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.
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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, K.S. Mobler, Niels Otto Møller
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
Set of Four Carved Bent Lucite Dining Chairs
By Neal Small
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern set of carved beveled Lucite shield back style dining chairs.
Upholstery, Lucite
$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 8 J. Stuart Clingman Dining Chairs for John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, John Stuart
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of EIGHT modernist dining chairs in walnut with upholstered seat and floating back cushions held suspended by brass fittings. Designed by J. Stuart Clingman for John Widdicomb. ...
Brass
Mid-Century Walnut Armchair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural solid walnut and upholstered occasional chair after Finn Juhl. The chair has tapered legs, a subtly curved chair back and retains its original turquoise vinyl upholstery.
Walnut
$2,937 / 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
Set of Six Paul Frankl for Johnson "Corset" Dining Chairs
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
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
Set of Four Chrome Dining Chairs by Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Set of matching Bertoia side, or dining, chairs in chrome with original white pad seat covers. This nice set is in very fine, original, clean and ready to use condition, the only cav...
Chrome
$1,395
H 29.5 in W 26.63 in D 31 in
Angel Pazmino Dark Brown Tooled Leather Folding Arm Chair with Wood Frame
By Muebles De Estilo, Angel Pazmino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Angel Pazmino folding arm chair with tooled leather seat and back and lightly refinished wood frame. In original condition with wear consistent with ...
Leather, Wood
Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut in Stock
By Greg Mitchell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
During the 18th century, a profound design movement took place in Wales. It was led by peasant-carpenters who, simply in an effort to create a practical seating option, produced one of the most elegant spindle back chairs of that time. It is known as the 'Welsh Stick Chair...
Oak, Walnut
Striking Pair of Petite Club Chairs by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare pair of small club chairs, designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s solid mahogany sculpted frames, with black nylon strap...
Mahogany, Nylon
Sold
H 27 in W 28 in D 24 in
Chair by Martin Borenstein for the Brown & Saltman Modular Living Room System
By Brown Saltman, Martin Borenstein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This chair is part of a modular set by Martin Borenstein for Brown & Saltman. The seats, armrests and walnut tables of this system can be rearranged to any number of ways. We are selling this set which includes 2 3-bay units...
Upholstery, Walnut
John Keal for Brown Saltman Dining Chairs
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A set of six John Keal designed chairs for the Los Angeles based firm Brown Saltman, these chairs date back to 1954. They are an excellent representation of Keal's work through the u...
Set of Six John Keal for Brown Saltman Dining Chairs
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of six John Keal designed chairs for the Los Angeles firm of Brown Saltman and dating to 1952. Known example of Keal's work utilizing brown mahoga...