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.
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...
Beech, Mahogany
$3,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Dining Chairs Set 9 plus 1
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Fulton, CA
A set of 9 Mid-Century Modern dining chairs designed by Paul T. Frankl for Brown-Saltman of California. Eight side chairs and one captains chair. Circa. 1940's. (10th chair available...
Oak
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
Paul Laszlo, Lounge Chair, Oak, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
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
Chic Restored Set of 12 Vintage Danish Style Dining Chairs by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
$3,985Sale Price / set|30% Off
1940s Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of Seven
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
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
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Lounge and Chair and Ottoman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
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
$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
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
Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman Steel and Walnut Mid-century Rocking Chair
By Gerald McCabe, Brown Saltman
Located in Oakland, CA
Rocking chair designed by California designer Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman c.1960. The sling seat is upholstered in the original channel backed black vinyl, which slips onto a rou...
Chrome
$2,107Sale Price / set|30% Off
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of Four
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
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
$14,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Triangular Low Profile Chairs / Bench in Walnut by Brown Saltman, USA, C. 1950s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal, John Kapel
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
Mid-Century Modern Boucle and Leather Armchairs by Paul Laszlo
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
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
Set of Eight Danish Vintage Dining Chairs by Erik Buch
By Oddense Maskinsnedkeri, Erik Buch
Located in London, GB
A superb set of eight Danish vintage dining chairs by Erik Buch. They were made in Denmark, they are the model 49 chair produced by Oddense Maskinsnedkeri, they date from the 1960’s....
Faux Leather, Wood
Chic Set of 8 Lacquered Dining Chairs
Located in Bronx, NY
Chic set of 8 dining chairs in black lacquer with padded seat panels. The chairs are in very good condition and quite comfortable.
Hardwood
$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
$660Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 35.04 in W 18.12 in D 20.87 in
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
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
$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
$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
$2,694 / set
H 34.85 in W 18.9 in D 18.12 in
Set of Six Vintage Danish Oak Dining Chairs, Henning Kjærnulf style, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
We present a complete set of six Danish Brutalist dining chairs from the 1960s, embodying the iconic and sought-after style of Henning Kjærnulf. Expertly crafted from solid oak, each...
Fabric, Oak
$2,795 / set
H 31.25 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in L 19.5 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, 4/Set
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Southampton, NJ
An exceptional set of iconic Mid-Century Modern solid Maple spindle back dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s. Dimensions: 19.5"W x 19....
Maple
$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
$2,280Sale Price|26% Off
H 14.25 in W 60 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished
By Herman Miller, Maruni, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully refinished Mid-Century Modern slatted wood bench in richly toned walnut, offering the perfect combination of clean architectural lines and functional versatility. Craft...
Wood
$2,200
H 13.5 in W 71 in D 19 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Walnut Bench, Coffee Table, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Long Edward Wormley for dunbar style walnut "long john" Bench. Coffee Table. Bed End. Featuring a longer rectangular slat-style Walnut surface, turned edge...
Walnut
Rare Brown Saltman Desk with Chair
By Brown Saltman
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Brown Saltman, desk with chair, wood, United States, circa 1940s A cubist desk with chair. This set holds a similar idiom with clear forms and lines...
Wood
Sold
H 30.5 in W 21 in D 23.75 in
Restored 1950s Brown Saltman Solid Mahogany Dining Chairs in Edelman Leather
By Paul Laszlo, John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Toluca Ter, CA
Immaculately restored set of 8 mahogany dining chairs by Brown Saltman, made in Southern California c. 1950s. The chairs consist of solid mahogany frames and Edelman Royal Hide leat...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 30.5 in W 22 in D 23.5 in
John Keal - Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 20.75 wide x 23.5 deep x 30.5 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman
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 mahogany wood slats and tapered dowel legs. Perfect as a low profile coffee table, entryway ben...
Mahogany
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Gladstone, NJ
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
Upholstery, Wood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Gladstone, 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 John Keal, Brown Saltman
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