At a time when many furniture makers were turning to cheaper materials for mass production, mid-century modern designer John Keal didn't shy away from utilizing quality woods in his work, like mahogany and walnut to create his coffee tables, cabinets and benches.
While little is known about Keal, he was part of a powerhouse group that collaborated with Los Angeles furniture manufacturer Brown-Saltman in the 1940s and ‘50s. Other designers who had partnered with the firm during the mid-20th century included Greta Magnusson Grossman, Paul Frankl, Paul Laszlo, and Gilbert Rohde, a New York City-born designer who would help legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer Herman Miller avert financial disaster during the Great Depression.
Brown-Saltman was established in 1923 and initially specialized in reproductions of furniture in period styles. When cofounder David Saltman met Frankl, the firm had discontinued its Early California collection and was producing modern furniture.
The Austrian-born Frankl was already a big name in decorating in California in the late 1930s — his clients were Hollywood movie stars who were drawn to pieces such as his Art Deco-style Skyscraper series and other biomorphically shaped designs that showed the influence of Chinese and Japanese forms (Brown-Saltman’s offerings were frequently demonstrative of Asian influences). Frankl had become interested in producing inexpensive furniture for middle-class consumers, and his 1940s-era collaboration with Brown-Saltman was a success — print advertisements touted his name as well as the fact that these furnishings, which drew on the clean lines of chrome-framed Bauhaus pieces but instead integrated organic materials, were intended for modern homes.
Keal’s work also fit snugly into what we now call California modernism, which derived from the Bauhaus and International Style movements, and revolutionized the way we build homes today, not only in the Golden State but across the globe. Keal created sleek end tables in walnut and topped with enameled copper and upholstered low-profile dining chairs framed in bleached mahogany for Brown-Saltman as well as other West Coast mid-century brands such as Glenn of California and Modeline.
Find vintage John Keal seating, storage pieces and tables on 1stDibs.
Expertly Restored - John Keal Mosaic Tile Floor Lamp for Modeline of CA
By Modeline Lamp Co., John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Mosaic Tiles, Korina Wood, New Linen Shade ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to ...
Linen, Wood
Expertly Restored - Californian Modern Night Stands w/ Bookcase by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, Brass Accents ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman Walnut Extension Dining Table
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in St. Louis, MO
A sophisticated Mid-Century Modern extension dining table designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. The circular tabletop features a striking starburst veneer pattern composed of pie-...
Walnut
Newly Refinished - John Keal Walnut Highboy Dresser for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativi...
Walnut
California Modern Slatted Bench / Coffee Table by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing histo...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
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
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
Expertly Restored - John Keal Wall-Hanging Sculpted Mirror for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Keal wall-hanging sculpted mirror for Brown Saltman. Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, New Mirror ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-...
Mirror, Walnut, Mahogany
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut low nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Pair of 2 drawer low nightstands or end tables with chrome hanging spade pulls. Walnut with oak draw...
Chrome
$840Sale Price|40% Off
1950's John Keal design for Brown-Saltman Low Credenza Cabinet
By John Keal
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-century four-door very low cabinet designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Gorgeous walnut grain throughout. Nickel-plated pulls and back plate. Exceptionally versatile piece of furniture which could be used as a bench, entry way cabinet...
Wood
John Keal Walnut Dresser with Metal Accent Pulls for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Aluminum Pulls, Brass Sabots ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to l...
Aluminum, Brass
John Keal for Brown Saltman Hexagonal Pair Side Table Walnut Enamel
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, John Keal for Brown Saltman hexagonal pair of side table, a classic piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture likely dating from the 1960s. These tables are char...
Enamel
John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low profile bench by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s, USA. The bench features a mix of mahogany and beech wood that offers texture and depth with varying wood tones. Perfect...
Beech, Mahogany
John Keal Square Reverse Painted Glass and Walnut End / Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century square end / side tables with reverse painted glass tops mounted in a walnut frame, supported by a smaller square walnut pedestal base. (JOHN KEAL FOR BR...
Wood, Walnut
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza This credenza measures: 66 wide x 20 deep x 33 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call res...
Chrome
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Walnut Credenza
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Walnut Credenza This highboy measures: 38 wide x 19 deep x 64.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vin...
Walnut
JOHN KEAL - Biomorphic Coffee Table
By John Keal
Located in Los angeles, CA
JOHN KEAL - Biomorphic Coffee Table USA, 1952 Mahogany H 15’’ W 65.5’’ D 29’’
Mahogany
Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal
By John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This bench has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long creating a versatile solid oak walnut stained...
Oak
"Mid Century Expandable Solid Walnut Slatted Bench by John Keal, 1950s"
By John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century Large Expandable Solid Walnut Wood Slatted Bench, Coffee Table, featuring a Slat Top and Tapered Legs, Joinery detail and Standing on Classic Mid Century Tapered Legs
Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
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
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
John Keal, Dresser, Wood, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brass dresser designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s.
Brass
Brown Saltman Solid Walnut End Table with Burl Walnut Inset
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Soquel, CA
Brown Saltman Solid Walnut End Table with Burl Walnut Inset Elegant end table designed by John Keal and manufactured by Brown Saltman. This piece is clean and modern, which highlights the gorgeous burl of the top. It will fit well with a variety of decor and design choices. 15"H x 18"D x 18"W At a time when many furniture makers were turning to cheaper materials for mass production, mid-century modern designer John Keal didn't shy away from utilizing quality woods in his work, like mahogany and walnut to create his coffee tables, cabinets and benches. While little is known about Keal, he was part of a powerhouse group that collaborated with Los Angeles furniture manufacturer Brown-Saltman in the 1940s and ‘50s. Other designers who had partnered with the firm during the mid-20th century included Greta Magnusson Grossman, Paul Frankl, Paul Laszlo, and Gilbert Rohde, a New York City-born designer who would help legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer Herman Miller avert financial disaster during the Great Depression. Brown-Saltman was established in 1923 and initially specialized in reproductions of furniture in period styles. When cofounder David Saltman met Frankl, the firm had discontinued its Early California collection and was producing modern furniture. Keal’s work also fit snugly into what we now call California modernism, which derived from the Bauhaus and International Style movements, and revolutionized the way we build homes today, not only in the Golden State but across the globe. Keal created sleek end tables...
Walnut
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
$994Sale Price|30% Off
End Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California
By John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice end table/nightstand by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California. The piece features two large drawers with spade shaped pulls and dovetailed construction. The Brown Saltman lo...
Walnut
Expertly Restored - Californian Modern Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Constellation Side Table John Keal Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Mid-Century Modern "Constellation" side table designed by John Keal for the Californian furniture manufacturer Brown Saltman. It features an enameled copper...
Enamel
Expertly Restored - John Keal Night Stand with Bookshelf for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, Patinated Brass ______________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to ...
Brass
1950s John Keal for Brown Saltman Dresser in Blonde Mahogany & Formica Top
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Germantown, MD
A clean midcentury Brown Saltman blonde mahogany modern double dresser 1950s USA. Blonde mahogany body and very clean formica top. Exception...
Abalone, Formica, Hardwood, Mahogany
$4,020Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-century 6057 Server Mahogany Sideboard Cabinet, John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Rare Brown Saltman "6057 Server " mahogany cabinet/buffet designed by John Keal. The cabinet contains a fixed shelf with a slide-out wine glass rack and pivoting hardware for holding...
Mahogany
Hexagonal 'Domino' Side Tables by John Keal for Brown-Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Dallas, TX
Group of Occasional tables by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Hexagonal wood frames with inset textural bronze and stone 'gravel' and glass tops. Sold individually.
Wood
Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman End Table
By John Keal
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman end table Mid-Century Modern square end tables designed by John Keal for Brown-S...
Walnut
$3,128Sale Price|20% Off
Rare John Keal Buffet or Credenza for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This Mid-Century Modern buffet or credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman features three storage drawers and a cabinet behind a pair of double doors. The unit rests on a sculptured l...
Brass
Chic Restored Set of 12 Vintage Danish Style Dining Chairs by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning set of twelve (12) Danish style dining chairs by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1955. There are two (2) host andten (10) side chairs. Stout, stylish cerused mahogany f...
Mahogany
$6,000 / set
John Keal Octagonal Stools in Walnut, USA 1950's
By John Keal
Located in New York, NY
John Keal Pair of Stools for Brown Saltzman of California. Another pair available for COM.
Upholstery, Walnut
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Magazine Side Table
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Magazine Side Table This side table measures: 23.75 wide x 29 deep x 19.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to...
Wood
$3,000 / set
John Keal for Brown Saltman Wedge End Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Denton, TX
John Keal for brown Saltman walnut wedge end tables/ magazine rack with brass capped feet. Hard to find in this good of original condition. Please see ...
Brass
Mid-Century Expandable Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American wooden coffee table with a smooth veneer in rectangular expandable form revealing a black formica topped center, sitting on two square block supports. (JOHN KEAL...
Wood
Mid Century Brown - Saltman Burl Wood Hexagon Side Table by John Kea 1950s 1960s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Monrovia, CA
Mid Century Modern Brown-Saltman Of California Walnut And Burl Wood Or Burlwood Hexagon Side Table by John Keal. This Vintage John Keal Walnut And Burl Wood Angled Corner Side Table ...
Wood, Walnut, Burl
$1,179Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
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
Newly Refinished - Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Table by John Keal for Brown
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Mahogany
John Keal Mid-Century Walnut Occasional Table with Black Glass, 1950s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century walnut occasional / end tabls with hexagonal base and tops with an open center structure and black glass table top. (JOHN KEAL FOR BROWN SALTMAN) Replaced glass...
Glass
Pair of John Keal for Brown Saltman “Domino” Hexagonal Side Tables Mid-Century
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A striking pair of Mid-Century Modern hexagonal “Domino” side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1960s. These iconic tables showcase Keal’s signature geometric se...
Glass, Wood
$12,800Sale Price / set|38% Off
Modular 5-Piece Sectional of 3 Chairs and 2 Tables for Brown Saltman in Walnut
By John Keal
Located in Deland, FL
This is an ultra-rare set of 3-legged lounge chairs and two end tables designed by the legendary John Keal for Brown Saltman. All three chairs and two tables still feature their orig...
Walnut
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Side Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Newly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs ...
Walnut
Brown and Saltman Set of Three End Side Tables in Dark Oiled Walnut Art Tile Top
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 3 Brown and Saltman end coffee side occasional tables stands in dark oiled walnut with art tile top.
Art Glass, Walnut
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Beached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Pair
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Beached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 22.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17 i...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
$1,925Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Walnut and Travertine Side Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a very nice pair of tables in original condition designed by John Keal (1918-1982) and manufactured by Brown Saltman. Brown Saltman, based in Los Angeles, partnered with many...
Travertine
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone Side Table by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desi...
Travertine
Pair of Mahogany Nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of mahogany nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman, c.1950s, USA. This minimal design features an upper drawer with a wood and nickel plated drawer pull. Below is an open sh...
Nickel
$5,669
John keal chairs
By John Keal, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie chauffeuse par John Keal, attribuée parfois à Gibbings.
Velvet, Wood
Group of Three Side Tables or Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
John Keal, Side Tables, Walnut, Stone, Glass, USA, 1960s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three walnut, stone composite and glass side tables designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1960s. Dimensions: 15.625” H 18.125” W x 20.875” D
Stone
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
MCM John Keal for Brown Saltman Mahogany Occasional Tables with Travertine Tops
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman mahogany occasional or end tables with travertine tops on colosseum form base. Original condition, no labels.
Travertine
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Table
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Table This dining table measures: 64 wide x 44.5 deep x 29 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28 inches Fair Vi...
Mahogany
Mid Century Modern Extendable Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Southampton, NY
Mid Century Modern Extendable Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Sleek Original Mid-Century Modern Walnut Veneer Coffee Table with Two 12” Square Walnut Plinth Bases. The T...
Laminate, Formica
Pair of John Keal Magazine Side Tables for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition, Formica Tops Show Wear Materials: Ebonized Wood, Formica Tops
Formica, Wood