John Keal Benches

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.

Creator: John Keal

Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal

$3,600

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Oak

"Mid Century Expandable Solid Walnut Slatted Bench by John Keal, 1950s"

$6,380

"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

Category

Mid-20th Century American John Keal Benches

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Walnut

Slatted “Mucki” Bench by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s

$52,950

H 13 in W 98.43 in D 23.63 in

Slatted “Mucki” Bench by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s

By Sergio Rodrigues

Located in Antwerp, BE

Designed by Sergio Rodrigues circa 1958, the “Mucki” bench is a refined example of Brazilian modernist furniture, balancing structural clarity with a warm and tactile material presen...

Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Hardwood

1950s Original George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench

$2,800

H 13.7 in W 72 in D 18.5 in

1950s Original George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench

By Herman Miller, Knoll, George Nelson

Located in Bensalem, PA

Early original 1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench with original vinyl cushions please look at video and pictures for overall detail. This bench is 6 foot in length.

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Birch

Mid Century Slat Bench Coffee Table Made in Yugoslavia C 1950s

$995

H 16 in W 48 in D 18 in

Mid Century Slat Bench Coffee Table Made in Yugoslavia C 1950s

By George Nelson

Located in New York, NY

Iconic slat bench coffee table, bench made in Yugoslavia, after George Nelson, circa 1950/1960's. Constructed of solid wood, in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition,...

Category

Mid-20th Century Macedonian Mid-Century Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Slat Bench by Harry Bertoia for Knoll

$3,250

H 15.5 in W 72 in D 18.5 in

Mid-Century Slat Bench by Harry Bertoia for Knoll

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Wonderful mid-century slat bench or coffee table by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1950s. Stained ash. Early original Bowtie Label (Knoll Associates) that predates Knoll International. Has...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Steel

Mel Smilow Slatted Solid Walnut Mid-Century Modern Bench on Tapered Dowel Legs

$2,800

H 17 in W 48 in D 17 in

Mel Smilow Slatted Solid Walnut Mid-Century Modern Bench on Tapered Dowel Legs

By Mel Smilow

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mel Smilow Slatted solid walnut Mid-Century Modern bench on tapered dowel legs.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Walnut

Hypnotizm Solid Hardwood Slatted Bench by Izm Design

$2,500 / item

H 16 in W 60 in D 12.5 in

Hypnotizm Solid Hardwood Slatted Bench by Izm Design

By Izm Design

Located in Edmonton, Alberta

Hypnotizm is the perfect bench for entryway, foot of your bed, additional dining room seating, or as a hall table. With an obvious nod to George N...

Category

2010s Canadian Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Wood

Nelson Slat Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller

$1,900

H 14.5 in W 48 in D 18.5 in

Nelson Slat Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1990s. USA. Black painted frame

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Wood

Chrome Slat Bench by Milo Baughman, 1970s

$3,500

H 16.5 in W 60 in D 16.5 in

Chrome Slat Bench by Milo Baughman, 1970s

By Design Institute America, Milo Baughman

Located in New York, NY

Chrome Slat Bench by Milo Baughman for the Design Institute of America Chrome Bench, 1970s.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench in Solid Beech, Yugoslavia, Circa 1960s

$1,750

H 14 in W 60 in D 17.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench in Solid Beech, Yugoslavia, Circa 1960s

Located in San Diego, CA

A beautifully crafted mid-century modern slatted bench produced in Yugoslavia during the 1960s. The bench features a long rectangular seat constructed of solid European beech wood sl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Macedonian Mid-Century Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Beech

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Bench

$1,700

H 15.5 in W 71.75 in D 18.25 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Bench

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A timeless Mid-Century Modern walnut slat bench featuring a sleek, minimalist design with solid walnut construction and beautifully spaced slats. The warm tone and refined craftsmans...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Brass

1950s Walnut Slat Bench

$2,700

H 14 in W 60 in D 18 in

1950s Walnut Slat Bench

By Mel Smilow

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Well engineered walnut hardwood slat bench by Mel Smilow. Stained and well loved by its original owner. Presented in as-found, unrestored condition. W 60 x D 18 x H 14 in

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Walnut

Craft Associates Slatted J Bench 1602

$3,200 / item

H 15.75 in W 61.25 in D 15.5 in

Craft Associates Slatted J Bench 1602

By Craft Associates

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

Designer: Craft Associates. Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture. Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern. Specs: Solid ziricote. Condition: T...

Category

2010s American Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Dutch Modern Solid Large Teak Brutalist Slatted bench

$2,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 19 in W 77 in D 28 in

Mid Century Dutch Modern Solid Large Teak Brutalist Slatted bench

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Rare Dutch Modern Solid Large teak Brutalist Slatted bench. Nice solid wood Bench great Dutch woodworking. Great for entryway hallway or bedroom. Shows normal wear from use and age. ...

Category

1960s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Teak

Slatted bench 1960's

Sold|~~$1,599~~

H 18.12 in W 59.06 in D 15.75 in

Slatted bench 1960's

Located in Diest, BE

Slatted bench 1960's In the style of Gregorio Vicente Cortés

Category

1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Metal

Unusual Edward Wormley Long John Bench Walnut Mid-Century Modern 1950s

$3,800

H 15.5 in W 48 in D 19 in

Unusual Edward Wormley Long John Bench Walnut Mid-Century Modern 1950s

By Edward Wormley

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Unusual Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Long John" short bench or coffee table with custom ordered (original from Dunbar) walnut "adjusto" legs and drawer underneath. Measuring 48"l, 19"d...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items

John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench

Sold

H 9.25 in W 60 in D 15.75 in

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Beech, Mahogany

John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench

Sold

H 9.25 in W 60 in D 15.75 in

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Mahogany, Beech

John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 9.25 in W 60 in D 15.75 in

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Modern Expandable Slatted Wood Bench by John Keal

Sold

H 12 in W 54 in D 18 in

Mid Century Modern Expandable Slatted Wood Bench by John Keal

By John Keal

Located in Waxahachie, TX

Exuding timeless appeal, this slatted wood bench by renowned mid-century modern designer John Keal embodies both functionality and clean-lined aesthetic. Crafted with meticulous atte...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Walnut

Extendable Bench in Mahogany by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 12 in W 18 in D 55.5 in

Extendable Bench in Mahogany by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in San Diego, CA

John Keal designed this extendable bench in mahogany for Brown Saltman. We have restored it to excellent vintage condition. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Walnut

Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal

Sold

H 11.75 in W 56.13 in D 18 in

Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Miami, FL

Midcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long. A ...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Walnut

Upholstered Bench by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 16 in W 72 in D 25 in

Upholstered Bench by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By John Keal

Located in Dallas, TX

A sculpted mahogany bench with upholstered top. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman.

Category

1950s Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Midcentury Two-Tone Bench / Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 14.5 in W 66 in D 29 in

Midcentury Two-Tone Bench / Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Wood, Beech, Mahogany, Walnut

John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 10 in W 60 in D 16 in

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, circa1950s, USA. The bench features a mix of mahogany and beech wood that offers texture and depth ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Beech, Mahogany

John Keal, Bench, Mahogany, Johnson Furniture Co., USA, 1950s

Sold

H 9.25 in W 59.68 in D 16 in

John Keal, Bench, Mahogany, Johnson Furniture Co., USA, 1950s

By John Keal

Located in High Point, NC

A stained and bleach mahogany bench designed by John Keal and produced by Johnson Furniture Co., USA, 1950s.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Mahogany

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Ebonized Expandable Bench

Sold

H 12 in W 55.5 in D 18 in

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Ebonized Expandable Bench

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Keal for brown saltman mid century Ebonized expandable bench This bench measures: 55.5 wide x 18 deep x 12 inches high ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench

Sold

H 12 in W 55.75 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

This sophisticated, slat walnut bench is an iconic addition to any Mid-Century Modern home and fully extends from 55.75" to 94.5", making this a versatile piece in any space. In very...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Wood

Large Mid-Century Modern Extending Slat Bench on Tapered Dowel Cone Legs

Sold

H 12 in W 96 in D 18 in

Large Mid-Century Modern Extending Slat Bench on Tapered Dowel Cone Legs

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Large Mid-Century Modern expandable slat bench on tapered dowel cone legs.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Walnut

Vintage John Keal Expandable Slat Bench Coffee Table for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 12 in W 55.75 in D 18 in

Vintage John Keal Expandable Slat Bench Coffee Table for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in San Jose, CA

Mid century minimalist slat bench designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. This versatile California modern piece features an expandable sliding top with eight support legs. Perfect ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Wood

John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman circa 1955

Sold

H 9.25 in W 59.75 in D 16 in

John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman circa 1955

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

John Keal Slatted low bench for Brown Saltman, circa 1955.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Birch, Walnut

John Keal benches for sale on 1stDibs.

John Keal benches are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of John Keal benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches by John Keal were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider benches by Harry Bertoia, Edward Wormley, and Milo Baughman. Prices for John Keal benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,895 and can go as high as $6,630, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,763.