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.
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
$705
H 20.87 in W 14.18 in D 26.38 in
Midcentury Riviera Rattan and Bamboo Italian Rocking Chair for Children, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant rocking chair for children, manufactured in Italy during the 1950s. The chair is in folded rattan, with beautiful details and in very good c...
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
Earl Walnut, Ivory Textured Linen Moresby Rocking Chair
By Chris Earl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Solid wood construction with hand-cut joinery and custom upholstered seat and seat back. This Rocker shown in walnut and maharam plume ciabatta ivory textured linen. In stock leat...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
Gerald McCabe Slat Settee for Pacific Furniture
By Gerald McCabe, Pacific Iron
Located in New York, NY
Rare slatted settee on chromed steel base designed by Gerald McCabe and produced in California by Pacific Furniture, circa 1965. Sort of Marshmallow sofa m...
Chrome
Victorian Walnut and Cane Rocking Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Victorian Walnut and Cane Rocking Chair. Caning in great condition
Cane, Walnut
Earl Walnut, Beige Textured Linen Moresby Rocking Chair
By Chris Earl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Solid wood construction with hand-cut joinery and custom upholstered seat and seat back. This Rocker shown in walnut and maharam plume ciabatta ivory textured linen. In stock leat...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
EARL Walnut, Black Leather Moresby Rocking Chair
By Chris Earl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Solid wood construction with hand-cut joinery and custom upholstered seat and seat back. This Rocker shown in walnut and black leather. In stock leather choice: black, olive, camel ...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
Victorian Walnut and Cane Seat Rocking Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Victorian Walnut and Cane Seat Rocking Chair in good antique condition measuring 19" in width, 30" in depth, 32.5" in height with a Seat hei...
Cane, Walnut
Vintage Sculpted Walnut Patchwork Rocking Chair
Located in Denton, TX
Let the rest of the world go by rocker by Top Notch Industries. Hand crafted patchwork walnut strung together with rope. Very comfortable and stunnin...
Rope, Oak, Walnut
1960s Mid Century Walnut and Leather Rocking Chair by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exceptional mid-century rocking chair, designed by the legendary Adrian Pearsall, beautifully embodies his signature sculptural aesthetic and bold, organic lines. The solid waln...
Leather, Walnut
Rocking Chair in Laser-Cut Blackened Steel and Oiled Oak Slats
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iced tea in hand, Sam Cooke on the hifi, the rocker tall is deeply rooted in Southern American porch culture. While its heritage might be southern, th...
Cut Steel
$1,821 / item
H 35.44 in W 29.53 in D 37.41 in
1 of 2 Danish Design Style 1950 New Modern Rocking Chair Walnut Brown Cashmere
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
From our own workshop and design collection this gorgeous 1950 danish design style rocking chair. Made out of solid walnut with a brown cashmere upholstery. The rocking chair looks ...
Fabric, Walnut
$2,795
H 32 in W 26 in D 32 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 812-CR Walnut Rocking Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 812-CR Mid Century Walnut Rocking Lounge Chair This rocking chair measures: 26 wide x 32 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height...
Upholstery, Walnut