What do you do if you LOVE the Eero Saarinen tulip dining table, but not the £8000 price tag? That's the question I've been asking myself recently as I try to makeover my own dining area on a slightly smaller budget! The tulip table is an absolute design classic because it works in pretty much any style of room, from traditional country pile to the sleekest city penthouse. It is simple, stylish, practical and easy to use with any type of chair or bench due to the lack of corner legs.



I just love this image above from the home of Mexican antique collector and interior designer Dirk Jan Kinet (via Pinterest) with its antique tulip dining set – proving that modern furniture doesn't need modern surroundings! Or this tulip table below, from the eclectic home of Rockett St George founder, Lucy St George.



So if (like me) you want something just as stylish and practical, but without the pricetag of an original, then I've done some research for you. I've avoided the look-alike design copies (as I don't want to get drawn into a debate about the rights and wrongs of design copyright just now) but here is my pick of the best alternatives to the tulip dining table:

1. Seona oval dining table 

This lovely oval dining table from La Redoute is very simple and stylish. It owes a significant nod to Saarinen, but is different enough in its own right. The smoked glass top is very retro, and the dark metallic base would work with most other metals. It seats 6-8 and at £1,150 is a good deal.

2. Stix pedestal dining table

The Conran shop has this beautifully designed Stix dining table. At £2,600 it's a little pricier, but it is beautifully designed with its splayed oak legs. It also comes in a few colours including plain white, black marble and white marble. Seats 4-6.

3. Silhouette pedestal dining table

4. Totem glass pedestal dining table

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