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 - Paul Laszlo Sculpted Wall-Hanging Mirror for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
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
Expertly Restored - John Keal Wall-Hanging Sculpted Mirror for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Keal wall-hanging sculpted mirror for Brown Saltman. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history bac...
Mirror, Walnut
$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
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
$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
Vintage Large Carved Mahogany Hanging Wall Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage solid Mahogany wall mirror. Clean carvings on top frame. Lean mahogany frame. Vintage mirror show some signs of aging. Measures 49.5 W x 1.5 D x 37.5 H.
Mirror, Mahogany
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
Paul Frankl, Wall Mirror, Cork, Mirror Glass, 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.
Mirror, Cork
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
Dutch antique tortoiseshell hanging wall mirror
Located in Castle Douglas, GB
Dutch tortoiseshell mirror Ebonised ripple moulded frame of concave form, the old mirror plate with blemishes. Dutch, late 19th Century 56.5cm H, 48.5cm W, 6cm D.
Tortoise Shell
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
Italian Wooden Hanging Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This is a beautifully preserved wall mirror from Italy, dating back to the 1960s. Its distinctive triangular shape immediately captures attention, offering a striking example of mid-...
Wood, Glass
$8,000
H 50.25 in W 30.5 in D 3 in
Paul Evans Style Mirror, Sculpted and Gilded Handcrafted Metal Artwork
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Paul Evans Style Mirror, Sculpted Mixed Metals. Large individually crafted by hand metalwork over wood backed wall mirror, decorated with a variety of abstract patterns in the gilded...
Metal
John Kapel Walnut Wall Mirror for Glenn of California
By Glenn of California, John Kapel
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
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