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.
Mid-century 6057 Server Mahogany Sideboard Cabinet, John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Rare Brown Saltman "6057 Server " mahogany cabinet/buffet designed by John Keal. The cabinet contains a fixed shelf with a slide-out wine glass rack and pivoting hardware for holding...
Mahogany
Mahogany Dresser by Brown Saltman, C. 1950s
By Brown Saltman
Located in Westport, CT
Dresser or sideboard executed in mahogany manufactured by Brown Saltman, circa 1950-1959. Compltely restored, featuring three large center drawers and nickel dome pulls, the side doo...
Nickel
$3,895
H 32.25 in W 72 in D 19 in
Expertly Restored - Californian Modernist Dresser by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
$4,500
H 44.5 in W 40 in D 19 in
'Brasilia' Highboy Dresser by Broyhill Premiere, Refinished, 1960s, Signed
By Broyhill Brasilia, Broyhill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible 'Brasilia' highboy dresser by Broyhill Premiere has been completely refinished and is signed with its original Brasilia label, and ready to grace your home or office. This beautiful high-boy dresser features the signature Brasilia sculpted front panels and brass pulls. These key elements are what makes a Brasilia a Brasilia. The dresser features five wide drawers in total, the top drawer with a sculpted wood front panel and four with brass Brasilia pulls. All standing on top of a sculpted Brasilia base. Brasilia by Broyhill Premiere label located inside of top drawer. We have the matching low dresser with mirror, nightstands and headboard - contact us or see our other listings for details. Originally designed in the 1960s based on the emerging modern designs coming from the capital city of Brazil, Brasilia. Much of the public spaces were designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer such as the Palácio do Planalto which this credenza shares many design similarities with. Perfect for the Mid-Century Modern collector or the interior designer looking for the perfect piece to make a room look complete and finished. These authentic and original Brasilia pieces are always in such high demand. In addition they are commonly copied these days by so many faker makers (there is one West Coast modern...
Brass
$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
$2,280Sale 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
Henredon Georgian Flame Mahogany Highboy Dresser, Circa 1950s
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style seven-drawer highboy dresser or chest of drawers By Henredon USA, Circa 1950s Beautiful flame mahogany, with original brass hardware. Mea...
Brass
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza This credenza measures: 66 wide x 20 deep x 33 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call res...
Chrome
Mae Solid Wood Dresser by Crump and Kwash
By Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Mae dresser by Crump and Kwash. Solid wood case / hand turned legs / hand rubbed oil finish / solid brass pulls / premium, full extension, soft close dr...
Maple, Oak, Walnut
$2,800
H 30.5 in W 54 in D 20.5 in
American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Bali-Hi Dresser, ca. 1950’s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sophisticated and stylish Bali Hi dresser, designed by Merton Gurshun for American of Martinsville. The dresser has six deep drawers each having faux bam...
Mahogany
$47,800Sale Price|25% Off
H 32.25 in W 100 in D 19 in
Important Double Dresser by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, 1950s, Signed
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This very rare and important sculptural double dresser was designed by Vladimir Kagan and handcrafted by Kagan-Dreyfuss Inc during the 1950s in New York. Each of the two chests are s...
Walnut
John Keal Walnut Dresser with Metal Accent Pulls 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...
Aluminum, Brass
Period Georgian Sideboard Mahogany Server
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Georgian mahogany inlaid sideboard Period Georgian antique Raised upon square tapered legs with spade feet This sideboard has 2 oak lined drawers and 1 cupboard The sideboard feature...
Mahogany
$4,875Sale Price|35% Off
H 32 in W 62 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Landstrom Mahogany Dresser Credenza
By Landstrom Furniture
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern mahogany four-drawer dresser, credenza, or sideboard by Landstrom. Featuring an Asian inspired case attached to a six-leg stand. Elegant copper toned hardware with Greek key...
Brass
Sideboard by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Sideboard by Paul Frankl and manufactured by Brown Saltman. Top portion meaasures 33" wide, 18" deep and 34.25" high. Glass shelves are all original. Bottom portion is 36.25" wide...
Wood
Sold
H 18.25 in W 54 in D 16 in
Vintage John Keal Brown-Saltman Mid Century Modern Low Credenza, Record, Stereo
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960’s four-door low cabinet designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Exceptionally versatile piece of furniture to be used as stereo stand with room for ...
Brass
Paul Laszlo Mahogany Console for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Console by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, c.1950s, USA. This sideboard features a mahogany body and rectangular legs connected with a single stretcher. The case piece contains three ...
Mahogany
Vintage Cerused and Brass Dresser by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage cerused and brass credenza designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman in the United States, circa 1950s. The beautiful black cerused oak grain gives it a unique styl...
Brass
Vintage Cerused and Brass Dresser by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage cerused and brass credenza designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman in the United States, circa 1950s. The beautiful black cerused oak grain gives it a unique styl...
Brass
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mahogany Mid Century Credenza
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman mahogany mid century credenza. Credenza measures: 66 wide x 20 deep x 33 high All pieces of furnitu...
Mahogany
John Keal for Brown Saltman Brass and Mahogany Sideboard / Dresser
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-Century Modern mahogany sideboard/dresser by John Keal for Brown Saltman. There are six drawers accented with beautiful sculptural brass pulls. The piece has interesting line mot...
Brass
Sold
H 33.88 in W 66 in D 19 in
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Ebonized Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized oak sideboard credenza or bar cabinet By Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman USA, 1950s Me...
Oak
Sold
H 32 in W 66 in D 22 in
Sideboard / Cabinet with Ribbed Wood Border by Paul Frankl for Brown & Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful sideboard by Paul Frankl for Brown & Saltman. It has a ribbed wood detailed boarder. The middle section has three drawers and the sides have door...
Wood
Sold
H 32 in W 72 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Paul Laszlo Credenza Sideboard Buffet Cane and Wood, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a phenomenal, wood and cane credenza, with three doors and four drawers, Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s. In great condition. The dimensions are ...
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 55.25 in W 96.25 in D 21.5 in
Modular Configurable Sideboard and Hutch by Martin Borenstein for Brown Saltman
By Martin Borenstein, Brown Saltman
Located in South Charleston, WV
Martin Borenstein, USA, California, Brown Saltman, 1958 Teak, formica, steel, glass, lacquer Measures: 96.25" wide x 21.5 deep x 30 inches tall. Hutch makes unit 55.25" tall. This i...
Steel
Brown Saltman Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza
By Brown Saltman
Located in Chattanooga, TN
American made Mid-Century Modern credenza by Brown Saltman. This unit features cabinets on the left and right and drawers at centre. Minimalist design borrowed from Danish modern sty...
Walnut