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.
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
$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 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
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 Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
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
Paul Frankl, Organic Coffee Table, Cork Top, Mahogany Base, 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A very rare cork top coffee table or cocktail table by Paul Frankl for American manufacturer Johnson Furniture Company, circa 1955. The playful cork top features a tear-drop shaped ...
Mahogany, Cork
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Expandable Dining Table
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman expandable dining table. The rectangular top having (2) 15" wide leaves, above two supports having ribbed details, with branded mark to underside. Table...
Wood
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
$11,750
H 14.75 in W 61 in D 18.75 in
Paul Laszlo, Coffee Table, Walnut, Brown Saltman, United States, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut coffee table designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, America, 1950s.
Walnut
$24,000
H 28 in W 48 in D 24 in
PAUL FRANKL for JOHNSON Furniture Co. "Amoeba" Desk and Cabinet c. 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Paul Frankl, a renowned American designer of the 20th century, crafted a timeless masterpiece in collaboration with Johnson Furniture Company—a kidney-shaped desk that blends functio...
Wood, Birch, Mahogany, Maple, Teak
$6,000 / set
H 30 in W 72 in D 42 in
Art Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and Cork Dining 9 Piece Set
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Art Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture mahogany and cork dining set - 9 piece set. An exquisite, iconic and truly timeless and unparalleled classic dining set...
Fabric, Mahogany, Cork
Paul Frankl, Desk, Cork, Mahogany, Leather, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in High Point, NC
A cork, dark-stained mahogany, brass and black-dyed leather desk designed by Paul Frankl and produced by Johnson Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensi...
Brass
Dining set by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1950s
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 4 chairs "Grand Prix" and a wooden table by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Table dimensions :H: 71 cm W: 152 cm D: 80 cm Chairs dimensions: H: 78cm W: 47cm D: 51cm Seat height...
Wood
Sold
H 29.75 in W 41.75 in D 95 in
Paul Frankl Black Cerused Dining Set Brown Saltman California Mid Century
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
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
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