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.
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 ...
Wood
Attributed to John Keal for Brown Saltman Walnut Tambour Roll Top Desk
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant California modern roll-top secretary desk manufactured by Brown Saltman and attributed to designer John Keal, circa late 1950s. Executed in richly grained walnut, the desk fe...
Laminate, Walnut
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Basket Weave Bleached Oak Desk
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
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...
Oak
$2,342
H 29.53 in W 55.12 in D 23.63 in
Oak desk with three solid oak drawers in mid century modern style
Located in SULECHÓW, -
Oak desk in mid-century style with three drawers and brass handles. The tapered legs are finished with brass plated aluminum feet. Desk made of solid oak wood and wood covered with n...
Brass
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...
Bronze
$840Sale Price|40% Off
H 18.25 in W 54 in D 16 in
1950's John Keal design for Brown-Saltman Low Credenza Cabinet
By John Keal
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-century four-door very low cabinet designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Gorgeous walnut grain throughout. Nickel-plated pulls and back plate. Exceptionally versatile piece of furniture which could be used as a bench, entry way cabinet...
Wood
$10,183
H 29.53 in W 59.85 in D 29.93 in
Rare Mutenyé wood design desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel 1960
By Jules Wabbes, Mobilier Universel
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Experience the elegance of mid-century modern design with the Jules Wabbes desk for Mobilier Universel. This piece is a testament to refined taste and meticulous craftsmanship produc...
Chrome
$3,499Sale Price|63% Off
H 29 in W 60 in D 30 in
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...
Steel, Aluminum
$3,895
H 30 in W 72 in D 19 in
Expertly Restored - Californian Modern Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, 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
$2,850
H 54.25 in W 36 in D 19 in
Newly Refinished - John Keal Walnut Highboy Dresser for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativi...
Walnut
Large French Neoclassical Roll-Top Desk
Located in Troy, NY
French Mahogany Empire Desk of stately proportions, with a roll top, revealing a double row of total six drawers under an open shelf, as well as a sliding writing surface with inset ...
Mahogany, Pearwood
Rare 1970s Gianni Walnut & Lucite Floating Executive Desk
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare and Monumental 1970s Gianni Floating Walnut & Lucite Executive Desk in the style of Vladimir Kagan. Beautiful solid walnut bullnose edging, two smaller drawers on the left ...
Steel
$299Sale Price / set|49% Off
H 29 in W 48 in D 18 in
Rare Vintage Rustic Western Oak Desk & Chair Set from Yellowstone National Park
By Westwood Industries
Located in Lafayette, IN
This desert oak desk & chair set was custom ordered by the Yellowstone National Park Services from Westwood of Texas. We procured this particular des...
Iron
$5,293 / set
H 33.08 in W 42.33 in D 22.05 in
THEODORE ALEXANDER SECRETAIRE DESK & GOTHIC REVIVAL WiNDSOR BROWN LEATHER CHAIR
By Theodore Alexander
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite, vintage Theodore Alexander folding writing table desk with hidden storage and bro...
Leather, Hardwood
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.5 in W 60 in D 16 in
Restored Mid-century Paul Frankl Combed Wood Chest of Drawers for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early Mid-century Low Boy dresser with 6 drawers by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman company features his trademark combed wood sides with curled brass pulls. The chest of drawers inclu...
Oak
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century California Modern Desk by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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...
Mahogany
Sold
H 28.75 in W 52.25 in D 23.75 in
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 ...
Walnut
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.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
Brass