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
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
$6,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$3,753
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
Mid Century Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style leather upholstered armchair with a floating headrest, with vintage style aniline top grade brown leather with a tub back form, cushion seat and raised on sp...
Leather
$2,695 / set
H 33 in W 25.75 in D 28 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Lounge Chair and Ottoman Circa 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Peabody, MA
A 1950s lounge chair and ottoman by Paul McCobb from his early Planner Group Line for Directional. Chair measures 33.75" high, 28" deep, 25.75" wide, 17" seat height. Ottoman measur...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 34 in W 34 in D 36 in
Folke Ohlsson For Dux ‘Profil’ Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Chicago, IL
Folke Ohlsson for Dux of Sweden ‘Profil’ lounge chair and ottoman. This is an iconic Swedish design by Ohlsson for two particular reasons; the firs...
Upholstery, Teak
$6,500 / set
H 27.5 in W 25 in D 28 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Style Lounge Chairs in Emerald Velvet, C. 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Westport, CT
Set of vintage lounge chairs in the style of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, featuring a fully restored walnut base with elegant saber-style back legs. Expertly reupholstered in luxurious em...
Velvet, Walnut
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Charles and Ray Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman Model #670/671 Circa 1960 Rosewood and Cream color Leather Beautiful Original finish Cushions re-upholstered by Herman Miller c.1980 Pa...
Rosewood
1950s Bamboo Lounge Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
1950s Bamboo Lounge Chairs with original green finish. Chairs have casters in the front. Chairs need to be recovered, we can help.
Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Wood
$17,400 / set
H 31.5 in W 27.5 in D 26.75 in
Paul László Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Glenn of California, USA, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo, Glenn of California
Located in New York, NY
Lounge chair by Paul László with matching ottoman and dark-stained wooden frame. Both chair and ottoman are upholstered in white and brown cowhide. Produced by Glenn of California. V...
Cowhide, Wood
Paul Laszlo, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
An wood and beige fabric lounge chair designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Touch-ups carried out to wood. Dimens...
Fabric, Wood
$4,809 / item
H 33.86 in W 37.01 in D 36.23 in
Mid-Century Modern curved white bouclé oak Niemeyer II armchair by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Gold Design Award Winner for Furniture Design Category at the A’Design Award Competition 2021-2022 The Niemeyer II armchair is named after the Br...
Bouclé, Oak
Eames LCM Lounge Chair, Herman Miller, USA, 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An Eames LCM lounge chair, Herman Miller, USA, 1950s. Ash plywood, chrome-plated steel and original rubber feet caps. With manufacturers label. ...
Steel
Pair of Paul Laszlo Ottomans
By Paul Laszlo
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Paul Laszlo ottomans. Green laquered notched legs with brass cross stretchers.
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 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
Douglas Heaslett Brown Saltman Safari Sling Chair 1960s
By Douglas Heaslett, Brown Saltman
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
Paul Laslo Double Arm Chair for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
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
Sold
H 27 in W 24 in D 25 in
1960s Sculptural Safari Sling Chairs by Douglas Heaslett for Brown Saltman Calif
By Brown Saltman, Douglas Heaslett
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Safari chairs in black Brown saltman sculptural safari sling chairs 1960s, designed by Douglas Heaslett. Faux black leather looks like leather on ...
Faux Leather, Oak
Sold
H 28.25 in W 22.75 in D 23 in
Pair of John Keal for Brown Saltman Sculptural Lounge Chairs, circa 1954
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stylish pair of sculptural lounge armchairs by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1954, was previously restored and has only had light showroom use since its restoration making ...
Canvas, Oak
Sold
H 29.75 in W 28.25 in D 36 in
Paul László, Lounge Chair, Oak, Green Velvet, Brown Saltman United States, 1950s
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and green velvet lounge chair designed by Paul László and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s.
Oak, Velvet
Pair of " Safari " Lounge Chairs by Douglas Heaslett
By Douglas Heaslett, Brown Saltman
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of " Safari " lounge chairs by Douglas Heaslett for Brown Saltman. In solid oak frame and hunter green Naugahyde nice original condition.
Naugahyde, Oak
Sold
H 26.25 in W 23 in D 22 in
Paul László, Lounge Chair, Oak, White Bouclé, Brown Saltman United States, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in High Point, NC
A lounge chair / slipper chair. Designed by Paul László for Brown Saltman, 1950s, America. Paul László is considered among the most important California-based interior designer/ar...
Oak, Bouclé
Paul Laszlo "Scissor" Lounge Chairs for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of modern “Scissor” lounge chairs designed by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman in the United States, circa 1950s. This sleek design features a sturdy scissor-like walnut-stained ...
Fabric, Mahogany, Walnut