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.
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...
Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Constellation Side Table John Keal Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Mid-Century Modern "Constellation" side table designed by John Keal for the Californian furniture manufacturer Brown Saltman. It features an enameled copper...
Enamel
Walnut with Copper Tile Top Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Denton, TX
Set of three solid walnut with copper tile top tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman.
Copper
Mid-Century Modern John Keal Brown Saltman Hexagonal Side Table
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern classic, John Keal for Brown Saltman hexagonal side table. Walnut wood and enamel copper & Glass tabletop. Insert appears as pebble comp...
Copper, Enamel
$3,000 / set
John Keal for Brown Saltman Wedge End Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Denton, TX
John Keal for brown Saltman walnut wedge end tables/ magazine rack with brass capped feet. Hard to find in this good of original condition. Please see ...
Brass
John Keal Nesting Tables for Brown Saltman manner of Robsjohn Gibbings
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chicago, IL
John Keal nesting tables for Brown Saltman. Manner of Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb
Wood
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone Side Table by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desi...
Travertine
John Keal Side Table with Travertine Stone Top for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stylish side table designed by John Keal and manufactured by brown Saltman in the United States circa 1950’s. This unique design has been recently refinished by our skilled team of c...
Travertine
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Side Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Newly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs ...
Walnut
Pair of Hexagonal 'Domino' Side Tables by John Keal for Brown-Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Occasional hexagonal tables by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Stamped and labeled. Practical and versatile.
Glass, Wood
Pair of Walnut and Travertine Side Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a very nice pair of tables in original condition designed by John Keal (1918-1982) and manufactured by Brown Saltman. Brown Saltman, based in Los Angeles, partnered with many...
Travertine
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Magazine Side Table
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Magazine Side Table This side table measures: 23.75 wide x 29 deep x 19.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to...
Wood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Set of 3 Cube Side Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location. Set of 3 cube side tables. Designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Solid walnut frames. Factory cast st...
Cast Stone
John Keal Mid-Century Square Reverse Painted Glass and Walnut End / Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century square end / side tables with reverse painted glass tops mounted in a walnut frame, supported by a smaller square walnut pedestal base. (John Keal for Br...
Walnut
John Keal Mid-Century Hexagonal Black Glass and Walnut Occasional / End Table
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century walnut occasional / end tabls with hexagonal base and tops with an open center structure and black glass table top. (JOHN KEAL FOR BROWN SALTMAN) Replaced glass...
Glass
John Keal for Brown Saltman Snowbell Tree Tile Top Design, Walnut Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman walnut side tables with colorful ceramic art tiles in an abstract of a Japanese Snowbell Tree. Newly refinished and reglued. No...
Ceramic, Walnut
John Keal Brown Saltman Occasional Table
By John Keal
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual John Keal for Brown Saltman side table, with a beautiful travertine top and walnut asian inspired, base. Measuring 18x18"15.5"h.
Travertine
Mid Century Brown - Saltman Burl Wood Hexagon Side Table by John Kea 1950s 1960s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Monrovia, CA
Mid Century Modern Brown-Saltman Of California Walnut And Burl Wood Or Burlwood Hexagon Side Table by John Keal. This Vintage John Keal Walnut And Burl Wood Angled Corner Side Table ...
Wood, Walnut, Burl
Set of 3 John Keal Brown Saltman Burl Wood Hexagon Mid-Century Modern Side Table
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 3 John Keal for Brown Saltman burl wood hexagon side tables. Listing includes, 3 side tables with nicely joined and angled corners, lower shelves, black platforms, beautiful w...
Walnut, Burl
Brown Saltman Hexagonal End Coffee Table with Sunburst Inlay
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Oiled walnut hexagonal centre side table by John Keal for Brown Saltman. High quality walnut wood in combination with high quality Mid-Century Modern craftsmanship accent table. Nat...
Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tray Side Table Designed by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tray side table with hairpin style and a pullout, manufactured by Brown Saltman, and designed By John Keal.
Wood, Hardwood
Pair of End Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of early Brown Saltman of California teak end tables with brass details designed by John Keal, circa 1950s. These tables can be used as side tabl...
Brass
Pair of John Keal Magazine Side Tables for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition, Formica Tops Show Wear Materials: Ebonized Wood, Formica Tops
Formica, Wood
John Keal, Side Tables, Walnut, Stone, Glass, USA, 1960s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three walnut, stone composite and glass side tables designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1960s. Dimensions: 15.625” H 18.125” W x 20.875” D
Stone
John Keal, Side Tables, Walnut, Stone, Glass, USA, 1960s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut, stone composite and glass side tables designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1960s. Dimensions: 15.625” H 18.125” W x 20.875” D
Stone
3 John Keal Hexagonal Reverse Painted Glass and Oak Occasional / End Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Queens, NY
2 American Mid-Century walnut occasional / end tables with hexagonal bases and tops with an open center structure and reverse painted glass table tops...
Glass
Pair of MId-Century side tables. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman.
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Mid-Century side tables. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Walnut with gold/copper pebbled resin design under glass tops. 1960's.
Resin, Walnut
$1,179Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 15 in W 18 in D 18 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Constellation End Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of walnut with enamel copper tile tables titled ‘Constellation’ produced by high-end Californian furniture manufacturer, Brown Saltman. These two solid walnut wood tables each fe...
Ceramic, Walnut
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...
Formica, Walnut
$3,800 / set
H 16 in W 20 in D 18 in
Mid 20th Century John Keal for Brown Saltman Hexagonal Side Tables, Set of 2
By Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of John Keal for Brown Saltman burl wood hexagon side tables. Also great together as a small coffee tables. Angled corners, lower shelves, black platforms, beautiful wood grain,...
Wood
$2,120
H 16.54 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
John Keal Midcentury Walnut Magazine Rack Coffee Table for Brown Saltman, 1960s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Roma, IT
This mid-century walnut coffee table can be used as a magazine rack. This fantastic item is attributed to John Keal and was produced in 1960s. An astonishing piece that has a Clas...
Walnut
Pair of Understated Walnut End Tables by Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of chic understated polished walnut end /side tables by Brown Saltman.
Walnut
End Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California
By John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice end table/nightstand by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California. The piece features two large drawers with spade shaped pulls and dovetailed construction. The Brown Saltman lo...
Walnut
Metamorphic 3-in-1 by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Hanover, MA
Beautiful long solid walnut coffee table with slide-out folding side tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman. The pair of side tables on their own are very chic and have the tapered fo...
Walnut
$850
H 15.75 in W 18.5 in D 18.5 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone Side Table by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desi...
Travertine
$3,600 / set
H 15.5 in W 17.25 in D 17.25 in
John Keal Mid-Century Square Reverse Painted Glass and Walnut End / Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century square end / side tables with reverse painted glass tops mounted in a walnut frame, supported by a smaller square walnut pedestal base. (John Keal for Br...
Walnut
$2,400
H 14.5 in W 95.75 in D 24 in
Mid Century Modern Extendable Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Southampton, NY
Mid Century Modern Extendable Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Sleek Original Mid-Century Modern Walnut Veneer Coffee Table with Two 12” Square Walnut Plinth Bases. The T...
Laminate, Formica
$1,650 / set
H 15.25 in W 18 in D 18 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Snowbell Tree Tile Top Design, Walnut Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman walnut side tables with colorful ceramic art tiles in an abstract of a Japanese Snowbell Tree. Newly refinished and reglued. No...
Ceramic, Walnut
$5,800
H 15.5 in W 66 in D 24 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid-Century American Wooden Expandable Coffee Table
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American wooden coffee table with a smooth veneer in rectangular expandable form revealing a black formica topped center, sitting on two square block supports. (JOHN KEAL...
Wood
Sold
H 20.5 in W 18 in D 28 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Side Table with Three Nesting Pull-Out Tray Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and cleverly engineered Mid-Century Modern side table designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California, circa 1950s. Crafted in bleached mahogany, this compact yet multif...
Brass
Sold
H 18 in W 24.5 in D 28.25 in
Mid Century Walnut Side Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman, 1960s -a Pair
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut side tables designed by John Keal and manufactured by Brown Saltman in the United States circa 1960s. These beautiful side tables feature a walnut hexagon-shaped d...
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 18.5 in W 30 in D 30 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Walnut and Smoked Glass 1 Drawer Side Table
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful walnut and smoked glass square side table designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. It features one drawer. There is a Brown Saltman Red Decal Label on the inside. It is ...
Smoked Glass, Walnut
John Keal for Brown Saltman Walnut Hexagonal Side Table
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful walnut and smoked glass 6 sided hexagonal side table designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. It is pictured in our gallery with the matching coffee table and other side ...
Smoked Glass, Walnut
John Keal Side Tables with Travertine Stone Tops 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...
Travertine
Sold
H 15.5 in W 12 in D 12 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Glass & Enamel Hexagonal Coffee, Side or End Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in St. Louis, MO
John Keal designed for Brown Saltman, Mid-Century Modern set of three hexagonal tables that can be used as a group or separated. Frames are teak with enameled textured design under...
Enamel
Sold
H 15.25 in W 18 in D 18 in
Midcentury John Keal for Brown Saltman Walnut and Copper Tile Side Table, 1960s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Now available - an exceptional Mid-Century Modern side table by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California. The table features gorgeous dark walnut wood grain and a unique copper tile...
Walnut
Sold
H 15.5 in W 18 in D 18 in
California Modern Smoked Glass Walnut End Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in San Diego, CA
Single smoked glass end / accent table with walnut frame designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1970s. The table is in very good vintage condition, measures 18" x 18" x 15.5"...
Smoked Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 19.5 in W 20 in D 28 in
Vintage John Keal Bleached Mahogany Side Tables for Brown Saltman, c1950s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Oakland, CA
Stunning and rare pair of side tables in bleached mahogany designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman c1950s. Amazing design, both with a single drawer. Brass legs with original Bakelit...
Brass
Sold
H 15 in W 18 in D 18 in
Walnut and Hand-painted Copper Side Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful pair of Constellation walnut side tables with painted copper inlaid trays. Designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman furniture company. The wood has been cleaned ...
Copper
John Keal Walnut Side Tables for Brown Saltman c1960s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Oakland, CA
Wonderful pair of walnut side tables or nightstands with original smoked glass tops by California designer, John Keal c1960s. Keal one of a handful of designers who worked for Brown-...
Smoked Glass, Walnut
John Keal Chess Box Side Table for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Keal chess box side table for brown saltman.
Wood, Birch, Walnut