Eero Saarinen's Tulip Armchair, designed in 1955-56 as part of his Pedestal Collection for Knoll, is a true modernist icon. Saarinen addressed the issue of "the slum of legs" in traditional furniture by creating a chair with a single pedestal base, offering a clean, sculptural appearance. While originally intending the chair to be made from a single material, technological limitations led to the use of fiberglass for the seat and an aluminum base, both painted to appear as one unified piece.

The design, which evokes the shapes of both a flower and a wineglass, was groundbreaking for its organic form and simplicity. Its futuristic aesthetic, often linked with the Space Age, quickly became a hallmark of mid-century modern design. The Tulip Armchair remains a timeless piece, blending functionality with artistry.