Brown Saltman Dry Bars

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.

Creator: Brown Saltman

Brown Saltman Mid-Century Walnut Dry Bar Cabinet, Tapered Legs, 1950s

$8,800

Brown Saltman Mid-Century Walnut Dry Bar Cabinet, Tapered Legs, 1950s

By Brown Saltman

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century walnut dry bar cabinet with a rectangular profile and two doors and a top that all slide outward to reveal an interior comp...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Basket Weave Front Double Door Cabinet

$4,500

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Basket Weave Front Double Door Cabinet

By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman

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...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Oak

1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Burl Veneer Mirror Mosaic Bar Cabinet

$2,935

H 27.96 in W 29.53 in D 14.97 in

1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Burl Veneer Mirror Mosaic Bar Cabinet

By Vittorio Dassi, Gio Ponti

Located in Carimate, Como

Beautiful 1950s Italian Art Deco bar cabinet in great wood veneer front double doors standing on four classic legs giving elegance and importance. Once you open the two doors the ful...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Burl and Mirror Mosaic Dry Bar Cabinet

$2,759

H 26.38 in W 30.32 in D 15.75 in

1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Burl and Mirror Mosaic Dry Bar Cabinet

By Guglielmo Ulrich, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Vittorio Dassi, Ico & Luisa Parisi

Located in Carimate, Como

Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet, in beautiful wood, two doors and brass handles. When opened, on the right side an amazing interior part in mirrors m...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Mirror Mosaic Bar Cabinet

$3,287

H 46.46 in W 31.5 in D 14.18 in

1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Mirror Mosaic Bar Cabinet

By Vittorio Dassi, Gio Ponti

Located in Carimate, Como

Beautiful 1950s Italian Art Deco bar cabinet in great wood veneer front double doors standing on four tapered legs giving elegance and importance. Once you open the two doors the ful...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Rare Italian Mid-Century Walnut Dry Bar Cabinet with Hammered Copper Top

$10,331 / set

H 79.53 in W 55.12 in D 22.84 in

Rare Italian Mid-Century Walnut Dry Bar Cabinet with Hammered Copper Top

Located in Antwerp, BE

This exceptional Italian bar cabinet, originating from Rome, is a striking example of sophisticated mid-century Italian craftsmanship. Designed as a two-piece ensemble, the mobile lower bar seamlessly rolls into the wall unit, creating an elegant and highly functional composition. The cabinet is distinguished by its beautifully sculpted geometric doors, each inset with faceted smoked glass panels that catch and reflect the light, giving the piece a refined architectural presence. The rich walnut veneer, combined with the dramatic hammered copper countertop...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Brass, Copper, Metal

Italian 1940s Art Deco Mid-Century Walnut Burl Dry Bar Cabinet

$2,935

H 36.62 in W 34.65 in D 17.72 in

Italian 1940s Art Deco Mid-Century Walnut Burl Dry Bar Cabinet

By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa

Located in Carimate, Como

Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern drinks dry bar cabinet in beautiful veneer walnut briar burl wood, various doors and storage spaces with great shapes and decors. The...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Paul Evans Cityscape Bar Cabinet, Burlwood & Chrome, 1970s Modern

$11,250Sale Price|25% Off

H 35.5 in W 36 in D 18 in

Paul Evans Cityscape Bar Cabinet, Burlwood & Chrome, 1970s Modern

By Paul Evans

Located in Chino Hills, CA

Step back in time with this authentic, vintage Paul Evans Cityscape bar cabinet from the 1970s. This striking piece combines the distinct aesthetic of Paul Evans with the practicalit...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Burl

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drop-Front Dry Bar Cabinet with Shelving

$3,200

H 43.75 in W 51.5 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drop-Front Dry Bar Cabinet with Shelving

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This mid-century modern walnut dry bar is a beautifully designed piece that blends clean modernist lines with thoughtful functionality. Crafted i...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Aluminum

Paolo Buffa, walnut bar cabinet with maple inlaid front

$19,372

H 55.12 in W 50.01 in D 16.54 in

Paolo Buffa, walnut bar cabinet with maple inlaid front

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Milano, IT

COD-2534 Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Rare walnut bar cabinet with maple inlaid front and lacquered metal interior. Two maple drawers with glass fronts, mirrors and hidden light. Drawing...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Maple

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Highboy Dresser

$3,895

H 45.75 in W 38 in D 19 in

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Highboy Dresser

By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 38 wide x 19 deep x 45.75 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Areas of Minor Sta...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Mahogany

1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Mirror Mosaic Sideboard Bar Cabinet

$4,109

H 36.23 in W 34.65 in D 13 in

1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Mirror Mosaic Sideboard Bar Cabinet

By Gio Ponti, Vittorio Dassi

Located in Carimate, Como

Impressive 1950s Italian cocktail liquor bar cabinet in beautiful wood with inlay decorated two front doors and standing on greatly decorative shaped legs. Once you open the two door...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Mid Century Oak and Brass Highboy Dresser

$2,995

H 46.75 in W 34.75 in D 20 in

Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Mid Century Oak and Brass Highboy Dresser

By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Mid Century Oak and Brass Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 34.75 wide x 20 deep x 46.75 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Minor Areas of Stai...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Elegant Mid-Century Italian Mirrored Dry Bar Cabinet, 1950s

$6,457

H 41.74 in W 39.77 in D 13.78 in

Elegant Mid-Century Italian Mirrored Dry Bar Cabinet, 1950s

By Gio Ponti

Located in Argelato, BO

An elegant Italian dry bar, crafted from dark wood with a high-gloss finish. The bar features two mirrored doors that reflect the surrounding space, adding a touch of brightness and ...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Glass, Wood

Previously Available Items

Mid Century Modern Serving Bar Cart with Hot Plate by Brown Saltman, c1960s

Sold

H 31.5 in W 38.25 in D 20 in

Mid Century Modern Serving Bar Cart with Hot Plate by Brown Saltman, c1960s

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in Chino Hills, CA

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, authentic mid-century modern serving cart, designed by the esteemed John Keal for Brown Saltman in the 1960s. A perfect blend of fun...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Metal, Brass

Paul Laszlo Bar Cabinet for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 36.25 in W 36 in D 15.5 in

Paul Laszlo Bar Cabinet for Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage MC Rare Bar Cabinet Station by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 5 in W 35.5 in D 18 in

Vintage MC Rare Bar Cabinet Station by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredible and intelligent design by John Keal for Brown Saltman. This incredible vintage cabinet from the late 1950s transcends decades to amaze with intelligent design and purpose. On the outside, the cabinet is minimal and clean lined with two long sculpted decorative wood bars. Pull the decorative bars up until they lock, carefully let them fall forward and voila! It’s a table and built in bar...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Composition

Paul Laszlo Liquor Cabinet for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 36 in W 36 in D 14.5 in

Paul Laszlo Liquor Cabinet for Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Liquor bar by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, c.1957. This liquor cabinet features a bleached mahogany body and X-shaped legs with a pull down front. The top portion features vertical...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Mahogany

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Weave Pattern Cabinet

Sold

H 42 in W 43 in D 19.25 in

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Weave Pattern Cabinet

By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman

Located in New York, NY

Chic two door cabinet designed by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman of California. This piece has the signature weave pattern fronts by Lazslo, and it retains the original Brown Saltman ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Oak

John Keal for Brown-Saltman Mahogany Bar Cabinet Server, 1950s

Sold

H 36.13 in W 40 in D 16 in

John Keal for Brown-Saltman Mahogany Bar Cabinet Server, 1950s

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in Chattanooga, TN

We purchased this John Keal server / bar from the original estate and can say without hesitation that you won't find a more pristine set anywhere. The Florida waterfront home was a veritable living catalog for Brown-Saltman. Please look close at our photos when comparing your options. The cerused mahogany looks outstanding and has been masterfully and subtly restored. The key to any restoration is making improvements without making it look as though anything has been done. This cabinet now looks like a museum installation, but yet our price is in-step with similar offerings in lower grade conditions. This John Keal for Brown Saltman bar is made of mahogany wood and features a spacious interior. Grasp the gracefully sculpted solid wood pulls to reveal the ample interior. Look to the upper left corner and see a column of three articulating rings...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

1950s American Mid-Century Mahogany Rare Bar Cabinet by Brown Saltman

Sold

H 36 in W 40 in D 16.5 in

1950s American Mid-Century Mahogany Rare Bar Cabinet by Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in San Diego, CA

Elegant double door bar or cabinet mahogany finish, with hidden drawer, circa 1950s, freshly refinished with its original label, designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, great condit...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Dry Bars

Materials

Mahogany

Brown Saltman dry bars for sale on 1stDibs.

Brown Saltman dry bars 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 dry bars, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dry bars by Brown Saltman were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider dry bars by Dunbar, Tommi Parzinger, and Henredon. Prices for Brown Saltman dry bars can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,560 and can go as high as $8,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,550.