John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

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

Vintage Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in North Hollywood, CA

I'm excited to introduce you to this stunning mid-century executive desk, created by the renowned designer John Keal for Brown Saltman in the 1950s. This piece is not just furniture;...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Vintage Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk by John Keal for Brown Saltman

$5,995

John Keal Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in Culver City, CA

This desk belongs in a museum, with perfect proportions, incredible craftsmanship, beautiful walnut woodwork and a spectacular overall design. A gem rarely seen and loved from all tr...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

John Keal Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk

$4,700

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk

$1,299

H 29 in W 59.75 in D 30 in

Mid-Century Modern Style Walnut Desk

Located in Westwood, NJ

Mid-Century Modern style walnut desk with a quarter veneered writing surface, a long drawer, brass capital, and raised on turned and tapered legs with br...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Style Walnut Desk

$5,934 / item

H 30 in W 60 in D 30 in

John Keal Expanding Coffee Table by Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Walnut

John Keal Expanding Coffee Table by Brown Saltman

$1,725 Sale Price

50% Off

H 15 in W 66 in D 24 in

Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Saga Walnut Desk

By Broyhill

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Saga Walnut Writing Desk. Featuring a straight line design, three drawers on the left, center drawer, two drawers on the right side,...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Saga Walnut Desk

$1,495

H 30.25 in W 50.5 in D 22.5 in

Dark Walnut Executive Desk by Monteverdi Young

By Monteverdi-Young

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Spectacular 1970’s Dark walnut with black lacquer outline executive desk by Monteverdi-Young. Custom ordered by renowned interior designer Gary Jon In beautiful vintage condition. ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Dark Walnut Executive Desk by Monteverdi Young

$15,000

H 28.25 in W 84 in D 84 in

Lane Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk

By Andre Bus, Lane Acclaim

Located in Doylestown, PA

Beautiful vintage Lane Mid-Century Modern walnut desk. This piece features atomic tapered legs, laminate top and large dovetail drawers with ample storage. A classic and elegant addi...

Category

1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Lane Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk

$1,300

H 29.5 in W 48 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Walnut Large Executive Desk

Located in Baltimore, MD

Beautiful Mid-Century Modern walnut executive Desk by Standard Furniture Company Herkimer, NY. Large Beautiful remarkable statement in design and craftsmanship. This large mid century walnut...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Walnut Large Executive Desk

$4,995

H 29.5 in W 60 in D 33 in

Large Walnut and Aluminum Executive Desk

Located in San Mateo, CA

This desk is likely a custom-made piece. The architectural aluminum legs have black anodized aluminum in the center that become the glide at the bottom. There is a band of aluminum a...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Large Walnut and Aluminum Executive Desk

$2,600

H 29.5 in W 102 in D 40 in

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Side Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman

$495

H 17.5 in W 28 in D 20 in

Mid-Century Modern Lane Tuxedo Walnut Writing Desk

By Lane Furniture

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Lane Tuxedo Walnut Writing Desk. Featuring a straight line design, rectangular top with rosewood inlay, three drawers for storage, original b...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Lane Tuxedo Walnut Writing Desk

$1,495

H 30.25 in W 44 in D 18 in

John Keal Mid-Century Modern Walnut Expanding Coffee Table by Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in St. Louis, MO

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid-Century Modern rectangular walnut expanding cocktail table, with vinyl laminate center on block pedestals expands from 66" to 95" long. Top to be refi...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

John Keal Mid-Century Modern Walnut Expanding Coffee Table by Brown Saltman

$2,650

H 15 in W 66 in D 24 in

Mid Century Modern Expandable Slatted Coffee Table/Bench by John Keal

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Expandable Slatted Coffee Table/Bench by John Keal

$2,307 Sale Price

35% Off

H 12 in W 55.5 in D 18 in

Previously Available Items

Vintage Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk by John Keal

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This mid-century executive desk, designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the 1950s, is a timeless piece that combines functionality and style. Its large working surface and floati...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Vintage Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk by John Keal

H 29 in W 60 in D 30 in

Vintage Executive Walnut and Chrome Desk by John Keal

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Vintage executive desk designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States. This exceptional crafted desk features three pull-out drawers and a file drawer all with sculpted...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Executive Walnut and Chrome Desk by John Keal

H 29 in W 60 in D 30 in

John Keal Desk with Bookshelf for Brown Saltman

By John Keal

Located in Denton, TX

Mid-Century Modernist design with floating top in two-tone black and white satin finish with three drawers in front and bookshelf on the backside. Can be used against the wall or flo...

Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Paint

John Keal Desk with Bookshelf for Brown Saltman

H 28.5 in W 52.25 in D 23.75 in

Walnut Executive Desk by John Keal

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Walnut executive desk by John Keal.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Walnut Executive Desk by John Keal

H 29.13 in W 60 in D 30 in

Walnut executive desk by John Keal

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Walnut executive desk by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Nice floating top with chrome legs and a bookcase / storage to the front.

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Walnut executive desk by John Keal

John Keal desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

John Keal desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables by John Stuart, John Van Koert, and Jens Risom. Prices for John Keal desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,700 and can go as high as $4,700, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,700.