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.
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
Chic Restored Set of 8 Vintage Danish Style Dining Chairs by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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 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
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
$4,100 / set
Paul Frankl Dining Chairs Set 9
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
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
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
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
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
$3,900Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 31 in Dm 21 in
Set of Four Bertha Schaefer Dining Chairs Italian Mid Century
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in New York, NY
A set of sculptural light/medium walnut chairs by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Son. Reupholstered in a golden cream/off white cotton/linen blend. Original Tag. Chairs were made in ...
Walnut, Cotton
$3,200 / set
H 31.5 in W 18 in D 16 in
Kai Kristiansen Set of Four Dining Chairs in Teak for K.S. Mobler Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Niels Otto Møller, K.S. Mobler
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic set of four dining chairs in teak with wool seats designed in the 1960s by Kai Kristiansen for K.S. Mobler of Denmark. The style of these Kai Kristiansen chairs is often mi...
Teak
$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
$12,600Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 37 in W 20.5 in D 37 in
Paul Evans for Directional Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional. Two armchairs and six side chairs, all expertly reupholstered a grey Maharam fabric. Great style and co...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
$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
$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
$2,947 / set
H 34.65 in W 21.66 in D 18.9 in
Set of Four Rainer Daumiller Pine Wood Dining Chairs, 1970s
By Hirtshals Savvaerk, Rainer Daumiller
Located in Echt, NL
Set of four solid pine wood chairs in very good condition. Designed by Rainer Daumiller and manufactured by Hirtshals Savvaerk in the 1970s The chairs have a carved seat and backr...
Wood, Pine
1940s Swedish Brutalist Pine Dining Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of four Swedish pine dining chairs, circa 1940s, featuring curved backrests, twin vertical splats, and tapered splayed legs. Crafted in the spirit of Scandinavian functionalism w...
Pine
$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
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
Set of Six Paul Frankl for Johnson "Corset" Dining Chairs
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of six Paul Frankl dining chairs for Johnson Furniture. The chairs frames are made of cerused oak and are very sturdy and comfortable. Measures: 32 inches H x 23 in...
Upholstery, Oak
Pair of Arm Chairs by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
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
John Keal for Brown Saltman Dining Chairs
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Denton, TX
Classic Mid Century Design by John Keal for Brown Saltman furniture. Newly refinished in a satin light walnut with sage green upholstery Arm chairs measure: 24 1/2 deep x 22 1/4 ...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 22.5 in D 21.5 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century mahogany dining chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures 22.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 30 high with a seat height of 17 inches and an arm rest height o...
Mahogany
Midcentury Dining Chairs by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four Mid-Century Modern dining chairs designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States, circa 1960s. These newly refinished chairs feature a sturdy walnut wood fra...
Brass
Midcentury Paul Frankl Dark Wood Dining Chair Set
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Houston, TX
Six dining chair set designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman. The wood is a deep brown mahogany with a sleek design. Seats were upholstered in a new fabric. Set comes with two end ...
Mahogany
Set of Eight John Keal for Brown Saltman Dining Chairs
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Unrestored set of eight Mid-Century Modern dining or lounge chairs designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950. As found condition complete and intact with good joinery but i...
Fabric, Mahogany
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 upholstered in high-quality blue cotton fabric. The set includes seven captain's chairs. North...
Wood
Paul Frankl Dining Chairs for Brown Saltman, Set of Ten
By Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of dining chairs by Paul Frankl for the Brown Saltman group. The chairs are upholstered in high-quality blue cotton fabric with a unique crisscross "X" chair back. A great exampl...
Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 19.5 in D 22 in
American Midcentury 4 Dining Chairs Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare set of 4 dining chairs designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s freshly refinished and recover in two tone material, by Knoll the solid mahogany frames have been ref...
Upholstery, Mahogany
John Keal Dining Chairs for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of four dining chairs designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States circa 1960s. This set features a rounded backrest connected to sloping arms that contrast bea...
Fabric, Walnut
American, Mid Century Set of Four Dining Hearth Chairs by Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of rare dining chairs, by Brown Saltman, circa 1950s in mahogany each chair its solid and sturdy and recover in beautiful wool ...
Mahogany
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Mid-Century Dining Chairs
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Oakland, CA
Six dining chairs designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman. Blonde mahogany frame with combed fir back rest. Seats upholstered in muslin. Dining table available upon request.
Mahogany, Muslin