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Brown Saltman Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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.

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Creator: Brown Saltman
John Keal for Brown Saltman Highboy Dresser
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid-Century Modern mahogany highboy dresser with four drawers and maker's mark.   
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Petite Walnut Dresser by Martin Borenstein for Brown Saltman 1960s
By Martin Borenstein, Brown Saltman
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Professionally restored walnut chest of drawers designed by Martin Borenstein for Brown Saltman, circa 1960. Gorgeous walnut wood g...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Cerused and Brass Chest of Drawers by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage chest of drawers / tall dresser designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s. This beautiful chest of drawers features four large pull-out dovetailed drawers, all i...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Vintage Oak and Brass Chest of Drawers by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage oak and brass chest of drawers / tall dresser designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s. This beautiful chest of drawer’s features a Minimalist but highly functional design that highlights the elegance of the oak wood used for its construction. The contrast offered between the different shades of oak and mahogany wood makes the dresser's structure stand out even more and captivates the viewer's eye. Features four large pull-out dovetailed drawers, all integrated with original brass X-pulls. Its spacious drawers make it the ideal home addition for storing bedroom essentials...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Pair of Nightstands or Chest of Drawers
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of nightstands or chest of drawers in oak by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Wonderful Basketweave design on drawer fronts. Three generous sized drawers.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

VKG Van Keppel Green for Brown Saltman Wooden 5 Drawer Bracket Base Chest
By Brown Saltman
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century wooden chest of drawers with 5 drawers in ascending depth, resting on a Chinese-style bracket base. (VKG VAN KEPPEL GREEN FOR BROWN SALTMAN)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

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Brown Saltman commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.

Brown Saltman commodes and chests of drawers are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Brown Saltman commodes and chests of drawers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original commodes and chests of drawers by Brown Saltman were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider commodes and chests of drawers by Russel Wright, Merton Gershun , and Knoll. Prices for Brown Saltman commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,576 and can go as high as $16,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,598.

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