One morning I received a phone call of a person wanting to sell a "Ta-bed". At first I thought I misunderstood what they were saying. They repeated themselves and said it was a table with a bed in it. I had never heard of such a thing.! Negotiations were made and we went to pick up the table, no. Bed, nope. Ta-bed!
At first glance, it looks like a regular, rectangular table.
At first glance, it looks like a regular, rectangular table.
Then, the seller showed me how the table unfolded into a bed…Ta-dah!
A Ta-bed.
A Ta-bed.
Through research, I have found that it is a “Ta-bed of Chicago”. The Ta-bed is a modern dining table with a flip up top that becomes the headboard while the apron leaves and legs extend to form a single bed. It was designed for the cramped accommodations of the period to save space and money.
This 1916 advertisement shows this interesting piece of furniture. It is considered novelty furniture (often labeled “missions” furniture), from the Depression Era. The “Ta-bed” was made during the 1920’s and 30’s by the United Table Bed Co. of Chicago.
Fred Taylor, an Antique detective says
“it touted the phrase;
'it saves space, saves rent,
perfectly combines in one piece of furniture
the functions ordinarily performed by two.’”
“it touted the phrase;
'it saves space, saves rent,
perfectly combines in one piece of furniture
the functions ordinarily performed by two.’”
We have this unique piece of furniture for sale here at Grandma’s Attic. I found a similar piece online for $825.00, although the antique detectives say that it usually sells for between $200.00 and $300.00 dollars.
If you have more information on the “Ta-bed”, other furniture made by United Table Bed Co., or general information on the company itself, we would love to see pictures or hear your comments!
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