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.
Expertly Restored - Californian Modern Night Stands w/ Bookcase by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, Brass Accents ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut low nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Pair of 2 drawer low nightstands or end tables with chrome hanging spade pulls. Walnut with oak draw...
Chrome
Californian Modern Night Stand w/ Bookcase by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, Brass Accents ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to...
Brass
Expertly Restored - John Keal Night Stand with Bookshelf for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany Wood, Patinated Brass ______________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to ...
Brass
John Keal, Occasional Tables, Mahogany, Brass, United States, 1950s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Stamford, CT
John Keal, Brown Saltman, American Mid-Century Modern, Nightstands or Occasional Tables, Mahogany, Brass, United States, 1950s A refined pair of Model 90 occasional tables designed ...
Brass
1950s John Keal for Brown Saltman Nightstands in Blonde Mahogany & Formica Top
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of clean midcentury Brown Saltman blonde mahogany modern nightstands 1950s USA. Blonde mahogany body and very clean formica top. Exce...
Abalone, Formica, Hardwood, Mahogany
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Nightstands - Pair
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Nightstands - Pair This nightstand measures: 22 wide x 16 deep x 21.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in w...
Mahogany
John Keal, Bleached Mahogany, Open Nightstands, USA, 1960s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Stamford, CT
John Keal, American Mid-Century Modern, Bleached Mahogany, Open Nightstands, USA, 1960s Pair of bleached mahogany nightstands designed by John Keal and produced by Brown Saltman in ...
Mahogany
Brown-Saltman Magazine Tray Side Table by John Keal, Pair
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
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"...
Teak
H 24.01 in W 18.12 in D 14.18 in
Pair of Park Night Stands in Espresso Brown Lacquer by Yaniv Chen for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Park nightstand is the epitome of exquisite craftsmanship, featuring meticulously proportioned dimensions and exceptional detailing that make it an ideal bedside companion. Our f...
Lacquer
H 25.2 in W 18.12 in D 11.82 in
Small Bedside Tables Shelves Style Ico Parisi for Debaggis 1950s Brass
By Ico Parisi
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small bedside tables or shelves in mahogany Ico Parisi for Debaggis 1950s brass and glass Minimalist
Brass
H 24 in W 21 in D 16 in
Pair of Merton Gershun for Cavalier Mid-Century Modern Walnut Brass Nightstands
By Merton Gershun, Cavalier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Merton Gershun in the late 1960s for Cavalier, these nightstands or end tables feature a super refined design and great construction quality. Well built, they are constru...
Brass
H 25 in W 22 in D 17 in
Stylish Pair of American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands Mid-Century Modern
By American of Martinsville
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Great looking pair of American of Martinsville walnut nightstands. These stylish nightstands have a great flip down door opening to reveal a nice open space with on small drawer. The...
Brass
H 22.75 in W 21.75 in D 13.5 in
Pair 1950s Italian Nightstands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1950s Italian nightstands with mirror top featuring maple hardwoods, brass hardware and sabots.
Brass
H 27.5 in W 25.5 in D 16 in
European Oak Night Stand with 3 Drawers
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Crafted from premium European oak, this three-drawer nightstand brings timeless elegance and subtle sophistication to any bedroom. Its gently flowing serpentine front adds a graceful...
Oak
H 26.5 in W 19 in D 14 in
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid Century Modern Night Stands w/ Drop Down Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished : With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desi...
Steel
H 22.13 in W 22.19 in D 15 in
Mid Century Modern Pair of Walnut Broyhill Brasilia Nightstands
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage pair of Brasilia nightstands in walnut manufactured by Broyhill Premier Furniture, circa 1960s. This set is accessorized with the line's signature sculpted brass pulls remini...
Brass
H 23.25 in W 24 in D 18 in L 23.25 in
Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Nightstands by Widdicomb, c1960s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., John Widdicomb
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Exceptional pair of mid century modern walnut nightstands by Widdicomb, showcasing the same iconic sculptural design language found in the company's highly sought-after bedroom colle...
Walnut
H 26 in W 19.5 in D 14 in
Pair John Stuart 3 Drawer Night Stands Mid Century Modern Style of Paul Frankl
By John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location. Pair three drawer night stands by John Stuart. Refinished in off white lacquer. Antiqued brass finish ch...
Mahogany, Lacquer
H 25.5 in W 24 in D 17 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A classic pair of vintage walnut nightstands offering the perfect combination of style, functionality, and timeless mid-century character. Perfect beside a bed as traditional nightst...
Wood, Walnut
H 22.25 in W 22.5 in D 17.5 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Rhythm” Walnut Night Stand by Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorporated with many interior decors. Enjoy! 😁 This distinctive Lane “Rhythm” nightstand from the 1960s is a great example of American Mid-Century Modern design, combining sculptural form with practical storage. Crafted in walnut, the piece features three deep drawers with long integrated horizontal pulls that give the front a strong architectural rhythm and a clean, hardware-free appearance. The elevated base with tapered legs and softly curved apron keeps the piece visually light, while the richly figured top and warm walnut grain add depth and character. Expertly refinished by our restoration studio, the wood has been carefully restored to highlight its natural tone and grain while preserving the original design. Compact, functional, and visually striking, this nightstand works beautifully beside a bed or as a small accent chest...
Walnut
H 23.63 in W 15.75 in D 11.42 in L 23.63 in
Mexican Night Stand
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this rare Mexican Night Stand made in solid pine wood and palm cords.
Pine
H 25 in W 22 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Brass Nightstands by John Stuart, 1950s
By John Stuart
Located in New York, NY
John Stuart Mid-Century nightstands featuring solid dark brown stained Walnut case and 3 lighter stained drawers. Each drawer having si=olid brass conical pulls. Mint restored.
Brass
H 4.25 in W 17 in D 15 in
Pair of Mid-Century Floating Nightstands-Walnut
By Milo Baughman
Located in Medina, OH
Pair of Refinished Floating Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands with Drawer. These have the same pulls and drawer details as Milo Baughman case goods have for Directional furnitur...
Wood, Walnut
H 37.5 in W 82 in D 89 in
John Keal Cal King Size Headboard for Brown Saltman with Custom Bed Frame
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
King size headboard by John Keal for Brown Saltman c.1960s, USA. The walnut headboard features 'pop-up' black Naugahyde headrests, with slim center pull out table. The headboard is a...
Walnut, Naugahyde, Laminate
H 20.25 in W 20 in D 28 in
Expertly Restored - California Modern Slatted Walnut Side Tables by John Keal
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 precis...
Laminate, Wood, Walnut
H 40 in W 82.25 in D 2 in
Mid Century Modern Walnut King Headboard by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern king size headboard designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California, circa 1960's. This piece displays gorgeous walnut grains and two adjustable padded backr...
Walnut, Fabric
H 20.25 in W 17.75 in D 17.75 in
Pair of Mahogany Nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of mahogany nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman, c.1950s, USA. This minimal design features an upper drawer with a wood and nickel plated drawer pull. Below is an open sh...
Nickel
H 22.25 in W 24 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of walnut nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman, c.1960s, USA. This minimal design features an upper drawer with two hinged cabinet doors below for additional bedside stora...
Walnut
H 21 in W 22 in D 16.5 in
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...
Mahogany
H 22 in W 24 in D 16.5 in
Pair of John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Walnut Nightstands
By John Keal
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Pair of John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Walnut Nightstands We are very pleased to offer a pair of mid-century nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman Features one drawer...
Walnut
H 14.97 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Pair of John Keal for Brown Saltman Constellation End Tables or Nightstands
By John Keal
Located in Berlin, DE
Signed pair of side tables or nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman in solid walnut and a copper inlay. Excellent condition.
Copper
H 25 in W 24 in D 16.5 in
Newly Refinished Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stand, John Keal, Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly Refinished Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stand, John Keal, Brown Saltman Year: c.1960’s With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of res...
Walnut
H 22.25 in W 20 in D 16 in
John Keal Night Stands with Magazine Shelves for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Keal Night Stands with Magazine Shelves for Brown Saltman
Wood, Walnut
H 16 in W 22 in D 21.25 in
Mid-century Walnut Nightstands by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous mid-century walnut nightstands designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States, circa 1950s. These nightstands have a very particular and avant-garde geometric ...
Brass
H 23.25 in W 21.25 in D 17 in
Expertly Restored - John Keal Two-Tier Night Stand for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant modern nightstand designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the United States circa 1950s. This fabulous nightstand is built on solid walnut-stained mahogany wood featuring a single sculpted...
Brass
H 22.25 in W 24 in D 16.75 in
1960's Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Walnut Nightstands, a Pair
By John Keal
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern night stands for sale. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, and still retain the original sticker. They are high-quality pieces with a cabinet ...
Walnut
H 18.5 in W 20 in D 28.25 in
Pair John Keal for Brown Saltman Nightstands Lamp Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Pasadena, TX
Fabulous pair of side tables by John Keal with all original finishes and details. Brass handles with mahogany and burl drawer facings. Sabre style legs. MFG label. Dimensions He...
Mahogany
H 22 in W 24 in D 16.5 in
1960s John Keal Brown Saltman Spacious Modern Nightstands Cabinets Walnut Wood
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Nightstands 1960s designer John Keal for Brown Saltman Crisp Modern Walnut Wood Nightstands Designed with Spacious Drawer and Cabinet. Ideal as small cabinet or nightstands. 24 w x 1...
Walnut