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.
Paul Evans Rare and Early Candlesticks, Set of Three, 1953
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Rare and Early Candlesticks, Set of Three, 1953 Sandblasted pewter Each: 20½ h × 3¼ dia in (52 × 8 cm) Provenance: The Artist Collection of Dorsey Reading Exhibited: Paul...
Pewter
Pair of Sculptural Vintage Brutalist Candle Holders in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brutalist-style vintage candleholders (ca. 1970s, USA). Sculptural forms each composed of two flat solid brass pieces which connect to form a standing figure with a cradle at the top...
Brass
Modernist Candle Holder - Stainless Steel Brutalist Candlestick - Italy 1980s
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Modernist Candle Holder - Stainless Steel Brutalist Candlestick - Italy 1980s Superb design for this piece, quite reminiscent of the Memphis Group style. Made of stainless steel an...
Brass, Stainless Steel
32-Inch Tall Bronze Brutalist Candle Holder, Mid-20th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A sculptural and commanding Brutalist candle holder, standing at an impressive 32 inches in height. Crafted in solid bronze with a raw, hand-forged texture, this piece embodies the b...
Bronze
Vintage Pair of Brutalist Candle Holders, Hand Forged Wrought Iron
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage pair of wrought iron candle sticks features a streamlined columnar body on footed base with wide scalloped bobeches and tall, slightly flared candle holders. The textured abs...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Candle Holder in Patinated Sand Cast Brass 1960s
Located in Meer, VAN
Brutalist Candle Holder in Patinated Sand Cast Brass, Europe, 1960s. A very distinct brutalist style candle holder in heavy sand cast brass with a lovely patina. Quintessentially mi...
Brass
$538Sale Price / set|20% Off
Matthew Hilton. Brutalist candle holders, England, 1980s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist candlesticks by Matthew Hilton, England, 1980s, set of 2. Sculptural shapes made of aluminium. Totally timeless pieces for any current interior with a classic or contempora...
Aluminum
Pair of Brutalist Mid Century wrought iron candle holder sticks
Located in BELFORT, FR
Pair of mid century and brutalist style wrought iron candle holders. Perfect condition.
Wrought Iron
Pair of brutalist wrought iron candle holders, France 1950s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Pair of brutalist wrought iron candle holders circa 1950, in the style of Atelier Marolles. Heavy pieces with a beautiful patina. Both are in great condition, showing minimal signs...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Signed Iron Brutalist Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of signed iron brutalist candle holders, circa 1970s. The set is signed on the base "Perry", is in good vintage condition and measures 3"W x 3"D x 3"H. Cool well cr...
Iron
Large vintage mid century brutalist hand forged brass candlesticks
Located in Bristol, GB
A fabulous pair of large vintage candlesticks, hand crafted in solid brass, circa 1960. The candlesticks have a brutalist yet refined mid century feel to them, the slender stem with...
Brass
Sculptural Brutalist Gilt Bronze Candle Holder by Heinz Goll, Austria 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an extremely rare and absolutely extraordinary sculptural Brutalist candle holder done in gilt bronze. It was designed by Austrian designer Heinz Goll...
Bronze
Wrought Iron Candle Holder in Brutalist Giacometti Style
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Cirac 1970. We offer this Wrought Iron Candle Holder in Brutalist Giacometti Style. Fantastic Patina.
Iron
$175Sale Price / item|25% Off
Swiss Brutalist wrought iron Candle Holder
Located in Bern, CH
Swiss Brutalist wrought iron candle holder dating from the 1960's. Made by W. Müller Metalfabrik, Ersigen, Switzerland. With placement for two candle holders. Original makers label ...
Metal
French Hand-Forged Iron Three-Arm Candelabra, Mid-20th Century
Located in Rümmingen, BW
"shipping note: If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options please contact us directly" This elegant three-arm iron candelabra was handcrafted in France, like...
Iron
Mid Century Brutalist Pair of Candle Holders in Patinated Solid Brass 1970s
Located in Meer, VAN
Mid Century Brutalist Pair of Candle Holders in Patinated Solid Brass 1970s. Wonderful pair of mid century brutalist candle holders in solid brass. Great freeform design - very mid ...
Brass
$204Sale Price|20% Off
Quist Variomaster Brutalist Modular Candle Holders Set Chrome German 1970s
Located in Lisboa, PT
This set of four Variomaster modular candle holders was produced in the 1970s by Quist, a German manufacturer known for its bold interpretation o...
Metal, Chrome
$120Sale Price|48% Off
Ruscha Keramik Brutalist Advents Candle Holder - West Germany, 1960's
By Ruscha
Located in Bern, CH
West German ceramic Brutalist Advents candle holder produced by Ruscha Keramik (W.Germany) in the late 1960's to mid-1970s. With four candle holde...
Ceramic
Mid Century Brutalist Candle Holder in Wrought Iron 1960s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mid Century Brutalist Candle Holder in Wrought Iron, Europe, 1960s. This is a wonderful and fairly large mid century candle holder in wrought iron with a very distinct chain like br...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Bronze Faux Bois Candlesticks, France, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and interesting pair of candlesticks sculpted as tree branches in an elegant faux bois trompe-l’œil is made of patinated bronze. The textured surface is remarkably detailed...
Bronze
mid century modern henrik horst wall CANDLE HOLDER iron brutalistic style
By Henrik Horst
Located in Mannheim, DE
Outstanding 1970s metal wall candle holder. Designed by Henrik Horst, Denmark. Eclectic brutalistic style. A unique piece and a perfect addition to any mid century interior. For cand...
Metal
XL Black Brutalist Style Candlestick Holder Of Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in München, BY
Large brutalist style candlestick holder of Wrought iron, Germany, 1950s. Dimensions: Height 30.7" / 78cm, Width 15.0" / 38cm, Depth 15.4" / 39cm, Edge Length Candle Bases 4.7" / 1...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Aluminum Candlestick Holder designed by Gunther Lambert, Germany 1970s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a large Brutalist candlestick holder designed by Gunther Lambert. The candlestick holder is done in hammered aluminum, featuring beautiful and sleek des...
Aluminum
Mid-Century brutalist hand-forged candlestick
Located in Herentals, BE
Hand-forged, twisted and hammered candlestick. The candlestick has 4 different, forged and hammered legs that are attached under a twisted center piece. Above this, the scalloped dri...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Collection of Welded Iron Chain Candeholders 1970s, The Netherlands
By Franz West
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
A collection of 6 impressive sized brutalist 1970s candleholders Iron chains and wrought iron has been welded and forged by hand to make these brutalist forms The origin is fr...
Wrought Iron, Iron
Pair of Brutalist Cast Stainless Steel Candleholders by Olav Joa, Norway 1970s
A striking pair of Norwegian Brutalist candleholders designed by Olav Joa, circa 1970s. Executed in cast stainless steel (18-8), these sculptural candlesticks embody the bold archit...
Stainless Steel
Michael Harjes Brutalist 5-Lamp Candlestick, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
Five-armed sculptural candlestick in bronze by Michael Hael Harjes, made in the 1960s–70s. The piece shows a Brutalist approach with rough, textured surfaces and irregular forms that...
Bronze
$120Sale Price|48% Off
1960's Ruscha Keramik Brutalist Advents Candle Holder - West Germany
By Ruscha
Located in Bern, CH
West German ceramic Brutalist Advents candle holder produced by Ruscha Keramik (W.Germany) in the late 1960's to mid-1970s. Brutalist style with f...
Ceramic
$1,021Sale Price|41% Off
Pair of French Brustalist Candle Holder, 1950
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A unique set of two brutalist candle holders from the fifties. each one is made and welded from a fork. Great design and great patina.
Steel
$195Sale Price / set|40% Off
Set of 3 Brutalist style Candlestick Holders Cage Design
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Introducing our set of 3 rugged Brutalist-style cast bronze cages—a perfect fusion of industrial charm and ambient lighting. Meticulously crafted in the shape of riveted strap iron c...
Bronze
Wrought iron candle holder in the "Atelier De Marolles" style - France 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Wrought iron candle holder in the "Atelier De Marolles" style - France 20th Jean Touret Style - Henri Vion Style - Decorative objects Measures : 59x53cm H:90cm
Wrought Iron
Pair of Brutalist Nickel Candle Holders by Thomas Roy Markusen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of sculpted pounded nickel plated Candle holder/ vases by Thomas Roy Markusen Brutalist. Large-15" high 6" diameter Small-10" high 6" diameter
Metal, Nickel
Mid-20th Century Pair of Brutalist Candleholders/Sculptures by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
These two pieces by Israeli artist David Palombo are in his signature Brutalist style and use the two materials he is best known for iron and natural stone. Fully functional as candl...
Stone, Iron
$417Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Sculptural and Brutalist Candlesticks Made in Brass and Copper, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
A pair of sculptural candlesticks probably made in Italy between the 60s and 70s. The irregular texture created like a bas-relief by small and irregular signs engraved in the surfac...
Brass, Copper, Aluminum
Brutalist wrought iron candelabra folk art 50's in style of atelier de marolles
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Large French Brutalist candlestick from the 1950s, handcrafted in the style of the De Marolles workshops. Wrought-iron candleholder structure with seven candle bases and a quadripod ...
Wrought Iron
1960's Swiss Brutalist Metal Candle Holder
Located in Bern, CH
1960's Swiss made Sculptural brutalist candle holder crafted from blackened metal, featuring an architectural fortress-inspired design with raw textures and bold geometric forms. A ...
Metal
Giuseppe Gallo Vintage Brass Pillar Candleholder for Everhan, 1960s
By Gallo Original Iron Works 1
Located in COLMAR, FR
A sculptural solid brass pillar candleholder by Giuseppe Gallo for Everhan & Sohn, Cologne, bearing the original maker's sticker on its base — a black rooster within an octagonal...
Brass
Scott Nelles Floral Bronze Candleholder, Brutalist Design, USA, 1986
Located in Charleston, SC
The Scott Nelles Floral Brass Candleholders were crafted in 1986, showcasing an elegant design Inspired by Nature. Each candleholder is individually marked and dated by the skilled c...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Cast iron tripod candleholder, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Tripod candlestick in cast iron with a brutalist design, made in France in the 1960s. This sculptural piece in black cast iron captivates with its robust lines and handcrafted aesth...
Iron
$374Sale Price|24% Off
Brutalist Style Midcentury Chain Candlestick
Located in London, GB
A large metal candlestick, blacksmith made in the form of a chain. Well-formed and stylish. Brutalist, Belgium, circa 1970s. Dimensions: 51 height x 21 diameter in cm.
Metal
Brutalist Aluminum & Brass Desenos Candlestick by David Marshall
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Brutalist aluminum and brass "Desenos" candlestick by David Marshall, circa 1970s. The piece is the creation of the internationally renowned artist David Marshall, based ...
Aluminum, Brass
Matthew Hilton Postmodern Aluminum Swan Candlesticks, Pair
By SCP, Matthew Hilton
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Postmodern or Brutalist aluminum "swan" candlesticks By Matthew Hilton for SCP England (signed to base) England, Circa 1980s Measures: A - 6"W x 2.75"D x 14.75...
Aluminum
Brutalist Candlestick Holder Done in Brass and Nickel, Italy, 1970s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a rare Brutalist three-arm candlestick holder done in bronze and chrome. It features sculptural form, with thick bronze sticks curved in symmetrical dir...
Brass, Nickel
Candelabra Cobra G022 Cast Brass Gold coloured made in Spain by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Candelabre 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. ...
Brass
Small Trapeze Candelabra reference G039 in cast brass and aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The candelabra was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium and brass. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and wor...
Brass, Aluminum
Studio Pottery Candle Holder
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage studio pottery candle holder. Two toned speckled brown and gray glazes with an applied design on the front and back. Signed on the base.
Pottery
A French workshop cast iron candlestick, 1950s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
French cast iron workshop candlestick, made in France in the 1950s. This sculptural piece in raw cast iron features a handcrafted design with an authentic, industrial character. Its...
Iron
Mid-Century Brutalist Solid Brass Candle Holder with Tripod Base, 1960s–70s
Located in Herentals, BE
Mid-century sculptural candle holder in solid brass, dating from the 1960s–70s. The circular top is defined by a radial organic relief, centered with a conical candle spike. Resting ...
Brass
Swiss Brutalist Candle Holder
Located in Bern, CH
Striking Swiss made Brutalist candle holder crafted from blackened metal, featuring three interconnected candle platforms with sculptural, geometric lines. The elevated square drip t...
Steel
Candleholder by Rosette Bir
By Rosette Bir
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1970s massif steel candleholder signed by the French artist Rosette Bir. Great condition Unique piece.
Steel
Pair of Brutalist Candle Holders in Patinated Bronze 1960s
Located in Meer, VAN
Pair of Brutalist Candle Holders in Patinated Bronze 1960s. Beautiful pair of brutalist style candle holders in patinated bronze. Heavy quality and execution, very nice brutalist de...
Bronze
1960's Swiss Brutalist wrought iron floor standing Candle Holder
Located in Bern, CH
Large Brutalist floor standing wrought iron candle holder dating from the late 1950's - early 1960's. With single candle holder on a decorated tripod base. Believed to be of Swiss or...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Hand-Forged Metal Candleholder, Venetian Style, Europe 1960s
By Maison Jansen, Luciano Frigerio di Desio, Tommaso Barbi
Located in Herentals, BE
A powerful and sculptural brutalist candleholder, crafted in Europe circa 1960s–1970s, distinguished by its commanding presence and subtle Venetian stylistic influence. The piece fea...
Metal
Vintage French Brutalist Candle Holders, Hand Forged Iron, Circa 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage French pair of handsome brutalist iron candleholders hand forged and hammered with their original painted finish. These elegant and simple pair of candle sticks have perfec...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Zoltán Pap Anthropomorphic Brutalist Candle Holder in Bronze and Enamel 1970s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Zoltán Pap Anthropomorphic Brutalist Candle Holder in Bronze and Enamel, Hungary, 1970s. A whimsical and very well made candlestick in solid cast bronze and enamel made by Hungarian...
Brass, Enamel
1960s mid century brutalist brass CANDLEHOLDER for one big candle
Located in Mannheim, DE
Fantastic 1960s candleholder for one big candle with a max. diameter of 4.33" (11 cm). Made of brass. A perfect addition to any mid century interior. Dimensions in cm: Height 23.3 ...
Brass
1970s Brutalist Iron Candleholder Sculpture, Vertical Architectural Form
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculptural Brutalist iron candleholder composed as a vertical architectural structure. The composition consists of stacked, heavy iron elements placed on top of one another in a ca...
Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
Pair of Two Beautiful Travertine Candle Holder by Fratelli Mannelli, italy 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful pair of Candlesticks in Travertine Marble is a wonderful example of Italian decorative objects production during the 1970s. Made by Fratelli Mannelli, the color and th...
Travertine
Mid-Century French Handcrafted Brutalist Iron Chain Link Candleholder
Located in COLMAR, FR
An authentic, brutalist, mid-century modern chain candleholder sourced in France. This is a spiked candleholder made for pillar candles (up to a max...
Iron
Pair of two large Vintage Brutalist Mid-Century Candlesticks
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Set of two brutalist candlesticks from the 1970s, crafted from twisted iron in a style typical of the period. Beautiful as a pair, with a refined finish that enhances their bold, scu...
Metal