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.
$4,200 / set
Pair of Espresso Paul Frankl Occasional Tables
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
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
French Empire Round Table or Gueridon of Mahogany with Marble Top
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome French round table or gueridon in the Empire style, featuring a circular top of figured black marble (25.5" diameter), set upon a tripod column support of mahogany with or...
Marble, Metal, Brass
Maison Jansen Occasional Table
By Maison Jansen
Located in East Hampton, NY
Elegant marble-top table with a steel and brass base in the French Regency style.
Marble, Brass, Steel
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 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
19th Century French Louis XVI Bouillotte Table with Marquetry Inlay
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine French Louis XVI style 'Bouillotte' table, in wood veneer and marquetry, with an inlaid beige veined marble top surrounded by an openwork brass gallery. The gambling card game...
Marble, Brass
$1,579
H 30.71 in W 21.46 in D 13.59 in
French 1930s Art Deco Modernist Table Gueridon by Michel Dufet
By Michel Dufet
Located in Devon, England
Wonderfully stylish and totally authentic French, Art Deco Gueridon, dating to the 1930s and designed by Michel Dufet. Fabulous table is great to display items, perhaps figures or any other prized pieces. Features three-tiered circular platforms supported on chrome tubular poles the whole having an asymmetrical modernist spirit. We've had this table fully and professionally restored and so comes to you in showroom condition with no faults to mention. Measure: Diameter of the circular shelves...
Chrome
$4,475
H 26 in Dm 25.25 in
French Art Deco Two-Tiered Bookmatched Walnut & Black Lacquer Gueridon Table
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Deco Gueridon Table was realized in France, circa 1935. It features two round book-matched walnut tops connected by curving black lacquer supports. Scroll form feet...
Walnut, Lacquer
$4,475
H 26 in Dm 25.25 in
French Art Deco Two-Tiered Bookmatched Walnut & Black Lacquer Gueridon Table
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Deco Gueridon Table was realized in France, circa 1935. It features two round book-matched walnut tops connected by curving black lacquer supports. Scroll form feet...
Walnut, Lacquer
$6,850
H 29.25 in W 72 in D 41.75 in
Paul Frankl Dining Table with Two Leaves, Cork Top, Mahogany Frame, Original
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Cork top dining table designed by the most important American Art Deco furniture designer, Paul Frankl, for Johnsone Furniture Company. Thi...
Mahogany, Cork
Ebonised French Table
Located in Houston, TX
Ebonised French Gueridon with Fossil marble top on 3 oblong bun feet. Metal detail on each of the three columns along the top and the bottom.
Marble
Italian Antique 19th Century Scagliola Circular Table Top
Located in London, GB
An Italian antique 19th century scagliola circular table top Italian, 19th century Measures: Height 1.5cm, diameter 90cm This superb piec...
Scagliola
Pair of Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Gueridons
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 1890-1900 Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Gueridons. Each with very fine ormolu mounts as well as hand-carved marble tops. Exceptional details on the ormolu i...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Pair of Tables with Curvaceous Legs designed by Paul Frankl
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Tables or Gueridons designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman, circa 1950's. We love the curvaceous legs on these! They are a versatile size and could be used as end tables, ...