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.
Pair of Mid-Century Modern side tables in the style of Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern side tables in the style of Maison Jansen, featuring a dark metal frame with brass accents, intricate decorative details, and a clear glass top. These Mid-...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Gordons Fine Furniture Design Fruitwood Burl Side Tables.
By Gordon Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the perfect blend of elegance and style with these stunning Asian-inspired side tables from Gordon's Fine Furniture. Crafted from luxurious fruitwood burl, each table boasts...
Fruitwood, Burl
Lane Rhythm Mid-Century Modern Two-Tiered Side Table
By Lane Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Mid-Century Modern two-tiered walnut side table is stamped by Lane Furniture. Part of the "Rhythm" collection, this design features subtle details that reflect Scandinavian infl...
Walnut
Pair Vintage Max Sauze Architectural Metal Side Table
By Max Sauze
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of side tables originates from France and was manufactured in the 1970s by Arrow. They feature a black wire steel frame with two tops: one made of mirror plexiglass and the...
Metal
Midcentury Kai Kristiansen Style Teak cocktail table
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Made in Belgium in the manners of Kai Kristiansen. Solid teak wood and Smoked glass. Refinished. Gorgeous minimalist design offering a sleek and elegant profile. Simple and organic f...
Smoked Glass, Teak
Mid-Century Italian Square Coffee Table in Mahogany and Smoked Glass
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful coffee table made of solid rosewood with grey smoke glass top. Made in the style of Kazuhide Takahama, in Italy during the 1960s. The wooden table frame with its brutalist ...
Smoked Glass, Rosewood
Pair of Hexagonal 'Domino' Side Tables by John Keal for Brown-Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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 John Keal for Brown Saltman “Domino” Hexagonal Side Tables Mid-Century
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A striking pair of Mid-Century Modern hexagonal “Domino” side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1960s. These iconic tables showcase Keal’s signature geometric se...
Glass, Wood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Hexagonal Pair Side Table Walnut Enamel
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, John Keal for Brown Saltman hexagonal pair of side table, a classic piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture likely dating from the 1960s. These tables are char...
Enamel
Pair Hexagonal "Domino" Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Mid-Century side tables. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Walnut with gold/copper constellation design under glass.
Glass, Resin, Wood
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
Pair of Lane Furniture Hexagonal Mid-Century Walnut Side Tables
By Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern hexagonal side tables by Lane Furniture. Featuring brass handles and two swinging doors on each, these well-constructed side tables have retained their ric...
Brass
