Description

LOCATION- being sold under consignment from Geelong, MELBOURNE but delivery can be organised Australia-wide for a reasonable additional fee, about $170 to get both pieces to Sydney.

Provenance and Background Info

(Written in 2024)

A VINTAGE dressing table designed and made in Melbourne by Kalmar Furniture in the early 1960’s. This suite comprises of a small table with matching push-in stool (most likely in Coachwood and Walnut). I wouldn’t normally accept something of this value under consignment but I couldn’t resist this suite. It’s so cool! I love its compact nature and how it would be perfect in today’s homes as an occasional laptop desk / writing table particularly if you need it in a small bedroom or living area.

Kalmar was inspired by the designs released by English company, G-Plan Furniture and did extremely well with their version of these designs. I don’t mind even saying that I think the Australian versions (ie. the Kalmar pieces) are better than the G-Plan ones. I sold a G-Plan nest of tables some years ago now- these are built at least as well and I really like the striking contrast with the timbers used. The dark Walnut coupled with the light Coachwood borders is stunning! This particular suite is stained dark (which is the original finish). This could be stripped off if so desired. (Type, “Kalmar tables” into the SEARCH box of the iNVISeDGE website to get an idea of what this suite might look like if it was refinished.) This set has an exceptionally fluid style with all those curves and circular shapes- this is rarely seen in timber furniture because curves are difficult and costly to produce.

Kalmar Furniture produced these tables in the early-1960’s. Not many were sold because of the expense involved in producing them. If something like this design was ever made in Australia today, this set would command a hefty retail price-tag- I’d say around $1,700 at least. If it’s quality and durability you want, you’re not going to find much better. If you need something small and practical for a small space I don’t think you’ll ever find anything as good as this ever again. The quality of these Kalmar pieces EASILY exceeds that of any Parker Furniture piece. Parker tables are usually shitty chipboard with a thin timber veneer finish- this set is veneer over SOLID timber.

This authentic VINTAGE suite of Kalmar tables also has very strong investment appeal because of the original KALMAR stamp on the underside of the table (in the drawer). It’s an extremely sought-after design and there’s not many around so I believe they will only continue to appreciate in value over time. In 22 years of trading, I’ve never had one of these suites. These are bound to be tightly held onto by their owners in the future. There’s no better way to invest in your home, reduce landfill and support local small business.

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