge Mirrored Tulip Table

Early 20th Century American Table Lamps

Tulip Motif Slag Glass Lamp

Vintage 1970s French Side Tables

Vintage Etched Bronze Tulip Side Table

Vintage 1970s French Dining Room Tables

Brass Tulip Base Dining Table

Vintage 1950s Dutch Coffee and Cocktail Tables

A Glass Topped Cocktail Table with a Tulip Shaped Base

20th Century French Art Deco Dining Room Tables

Chrome and Brass Tulip Base Dining Table with Smoke Glass Top

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

French Tulip Shape Lucite and Glass Dining or Center Table with Curved Legs

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Vintage Chrome Tulip Coffee Table

Vintage 1970s American Space Age Dining Room Tables

Tulip glass and metal space age dining table by Chromcraft USA 1970s

20th Century French Center Tables

1960 s French Chrome Tulip Form Pedestal Table

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

DIA Tulip Form Side Table w/ Brass-Plated Metal Topped w/ Octagon Beveled Glass

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Large Table Lamp Italy 1970s Mid-Century Chrome Opalin Glass Steel tulip 20th

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Table with Sculpted Tulip Base

Vintage 1950s French Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Bruce Cohen
Tulips on Glass Table, 2015