Saarinen table questions

DocHolliday · Jun 12, 2010

I'm thinking of buying a Saarinen side table and have a couple of questions for anyone who owns one. First, I'm thinking of putting it in an area that takes direct sun, next to large windows -- is this going to cause premature yellowing? If so, is there anything to be done about that?

Second, I'd rather have a matte finish than high gloss. Do I have any option other than vintage or a knockoff? I would consider a vintage Knoll in good condition, but it would need to be in really good condition, and I'm nervous about attempting such a purchase online. Also, I'm thinking I want a wood finish top, so that makes my prey all the more elusive.

I'd even consider getting a base and making my own top/having a top made, as I have an idea that I think could look pretty sweet. So if anyone has any good sources ...

Thanks.

TheFoo · Jun 12, 2010

The wood-topped versions are matte, not glossy, I think. For what it's worth, our coated white marble dining table hasn't yellowed at all, and it's in direct sunlight.

tiecollector · Jun 12, 2010

I'm in the same boat. I'd price out having a base made or trying to find a vintage base. It doesn't have to look exactly like the Saarinen. Countertop installers are hungry for work and you could get them to cut you a top for cheap. Carrara is the least expensive marble too. I'd definitely get it honed instead of polished. I've never heard of marble yellowing to any extent, I'd be more worried about your wine glasses. Plus, if it gets dinged up you won't have a heart attack.

earthdragon · Jun 13, 2010

Our white polished has been sitting in direct sunlight, for about a year - with no issues.

thekunk07 · Jun 13, 2010

ours is in a room with floor to ceiling windows and it's fine after 5 years.

Mr. Moo · Jun 13, 2010

ours is in an atrium on the 3rd floor and it's been there for ******* 12 years and it's not nearly as yellow as some of our neighbors' teeth. crest it up.

dave · Jun 13, 2010

I have a great source for vintage pieces here in Dallas. I'm happy to forward the info to you if you're really interested in going vintage. they're not cheap but they have things NO one else has. lst i was in they had 3 original papa bear chairs complete w ottomans along with my original florence knoll sofa with the walnut base. (i've posted a pic here previously i think)

voxsartoria · Jun 13, 2010

Technically speaking, this is now called the "StyleForvm" side or dining table.

- B

zjpj83 · Jun 13, 2010

You are all sheep.

A Y · Jun 14, 2010

Direct sunlight will fade or lighten the wood finish, depending on what kind of wood you get. If you leave objects on it, you will get funny shapes on your table top. I have vintage dining and side tables that get varying exposure to the sun, and have not seen any yellowing.

Of course, the correct top for the Saarinen side table is marble.

--Andre

Night Owl · Jun 14, 2010

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

Technically speaking, this is now called the "StyleForvm" side or dining table.

- B

it just rocketed from saturation, right past overhyped, and straight to backlash with this

Originally Posted by Mr. Moo

ours is in an atrium on the 3rd floor and it's been there for ******* 12 years and it's not nearly as yellow as some of our neighbors' teeth. crest it up.

kabert · Jun 14, 2010

Got a white one my parents bought new in the early 1970s. No yellowing at all. Bottom edges chipped in a few places and top is scratched, but it still looks great. The matching chairs are great too, though the fabric will eventually need replacing.

emptym · Jul 28, 2012

My wife now wants this table, the round, white one. Any thoughts on sources? I know DWR and Room and Board sell them. The DWR one is licensed and has sealed marble, but it's almost twice the price of the RB one. Not sure if that's worth it.

UnnamedPlayer · Jul 28, 2012

buy a replica.

dhaller · Jul 30, 2012

My parents have one (the one I grew up with) which they bought in the mid-1960s; white, it shows no "yellowing" to speak of. While it's not new looking, it also survived a stint as a "basement rec-room table" in a house with two boys in the late-1970s/early 1980s with no damage. It's an excellent table.

(As a child I used to up-end it to pretend it was a hover-disk, and I'd stand on the underside of the tabletop and "drive" the hover-disk using the base as a "steering wheel". Ah, memories.)

DH

Saarinen table questions

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