John Keal Sideboards

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

Mid-century 6057 Server Mahogany Sideboard Cabinet, John Keal for Brown Saltman

$3,015Sale Price|40% 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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Walnut Credenza

$4,447

H 31.25 in W 66 in D 19 in

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

1950s John Keal for Brown Saltman Dresser in Blonde Mahogany & Formica Top

$3,650

H 32.25 in W 54 in D 18 in

1950s John Keal for Brown Saltman Dresser in Blonde Mahogany & Formica Top

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

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...

Category

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

Materials

Abalone, Formica, Hardwood, Mahogany

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza

$3,247

H 33 in W 66 in D 20 in

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 Sideboards

Materials

Chrome

Georgian Sideboard Mahogany Buffet Server Revival

$1,978

H 34.6 in W 54.5 in D 12 in

Georgian Sideboard Mahogany Buffet Server Revival

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Fine Georgian style mahogany serpentine sideboard, of elegant bowfront form with beautifully figured flame mahogany veneers and superb rich patina The shaped top above a configuratio...

Category

1920s Georgian Vintage John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Highboy Dresser

$3,895

H 45.75 in W 38 in D 19 in

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Highboy Dresser

By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 38 wide x 19 deep x 45.75 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Areas of Minor Sta...

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Paul Frankl for Brown-Saltman Lacquered Sideboard Credenza

$5,280Sale Price|20% Off

H 38 in W 62 in D 21 in

Paul Frankl for Brown-Saltman Lacquered Sideboard Credenza

By Paul Frankl

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Rare Mid-Century Modern Swedish style lacquered sideboard or credenza cabinet designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman. Features a sleek mahogany case fitted with three drawers in t...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Antique Regency Sideboard, Mahogany Server Buffet

$2,040

H 34 in W 44 in D 22 in

Antique Regency Sideboard, Mahogany Server Buffet

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Regency Mahogany Bow Sideboard. 19th century Having Tapered Legs with Spade Feet. 1 x Oak lined Central Drawer flanked by 2 x cupboards with circular ...

Category

19th Century Regency Antique John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

John Keal for Brown Saltman Style Mid Century Mahogany and Cane Console Credenza

$4,595

H 32.75 in W 72 in D 19 in

John Keal for Brown Saltman Style Mid Century Mahogany and Cane Console Credenza

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Keal for Brown Saltman Style Mid Century Mahogany and Cane Console Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 19 deep x 32.75 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Areas of Sta...

Category

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

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

19thC Mahogany Server Sideboard

$7,846

H 37.01 in W 68.12 in D 14.97 in

19thC Mahogany Server Sideboard

Located in Staffordshire, GB

circa 1890 19thC Mahogany Server Sideboard sku 564A W173 x D38 x H94 cm Internal shelf depth 32 cm Weight 57 kg

Category

19th Century Antique John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Lowboy Dresser

$5,195

H 33.75 in W 60 in D 19 in

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Lowboy Dresser

By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 33.75 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Areas of Minor Stain...

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Period Georgian Sideboard Mahogany Server

$3,343

H 36 in W 60 in D 27 in

Period Georgian Sideboard Mahogany Server

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Georgian mahogany inlaid sideboard Period Georgian antique Raised upon square tapered legs with spade feet This sideboard has 2 oak lined drawers and 1 cupboard The sideboard feature...

Category

1980s Georgian Vintage John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Sideboard Server Mahogany 1860

$1,714

H 37 in W 60 in D 21 in

Victorian Sideboard Server Mahogany 1860

Located in Potters Bar, GB

A fine Victorian mahogany three-door sideboard, elegantly raised on a plinth base Circa 1860 The piece is crafted in an attractive inverted form, showcasing both balance and proporti...

Category

1860s Victorian Antique John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Smaller Credenza Server in the style of John Keal Brown Saltman

$1,800

H 29.25 in W 48 in D 16 in

Mid Century Smaller Credenza Server in the style of John Keal Brown Saltman

By John Keal

Located in Cincinnati, OH

An exceptional well- crafted Indonesian mahogany styled smaller sized credenza server with double doors inside having one non- adjustable shelve. To the other side four drawers all w...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Dresser by Brown Saltman, C. 1950s

$8,800

H 32 in W 76 in D 22 in

Mahogany Dresser by Brown Saltman, C. 1950s

By Brown Saltman

Located in Westport, CT

Dresser or sideboard executed in mahogany manufactured by Brown Saltman, circa 1950-1959. Compltely restored, featuring three large center drawers and nickel dome pulls, the side doo...

Category

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

Materials

Nickel

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid-Century Walnut Credenza / Sideboard, Circa 1970s

$3,200

H 31 in W 66 in D 19 in

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid-Century Walnut Credenza / Sideboard, Circa 1970s

Located in North Hollywood, CA

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut credenza designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, dating to the 1970s. This beautifully crafted piece showcases the clean architectural lines...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items

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

Sold

H 18.25 in W 54 in D 16 in

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

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1960’s four-door low cabinet designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Exceptionally versatile piece of furniture to be used as stereo stand with room for ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Sideboards

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 Brown Saltman, John Keal

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 Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

John Keal for Brown Saltman Brass and Mahogany Sideboard / Dresser

Sold

H 29 in W 60 in D 18 in

John Keal for Brown Saltman Brass and Mahogany Sideboard / Dresser

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Houston, TX

Mid-Century Modern mahogany sideboard/dresser by John Keal for Brown Saltman. There are six drawers accented with beautiful sculptural brass pulls. The piece has interesting line mot...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Brass

John Keal for Brown Saltman Credenza

Sold

H 27.25 in W 72 in D 18.75 in

John Keal for Brown Saltman Credenza

By John Keal

Located in Denton, TX

Stunning walnut with black accents two drawers over four doors with seven ring linked drawer pulls and adjustable shelves.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Ebonized Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 30.13 in W 66 in D 19 in

Ebonized Credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By John Keal

Located in Denton, TX

Very functional credenza with two sliding doors to reveal a adjustable shelf and centred with a drawer section in a ebony satin finish.

Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Wood

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 Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Vintage walnut credenza designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

John Keal Vintage Walnut Credenza by Brown & Saltman

Sold

H 27.5 in W 72 in D 18 in

John Keal Vintage Walnut Credenza by Brown & Saltman

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in Los Angeles, CA

John Keal Vintage Walnut Credenza by Brown & Saltman

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Sideboards

Materials

Brass

John Keal sideboards for sale on 1stDibs.

John Keal sideboards 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 sideboards, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sideboards by Bert England, Silvio Coppola, and Finn Juhl.