Mid-Century Modern queen-size kiaat headboard with pedestals by John Tabraham for Kallenbach's (Attribution)
Originally part of a complete kiaat bedroom suite — see our separate listing for the matching dressing table and stool.
Mid-Century Kiaat Queen Headboard with Pedestals
A striking mid-century queen-size headboard crafted in kiaat, complete with integrated pedestal cabinets. Likely designed by John Tabraham for Kallenbach's, this piece showcases the South African modernist tradition with its floating proportions, clean architectural lines, and richly figured kiaat grain.
The pedestals, each with drawer storage and inset pulls, standing on elegant geometric legs that echo the symmetry of the design. The premium craftsmanship and material quality make it both a functional and collectible piece.
Condition
Very good vintage condition, with minor surface wear consistent with age. It has been gently refinished. All joints are strong and stable. The kiaat has been gently revived to bring out its warm, honeyed patina.Dimensions (approx.)
Overall: W294cm x D42cm x H72cmPedestals: W70cm x D40,8cm x H42cm
Space between the pedestals: W160cm
*Note the dimensions
John Tabraham
Throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, John Tabraham emerged as the preferred designer for several of South Africa's leading furniture manufacturers, marking a period where he was at the forefront of modern design in South Africa.
In the 1950s, Tabraham collaborated closely with the upscale furniture manufacturer D.S Vorster, designing contemporary pieces celebrated for their clean lines and simple, elegant forms.
Moving into the 1960s and 70s, Tabraham became especially renowned for his partnership with the furniture company Kallenbach’s. His designs during this time are distinguished by their organic warmth and inspiration from the popular Danish modern style, targeting the higher end of the market and being retailed through select, prestigious outlets like Prosperitas in Pretoria.
His work received international recognition in the annually published "Decorative Art, The Studio Yearbook," which was later compiled by Taschen into "Decorative Art 1950s." This reference featured four of Tabraham's designs for D.S Vorster & Co, positioning them among the world's finest in design.
As with many quality Mid-Century pieces, this design thoughtfully pairs solid wood construction with a premium wood veneer—an approach widely used at the time to highlight beautiful grain patterns while ensuring lasting stability.
We try to capture the condition of our items in our photographs as best as possible. Prior to dispatch all items are carefully cleaned and re-coated with danish oil to ensure your item is looking its best when delivered.
Prices do not include delivery.
Contact us to arrange to view, discuss collection or if you have any queries.
We deliver locally within Cape Town for a small fee and can accommodate collection by courier or in person. Collections must be made within two weeks of purchase as we cannot hold furniture for extended periods.
Working with vintage pieces means celebrating the character and history each item holds. While we maintain high standards, our pieces are not new — gentle wear and age-related patina are part of their story.
Although we carefully clean and lightly restored each item to honour its original state, most of our furniture dates from the pre-1980s era, and subtle signs of age may still be visible. We make every effort to highlight any notable details or concerns.
We provide detailed photographs, including overall views and close-ups of notable details, which form part of the condition report. We encourage you to review these images carefully, and if you have any questions or would like further clarity, we’re always happy to assist, viewings are welcome by appointment.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS:
excellent - Like new, exhibiting minimal to no indications of wear, with scarcely any visible signs of age or use.
very good - Light use marks and signs of age, such as minor scratches and minimal wear on areas like feet or inconspicuous spots on veneer or leather.
good - Displays light to moderate scratches, with some more noticeable blemishes. May have small damages and stains, and the possibility of ring marks. Leather may exhibit small rips.
fair - Exhibits more pronounced scratches, including lighter ones in many prominent areas (e.g., the top of a sideboard). Leather may show tears and stress marksUnfortunately we currently only deliver in Cape Town area, but you are welcome to arrange courier on your side, we can also arrange on your behalf.
Shipment outside of Cape Town is NOT calculated at check-out and is quoted based on the item's dimensions and or weight.
Unfortunately we can not reserve any items until shipping has been finalized (the item should be purchased and checked out, with payment confirmation received if paid via EFT).
After purchase, we can assist you with costs from our preferred supplier.
Please note that all items shipped outside of Cape Town are wrapped extensively, we charge a small packaging fee depending on the item, starting cost of R100 per individual item. The cost of wrapping depends on the size of the item. For ALL our items, especially fragile items, i.e. glass and mirrors we recommend professional crating.
For fragile items or items that have glass elements we don't recommend shipment and transport outside of Cape Town.
Please refer to our Shipping Policy
Restoration Process:
In our studio workshop, every item undergoes an inspection and careful restoration process. We prioritize maintaining the original charm and patina of the piece, while also making it a beautiful addition to modern interiors.
Our Approach Includes:
- Examining and reinforcing the joints
- Cleaning the wood and removing any stains
- Conducting veneer repairs as necessary
- Polishing or refinishing surfaces to enhance their appearance
