I’ve always had a fascination with Eero Saarinen’s tulip chair. What’s not to like? It’s the perfect amount of pretty and peculiar. If, like me, you can’t afford the designer version, this chair is so well liked that many a knock-off can be found (of which we have four…and counting). Did you know, Saarinen’s model even inspired an evil cousin?

Designed by a sculptor turned architect, the tulip chair is indeed a work of art. It’s beautiful, functional, comfortable and playful (it spins!). Grading it, I would give it a solid A. It even gets along well with others. In a class of chairs, it sits quietly around the loud and provides an interesting dialogue among the quiet.

Keep this gal in mind the next time you’re looking for the perfect addition to your kitchen, dining room, hallway, or in a pinch, your office!