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.
Paul Laszlo, Lounge Chair, Oak, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and green velvet lounge chair designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 30” H x 30” W x 34.5” D Seat Height (inches): 15" Arm Height...
Velvet, Oak
$1,800 / item
Brown Saltman Walnut Accent Chair
By Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brown Saltman walnut accent chair, c.1960s, USA. This armchair features a walnut slat back rest and newly upholstered leather cushioned seat. Perfe...
Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
Chic Restored Set of 12 Vintage Danish Style Dining Chairs by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning set of twelve (12) Danish style dining chairs by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1955. There are two (2) host andten (10) side chairs. Stout, stylish cerused mahogany f...
Mahogany
Chic Restored Set of 8 Vintage Danish Style Dining Chairs by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, newly upholstered and co...
Mahogany
$3,570Sale Price / set|40% Off
1940s Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of Seven
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of lattice-back dining chairs by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman group. The chairs are upholstered in high-quality blue cotton fabric. The set includes seven captain's chairs. Arm ...
Wood
Douglas Heaslett Brown Saltman Safari Sling Chair 1960s
By Brown Saltman, Douglas Heaslett
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A vintage Mid-Century Modern brown Saltman safari chair designed by Douglas Heaslett. Solid oak frame with black vinyl seat and brown leather arms.
Leather, Faux Leather, Oak
$1,806Sale Price / set|30% Off
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of Four
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of lattice-back dining chairs by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman group. The chairs upholstered in high quality blue cotton fabric. The set include...
Wood
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Lounge and Chair and Ottoman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Lounge and Chair and Ottoman. The Max comfort Chair has a channeled back with large padded armrests, The Ottoman is customized to match the chair. We re...
Upholstery, Oak
John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low profile bench by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s, USA. The bench features mahogany wood slats and tapered dowel legs. Perfect as a low profile coffee table, entryway ben...
Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Boucle and Leather Armchairs by Paul Laszlo
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A rare opportunity to acquire a pair of 1950s armchairs by the architect Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, a testament to mid-century American design at its finest. These exceptional c...
Leather, Bouclé, Mahogany, Walnut
1960s Mid Century Walnut and Vinyl Dining Chairs by Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This refined set of six Danish Modern dining chairs, designed Attributed to Brown Saltman, is a beautiful representation of mid-century American craftsmanship and timeless modern des...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Set of 4 Paul Laszlo For Brown Saltman Dining Chairs
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Alhambra, CA
Set of 4 Philippine Mahogany side chairs by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Very rare. Great vintage condition with a couple repairs performed in house. 20"d x 22"w x 30"h Seat h...
Mahogany
Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman Steel and Walnut Rocking Chair
By Brown Saltman, Gerald McCabe
Located in Oakland, CA
Rocking chair designed by California designer Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman, circa 1960. The sling seat is upholstered in the original channel backed black vinyl, which slips onto ...
Other, Steel
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Beached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Pair
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Beached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 22.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17 i...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$14,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Triangular Low Profile Chairs / Bench in Walnut by Brown Saltman, USA, C. 1950s
By John Kapel, John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Deland, FL
This is an ultra-rare set of 3-legged lounge chairs designed by the legendary John Keal for Brown Saltman. The chairs / modular benches feature original hardware that can be hinged t...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
$64,200 / set
H 32 in W 26 in D 25 in
Paul Frankl Set of 14 Dining Chairs in Bleached Mahogany & Latte Bouclé c. 1950
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A most special and large iconic set of Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs designed by one of the most beloved of all Paul Frankl fully restored from top to bottom with newly refinished bleached mahogany frames and new cushions and latte bouclé upholstery. Our shop has carried several Paul Frankl dining sets...
Mahogany, Bouclé, Upholstery
$48,400 / set
H 34 in W 21 in D 23 in
Set of 14 Paul Frankl Corset Oak Dining Chairs for Brown Saltman in Latte Bouclé
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sultry large set of 14 Oak Corset Dining Chairs designed by Paul Frankl and produced by Brown Saltman newly professionally restored and refinished in original stain with new cushions...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
$2,456 / item
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint Safari Chair, Black Leather & Ash Frame, Denmark, 1960s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Straps in new butt leather. Frame in solid ash black laquered ash. Model Safari chair, m...
Leather, Ash
1940s Set of Four Art Deco Dining Chairs
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The chairs have been reupholstered some time ago.
Wood, Fabric
$2,929Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 28.35 in D 28.35 in
1950s Fritz Hansen Style Lounge Chair In Green Velvet With Oak Armrests. Denmark
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant mid-century Danish lounge chair from the 1950s, executed in rich green velour upholstery. The design reflects the refined and organic aesthetic associated with the Fritz Hans...
Velvet, Oak, Pine
Paul McCobb, Ebonized Wood, Fabric, Lounge Chairs, USA, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Manhasset, NY
Paul McCobb, American Mid-Century Modern, Ebonized Wood, Fabric, Lounge Chairs, USA, 1950s A pair of model 1322 lounge chairs designed by Paul MCobb for Directional Furniture in the...
Fabric, Wood
1960s Set of 4 Danish Teak Dining Chairs, Restored
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Carefully refurbished
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Teak
$1,748
H 36.23 in W 27.96 in D 22.45 in
Italian 19th Century Renaissance Revival Savonarola Chair in Walnut Side Chair
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Impressive & fully original Florentine Renaissance Savonarola chair in carved walnut. Restored in our workshop and it looks simply stunning. Armrests ending with two amazing hand-c...
Birch, Walnut
$5,395 / set
H 33 in W 19 in D 20.5 in
Set 6 Paul Frankl Style Mid Century Dining Chairs 2 Arm + 4 Side with New Fabric
By Paul Frankl
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1950s set of six dining chairs in manner of Paul Frankl. Found in the US - unknown maker - these chairs are similar in style to the Corset chair des...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,895
H 41 in W 25.5 in D 21 in
Antique Chinese Chippendale or Boho Styled Faux Bamboo Accent or Side Chair
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage Chinese Chippendale or Bohemian styled accent chair is presumed to have been manufactured in the United States in circa 1950. The frame is done in a sculptured wood to mimic bamboo stalks and covered with a bright honey amber lacquer...
Wood
Set of Eight Danish Vintage Teak Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
A very stylish and extremely well made set of 8 Danish vintage dining chairs in solid teak made in the 1960’s The quality is outstanding, they have a beautiful, sculptural design an...
Teak, Faux Leather
$2,692Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 40 in W 20 in D 24 in
Vintage Danish Modern Dining Chairs Set of 6. Made in Denmark.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Danish modern dining chairs set of 6. Dimensions. 20 W ; 40 H ; 24 D Seat height 18.
Wood
Pair of Paul Laszlo Lounge Chairs, America circa 1950
By Brown Saltman
Located in Culver City, CA
America, 1950 Manufactured by Brown Saltman, USA. Newly upholstered in striped velvet by JAB. 29.5"w x 29"d x 27.5"h x 16"seat Ref. MOD1168 $ 11,200 pair
Velvet, Wood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low profile bench by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s, USA. The bench features a mix of mahogany and beech wood that offers texture and depth with varying wood tones. Perfect...
Mahogany, Beech
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Middlesex, NJ
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
Upholstery, Wood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Middlesex, NJ
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 26.5 in D 24 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Low Profile 3 Legged Triangular Walnut Lounge Chair
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic Mid-Century Vintage John Keal for Brown Saltman Low Profile Walnut 3 Legged Triangular Lounge Chair. Excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Chair has been...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Arm Chairs by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Alhambra, CA
PLEASE READ FULL DESCRIPTION INCLUDING SHIPPING & RETURN POLICIES. Rare pair of Armchairs by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Philippine Mahogany from the 1950s. Some minor repair ...
Mahogany
Extendable Bench in Mahogany by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in San Diego, CA
John Keal designed this extendable bench in mahogany for Brown Saltman. We have restored it to excellent vintage condition. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending...
Walnut
Paul Laszlo, Slipper Chair, Oak, Fabric, USA, 1940s
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and white fabric slipper chair designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1940s. Seat height 16”.
Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 33 in W 18.25 in D 20 in
Paul Frankl Dining Chairs for Brown Saltman 3 Available Sold in Singles
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in San Diego, CA
Step into the realm of timeless sophistication with our collection of iconic Crisscross "X" Dining Chairs, designed by the legendary Paul Frankl for the esteemed Brown Saltman group ...
Upholstery, Oak
Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long. A ...
Walnut
Paul Laslo Double Arm Chair for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Hanover, MA
California modern chair designed by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Oak frame with distinctive double armrests. Tightened and refinished. Awa...
Upholstery, Oak
Midcentury Two-Tone Bench / Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Wood, Beech, Mahogany, Walnut