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.
John Keal Walnut Coffee Table with Three Folding Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare coffee table with internal folding snack tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Bleached walnut wood square top coffee table with three intern...
Laminate, Walnut
John Keal Nesting Tables for Brown Saltman manner of Robsjohn Gibbings
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chicago, IL
John Keal nesting tables for Brown Saltman. Manner of Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb
Wood
$1,179Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 15 in W 18 in D 18 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Constellation End Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of walnut with enamel copper tile tables titled ‘Constellation’ produced by high-end Californian furniture manufacturer, Brown Saltman. These two solid walnut wood tables each fe...
Ceramic, Walnut
$2,575Sale Price|28% Off
H 27.25 in Dm 54 in
John Keal Sculpted Walnut Dining Table for Brown Saltman c.1960
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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
California Modern Slatted Bench / Coffee Table by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California Modern Slatted Bench / Coffee Table by John Keal
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
$495
H 17.5 in W 28 in D 20 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Side Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Mahogany
$2,164
H 16.54 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
John Keal Midcentury Walnut Magazine Rack Coffee Table for Brown Saltman, 1960s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Roma, IT
This mid-century walnut coffee table can be used as a magazine rack. This fantastic item is attributed to John Keal and was produced in 1960s. An astonishing piece that has a Clas...
Walnut
$5,500
H 16 in W 40 in D 40 in
Black and White Checker Coffee Table w/ Storage in Walnut by John Keal 1950s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Troy, MI
Geometric coffee table designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman USA circa 1950's Walnut base with two extending sides slanted for book display Black and white checkerboard surface in...
Laminate, Walnut
John Keal Expanding Coffee Table by Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This expanding coffee table by John Keal is both handsome and versatile. When closed the rectilinear top sits on a pair of cube bases for a sim...
Formica, Walnut
$3,550
H 12 in W 55.5 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern Expandable Slatted Coffee Table/Bench by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Soquel, CA
Beautiful and versatile expandable mid century minimalist walnut slat bench designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1960. This California modern piece features an expandable s...
Walnut
Metamorphic 3-in-1 by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Hanover, MA
Beautiful long solid walnut coffee table with slide-out folding side tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman. The pair of side tables on their own are very chic and have the tapered fo...
Walnut
$1,800 / set
H 15.25 in W 18 in D 18 in
Walnut with Copper Tile Top Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Denton, TX
Set of three solid walnut with copper tile top tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman.
Copper
$1,650 / set
H 15.25 in W 18 in D 18 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Snowbell Tree Tile Top Design, Walnut Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman walnut side tables with colorful ceramic art tiles in an abstract of a Japanese Snowbell Tree. Newly refinished and reglued. No...
Ceramic, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern John Keal Brown Saltman Hexagonal Side Table
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern classic, John Keal for Brown Saltman hexagonal side table. Walnut wood and enamel copper & Glass tabletop. Insert appears as pebble comp...
Copper, Enamel
Sold
H 19.25 in W 25.25 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Nesting Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage set of three nesting side tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman in mahogany, circa 1950s. This versatile set features a rounded edge detail that taper into the legs complete ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 18.5 in W 26.75 in D 26.75 in
Walnut Coffee Table w/ Nesting Side Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman 1960s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration: A Compact Coffee Table with 3 Nesting Tables / TV Trays by John Keal for Brown Saltman in Walnut Wood, Mid Century Modern 1960s This unique piece includes three foldable tray tables that store inside the cabinet. Tables have collapsible solid walnut legs, brass supports and laminate tops. Ideal for at home portable tv tray...
Walnut
Vintage Brown Saltman Walnut Nesting Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century walnut coffee table and nesting side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. This unique piece includes three foldable tray tables that store inside cabinet. Tabl...
Laminate, Walnut
John Keal Nesting Tables, USA, 1950s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Miami, FL
John Keal nesting tables, black stained and lacquered mahogany. Dimensions are of largest table.
Brass
Vintage Brown Saltman Walnut Nesting Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century walnut coffee table and nesting side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. This unique piece includes three foldable tray tables that store inside cabinet. Tray...
Laminate, Walnut
John Keal Nestiing Tables for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a set of two nesting tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Mahogany wood with brass accents.
Brass
John Keal Walnut Coffee Table With Three Folding Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare coffee table with internal folding snack tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Bleached walnut wood square top coffee table with three intern...