Beautiful Ways To Style IKEA's Popular Tulip Table In Your Home

If you've ever found yourself around a circular dining table, only to be sat uncomfortably right in front of one of the legs, you can appreciate the timeless, functional design of a pedestal table. We have Finnish-American designer Eero Saarinen to thank for the popularization of the Tulip table, which he designed for the furniture company Knoll in the mid-1950s. According to the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saarinen remarked on the purpose of his design: "The undercarriage of chairs and tables in a typical interior makes an ugly, confusing, unrestful world. I wanted to clear up the slum of legs." And so he did. But these days, that original design from Knoll will run you about $5,000, if not more. Luckily for budget-conscious design enthusiasts who covet the pedestal design, your dream dining table doesn't have to cost a fortune. 

One of the best-selling kitchen tables at IKEA is their own version of the Tulip table: the DOCKSTA, which costs just $280. And when it comes to styling your DOCKSTA, you'll have a lot of options given the inherent versatility and minimal design of the table. Whether you double down on the space-age silhouette with matching seats or opt for warm, traditional details that juxtapose the sleek, modern lines of the table, you can't go wrong.

If you prefer a super cohesive look for your dining room, consider pairing the DOCKSTA with chairs that mimic its pedestal design. The Tulip chair, also designed by Saarinen, shares the same design as the table — and there are plenty of cost-effective reproductions. For example, IKEA sells the BALSTAR swivel chair, which goes for $225 a piece. While that may err on the higher end of the budget spectrum, it's nowhere near the staggering $2,700 cost per piece for a Knoll Tulip Side Chair. Other even more affordable options include a set of 4 Saarinen-style tulip chairs from Modholic at $450 total, or $130 per individual piece. Opt for the white chairs with the red seat cushions to make a bold, retro-futuristic impact on your space.

If a mix of styles suits you better, we recommend pairing your DOCKSTA with chairs that have a cozier touch. You can keep things varied but still cohesive by choosing a chair shape that has some shared design characteristics with the pedestal table. But the chairs should then vary in texture, material, or color to the table. For example, consider a mid-century modern chair with curved edges that echo the circular table, but then incorporates a natural material like wood or rattan for contrast. One option is the set of four COLAMY chairs; the rattan backs with yellow velvet seats would offer a warm complement to a DOCKSTA table.

When it comes to how to decorate your dining table, putting some intention into the design can go a long way in making it feel polished. To complement your DOCKSTA, try starting with a circular tray that will fit comfortably in the center of the table. Something like this brass mirrored GLATTIS tray from IKEA offers some reflective shine, while a round wood tray can keep things classic.

From there, choose items to add to the tray. Candlestick holders and candles are a great option for bringing additional flare to your dinner parties. We love IKEA's unique selection of candlestick holders; the SILVERPÄRON in its silver or red variations is a favorite for its sculptural detail. For the candles themselves, try going for an unexpected color or texture. Something like the Meri Meri color block candles will add a bit of eccentricity and a pop of color to your minimalist DOCKSTA.

Fresh flowers never go out of style, so make a vase a mainstay on your DOCKSTA. This could be something you already have in the house, or even a second-hand item. For inspiration, add a small glass vase with a playful, organic shape. Or, for something more structured, consider this amber fluted glass vase. Either way, you don't have to break the bank for table-top décor.