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.
Van Keppel Green, Cabinet, Solid Maple, Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s
By Brown Saltman
Located in High Point, NC
A solid maple cabinet designed by Van Keppel Green and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s.
Maple
Restored Paul Frankl Combed Wood Sliding Glass Display Cabinet for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original circa 1940 early midcentury display cabinet featuring 3 glass self/glass door cabinet which rests on a single drawer cabinet. This cabinet is Designed by Paul Frankl and fea...
Wood
Mid Century Nightstand in the Manner of Paul Frankl (2 available)
By Paul Frankl
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a mid century nightstand featuring cork fronts Pair of walnut vintage nightstands or side tables with metal hairpin legs in the style of Paul Frankl. Featuring circular recessed bakelite pulls and cork facings. One with three drawers and the other features one top drawer and a pull down cabinet...
Steel
Paul Frankl Classic Nightstand with X Handles
By Paul Frankl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic nightstand designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart, ca' 1950s. Nickeled X handles, drop down front with 2 drawers below. Original finish ...
Maple
Vintage Drinks Cabinet from Beithcraft, 1950s
By Beithcraft
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid century mahogany Beithcraft drinks cabinet or linen cabinet There's a cupboard with a mirror back and shelf, along with three drawers.
Teak, Walnut
Van Keppel for Brown Saltman Mid Century Credenza
By Brown Saltman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Van Keppel for Brown Saltman Mid Century Credenza This credenza measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 35.75 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much d...
Wood
1950s Mid-Century Kitchen Cabinet, Vintage
Located in Neuss, NW
Unique two-piece kitchen cabinet from the 1950s in a period-typical design. High-quality corpus in ash veneer with four sliding doors, one glass sliding door, three drawers, two flap...
Glass, Wood
Art Deco Eliel Saarinen Sliding Glass Door Display Cabinet for Rway
By Eliel Saarinen, RWAY
Located in Chicago, IL
Art Deco Eliel Saarinen Sliding Glass Door Display Cabinet for Rway The hutch has 2 lower book-matched storage cabinet doors with ...
Glass, Wood
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Basket Weave Front Double Door Cabinet
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman (signed) basket weave double door cabinet in American white oak newly refinished in dark walnut. Originally this cabinet was blonde and contained GE Mu...
Oak
$6,235
H 35.44 in W 47.25 in D 11.03 in
Art Deco Walnut Skyscraper Cabinet / Bookcase in the Manner of Paul T.Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Köln, NW
Art Deco bookcase / cabinet in the style of Paul T. Frankl. Although the desciption says "In the style of Paul T.Frankl, the object can certainly be attributed to him. It has the typ...
Brass
$1,343Sale Price|60% Off
H 39.38 in W 53.55 in D 17.72 in
Midcentury French Modernist Cabinet Vaisselier, 1950s
Located in Paris, IDF
Warm light brown oak and rich copper form a beautiful color palette in this cabinet vaisselier from the 1950s. On the front and top of the cabinet, the oak displays a striped lightwood/dark wood pattern that feels fun and very much of the era, while the recessed portions of the oak appear to shift into burnt orange for a subtle injection of natural color. Opening the door at the front of the cabinet, a series of small drawers are revealed for hidden storage and organization; the left side of the cabinet is formed by transparent glass, ideal for stowing decorative items or glassware, as well as giving the piece a sense of being filled with light. Though it was created by an unknown French craftsman, this piece is reminiscent of avant-garde designer Jean Royere’s work. Place it in your living room for a unique midcentury French modernist...
Copper
A Swedish Modern cabinet, Circa 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish Modern two door mahogany cabinet, Circa 1950s, with a clean design of a slightly overhanging cornice molding above two flat cupboard doors, raised on squared tapered legs j...
Mahogany
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Combed Wood Desk
By Paul Frankl
Located in Pasadena, TX
A desk designed by Paul Frankl for Brown and Saltman. This desk features combed wood restored to emphasize the beautiful tones and textures of the natural ...
Wood
1950s Rare Wooden Bar Cabinet, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Rare model - By KMEN
Wood
Sold
H 71 in W 24 in D 19 in
Expertly Restored-Jack Cartwright Gentlemen's Wardrobe Dressing Cabinet w/Mirror
By Jack Cartwright, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
Paul Laszlo "Basket Weave" Highboy Dresser for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning tall oak dresser designed by Paul Lazlo for Brown Saltman c.1950s, USA as part of the "Basket Weave" collection. This classic California Modern design features two cabinet...
Oak
Paul Laszlo "Basket Weave" Highboy Dresser for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning tall oak dresser designed by Paul Lazlo for Brown Saltman c.1950s, USA as part of the "Basket Weave" collection. This classic California Modern design features two cabinet...
Oak
Sold
H 33.5 in W 37.75 in D 18.5 in
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Pair of Nightstands or Chest of Drawers
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of nightstands or chest of drawers in oak by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Wonderful Basketweave design on drawer fronts. Three generous sized drawers.
Oak
Van Keppel Green, Cabinet, Solid Maple, Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s
By Brown Saltman
Located in High Point, NC
A maple cabined designed by Van Keppel Green and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s.
Maple
Paul Laszlo Bar Cabinet for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bar cabinet by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, c.1957. This cabinet features a mahogany body and X-shaped legs with a pull down front. The top portion features vertical separation and...
Mahogany
John Keal Cabinet with Cane Doors for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Keal Cabinet with Cane Doors for Brown Saltman
Cane, Mahogany
Sold
H 58 in W 40 in D 20 in
Rare John Keal for Brown Saltman Midcentury Vitrine Wall Unit Display Case
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo, John Keal
Located in Decatur, GA
Scarce Mid-Century Modern vitrine display cabinet designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1952. Mahogany and micro-screen textured glass. This unit consists of two pieces - the lower base, consisting of one large drawer integrated with the sculptural legs and the upper display case with glass...
Glass, Mahogany
Classic Modernist Wall Unit by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern wall unit / room divider designed by John Keal manufactured by Brown Saltman, two piece, top featuring 2 storage cubbies with sliding doors, a-top stylize...
Birch, Mahogany, Burl
John Keal for Brown Saltman Twelve-Drawer Dresser
By Brown Saltman
Located in Denton, TX
John Keal for Brown Saltman 12-drawer dresser with black laminate front plinth.
Walnut, Masonite
John Keal Credenza or Storage Cabinet
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Fulton, CA
A two piece storage cabinet designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman of California. Features two sliding doors opening to storage with adjustable shelf interior and three center drawe...
Oak, Walnut
Paul Laszlo Basketweave Chest of Drawers for Brown Saltman, Oak
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Chest of drawers in oak by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Wonderful Basketweave design on drawer fronts. Three generous sized drawers. Restored.
Oak