Tulip dining tables have become my latest obsession – especially for dining zones that are tight on space.
I specified a tulip dining table for my latest design client, which is where this love affair all began. Her apartment is smack bang in the centre of the Melbourne CBD (so jealous), overlooking Flinders Street station. Though the apartment is gorgeous, the open plan kitchen, living and dining room is a tricky one when it comes to layout.
As the couple aren’t big cooks (this is their weekend pad) the living space was far more important than the dining zone. And so the hunt for a chic but slimline dining table began. That’s when tulip dining tables found their way into my heart and I’ve not looked back.
What Makes Tulip Dining Tables so Amazing?
I’m glad you asked. Well, I’ll pretend you asked because I’m very willing to give an answer.
Firstly, the circular shape means they work in small spaces and make the room feel larger. Fluid shapes like circles and ovals will always do that. You also won’t bang into the corner of it in a small space because there is no corner. Bonus!
Secondly, the singular leg in the centre of the table goes even further in making this a great table for small dining rooms. It reduces the visual (and often literal) bulk to get when you purchase a table with four legs.
And lastly, the stone or marble-look finish is chic but surprisingly super-versatile. Look at it above paired with bold red chairs in this room via Lonny. It just works!
The Versatility is the Best Part
Now don’t go thinking tulip dining tables are just for chic, city pads (though the one above from Architectural Digest is blowing my mind). I’m going to show you below just how many different vibes you can create at home using a tulip table.
The possibilities are almost endless, truthfully. Keep it chic and minimal, go for a French bistro vibe, channel some rustic country moments, or channel a nordic feel.
You’ll see what I mean in the showcase further down. If it doesn’t make you want to grab a tulip dining table for your own space, nothing will.
On a side note, if you’re on the hunt for dining chairs for your home as well, take a look at this post on what to consider before you shop. It’s well worth a read and could save you buckets of money.
Also think beyond the Dining Room
I’ve seen tulip dining tables used in home offices spaces and they look just as delightful. Not as a space to pop your computer, of course, but a place for planning, for papers, for meetings and more.
I’d love one in my home office for when I’m putting client mood boards together in preparation for the concept presentation. Trying to do it on the desk where my computer lives is just too tight a space. I need a total office overhaul, but that’s a problem for another day!
You’ve already spotted a few images of tulip tables in all their glory (get a load of the one directly above via A Beautiful Mess – so good!). But take a look at the showcase below on tulip dining tables for more ideas (thanks Google). There’s so much styling inspo here that I can barely contain my excitement. And I know, I need to get out more!
Styling Ideas for Tulip Dining Tables
With a Wishbone Chair
Love the idea of pairing tulip dining tables with wishbone chairs. Who doesn’t love a wishbone chair? It gives a nice sense of contrast. The cool feel of the table is balanced out nicely by the warm timber tones in the chair. Match made in heaven if you ask me! Image on the left via decorpad and image on the right via curated interior.
Some Mid-Century Vibes
An older sideboard or vintage chair is the perfect companion for a tulip dining table. It blends the new and the old together perfectly and gives some depth and character to a space. Bonus points awarded for the hide rug in the image on the right. I do love me a hide rug. Image on the left via studio oink and image on the right via furture home ideas.
A Black & White Statement
Who doesn’t love the high-contrast pairing of a white table and a black chair? It’s a classic combo and with good reason: it looks sublime. I love the introduction of greenery in the image on the left via Home Oh My, and the cosy throw on the chairs on the right via Kate St Hill. Just goes to show how versatile the tulip dining table really is. Are you sold on it yet?
Where to Buy Tulip Dining Tables
There are loads of retailers selling tulip dining tables. Below I’ll list a few of my faves, ranging in price from dirt cheap to designer. Simply click on the ‘shop now’ link and head right over to their website to bag one for your own home.
And do drop me a comment below if you’ve gotten your very own tulip dining table. Would love to know where it came from. BTW the image above is via the curated interior.
- Catch have one for just $199 – Shop Now
- Kenz Designs is selling theirs for $650 – Shop Now
- Interior Secrets has a divine option for $995 – Shop Now
- And lastly, Matt Blatt has a stunner for $1950 – Shop Now
Happy decorating you guys!
Hi Chris. Thanks for giving homage to the iconic tulip table. It has been my absolute favorite piece of furniture for years. I may switch up the chairs, but my beautiful tulip table always stays And you’re right! It’s versatile and works with just about any style, modern chic, traditional ,farm house, Scandinavian, industrial, Japandi-ish, glam and more. The simplicity and elegance compliments any honestly designed chair. If I ever had a large foyer, a Saarinen style tulip table would be the star in center stage!
Hi Chris, loved your comments about the Tulip table. We have inherited one from my parents, from the 70s .We just love it ,and has lots of wonderful memories but it needs repair and repaint. Have your heard of this being done successfully ?
Cheers Lee
Hi! Do you have a link or recommendation for the brown chairs you show with the white tulip table at the very top of your article? I love them and the color combo with the table. Thanks!
Temple & Webster have a lot of reasonably priced options.