The design of brutalist furniture encompasses that which is crafted, hewn and worked by hand — an aesthetic rebuke (or, at least, a counterpoint) to furniture that is created using 21st-century materials and technology. Lately, the word “brutalist” has been adopted by the realms of furniture design and the decorative arts to refer to chairs, cabinets, tables and accessory pieces such as mirror frames and lighting that are made of rougher, deeply textured metals and other materials that are the visual and palpable antithesis of the sleek, smooth and suave.
ORIGINS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN
BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE BRUTALIST FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was coined by architecture critic Reyner Banham to describe an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s featuring monumental buildings, usually made of unornamented concrete, whose design was meant to project an air of strength and solidity.
Le Corbusier essentially created the brutalist style; its best-known iterations in the United States are the Whitney Museum of American Art, which was designed by Marcel Breuer, and Paul Rudolph's Yale Art and Architecture Building. The severe style might have been the most criticized architectural movement of the 20th century, even if it was an honest attempt to celebrate the beauty of raw material. But while the brutalist government buildings in Washington, D.C., seemingly bask in their un-beauty, brutalist interior design and decor is much more lyrical, at times taking on a whimsical, romantic quality that its exterior counterparts lack.
Paul Evans is Exhibit A for brutalist furniture design. His Sculpture Front cabinets laced with high-relief patinated steel mounts have become collector's items nonpareil, while the chairs, coffee table and dining table in his later Cityscape series and Sculpted Bronze series for Directional Furniture are perhaps the most expressive, attention-grabbing pieces in American modern design. Other exemplary brutalist designers are Silas Seandel, the idiosyncratic New York furniture designer and sculptor whose works in metal — in particular his tables — have a kind of brawny lyricism, and Curtis Jere, a nom-de-trade for the California team of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels, the bold makers of expressive scorched and sheared copper and brass mirror frames and wall-mounted sculptures.
Brutalist furniture and sculptures remain popular with interior designers and can lend unique, eccentric, human notes to an art and design collection in any home.
Find authentic vintage brutalist chairs, coffee tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
1960's Brutalist Art Studio Ceramics Large Square Dish by Amphora Perignem
By Perignem
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Brutalist Art Studio Ceramics Large Square Dish by Amphora Perignem. Made in Belgium 1960's. Rogier Vandeweghe / Elisabeth Vandeweghe. XL Square dish / bowl with abstract fig...
Ceramic, Pottery
Decorative Brass Leaf Sculpture and Nut Cracker By David Marshall 1970’s
Located in Hastings, GB
A superbly executed large sculpture of a brutalist brass leaf with accompanying nut crackers in brass and cast aluminium by the Spanish based Scottish artist and sculptor David Marsh...
Brass
Michel Jaubert style Sculptural Bronze Dish Vide-Poches - 1970s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Michel Jaubert style Sculptural Bronze Dish Vide-Poches - 1970s Bronze - decoration - Sculpture Measures : 30cmx26cm H:5cm Material : Bronze Wear consistent with age and use.
Bronze
Brutalist Free-Form Glass Trinket - Solid Cast Glass Catchall - France 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Brutalist Free-Form Glass Trinket - Solid Cast Glass Catchall - France 1970s Free-form large and heavy decorative catchall. Entirely made of solid glass and beautifully crafted ! ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
David Marshall Bronze and Wood Fruit Bowl Sculpture, Organic Brutalist, 1980s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This piece combines a deep, textured wooden bowl with an organic, sculpted bronze element, created by the renowned designer David Marshall in Spain during the 1980s. The design refle...
Bronze
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materi...
Ceramic
Vintage Stainless Steel "Blow Up" Citrus Basket by Fratelli Campana for Alessi
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage stainless steel "Blow Up" citrus basket by Fratelli Campana for Alessi, circa 1990s. This super cool brutalist style basket / bowl is made of we...
Stainless Steel
Basket Fruit Tray Cast Brass Gold A008 Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Fruit Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful Wedding or Company Gif...
Brass
Two Sunburst Centerpieces / Fruit Bowls, Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair if Sculptural Spanish Brutalist Centerpiece Bowls Spain, 1950s. These spanish revival centerpieces or fruit bowls were entirely made by hand in wrought iron. They have brutalist...
Iron
Large Brutalist Wood Bowl Large Vide Poche in a Brown Patina, France, circa 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vide poche has been made in France circa 1960. It is a Brutalist Style bowl, with a free form. In a Brown color.
Wood
Bronce Footed Bowl
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Note: Only for decorative use. Not suitable for food This bronze footed bowl has a simple yet striking presence. Its shallow form rests on a small pedestal, giving it a balanced, e...
Metal, Iron
Teak Bowl by DMK Daniela Mola & Ingo Knuth, 1980s Brutalist Design
By Ingo Knuth
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A teak bowl made by the DMK - Daniela Mola & Ingo Knuth manufacture from the 1980s. The large bowl serves as a fruit bowl or for a centerpiece. Their workmanship under all handma...
Wood, Teak
Brutalist Vide Poche in Cast Bronze 1960s
Located in Meer, VAN
Brutalist Vide Poche in Cast Bronze, mid 20th century. Beautiful and very distinct vide poche in heavy cast bronze. Quintessentially brutalist with rough and hand made shapes and he...
Bronze
Brutalist Celtic Tray A097 Solid Sand Cast Aluminum and Brass Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The small tray was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium . We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in ...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Vase by Angelo Bragalini
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Angelo Bragalini was born in 1913 and raised in Bologna. He studied architecture, fine and applied arts in Rome, Venice and Firenze. His talent and passion for sculpture were quickly...
Copper
Brutalist Design Art Ceramic Bowl by Jan Nolf, Perignem Belgium 1950's
Brutalist Wood Bowl, Large, in a Brown Patina, France, circa 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vide poche has been made in France circa 1960. It is a Brutalist Style bowl, with a free form. In a Brown color.
Wood
Asian Stoneware Dish or Vide Poche, Brown Color, Korean, circa 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is a Stoneware dish or Vide poche, brown and Black Color color, made circa 1950 in Korea.
Pottery, Stoneware
Brutalist Small Metal Bowl A018 Solid Cast Aluminium & Brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The small Basket bowl was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium and brass. All our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in out foundry and workshop in Spain. It ...
Aluminum, Brass
1970's Ikebana Japanese Brutalist Ceramic Dish in Glossy Finish
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool unique Japanese ceramic dish , circa1970's great condition glossy finish in brown.
Ceramic
Paul Evans Studio Collection of Three Freeform Bowls, 1965
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio Collection of Three Freeform Bowls, 1965 Unique and rare set of cast and patinated bronze, bronze composite, and aluminum examples. Two examples: 3½ h × 11 dia in (...
Aluminum, Bronze, Pewter
Decorative Solide Bronze Rock Shaped Vide Poche by Monique Gerber - France 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Iconic solid bronze trinket tray by Monique Gerber. France, 1970s. Shaped like a rock. Large model no. 517 in the catalogue of the publisher L'Art du Bronze. Patina on all surfaces....
Bronze
Fruit Bowl A019 Solid cast brass (gold coloured) and aluminium (silver coloured)
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Coaster was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful We...
Aluminum, Brass
Oval Bowl Decorative Center Countertop Piece Silver and Gold Coloured Cast Metal
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Oval Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from...
Aluminum, Brass
Octagonal Card Tray E006 Silver and Gold Desk Tray Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Card Tray was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful ...
Aluminum, Brass
Odile Noll : Wood hand carved big bowl, circa 1970
By Odile Noll
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Odile Noll (1921-2014, France) : Large hand carved wood bowl Signed "O. Noll" on the back by engraving Odile Noll has been teached with her father Alexandre Noll, and collaborated ...
Wood
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Match Strike Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite two-piece studio pottery set perfectly captures the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic of the 1970s, celebrating the raw beauty of hand-thrown functional art. Handcrafted with a clea...
Pottery
Brutalist Stoneware Ceramic Bowl or Bonsai Planter with Crackle Glaze
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A striking mid-century modern stoneware bowl or bonsai planter with a distinct Brutalist aesthetic. Raised on four sturdy legs, this sculptural piece features a rough-textured exteri...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Vintage Boho Cast Lizard Ceramic Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage cast ceramic bowl is a masterful exploration of Organic Modernism and bold animalia. Hand-sculpted with a raw, stone-like texture, the vessel features intricate...
Ceramic
Midcentury German Brutalist Bronze Bowl
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A very decorative round German mid-century brutalist bowl made of bronze. Dimensions Height: 11 cm / 4.33 inch. Diameter: 20 cm / 7.87 inch. Weight: 3,68 kg
Bronze
Brutalist Wood bowl in the spirit of Alexandre Noll - 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Brutalist Wood bowl in the spirit of Alexandre Noll Wabi Sabi decoration - Brutalist - Decoration Measures : 24cmx22.5cm H:7.5cm Material : Wood Wear consistent with age and use.
Wood
Brutalist Wood Bowl, Large, in a Brown Patina, France circa 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vide poche has been made in France circa 1960. It is a Brutalist Style bowl, with a free form. In a Brown color.
Wood
Brutalist Medium Mesh Fruit Bowl Solid Cast Aluminium Reference A050 Handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Medium Mesh Fruit Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum . Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recy...
Aluminum
Decorative Bowl Copper Franco Bastianelli for Laurana Midcentury Italy 1960s
By Laurana
Located in Palermo, IT
Bowl/decorative object by Franco Bastianelli for Laurana made in Italy in the 60s. The bowl with particular shapes was made of enameled copper in shades of blue, green and red. The i...
Copper
Demant Brutalist Glass Dish by Göte Augustsson, Ruda Sweden 1960s
Located in Rīga, LV
Vintage brutalist glass dish designed by Göte Augustsson glass dish Ruda Sweden. “Demant” series. Additional information: Country of manufacture: Sweden D...
Glass
A105 Leaf Bowl in solid cast brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative tray was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled materials. Certi...
Brass
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Studio Pottery Bowl Sculpture from Bjørn, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Studio Pottery Bowl Sculpture from Bjørn, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informati...
Ceramic
Hand-Carved Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Solid Hardwood, Organic Design
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This graceful, organic bowl is a one of a kind piece, hand carved from a single block of figured solid hardwood. Its fluid, free-form shape is defined by a gently undulating rim that...
Wood
Ethnic Tray A074 Decorative Center Piece solid Brass and aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative tray was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from rec...
Aluminum, Brass
Massive Matte Black Brutalist Hammered Metal Noir Lily Pad Centerpiece Bowl 18"
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning modernist centerpiece bowl in matte black. Made of metal with a hammered surface and pleated details along the edge. Measures 18" diameter and is in excellent condition.
Metal
Mid-Century Swedish Brutalist Bowl by Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Swedish Brutalist Bowl by Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informati...
Ceramic
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage studio pottery bowl is a masterclass in Brutalist expression and organic modernism. Expertly hand-built, the vessel features a dynamic, asymmetrical silhouette ...
Clay, Pottery
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Ceramic Bowl, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Ceramic Bowl, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Ce...
Ceramic
Celtic Card Tray Gold Silver Desk Tray E005 Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Celtic Card Tray was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass.Makes a beautiful Wedding or Company Gift. Handmade, mounted and f...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer r...
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Abstract Sculptural Metal Bowls - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage metal sculpture is an extraordinary example of mid-century studio craft, characterized by its fierce, Brutalist energy and unique, hand-applied patina. The vess...
Metal
Large Solid Cast Aluminum Medusa Bowl A077 Cuenco Medusa Grande Handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Large Medusa Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and worksh...
Aluminum
Large Brutalist German Studio Pottery Bowl by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Brutalist German Studio Pottery Bowl by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: ...
Ceramic
Sculptural brutalist fruit bowl in aluminium & brass by David Marshall, 1980s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Sculptural fruit bowl in aluminum and brass by David Marshall, Art 3 Spain circa 1980. In very good condition, signature is stamped on the inner brass part.
Aluminum, Brass
Handcrafted Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Brutalist Design, 36x42 CM
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Elevate your home decor with our stunning carved wooden bowl, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship. This bowl features a gracefully curved shape, making it not only a practica...
Wood
Handcrafted Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Carved Brutalist Design
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Elevate your home decor with our stunning carved wooden bowl, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship. This bowl features a gracefully curved shape, making it not only a practica...
Wood
Signed Vintage Brutalist Ceramic Studio Pottery Footed Bowl Catchall
Located in Miami, FL
Signed Vintage Brutalist Ceramic Studio Pottery Footed Bowl Offered for sale is a hand-built rustic studio pottery glazed footed bowl with a sculptuiral look. The bowl is irregular...
Ceramic, Clay
$617Sale Price|77% Off
Decorative Stone Bowl in Quartz Crystal with Black Tourmaline Inclusions, Brazil
Located in Glasgow, GB
Hand-carved from a single piece of tourmaline quartz, this sculptural bowl merges organic mineral formation with refined craftsmanship. The raw exterior preserves the natural matrix ...
Quartz, Tourmaline
Handcrafted Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Carved Brutalist Design
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Elevate your home decor with our stunning carved wooden bowl, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship. This bowl features a gracefully curved shape, making it not only a practica...
Wood
Brutalist Maze Bowl Cast Aluminum & Brass Reference A080 by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The abstract bowl was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain. It is certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall. He is insipired by nature and the landscaps making useful art with cast brass and alumium materials. We also make bespoke designs for clients, like signage for condominums, private homes, Hotels & Restaurants, awards for Charity...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist German Ceramic Bowl and Candle Holder from Jasba
By Jasba
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist German Ceramic Bowl and Candle Holder from Jasba, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Addit...
Ceramic
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Vide Poche by General Ceramics Co Alsace ., France, 1950
By General Ceramics Co.
Located in London, England
Cendrier ou vide poche année 1950, il représente l'esprit brutaliste et unique de la Poterie d'Alsace, fabriqué en Grès Céramique émaillé ayant bénéficié d'une cuisson grand feu. Cet...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Bowl from WGP West German Pottery, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Bowl from WGP West German Pottery, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materia...
Ceramic
Vintage British Brutalist Bowl in Ceramic from Tremar UK
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage British Brutalist Bowl in Ceramic from Tremar UK, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Ceram...
Ceramic
Stoneware pot, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A French stoneware pot from the 1960s, exemplifying the post-war revival of handcrafted ceramics. Its architectural and balanced form is characterized by a cylindrical body topped wi...
Stoneware