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.
John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low profile bench by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s, USA. The bench features a mix of mahogany and beech wood that offers texture and depth with varying wood tones. Perfect...
Beech, Mahogany
1950s Walnut Slat Bench
By Mel Smilow
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Well engineered walnut hardwood slat bench by Mel Smilow. Stained and well loved by its original owner. Presented in as-found, unrestored condition. W 60 x D 18 x H 14 in
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic mid-century slat bench crafted in solid walnut, showcasing a streamlined form and beautiful natural grain. Its versatile design allows it to function as seating, a coffee tab...
Walnut
$9,500
H 11.75 in W 76.75 in D 16.75 in
Vintage 1960s Hans Wegner 6-Leg Long Slatted Teak Xl Bench Danish Midcentury
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is the largest Model JH-574 Bench. In the original finish. Showing wear from use. All joinery is tight, and this bench is ready to use. Also has a nice neat full burnished label...
Teak
$6,380
H 12 in W 55.5 in D 18 in
"Mid Century Expandable Solid Walnut Slatted Bench by John Keal, 1950s"
By John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century Large Expandable Solid Walnut Wood Slatted Bench, Coffee Table, featuring a Slat Top and Tapered Legs, Joinery detail and Standing on Classic Mid Century Tapered Legs
Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
$13,800
H 18.12 in W 51.19 in D 18.12 in
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-33-E Teak Bench / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
Here we see the principle of the Japanese wabi-sabi, which refers to embracing imperfections and underlining impermanence. Rustic aspects, simplicity, modesty, and austerity offer a ...
Teak
$2,800
H 17 in W 48 in D 17 in
Mel Smilow Slatted Solid Walnut Mid-Century Modern Bench on Tapered Dowel Legs
By Mel Smilow
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mel Smilow Slatted solid walnut Mid-Century Modern bench on tapered dowel legs.
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A timeless Mid-Century Modern walnut slat bench featuring a sleek, minimalist design with solid walnut construction and beautifully spaced slats. The warm tone and refined craftsmans...
Brass
$31,711
H 12.21 in W 76.38 in D 16.74 in
Hans J. Wegner Teak Bench, Scandinavian Mid-Century Design, Denmark, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model designed for Johannes Hansen. Solid teak. Measurements: L: 194 cm/ 6' 5" W: 42.5 cm/ 16 3/4" H: 31 cm/ 12 1/4". Hans J. Wegner is the father of Danish design and is well kn...
Teak
$1,750
H 14 in W 48 in D 18 in
Mel Smilow Walnut Slat Bench or Coffee Table Mid Century Modern Refinished
By Mel Smilow
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined walnut slat bench or coffee table, designed by Mel Smilow, circa 1950s. This bench is currently being refinished and will look amazing when completed. Refinishing is incl...
Wood, Walnut
Vintage Midcentury Drexel John Van Koert Profile Series Bench
By John Van Koert
Located in Pasadena, TX
Drexel Profile Series John Van Koert Vintage midcentury John Van Koert Profile Series bench Bench version of the Profile Series ...
Walnut
77" Pax Bench by Gary L. Lee
By Gary Lee
Located in Pasadena, TX
By Cumberland Furniture 77" Pax Bench by Gary L. Lee The Pax minimalist bench features two stainless steel angles at each end that are mitered into ...
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Remington Rand Gunlocke 2 Seater Tandem Bench
By Remington Rand, Gunlocke
Located in Pasadena, TX
Mid Century Gunlocke for Remington Rand 2 Seater Bench The Remington Rand Library Bureau Division provided furniture, equipment, and supplies to America’s libraries...
Walnut
Kipp Stewart Long Board Coffee Table by Drexel
By Kipp Stewart
Located in Pasadena, TX
Danish modern teak Drexel Declaration coffee table 60" long teak coffee table by Kipp Stewart for the Drexel Declaration line. The table has a ...
Rosewood, Walnut
40" Veneer Brazilian Rosewood Coffee Table in the Style of Sergio Rodriques
Located in Pasadena, TX
40" Veneer Brazilian Rosewood Coffee Table in the Style of Sergio Rodriques Crafted from veneer Jacaranda Brazilian rosewood with ebonized edging. Me...
Jacaranda
10.5ft 1960’s Niels Møller Rosewood Dining Table
By Neils O. Möller
Located in Pasadena, TX
Danish 1960’s Niels Møller rosewood dining table Model 254 Large Danish midcentury dining table designed by Niels O. Møller for ...
Rosewood
