Are Tulip Dining Chairs Comfortable? (And Do They Fit Small UK Kitchens?)
Yes: the contoured moulded shell, waterfall front edge and integrated padded seat give firm, supportive comfort through a long dinner. At 48 cm wide with four slim, splayed wooden legs, they keep visual weight low, so a pair suits a small UK kitchen-diner without crowding it.
First, which "Tulip" chair?
The name is confusing, so let's clear it up. Eero Saarinen's famous Tulip chair of 1955ā56 sits on a single pedestal; MoMA describes it as his answer to the clutter of legs under a table. Our Tulip style dining chairs are a different design: a moulded polypropylene shell on four tapered solid wood legs. If you are searching for a pedestal chair, this is not it, and we would rather tell you now than after delivery.
Are they comfortable?
Moulded shells have a reputation for looking better than they feel after an hour. Three details on this one deal with that:
- A padded seat cushion, upholstered and built into the shell, so nothing slides off.
- A waterfall front edge. The rolled lip takes pressure off the backs of your thighs rather than digging in.
- A contoured back that supports the lower back rather than just leaning away.
The trade-off: the padding is on the seat only. For a two-hour dinner that's fine. As an all-day desk chair, it's not the right tool.
Do they fit a small kitchen?
| Measurement | Figure (from our spec table) |
|---|---|
| Overall size | W48 Ć D50 Ć H85 cm |
| Seat height | 45 cm |
| Shell | Moulded polypropylene |
| Legs | Solid wood, tapered, with protective foot pads |
| Sold as | Set of 2, Ā£100 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
At 48 cm wide, two chairs fit side by side along a 100 cm table edge with a little elbow room. The light shell and thin legs let you see the floor through and under the chair, which is what makes a small room read larger. Allow some space behind each chair to pull it out; the 50 cm depth is the chair alone.
The foot pads matter in a kitchen: they protect tiles, laminate and wood floors when you drag the chair back.
Frequently asked questions
Are Tulip style dining chairs comfortable for long dinners?
Yes. The padded seat, waterfall front edge and contoured back give firm support through a long meal. The padding is on the seat only, so they are not designed for all-day desk use.
Do these chairs have a pedestal base?
No. Ours stand on four tapered solid wood legs. The single-pedestal Tulip chair is Eero Saarinen's 1955ā56 design, which is a different chair.
How wide is a Tulip style dining chair?
48 cm wide, 50 cm deep and 85 cm tall, with a 45 cm seat height.
How many will fit around a small table?
At 48 cm wide, two chairs fit along a 100 cm table edge. Measure your table and leave room behind each chair to pull it out.
Will the legs scratch my kitchen floor?
Each leg has a protective foot pad, so the chairs slide over tiles, laminate and hardwood without scratching.
How much do they cost?
Ā£100 for a set of 2, in black, grey or white, with free UK mainland delivery.
Sources
The Museum of Modern Art, Eero Saarinen, Tulip Armchair (model 150), 1955ā56, on the original single-pedestal design.
Written by Kamil, Product Curator at Habitat Furnishes. Kamil checks every supplier listing against its spec sheet and answers customer questions about materials and dimensions personally. Last reviewed: .
Habitat Furnishes' Tulip style dining chairs are an independent design and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Knoll or the Saarinen estate.
Subscribe to get 5% off your first purchase