Brown Saltman Desks
American
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.
to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
74
27
27
18
18
Creator: Brown Saltman
Rare Desk with Chair by Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman
Located in Torrance, CA
Brown Saltman, desk with chair, wood, United States, circa 1940s
A cubist desk with chair. This set holds a similar idiom with clear forms and lines. Both the chair and the desk ...
Category
1940s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Wood
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Basket Weave Bleached Oak Desk
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Basket Weave Bleached Oak Desk
This desk measures: 63.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 28.25 high, with a chair...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
Related Items
Bronze Desk with Black or Brown Leather Wrapped Top
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Ballard, CA
A hand-sculpted and forged bronze desk with brown or black leather wrapped top and drawer, fastened by bronze nails. Custom sizes, finishes and glass top available. Interior of drawe...
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Bronze
Original 1950s Mid-Century Modern Desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Lafayette, IN
This fantastic little desk is an original 1950s piece designed by the renowned Paul McCobb for the Planner Group and manufactured by the Winchendon Furniture Company. Desk has lots o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Wood
$1,799 Sale Price
28% Off
H 29 in W 48 in D 24.25 in
Mid-century Bleached Oak Basket Weave Desk by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored Mid-century bleached oak "Basket Weave" Desk designed by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. This classic California Modern desk features two side cabinets and a center pull-out ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
$3,410 Sale Price
49% Off
H 28 in W 68 in D 18.5 in
Vintage Viking Oak Kneehole Writing Desk with Matching Chair by Romweber
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Lafayette, IN
Excellent vintage writing desk in the Viking Oak style by the Romweber Furniture Co. of Batesville, IN. This charming desk features wonderful relief carved details, solid oak constru...
Category
1940s American Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Brass
$999 Sale Price / set
66% Off
H 30.5 in W 41.75 in D 21 in
Rare Midcentury Paul McCobb 1562 Drop Lid Desk with Organizer Maple T Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1562 drop lid desk with Rare organizer inside and adjustable glass shelf blonde maple finish T-pulls all solid maple. Flip down front door is des...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Steel
$8,800
H 45 in W 60 in D 18 in
Paul Laszlo, Dresser, Oak, USA, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
An oak dresser designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 33.25"H x 62.0"W x 18.5"D
All items ship from High Point, North Carol...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Wood, Oak
Rare Mid-Century Modern Walnut Push-Button Executive Desk by SLS Environetics
By Lehigh Leopold
Located in Lafayette, IN
This ultra-rare and ultra-cool desk features a black steel frame, walnut veneer cabinet and brushed-aluminum legs with rosewood inlay. The contrasting woods, aluminum accents and minimalist, mid-century lines, make this desk is the epitome of 70's chic! However, what makes this desk truly remarkable is its parlor trick... Cable-actuated, spring-loaded drawers that open at the touch of a button! (see video) This unique desk was custom-designed by SLS Environetics and produced by Leopold/Litton Industries for use in offices at the Sears Tower...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Steel, Aluminum
$3,499 Sale Price
63% Off
H 29 in W 60 in D 30 in
Rare wall desk & shelve
By Charles Zublena
Located in Perpignan, FR
Bureau & étagère monobloc murale
1970 anonyme / fibre de verre
80 x 255 x 55 cm / en l’état d’origine
Provenance . Hôtel Solazur de Tanger
Category
1970s French Space Age Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Resin, Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass
Paul Laszlo, Dresser, Oak, USA, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in High Point, NC
An oak dresser designed designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Wood
Italian Midcentury Executive Desk Table with chair designed by Gio' Ponti, 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This writing table, a true gem designed by Gio Ponti, dates back to the 1940s and is an extraordinary example of Italian design. Its crescent shape is accentuated by a balanced arran...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Walnut
$38,974
H 31.7 in W 74.81 in D 39.38 in
Gentile Brown Walnut Wood Writing Desk With Drawers by Dale Italia
By Dale Italia
Located in Milan, IT
Aesthetics and functionality combine in the Ideale solid wood desk. A piece of high quality craftsmanship tailor-made for everyday use as well as to furnish with style. The desk feat...
Category
2010s Italian Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Wood
$7,107
H 29.93 in W 62.21 in D 31.5 in
Previously Available Items
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century California Modern Desk by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Newly Refinished -Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk by John Keal for Brown Saltman
Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Walnut
H 28.75 in W 52.25 in D 23.75 in
Paul Laszlo, Freeform Desk, Oak, Brown Saltman, USA, 1940s
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
A freeform oak desk designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1940s.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
Desk by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Desk by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman. Desk measures 29" wide, 13.75" deep and 38" high. Desk has been professionally refinished.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Paul Laszlo "Basket Weave" Desk for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning oak desk 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 doors w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
Vintage Walnut Desk by John Caldwell for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Caldwell
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional vintage walnut desk designed by John Caldwell for Brown Saltman in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk has a minimalist design where th...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Walnut
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, California Desk
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Desk by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, California. Wood is silver elm. Desk measures 53.5” wide, 26” deep and 29.5” high. Desk has been professionally refinished. Table knee clearan...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Wood
Vintage Executive Walnut and Chrome Desk by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage executive desk designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States. This exceptional crafted desk features three pull-out drawers and a file drawer all with sculpted...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Chrome
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Cerused Oak Desk, circa 1950s
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Desk designed by Paul Laszlo (1900-1993). USA, Brown & Saltman, circa 1950s. Elegant three-drawer oak desk features the basket weave design Laszlo is well known for. U-shaped modern ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Wood
John Keal Writing Desk with Bookshelf for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek modern writing desk designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States, circa 1960s. The asymmetrical shape on this striking desk exemplifies Keal’s clean and modern ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Brass
John Keal Executive Walnut and Chrome Desk for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stylish modern executive desk designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States circa 1950s. This striking desk is crafted in walnut wood featuring a solid case with chrom...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Steel
John Keal Desk with Brass Accents for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stylish modern desk designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States circa 1950s. This exceptionally crafted desk features mahogany that has been stained in a warm walnut...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Brass
Brown Saltman desks for sale on 1stDibs.
Brown Saltman desks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Brown Saltman desks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks by Brown Saltman were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1940s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks by Edward Wormley, Dunbar, and Knoll. Prices for Brown Saltman desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $13,900 and can go as high as $18,999, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $16,450.