Pedestal tables seem to have their own unique piece of the stylistic stratosphere. They can seem delicate, they can seem grounded, they can seem immoveable. They can be rustic or modern or retro. Whatever the case may be, pedestal tables provide a fantastically unique opportunity to choose the perfect chair pairing. Whether their individual styles are the same or total opposites, pedestal tables and chic chairs were meant to be together.

This curvaceous pedestal table is bold and proud, with its dark and rather hefty pedestal component. Which is why these beautifully lined upholstered armless chairs are a perfect match. The chairs’ legs are slender and gently curved yet sturdy. Just like the emphasis on detail by the pedestal, the chairs also pull their own weight in the detail department, with their sophisticated tufting, subtle striped fabric, and low arm-sweeps. A distinguished match all-around.

With its sprawling pedestal legs, this round, rustic pedestal table has no qualms in being securely stationed in the space. The upholstered Louis chairs add a sense of refinement to the visually hefty table, while also elegantly refraining from being visual lightweights in comparison. In other words, the wood pedestal table and the natural Louis chairs are perfectly balanced, in shape (round), style (organic), and stature (equally stable). And also, I just have to applaud the chandelier selection here. Utter perfection.

It will come as no surprise that this somewhat spindly pedestal table would be utterly outdone by anything other than a similarly breezy chair pairing. A quick glance out the doorway to those beachy palm fronds makes the choice of these woven chairs a no-brainer. Their style is classically simple, they adhere fully to the naturalist feel of the space, and with their slim metal legs the chairs actually make the pedestal table seem almost dominant. (Almost.) This earthy, serene match is perfect.

A bold, visually heavy black pedestal table is destined to overpower most chairs set with it. Unless, of course, those chairs turn out to be brightly colored vintage Thonet chairs, in which case, the eye-catching table will be forced to share the limelight. This look could be achieved quite easily with any bentwood chairs, lacquered in a bright, cheerful color, and paired with an equally chunky black table. What makes this particular pairing so great, however, is the visual central line of the pedestal itself, framed by those cheery lemony chairs.

A discussion of pedestal tables would hardly be complete without looking at the Saarinen tulip dining set. Made for each other, the tulip dining table and tulip armless chairs are balanced perfection. The smooth white finish of each stem is classic, fresh, and (if I’m being honest) completely covetable, while the table’s wood top works the set in with the wood-floored room. It’s hard to get more sophisticated than this around the pedestal dining table.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.