John Keal Furniture
At a time when many furniture makers were turning to cheaper materials for mass production, mid-century modern designer John Keal didn't shy away from utilizing quality woods in his work, like mahogany and walnut to create his coffee tables, cabinets and benches.
While little is known about Keal, he was part of a powerhouse group that collaborated with Los Angeles furniture manufacturer Brown-Saltman in the 1940s and ‘50s. Other designers who had partnered with the firm during the mid-20th century included Greta Magnusson Grossman, Paul Frankl, Paul Laszlo, and Gilbert Rohde, a New York City-born designer who would help legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer Herman Miller avert financial disaster during the Great Depression.
Brown-Saltman was established in 1923 and initially specialized in reproductions of furniture in period styles. When cofounder David Saltman met Frankl, the firm had discontinued its Early California collection and was producing modern furniture.
The Austrian-born Frankl was already a big name in decorating in California in the late 1930s — his clients were Hollywood movie stars who were drawn to pieces such as his Art Deco-style Skyscraper series and other biomorphically shaped designs that showed the influence of Chinese and Japanese forms (Brown-Saltman’s offerings were frequently demonstrative of Asian influences). Frankl had become interested in producing inexpensive furniture for middle-class consumers, and his 1940s-era collaboration with Brown-Saltman was a success — print advertisements touted his name as well as the fact that these furnishings, which drew on the clean lines of chrome-framed Bauhaus pieces but instead integrated organic materials, were intended for modern homes.
Keal’s work also fit snugly into what we now call California modernism, which derived from the Bauhaus and International Style movements, and revolutionized the way we build homes today, not only in the Golden State but across the globe. Keal created sleek end tables in walnut and topped with enameled copper and upholstered low-profile dining chairs framed in bleached mahogany for Brown-Saltman as well as other West Coast mid-century brands such as Glenn of California and Modeline.
Find vintage John Keal seating, storage pieces and tables on 1stDibs.
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Creator: John Keal
Mid 20th Century Mid Century Dining Chairs by John Keal, Set of 4
By John Keal
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Cerused Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 4
A stunning set of four mid-mod Danish style dining chairs attributed to John Keal for Brown Saltman...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of John Keal Magazine Side Tables for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition, Formica Tops Show Wear
Materials: Ebonized Wood, Formica Tops
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Formica, Wood
John Keal Side Table with Travertine Stone Top for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stylish side table designed by John Keal and manufactured by brown Saltman in the United States circa 1950’s. This unique design has been recently refinished by our skilled team of c...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Brown Saltman Solid Walnut End Table with Burl Walnut Inset
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Soquel, CA
Brown Saltman Solid Walnut End Table with Burl Walnut Inset
Elegant end table designed by John Keal and manufactured by Brown Saltman. This piece is clean and modern, which highlights the gorgeous burl of the top. It will fit well with a variety of decor and design choices.
15"H x 18"D x 18"W
At a time when many furniture makers were turning to cheaper materials for mass production, mid-century modern designer John Keal didn't shy away from utilizing quality woods in his work, like mahogany and walnut to create his coffee tables, cabinets and benches.
While little is known about Keal, he was part of a powerhouse group that collaborated with Los Angeles furniture manufacturer Brown-Saltman in the 1940s and ‘50s. Other designers who had partnered with the firm during the mid-20th century included Greta Magnusson Grossman, Paul Frankl, Paul Laszlo, and Gilbert Rohde, a New York City-born designer who would help legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer Herman Miller avert financial disaster during the Great Depression.
Brown-Saltman was established in 1923 and initially specialized in reproductions of furniture in period styles. When cofounder David Saltman met Frankl, the firm had discontinued its Early California collection and was producing modern furniture.
Keal’s work also fit snugly into what we now call California modernism, which derived from the Bauhaus and International Style movements, and revolutionized the way we build homes today, not only in the Golden State but across the globe. Keal created sleek end tables...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Modular 5-Piece Sectional of 3 Chairs and 2 Tables for Brown Saltman in Walnut
By John Keal
Located in Deland, FL
This is an ultra-rare set of 3-legged lounge chairs and two end tables designed by the legendary John Keal for Brown Saltman. All three chairs and two tables still feature their orig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$16,640 Sale Price / set
20% Off
John Keal, Side Tables, Walnut, Stone, Glass, USA, 1960s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut, stone composite and glass side tables designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1960s.
Dimensions: 15.625” H 18.125” W x 20.875” D
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Stone
John Keal, Side Tables, Walnut, Stone, Glass, USA, 1960s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three walnut, stone composite and glass side tables designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1960s.
Dimensions: 15.625” H 18.125” W x 20.875” D
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Stone
John Keal, Dresser, Wood, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brass dresser designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of MId-Century side tables. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman.
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
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.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Resin, Walnut
Brown-Saltman Magazine Tray Side Table by John Keal, Pair
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Fully restored original pair of Mid-century side tables with hairpin styles and a pullout / pull-out magazine shelf designed by designer John Keal for Brown-Saltman.
Dimensions: 20"...
Category
1950s American Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Teak
John keal chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Keal
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie chauffeuse par John Keal, attribuée parfois à Gibbings.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
$5,744
John Keal Wall Unit / Vitrine with Drawers for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This versatile Mid-Century Modern vitrine / wall unit designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman features four shelves behind original sliding glass doors atop a sculptural rendered two...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Rare John Keal Buffet or Credenza for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This Mid-Century Modern buffet or credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman features three storage drawers and a cabinet behind a pair of double doors. The unit rests on a sculptured l...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Two ( 2 ) Triangular Low Profile Chairs in Walnut by John Keal for Brown
By John Keal
Located in Deland, FL
This is an ultra-rare set of 3-legged lounge chairs designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. The chairs feature their original hardware and can be hinged together for tandem seating in a myriad of combinations and shapes if desired. The solid walnut frames are exquisitely shaped and the stunning wood grain is offset perfectly by the newly re-upholstered seats (redone in a fabulous burnt orange with hints of violet knit fabric). If desired we have additional pieces from this series sold seperately; at the time of publishing this larger set is the largest intact original set available for sale in the North America. Whether you want the two exceptional low profile side side chairs...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
3 John Keal Hexagonal Reverse Painted Glass and Oak Occasional / End Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Queens, NY
2 American Mid-Century walnut occasional / end tables with hexagonal bases and tops with an open center structure and reverse painted glass table tops...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Furniture
Materials
Glass
1950s John Keal for Brown Saltman Nightstands Mahogany
Brass
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of matching nightstands designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. blonde mahogany modern nightstands. USA circa the 1950s. Exceptionally clean modern li...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 John Keal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Nightstands - Pair
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Nightstands - Pair
Each nightstand measures: 22 wide x 16.5 deep x 21 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in wh...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Brown Saltman Occasional Tables with Gold/Copper Resin Tops 1960s (Signed)
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in New York, NY
Large set of occasional tables in dark walnut, top design with pebbles set in gold/copper resin under glass. by John Keal for Brown Saltman, American 1960's (signed “Brown Saltman” o...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Stone, Gold, Copper
Set of 4 John Keal for Brown Saltman Modern Upholstered Armchairs
By John Keal
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 Mid-Century American Modern (1950s) armchairs with stylized low arms with the back and seat upholstered in a beige / taupe circular patterned fabric and standing on 4 tapere...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Wood and Brass Nightstand by John Keal for Brown-Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Pasadena, CA
Precious night stand by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Drawers are made of particleboard looking very much like cork, accented with a sculptural brass pull. Retains original labels.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Brass
$1,040 Sale Price
35% Off
Brown and Saltman Set of Three End Side Tables in Dark Oiled Walnut Art Tile Top
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 3 Brown and Saltman end coffee side occasional tables stands in dark oiled walnut with art tile top.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Furniture
Materials
Art Glass, Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tray Side Table Designed by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tray side table with hairpin style and a pullout, manufactured by Brown Saltman, and designed By John Keal.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Set of Three Walnut and Burl Cocktail Tables, 1970s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of three hexagonal shape side tables design by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the 1970’s.
Constructed of walnut with a burl wood circle on the top.
In beautiful vintage conditi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mahogany End Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in San Francisco, CA
A beautifully restored pair of mahogany end tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Each features a single drawer and four tapered legs with round resin feet on patinated brass posts....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Price Upon Request
John Keal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
John Keal furniture 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 John Keal furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by John Keal were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Richard Schultz, Tomlinson, and Paul Mayen. Prices for John Keal furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $425 and can go as high as $28,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,650.