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 Laszlo Nesting Tables, Bleached Mahogany, Mid-Century, 1952
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Hanover, MA
Nest of three bleached mahogany end tables, with open rectangle side supports, by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, American, 1950s. The largest measuring 24 x 16 in, height 22 3/8 in....
Mahogany
John Keal Walnut Coffee Table with Three Folding Side Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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 Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Chicago, IL
John Keal nesting tables for Brown Saltman. Manner of Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb
Wood
$1,875
H 23.38 in W 20.94 in D 17.63 in
Elegant 1940's Mid-Century Mahogany Nesting Tables in Dark Expresso
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant 1940's set of nesting tables, refinished in dark brown expresso on mahogany. Larger table measures 21-15/15" W x 17.5/8" D x 23-3/8" H, lower table measures 17-5/8" W x 16" D...
Mahogany
$1,179Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 15 in W 18 in D 18 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Constellation End Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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
Californian Modern Coffee Table w/ Bookshelf & Drink Tray by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany, Original Frosted Glass, Original Metal & Plastic Tray ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furn...
Metal
$2,500
H 15.5 in W 21 in D 21 in
Pair of MId-Century side tables. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman.
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Mid-Century side tables. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Walnut with gold/copper pebbled resin design under glass tops. 1960's.
Resin, Walnut
$4,850
H 12 in W 55.5 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern Expandable Slatted Coffee Table/Bench by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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
$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
$3,500
H 15.25 in W 92.25 in D 24.25 in
Mid-Century Expanding Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century expanding coffee table. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1960s. Made from warm walnut wood with great woodgrain throughout the top and base. Fantastic arch...
Formica, Wood, Walnut
$1,876Sale Price|30% Off
H 14.5 in W 54.5 in D 22 in
Mid Century Walnut and Smoked Glass Coffee Table - Style of John Keal
By John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek walnut with smoked glass mid century modern coffee table in the style of John Keal for Brown Saltman. *We have a pair of matching end tables...
Smoked Glass, Walnut
$2,800 / set
H 15.75 in Dm 21 in
Pair of Hexagonal 'Domino' Side Tables by John Keal for Brown-Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Occasional hexagonal tables by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Stamped and labeled. Practical and versatile.
Glass, Wood
$15,348 / set
H 16.15 in W 61.42 in D 40.56 in
Contemporary Dornes Nesting Coffee Table Set/2, Walnut Root, Handmade Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Dornes Nesting Coffee Table, Set/2, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Dornes nesting coffee table is a tribute to Portu...
Onyx, Travertine, Granite, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
$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
$2,046
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 John Keal, Brown Saltman
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
$30,128 / set
H 18.12 in W 96.07 in D 60.24 in
Modern Landscape Nesting Coffee Tables, Set/3, Walnut, Brass, by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Landscape Nesting Coffee Table, Set/3, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Landscape nesting coffee table draws inspiration from the ...
Onyx, Quartz, Travertine, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
$5,700 / set
H 16 in Dm 20.5 in
Group of Three Side Tables or Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Group of three hexagonal side tables or coffee table by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Carved walnut bases with reverse painted art glass. Two brownish tops and one more goldish top (s...
Art Glass, Walnut
$3,600
H 15.25 in W 66.25 in D 24.25 in
Expanding Coffee Table in Walnut & Formica by John Keal for Brown Saltman, 1960s
By John Keal
Located in Deland, FL
An exquisite design by John Keal for Brown Saltman. The expanding table design allows for additional surface use and storage. This design element is great for when you have drinks or...
Walnut
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 Brown Saltman, John Keal
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 Brown Saltman, John Keal
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...