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.
Black and White Checker Coffee Table w/ Storage in Walnut by John Keal 1950s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
$2,575Sale Price|28% Off
John Keal Sculpted Walnut Dining Table for Brown Saltman c.1960
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
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
$2,485Sale Price|30% Off
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
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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
John Keal Walnut Dresser with Metal Accent Pulls 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...
Aluminum, Brass
California Modern Slatted Bench / Coffee Table by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California Modern Slatted Bench / Coffee Table by John Keal
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
$2,280Sale 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
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
Pair Mid Century John Keal Brown Saltman Walnut & Glass End Side Tables 1950s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Troy, MI
Unique pair of side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman circa 1950s Square walnut pedestal bases with decorative reverse painted glass surfaces in mottled gold tones Both...
Glass, 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
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
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
Chic Restored Set of 12 Vintage Danish Style Dining Chairs by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
John Keal Square Reverse Painted Glass and Walnut End / Side Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
$5,240Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage MC Rare Bar Cabinet Station by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible and intelligent design by John Keal for Brown Saltman. This incredible vintage cabinet from the late 1950s transcends decades to amaze with intelligent design and purpose. On the outside, the cabinet is minimal and clean lined with two long sculpted decorative wood bars. Pull the decorative bars up until they lock, carefully let them fall forward and voila! It’s a table and built in bar...
Composition
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
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone Side Table by John Keal
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 desi...
Travertine
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
Mid Century Modern Extendable Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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
Expertly Restored - John Keal Night Stand with Bookshelf 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 precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Side Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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
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
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
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. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history bac...
Mirror, 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
1950s John Keal for Brown Saltman Nightstands in Blonde Mahogany & Formica Top
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of clean midcentury Brown Saltman blonde mahogany modern nightstands 1950s USA. Blonde mahogany body and very clean formica top. Exce...
Abalone, Formica, Hardwood, Mahogany
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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 King Size Headboard for Brown Saltman with Custom Bed Frame
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
King size headboard by John Keal for Brown Saltman c.1960s, USA. The walnut headboard features 'pop-up' black Naugahyde headrests, with slim center pull out table. The headboard is a...
Walnut, Naugahyde, Laminate
Chic Restored Set of 8 Vintage Danish Style Dining Chairs by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, newly upholstered and co...
Mahogany
John Keal Side Table with Travertine Stone Top for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stylish side table designed by John Keal and manufactured by brown Saltman in the United States circa 1950’s. This unique design has been recently refinished by our skilled team of c...
Travertine
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
$2,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
John Keal for Brown Saltman Set of 3 Cube Side Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location. Set of 3 cube side tables. Designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Solid walnut frames. Factory cast st...
Cast Stone
$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
$1,179Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Magazine Side Table
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Walnut Credenza
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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 for Brown Saltman Snowbell Tree Tile Top Design, Walnut Side Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
$3,000 / set
John Keal for Brown Saltman Wedge End Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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
$4,800 / set
John Keal, Nightstands, Walnut, USA, 1960s
By John Keal
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut nightstands designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1960s. Mild to moderate wear inside drawers. Minor imperfections. Overall Dimensions (inc...
Walnut
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid-Century American Wooden Expandable Coffee Table
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
$1,725Sale Price|50% Off
John Keal Expanding Coffee Table by Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
John Keal Brown Saltman Occasional Table
By John Keal
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual John Keal for Brown Saltman side table, with a beautiful travertine top and walnut asian inspired, base. Measuring 18x18"15.5"h.
Travertine
Brown and Saltman Set of Three End Side Tables in Dark Oiled Walnut Art Tile Top
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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 Mid-Century Hexagonal Black Glass and Walnut Occasional / End Table
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
John Keal Mid-Century Square Reverse Painted Glass and Walnut End / Side Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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...
Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tray Side Table Designed by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tray side table with hairpin style and a pullout, manufactured by Brown Saltman, and designed By John Keal.
Wood, Hardwood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Tambour Door Credenza
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Tambour Door Credenza This credenza measures: 44.25 wide x 18.25 deep x 32.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be h...
Mahogany
John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman
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 mahogany wood slats and tapered dowel legs. Perfect as a low profile coffee table, entryway ben...
Mahogany
$2,875Sale Price|20% Off
John Keal Sculpted Walnut Dining Table for Brown Saltman c.1960
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
John Keal, Bleached Mahogany, Open Nightstands, USA, 1960s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Manhasset, NY
John Keal, American Mid-Century Modern, Bleached Mahogany, Open Nightstands, USA, 1960s Pair of bleached mahogany nightstands designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman in ...
Mahogany
Vintage Expandable Solid Walnut Slatted Bench, Coffee Table by John Keal
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
Set of 3 John Keal Brown Saltman Burl Wood Hexagon Mid-Century Modern Side Table
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 3 John Keal for Brown Saltman burl wood hexagon side tables. Listing includes, 3 side tables with nicely joined and angled corners, lower shelves, black platforms, beautiful w...
Walnut, Burl
Brown Saltman Hexagonal End Coffee Table with Sunburst Inlay
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Oiled walnut hexagonal centre side table by John Keal for Brown Saltman. High quality walnut wood in combination with high quality Mid-Century Modern craftsmanship accent table. Nat...
Walnut
Mid Century Brown - Saltman Burl Wood Hexagon Side Table by John Kea 1950s 1960s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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
Pair of End Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of early Brown Saltman of California teak end tables with brass details designed by John Keal, circa 1950s. These tables can be used as side tabl...
Brass
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
Pair of Mahogany Nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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