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

John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench

$4,500

John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

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

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

MCM Platform Slat Bench or Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller

$1,950

H 14.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in

MCM Platform Slat Bench or Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in San Diego, CA

A true one-of-a-kind design! MCM platform slat bench or coffee table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 2000s. The bench is in good condition with some knicks and dings due to...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Benches

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished

$2,400Sale Price|22% Off

H 14.25 in W 60 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished

By Herman Miller, Maruni, George Nelson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully refinished Mid-Century Modern slatted wood bench in richly toned walnut, offering the perfect combination of clean architectural lines and functional versatility. Craft...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Wood

1950s Japanese Modernist Slat Bench with Rope Seats by AFM

On Hold|~~$2,400~~

H 15.75 in W 22 in D 48 in

1950s Japanese Modernist Slat Bench with Rope Seats by AFM

By George Nakashima

Located in San Diego, CA

Japanese walnut bench with slats and woven jute seats. Made by AFM Furniture in Japan. It retains the Made in Japan paper label. It would be in a great entryway or at the foot of the...

Category

1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Jute, Walnut

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

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

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 Knoll, Harry Bertoia

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

Slat platform bench by George Nelson for Heman Miller

$4,500

H 14 in W 60 in D 18.5 in

Slat platform bench by George Nelson for Heman Miller

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in New York, NY

Slat platform bench designed by George Nelson for Heman Miller. The finger-jointed solid wood lattice surface rests on angular, ebonized legs, creating a light, architectural form. M...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Metal

Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Two-Tone Slatted Bench for Glenn of California

$4,500

H 11.5 in W 81 in D 18 in

Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Two-Tone Slatted Bench for Glenn of California

By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Wood, Beech, Walnut

Six Foot George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!

$3,200

H 14 in W 56.5 in D 18.5 in

Six Foot George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!

By George Nelson

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Natural finish with warm patina and ebonized legs. This is a hard to find original, retaining its foil...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Maple

Majestic Restored Pagoda Coffee Table or Bench by John Wisner for Ficks Reed

$9,500

H 13 in W 67 in D 19 in

Majestic Restored Pagoda Coffee Table or Bench by John Wisner for Ficks Reed

By Ficks Reed, John Wisner

Located in Atlanta, GA

This magnificent coffee table is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing: meticulous professionally restored and completely installation ready. An exquis...

Category

1950s American Organic Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Bench

$1,600

H 14.5 in W 72 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Bench

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Classic mid-century slat bench crafted in solid walnut, showcasing a streamlined form and beautiful natural grain. Its versatile design allows it to function as seating, a coffee tab...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Walnut Bench, Coffee Table, 1950s

$2,200

H 13.5 in W 71 in D 19 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Walnut Bench, Coffee Table, 1950s

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Long Edward Wormley for dunbar style walnut "long john" Bench. Coffee Table. Bed End. Featuring a longer rectangular slat-style Walnut surface, turned edge...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Benches

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items

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

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

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 Brown Saltman, John Keal

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 Brown Saltman, John Keal

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 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...

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 John Keal, Brown Saltman

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 John Keal, Brown Saltman

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

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.