Brown Saltman Benches

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.

Creator: Brown Saltman

John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench

$4,500

John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Beech, Mahogany

Triangular Low Profile Chairs / Bench in Walnut by Brown Saltman, USA, C. 1950s

$14,000Sale Price / set|20% Off

Triangular Low Profile Chairs / Bench in Walnut by Brown Saltman, USA, C. 1950s

By John Kapel, John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Deland, FL

This is an ultra-rare set of 3-legged lounge chairs designed by the legendary John Keal for Brown Saltman. The chairs / modular benches feature original hardware that can be hinged t...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Walnut

MCM Platform Slat Bench or Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller

$1,950

H 14.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in

MCM Platform Slat Bench or Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in San Diego, CA

A true one-of-a-kind design! MCM platform slat bench or coffee table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 2000s. The bench is in good condition with some knicks and dings due to...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Maple

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Bench, Walnut, Velvet, USA, 1950s

$7,400

H 14.75 in W 32.75 in D 17.25 in

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Bench, Walnut, Velvet, USA, 1950s

By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Located in High Point, NC

A walnut and purple velvet bench or stool designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, c. 1950s. Reu...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished

$2,400Sale Price|22% Off

H 14.25 in W 60 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished

By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Maruni

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully refinished Mid-Century Modern slatted wood bench in richly toned walnut, offering the perfect combination of clean architectural lines and functional versatility. Craft...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Wood

Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal

$3,600

H 11.75 in W 56 in D 18 in

Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal

By John Keal

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Midcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This bench has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long creating a versatile solid oak walnut stained...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Oak

Mel Smilow Slatted Solid Walnut Mid-Century Modern Bench on Tapered Dowel Legs

$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.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Slat Bench Coffee Table Made in Yugoslavia C 1950s

$995

H 16 in W 48 in D 18 in

Mid Century Slat Bench Coffee Table Made in Yugoslavia C 1950s

By George Nelson

Located in New York, NY

Iconic slat bench coffee table, bench made in Yugoslavia, after George Nelson, circa 1950/1960's. Constructed of solid wood, in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition,...

Category

Mid-20th Century Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Wood

Majestic Restored Pagoda Coffee Table or Bench by John Wisner for Ficks Reed

$9,500

H 13 in W 67 in D 19 in

Majestic Restored Pagoda Coffee Table or Bench by John Wisner for Ficks Reed

By John Wisner, Ficks Reed

Located in Atlanta, GA

This magnificent coffee table is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing: meticulous professionally restored and completely installation ready. An exquis...

Category

1950s American Organic Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Hardwood

“Florida” Bench by Ebbe Wigells, Sweden 1950s

On Hold|~~$4,750~~

H 29.73 in W 53.15 in D 20.08 in

“Florida” Bench by Ebbe Wigells, Sweden 1950s

By AB Bröderna Wigells Stolfabrik

Located in Utrecht, NL

The so-called ‘stick’ sofa has been around throughout the history of the popular “stick chair” and has had its peaks during the 20th century, especially the 1920s and 50s. Recently, ...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Wood

Indoor & Outdoor Low Profile Woven Black Rattan Bench

$400

H 17 in W 52 in D 15 in

Indoor & Outdoor Low Profile Woven Black Rattan Bench

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

This outdoor low profile woven black rattan bench offers a sleek, modern take on classic woven furniture. Crafted with a sturdy frame and tightly wrapped in black rattan. The elongat...

Category

20th Century Indonesian Modern Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Two-Tone Slatted Bench for Glenn of California

$4,500

H 11.5 in W 81 in D 18 in

Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Two-Tone Slatted Bench for Glenn of California

By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California

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 precis...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Wood, Beech, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Walnut Bench, Coffee Table, 1950s

$2,200

H 13.5 in W 71 in D 19 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style "Long John" Walnut Bench, Coffee Table, 1950s

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Long Edward Wormley for dunbar style walnut "long john" Bench. Coffee Table. Bed End. Featuring a longer rectangular slat-style Walnut surface, turned edge...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Walnut

Greta Magnusson-Grossman, Bench, Walnut, USA, 1950s

$5,800

H 11 in W 65.1 in D 18.25 in

Greta Magnusson-Grossman, Bench, Walnut, USA, 1950s

By Greta Magnusson Grossman

Located in High Point, NC

A walnut bench designed by Greta Magnusson-Grossman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.0"H x 65.1"W x 18.25"D All items ship from H...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Previously Available Items

John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 9.25 in W 60 in D 15.75 in

John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman

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 mahogany wood slats and tapered dowel legs. Perfect as a low profile coffee table, entryway ben...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Mahogany

John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench

Sold

H 9.25 in W 60 in D 15.75 in

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Mahogany, Beech

Extendable Bench in Mahogany by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 12 in W 18 in D 55.5 in

Extendable Bench in Mahogany by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in San Diego, CA

John Keal designed this extendable bench in mahogany for Brown Saltman. We have restored it to excellent vintage condition. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Walnut

Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal

Sold

H 11.75 in W 56.13 in D 18 in

Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Miami, FL

Midcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long. A ...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Two-Tone Bench / Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 14.5 in W 66 in D 29 in

Midcentury Two-Tone Bench / Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, 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 Benches

Materials

Wood, Beech, Mahogany, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Bench by Brown Saltman

Sold

H 16 in W 53 in D 14.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Bench by Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman

Located in San Francisco, CA

Mid-Century Modern flip top bench by Brown Saltman, Los Angeles. Simple elegant bench with extra storage for blankets under the seat. Made from walnut w...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Leather, Mohair, Walnut

John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 10 in W 60 in D 16 in

John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Low profile bench by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa1950s, USA. The bench features a mix of mahogany and beech wood that offers texture and depth ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Beech, Mahogany

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Ebonized Expandable Bench

Sold

H 12 in W 55.5 in D 18 in

John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Ebonized Expandable Bench

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Keal for brown saltman mid century Ebonized expandable bench This bench measures: 55.5 wide x 18 deep x 12 inches high ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench

Sold

H 12 in W 55.75 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

This sophisticated, slat walnut bench is an iconic addition to any Mid-Century Modern home and fully extends from 55.75" to 94.5", making this a versatile piece in any space. In very...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Wood

Large Mid-Century Modern Extending Slat Bench on Tapered Dowel Cone Legs

Sold

H 12 in W 96 in D 18 in

Large Mid-Century Modern Extending Slat Bench on Tapered Dowel Cone Legs

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Large Mid-Century Modern expandable slat bench on tapered dowel cone legs.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Walnut

Vintage John Keal Expandable Slat Bench Coffee Table for Brown Saltman

Sold

H 12 in W 55.75 in D 18 in

Vintage John Keal Expandable Slat Bench Coffee Table for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in San Jose, CA

Mid century minimalist slat bench designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. This versatile California modern piece features an expandable sliding top with eight support legs. Perfect ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Wood

John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman circa 1955

Sold

H 9.25 in W 59.75 in D 16 in

John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman circa 1955

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

John Keal Slatted low bench for Brown Saltman, circa 1955.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Benches

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Brown Saltman benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Brown Saltman benches are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original benches by Brown Saltman 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 benches by Gerald McCabe, Charles and Ray Eames, and Fredericia. Prices for Brown Saltman benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,740 and can go as high as $17,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,895.