John Keal Credenzas

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

Expertly Restored - Californian Modern Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman

$3,895

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Wood, Walnut

1950's John Keal design for Brown-Saltman Low Credenza Cabinet

$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...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza

$3,247

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Chrome

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Walnut Credenza

$4,447

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Robert John Credenza

$4,800

H 26 in W 70 in D 18 in

Robert John Credenza

By Robert John

Located in Chicago, IL

Robert John Credenza, five drawers 2 pencil drawers with locks, one file drawer with notch pulls, sliding doors with removable adjustable shelf. ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Steel

Harvey Probber Mahogany Credenza, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1950s

$1,760Sale Price|44% Off

H 33 in W 65.5 in D 18.5 in

Harvey Probber Mahogany Credenza, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1950s

By Harvey Probber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bleached Mahogany Credenza by Harvey Probber. This credenza is in good vintage condition and has a patina commensurate with its age. Four white accent drawers can be revealed by sl...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Newly Refinished - John Keal Walnut Highboy Dresser for Brown Saltman

$2,850

H 54.25 in W 36 in D 19 in

Newly Refinished - John Keal Walnut Highboy Dresser for Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

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...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Janus Collection Walnut Credenza by John Stuart for Mount Airy Furniture

$1,700

H 32 in W 62 in D 32 in

Janus Collection Walnut Credenza by John Stuart for Mount Airy Furniture

By Mount Airy Furniture Company, John Stuart

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This mid-century modern walnut sideboard from the Janus Collection by John Stuart for Mount Airy Furniture features a striking geometric diamond veneer pattern on the cabinet doors. ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Cavalier Furniture

$1,800

H 34.25 in W 72 in D 21 in

Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Cavalier Furniture

By Cavalier

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This attractive vintage modern walnut credenza features nine hefty drawers hidden by unique sliding doors. Sleek design with recessed drawer pulls, dovetail joints, and a sculpted st...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Danish Modern low short Rosewood cabinet credenza 2 door

$2,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 28 in W 40 in D 20 in

Mid-Century Danish Modern low short Rosewood cabinet credenza 2 door

By Arne Wahl Iversen, Arne Vodder

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful mid-century low short Rosewood cabinet credenza 2-door with beautiful carved finger pull handles. In the style of Arne Wahl Iversen. Has 2 adjustable behind the front 2 doo...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Birch, Rosewood, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Credenza Dresser by Bert England for John Stuart

$4,295

H 33.25 in W 72 in D 20.25 in

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Credenza Dresser by Bert England for John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous brutalist credenza or long dresser by Bert England for John Stuart. Bi fold doors open to reveal 8 total drawers and a shelf. Walnut mosaic panels which are framed. Marble top on 90 % front edge is walnut. Brass tubular base with walnut sabots. A true quality piece. Signed John Stuart. Has been refinished. All doors...

Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Danish Design Credenza / Sideboard by Bernhard Pedersen in Teak 1950 Brown Beige

$3,744

H 31.11 in W 83.08 in D 20.28 in

Danish Design Credenza / Sideboard by Bernhard Pedersen in Teak 1950 Brown Beige

By Bernhard Pedersen & Son

Located in Ijzendijke, NL

Gorgeous Danish design credenza/sideboard in teak designed and produced by Bernhard Pedersen. Bernhard Pedersen is known for very high quality Danish furniture and this piece perfect...

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Attributed to John Keal for Brown Saltman Walnut Tambour Roll Top Desk

$3,450

H 43.5 in W 30 in D 18 in

Attributed to John Keal for Brown Saltman Walnut Tambour Roll Top Desk

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in San Diego, CA

Elegant California modern roll-top secretary desk manufactured by Brown Saltman and attributed to designer John Keal, circa late 1950s. Executed in richly grained walnut, the desk fe...

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Glenn of California Walnut Credenza by John Kapel

Sold|~~$5,200~~

H 30 in W 80 in D 20 in

Glenn of California Walnut Credenza by John Kapel

By Glenn of California, John Kapel

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This stunning mid-century walnut credenza, designed by John Kapel for Glenn of California in the 1950s, is a perfect blend of functionality and style. The piece features four elegant...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Shale Low Credenza (84") by Simon Johns

$12,900 / item

H 25 in W 84 in D 18 in

Shale Low Credenza (84") by Simon Johns

By Simon Johns

Located in East-Bolton, Quebec

Both monumental and subtle, the Shale Credenza brings the intricacies of nature’s geology indoors. The wood doors are scored vertically across the grain...

Category

2010s Canadian Modern John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Sleek Restored Vintage Modern Credenza in Walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

$9,950

H 31 in W 48 in D 20 in

Sleek Restored Vintage Modern Credenza in Walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

By Widdicomb Furniture Co.

Located in Atlanta, GA

A stunning example of a rare multipurpose case piece by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950s. Expertly crafted walnut case construction with elegant lines and detail. Wo...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items

Vintage Walnut Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 30 in W 66 in D 19 in

Vintage Walnut Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

An exquisite mid-century modern walnut credenza, expertly designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States during the iconic 1950s. This piece combines form and function ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 33 in W 60 in D 19 in

Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Stunning mid-century modern walnut credenza designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States, circa 1950s. Features a beautiful and sculptural walnut base lending an air ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman, c1960s

Sold

H 31 in W 19 in D 72 in

Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman, c1960s

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Chino Hills, CA

Introducing the epitome of mid-century modern elegance! This exquisite tambour door credenza, designed by John Keal & expertly manufactured by the renowned furniture brand Brown Salt...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

1950s John Keal Petite Buffet for Brown Saltman Philippine Mahogany Credenza

Sold

H 28.5 in W 54 in D 18 in

1950s John Keal Petite Buffet for Brown Saltman Philippine Mahogany Credenza

By John Keal

Located in Monrovia, CA

1950s John Keal petite buffet for brown Saltman Philippine mahogany credenza john Keal Philippine mahogany wooden petite buffet. This rarely seen...

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Walnut and Brass Dresser by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 36 in W 66 in D 20 in

Mid Century Walnut and Brass Dresser by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Wonderful mid-century walnut and brass dresser designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States, circa 1950s. This dresser has been built from the highest quality walnut-...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Brass

John Keal Low-Profile Walnut Credenza for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 22.35 in W 59.75 in D 18 in

John Keal Low-Profile Walnut Credenza for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

John Keal Low-Profile walnut credenza for brown saltman.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Brass

John Keal Brown-Saltman Mid-Century Modern Low Credenza, Record, Stereo Cabinet

Sold

H 18 in W 54 in D 16 in

John Keal Brown-Saltman Mid-Century Modern Low Credenza, Record, Stereo Cabinet

By John Keal

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Mid-Century Modern cabinet designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. This cabinet can meet lots of needs from a rocking stereo stand with lots of room f...

Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Large John Keal for Brown Saltman Treasure Chest Credenza

Sold

H 37 in W 74 in D 20 in

Large John Keal for Brown Saltman Treasure Chest Credenza

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Culver City, CA

This piece is truly striking! Immediately recognizable by its amoeba style sculpted wooden handles, this John Keal for Brown and Saltman is Mid-Century Modernism at its finest. John Keal Designed in the 1950s for Brown Saltman, this expertly refinished credenza or dresser piece features clear acrylic pull out / drawers, wooden drawer and 2 shelves on far right (shelves not photographed). This specific piece is finished in a more teak colored stain, has just been refinished and is in excellent condition. This very large dresser / sideboard / credenza could effortlessly pair with Mid-Century Modern, Danish Modern, or even contemporary furniture. The drawer pulls are so familiar they're reminiscent of the amoeba or cloud design coffee tables of Paul Frankl, and other iconic midcentury subtle googie design like Maximilain Karp and with even a Witco Oceanic...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Hardwood

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Lowboy Dresser

Sold

H 35.5 in W 66 in D 19.75 in

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Lowboy Dresser

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Keal for brown saltman mid century lowboy dresser This dresser measures: 66 wide x 19.75 deep x 35.5 inches high All...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Wood

Vintage Walnut Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 30.75 in W 64.5 in D 18 in

Vintage Walnut Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Beautiful vintage walnut credenza designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in United States, circa 1960s. Features two doors on each side, that when opened we can see adjustable shelv...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Brass

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mahogany Mid Century Credenza

Sold

H 33 in W 66 in D 20 in

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mahogany Mid Century Credenza

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Keal for Brown Saltman mahogany mid century credenza. Credenza measures: 66 wide x 20 deep x 33 high All pieces of furnitu...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Mahogany

John Keal Walnut Credenza with Cane Doors for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 32.5 in W 59.5 in D 18 in

John Keal Walnut Credenza with Cane Doors for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

John Keal walnut credenza with cane doors for Brown Saltman.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas

Materials

Cane, Wood, Walnut

John Keal credenzas for sale on 1stDibs.

John Keal credenzas 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 credenzas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original credenzas by John Keal were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider credenzas by Warren Platner, Kindel Furniture, and Stow & Davis. Prices for John Keal credenzas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,900 and can go as high as $5,195, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,895.