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.
2
to
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
1
1
1
84
26
26
22
21
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, 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
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
French Large Art Deco Table Oak, Dudouyt, 1940s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
French Art Deco dining table. The table features stunning oak sanded wood grain with a stunning patina. The top is encrusted with a checked marquetry. It rests on tall and Brutalist ...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
Art Deco oak desk, France, Circa 1940
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Business or administration desk from the 1940s.
France, Art Deco.
4 Drawers with common locking, a leaf extension and a retractable shelf above the drawer unit.
Footrest bar.
Key ...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Wood, Oak
Paul Laszlo for Brown and Saltman Credenza
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Denton, TX
Treasure chest model with 24 drawers and a large compartment on the right side originally used for hanging linens.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Swedish Desk and Stool by Göran Malmvall 1940s/'50s
By Goran Malmvall
Located in Brescia, IT
Pine wood table and stool set designed by G.Malmvall for The Swedish Fur company.
Two pieces of furniture of Scandinavian origin, evident in the type of wood used and the rustic b...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Pine
French Art Deco Occasionnal Table Oak, 1940s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Presenting a captivating and compact French Art Deco dining table that exudes timeless elegance. This exquisite table showcases the beauty of oak wood with a sanded finish, revealing...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
Table in Solid Oak, Bleached, 1940s
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
French Art Deco dining table. The table features oak raw wood grain with a stunning patina.
The table is in excellent original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
French Extendable Art Deco Table Oak, Dudouyt, 1940s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
French Art Deco dining table. The table features stunning oak sanded wood grain with a stunning patina. The top is encrusted with a checked marquetry. It rests on tall and Brutalist ...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
1940s French Art Deco Extendable Oak Table
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Introducing a remarkable French Art Deco dining table designed by the renowned Charles Dudouyt, a celebrated furniture designer known for his exceptional craftsmanship, innovative de...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
Paul Laszlo Bleached Oak "Basket Weave" Desk for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Paul Laszlo's (1900-1993) stunning bleached oak desk for brown saltman features basket weave drawer fronts and modern U-shaped legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
1940s French Art Deco Extendable Oak Table
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Presenting an exquisite French Art Deco dining table inspired by the timeless beauty of the French provincial style. Crafted from rich oak, this table showcases the wood's intrinsic ...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Oak
Very Rare Mid-Century Vintage Retro Teak Desk by Remploy
By Remploy
Located in London, GB
Stunning and very rare Mid-century teak desk with Formica top by Remploy.
Features five spacious drawers. Beautiful design with lustrous golden teak finish, very stylish metal handle...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Formica, Teak
Previously Available Items
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
Desk by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
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 Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
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 John Caldwell, Brown Saltman
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 John Keal, Brown Saltman
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 John Keal, Brown Saltman
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 John Keal, Brown Saltman
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 John Keal, Brown Saltman
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
Vintage Paul Laszlo Desk for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern desk designed by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman in mahogany. This piece can be displayed from any angle and includes a finished backside with a bookshelf display. E...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Brown-Saltman Mid-Century Modern Small Walnut Desk
By Brown Saltman
Located in San Francisco, CA
An uncommon early 1960s Brown-Saltman small walnut desk with drawer.
Top displays handsome bookmatched grain, while arced legs and backstop provide a perfect amount of personality...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Desks
Materials
Walnut
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.