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Brown Saltman

American

The enduring modern design legacy of Brown Saltman was born from the collaboration between designer Paul Frankl and furniture manufacturer David Saltman. Together, they created stunning mid-century modern solid wood furniture with Art Deco influences. Brown Saltman side tables, cocktail tables and credenzas are known for their thoughtful designs and exquisite details.

Frankl was a leading American designer who came to prominence in the 1930s by making rattan furniture for Hollywood stars. However, he dreamed of bringing his designs to the public. That chance came in 1939, when he met Saltman at a party. Saltman was the head of the Los Angeles-based Brown Saltman, which, at the time, specialized in furniture reproductions. 

He asked Frankl to create a furniture line, which was released in 1941. It was a hit, with sales exceeding expectations. Frankl quickly started work on a new line for mass production. It featured simplified designs and less expensive materials like combed wood and textured plywood. This line was even more successful, and Frankl started on a third.

In 1942, Frankl and Saltman signed an extended contract to continue their collaboration. However, Saltman died in a traffic accident the next day. World War II also brought Brown Saltman production to a standstill. After the war ended, Frankl decided not to renew his contract. 

Brown Saltman partnered with many other designers over the years. A walnut sideboard by Van Keppel-Green for Brown Saltman was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s 1950-51 Good Design exhibition. Architect and interior designer Paul Laszlo also designed a commercial furniture line for the company in the 1950s.

Brown Saltman dissolved in 1960, but its well-built and beautifully designed furniture remains in high demand today.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Brown Saltman tables, storage cabinets, seating and more.

Average Sold Price
$4,234
Styles
Materials
Related Creators
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Lounge and Chair and Ottoman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Lounge and Chair and Ottoman. The Max comfort Chair has a channeled back with large padded armrests, The Ottoman is customized to match the chair. We re...
Category

1950s American Vintage Brown Saltman

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

John Keal for Brown Saltman Walnut and Smoke Glass Coffee Table
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful and elegant one drawer coffee table designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Crafted out of walnut the piece has a smoked glass top. The dimensions are 60x24 inches and ...
Category

20th Century American Brown Saltman

Materials

Walnut

John Keal Expanding Coffee Table for Brown Saltman, 1970
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage expandable walnut coffee table. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Original black poufs included for seating. Signed with the original tags on the poufs. Killer design...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman

Materials

Walnut

Paul Laszlo Two-Tier Night Stand for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, 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 Brown Saltman

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Johnn Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chairs
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Johnn Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chairs
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Newly Refinished - Pair of Art Deco Side Tables by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde, Brown Saltman
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

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Brown Saltman

Materials

Maple

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 ...
Category

20th Century American Brown Saltman

Materials

Smoked Glass, Walnut

Mid Century Modern Walnut Tallboy Dresser By John Keal for Brown Saltman, c1960s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Introducing a distinguished piece of mid-century modern artistry, this vintage tallboy dresser by John Keal for Brown Saltman defines the iconi...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman

Materials

Walnut

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Brown Saltman furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Brown Saltman furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original furniture by Brown Saltman were created in the Art Deco style in united states during the 18th century and earlier. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Calvin, John Keal, and Richard Schultz. Prices for Brown Saltman furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $950 and can go as high as $950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $950.

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