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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Brutalist Ethnic Sweet Bowl Handmade in Spain Aluminium Brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Sweet 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 recycled materials. Certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall with his signature. The Artist is inspired by nature and land scape...
Aluminum, Brass
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Vintage Wooden Mortar Handcarved Brutalist Form, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage wooden mortar from the 1970s is a striking handcarved piece in a bold Brutalist form, attributed to Piero de Buren. Its rough, sculptural shape emphasizes the natural gr...
Wood
Vintage Iron Fruit Basket with Grape Leaves Decor, Italy 1950s-1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage wrought iron fruit basket features grapes and grape leaves decorations; the basket is formed by spreading grape wide branches with le...
Wrought Iron, Metal
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
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
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
$11,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
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
Brutalist Design Art Ceramic Bowl by Jan Nolf, Perignem Belgium 1950's
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
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
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
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
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
Large Basket Bowl A016 Solid Cast Brass Aluminum Handmade Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Basket 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 f...
Aluminum, Brass
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
Carved Brutalist Fruit Bowl, Europe ca. 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
As a descendant of the modernist movement of the late 19th and the first half of the 20th century, Brutalism favoured celebrating the imperfect appeal of handmade items. With a robus...
Wood
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
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
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
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
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
M. Cohen Cherry Wood "Live Edge"Turned Bowls
Located in Sharon, CT
Two brutalist hand turned bowls. Each signed on bottom by hand 'MCohen Cherry Burl' 10"diameter x 3 1/4" ht. and 9"diameter x 3 3/4"height.
Cherry
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
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
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
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
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
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
Brutalist Celtic Bowl Solid Cast Aluminium and Brass A070 by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Celtic 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 recycled materials. Certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall with his signature. The Artist is inspired by nature and land scape making functional art and sculptures out of recycled materials. We work with arquitects, interior designers and private clients to create specific designs, signage, staircases etc. for Homes, Hotels, Restaurants. Awards for Charity...
Aluminum, Brass
Egg Fruit Bowl A054 Abstract Brass Aluminium Silver and Gold Coloured
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Fruit 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 fro...
Brass
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
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
Agate Ashtray or Vide Poche, Grey and Brown Color, Italy 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Vide-poche, or ashtray, was carved from a block of stone,Agathe stone, then polished. We can see as a decoration scheme this extraordinary sinuous Veinage, in brown and beige gr...
Agate
Arnold Wiigs Fabriker 'AWF' Finnish Brutalist Textured Stoneware Pedestal Bowl
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish large mid-century Finnish Brutalist art pottery bowl with a key pattern design and with a textured brown finish by Arnold Wiigs Fabriker (1943-1977). The bowl stands o...
Stoneware
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$628Sale 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