The enduring modern design legacy of Brown Saltman was born from the collaboration between designer Paul Frankl and furniture manufacturer David Saltman. Together, they created stunning mid-century modern solid wood furniture with Art Deco influences. Brown Saltman side tables, cocktail tables and credenzas are known for their thoughtful designs and exquisite details.
Frankl was a leading American designer who came to prominence in the 1930s by making rattan furniture for Hollywood stars. However, he dreamed of bringing his designs to the public. That chance came in 1939, when he met Saltman at a party. Saltman was the head of the Los Angeles-based Brown Saltman, which, at the time, specialized in furniture reproductions.
He asked Frankl to create a furniture line, which was released in 1941. It was a hit, with sales exceeding expectations. Frankl quickly started work on a new line for mass production. It featured simplified designs and less expensive materials like combed wood and textured plywood. This line was even more successful, and Frankl started on a third.
In 1942, Frankl and Saltman signed an extended contract to continue their collaboration. However, Saltman died in a traffic accident the next day. World War II also brought Brown Saltman production to a standstill. After the war ended, Frankl decided not to renew his contract.
Brown Saltman partnered with many other designers over the years. A walnut sideboard by Van Keppel-Green for Brown Saltman was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s 1950-51 Good Design exhibition. Architect and interior designer Paul Laszlo also designed a commercial furniture line for the company in the 1950s.
Brown Saltman dissolved in 1960, but its well-built and beautifully designed furniture remains in high demand today.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Brown Saltman tables, storage cabinets, seating and more.
Expertly Restored - John Keal Wall-Hanging Sculpted Mirror for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Keal wall-hanging sculpted mirror for Brown Saltman. Materials Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, New Mirror ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-C...
Mirror, Walnut, Mahogany
Expertly Restored - Paul Laszlo Sculpted Wall-Hanging Mirror for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Mahogany, Original Glass ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to lif...
Mirror, Wood, Walnut, Mahogany
Italian Round Wooden Hanging Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A round Italian hanging wall mirror. 3 wooden frame parts. Leather frame and hanging rope. Beautiful with its amazing design.
Leather, Wood
$650
H 33 in W 48.5 in D 1 in
Vintage Mid Century Sculpted Walnut Wooden Rectangular Large Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Sculpted Walnut Wooden Rectangular Large Wall Mirror. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 33" H x 48.5" W x 1" D.
Glass, Walnut
Paul Frankl, Wall Mirror, Cork, USA, C. 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in High Point, NC
A cork wall mirror designed by Paul Frankl and produced by Johnson Furniture company, c. 1951. Overall Dimensions (inches): 36.12"H x 30.25"W x 2.5"D Does not include mounting hard...
Mirror, Cork
$4,800
H 50.313 in W 32.25 in D 1.625 in
Paul Frankl Large Waxed Cork Wall Mirror for Johnson Furniture 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and understated wall mirror designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, executed in his signature waxed cork. The clean, rectilinear frame highlights the natural warmth an...
Mirror, Cork
Round Maple Hanging Sophia Wall Mirror Medium
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Sophia mirror is framed in wooden maple with a long neck resembling an oversized hand mirror. Handcrafted in Pennsylvania, the Sophia comes with a hand-hammered iron peg for hanging. The medium is a lovely size above a dresser or in a hallway. The large is a great scale for over a single sink...
Mirror, Maple
Large Round Maple Hanging Sophia Wall Mirror
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Sophia mirror is framed in wooden maple with a long neck resembling an oversized hand mirror. Handcrafted in Pennsylvania, the Sophia comes with a hand-hammered iron peg for hanging. The medium is a lovely size above a dresser or in a hallway. The large is a great scale for over a single sink...
Mirror, Maple
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Framed Wall Mirror
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut framed wall mirror. USA, 1960s Measures: 46.63"W x 1.88"D x 38.75"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Mirror, Walnut
Giltwood Framed / Decorated Top Hanging Wall Mirror
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Giltwood framed with nicely decorated top with ebonized classical crown & chariot hanging wall mirror. The mirror is in good antique condition with appropriate wear consistent with a...
Mirror, Giltwood
John Kapel Walnut Wall Mirror for Glenn of California
By John Kapel, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut mirror by T.H John Kapel, manufactured by Glenn of California c.1960s, USA. The rectangular wall mirror can be hung either vertically or horizontally. Dimensions 42" width x ...
Walnut
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 40 in W 24 in D 3.5 in
Paul Evans Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirror in Sculpted Bronze and Wood
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans Mirror, Sculpted Bronze, Aluminum, Signed. Large individually crafted bronze resin over wood wall mirror, decorated with a variety of abst...
Bronze
$895
H 35.5 in W 38.5 in D 2 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Wall Mirror
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut framed wall mirror In the manner of George Nakashima By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1961 Measures: 38.5"W x ...
Mirror, Walnut
John Stuart Brass And Walnut Wall Mirror
By John Stuart Inc.
Located in New York, NY
1960's mid-century modern brass plated and walnut well made and heavy wall mirror by John Stuart Inc made by John Widdicomb, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina ...
Brass
Sold
H 26 in W 52.75 in D 1.25 in
Expertly Restored - Paul Laszlo Sculpted Wall-Hanging Mirror for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Laszlo sculpted wall-hanging mirror for Brown Saltman. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history b...
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Limed Oak Mirror by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Westport, CT
Designed by Paul Frankl, newly refinished in limed oak.
Oak