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.
Paul Frankl Black Cerused Dining Set Brown Saltman California Mid Century
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a dining set designed by Paul Frankl in black cerused oak wood for Brown Saltman CA, USA circa the 1950s. Dining table and six dining chairs. Dining set: 4 c...
Fabric, Oak
1950s Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Combed Dining Set Modernism, 9 Piece Set
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Monrovia, CA
Vintage Paul Frankl dining room set by Brown - Saltman. 9 piece dining table one leaf six chairs with matching buffet all with honey combed design ico...
Wood
$2,575Sale Price|28% Off
H 27.25 in Dm 54 in
John Keal Sculpted Walnut Dining Table for Brown Saltman c.1960
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT This original John Keal designed dining table for Brown Saltman is a prime example of California Modernism, noted for its sculpted walnut tabletop and functional design suitab...
Walnut
$5,830 / set
H 29 in W 72 in D 42 in
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and White Cork Dining Set, Set of 5
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a timeless dining set designed by Paul Frankl for The Johnson Furniture Company, circa the 1940s. Back in the day, Johnson company in Grand Rapids, Michigan was one of the largest furniture companies in the United States. In the early 1950s, Paul Frankl produced several lines for the furniture company, among them the “Contemporary” line, made from exquisite hardwoods with cork counter tops, and chairs with cutout backs that mimicked women’s fashions of the day. This complete dining set...
Mahogany, Cork
Paul Frankl, Console Table, Wood, USA, 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered wood console table with cabinet attributed to Paul Frankl for Barzilay, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.5" H x 35.8" W x 11.8" D Materials: Wood A...
Wood
Paul Frankl Two-Tier Side Table for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Frankl two-tiered occasional table by Brown Saltman of California, circa 1950. Solidly crafted and elegantly designed. Signed and marked. We have not refinished or restore...
Maple
Paul Frankl, Console Table, Mahogany, Cork, USA, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and lacquered cork console table designed by Paul Frankl and produced by Johnson Furniture Company, USA, 1950s Multiple water rings present. The tabletop presents with a...
Mahogany, Cork
Classic Mid Century Cork Cocktail Table By Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Iconic 1940’s Design by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture. Classic Elemental from Cocktail Table with thick Natural Cork Top supported by three Architectural Mahogany shaped legs wit...
Wood, Cork
Paul Frankl, Console Table, Wood, USA, 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in High Point, NC
A wood console table produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s. Designed attributed to Paul Frankl, Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.375"H x 42.0"W x 17.875"D All items ship from High ...
Wood
$2,245
H 16.5 in W 47.75 in D 21 in
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Black Lacquered Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency black lacquered oak coffee table By Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman USA, 1940s Measures: 47.75"W x 21"D x 16.5"H. Newly refi...
Oak, Lacquer
Pair of Espresso Paul Frankl Occasional Tables
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful pair of Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman two-tier occasional tables with splayed and tapered legs and espresso finish.
Wood
$1,890Sale Price|40% Off
H 14 in Dm 40 in
Stepped Art Deco Blond Oak & Glass Coffee Table By Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Art Deco coffee table with stepped center and glass top. Crafted from solid blond finished oak with an integrated glass top designed by Paul T Frankl for the Brown & Saltman company....
Oak
$3,800 / set
H 16 in W 20 in D 18 in
Mid 20th Century John Keal for Brown Saltman Hexagonal Side Tables, Set of 2
By Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of John Keal for Brown Saltman burl wood hexagon side tables. Also great together as a small coffee tables. Angled corners, lower shelves, black platforms, beautiful wood grain,...
Wood
Paul Frankl Attribution, Console Table, Oak, USA, 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in High Point, NC
An oak console table attributed to Paul Frankl, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 29.5"W x 15.0"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Oak
Paul Laszlo Black Lacquer Knife-Leg Dining Set for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This midcentury Knife-Leg dining set by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman featuring a sleek black lacquer wood table with a 15" leaf, along with six matching dining chairs. There are two high back end chairs in addition to four low back dining chairs...
Oak
Paul Laszlo Black Lacquer Dining Set for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This mid-century dining set by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman featuring a sleek black lacquer wood table with a 15" leaf, along with six matching dining chairs. There are two high back end chairs in addition to four low back dining chairs...
Fabric