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.
$1,171Sale Price|20% Off
Hanging cast bronze candelabra by Michael Harjes, Germany 1960s
By Michael Harjes, Harjes Metallkunst 1
Located in ECHT, NL
Cast bronze candelabra. It has 4 arms that are set on a central rod. The arms can rotate around the rod. At the bottom it is capped with a cast bronze cap and at the top it has a cas...
Bronze
Large Brutalist Mid Century wrought iron floor candelabra candle holder
Located in BELFORT, FR
Large mid century and brutalist style wrought iron floor candelabra.
Wrought Iron
Vintage Brutalist German Metal Candleholder, Ebersberg, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist German Metal Candleholder from Kunstschamiede Bergmeister, Ebersberg, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This pi...
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Pottery and Iron Wall Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Pottery and Iron Wall Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Gray Styles: ...
Metal
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
Rare Gold BMF Nagel Quist Variomaster Brutalist Stockable Modular Candleholder
Located in Vienna, AT
Stackable modular candleholder by BMF Quist Nagel, rare gold edition. The candleholders were designed by Ceasar Stoffi and Fritz Nagel and manufactured by BMF (Bayerische Metallwaren...
Brass, Chrome
$1,030Sale 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
Brutalist Mid Century wrought iron candelabra candle holder
Located in BELFORT, FR
Mid century and brutalist style wrought iron candelabra.
Wrought Iron
Sculptural Danish Candle Sconce from Dantoft Kunstartikler, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
1970s Brutalist Wall sculpture made by Danish design company Dantoft kunstartikler (trans.: art objects). It is made from black lacquered and welded iron set in a graphic formation h...
Iron
Jens Quistgaard, Brutalist wrought iron candle holder, Dansk Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in BELFORT, FR
Brutalist style wrought iron candelabra, in the style of Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
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
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
$1,500Sale Price|33% Off
SALE Rare Huge Monumental David Palumbo Forged Iron Mid Century Modern Menorah
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
CYBER WEEK SALE Very Rare, Vintage David Palumbo designed, enormous, wrought iron, 9-arm brutalist, industrial Mid Century Modern Hanukkah Menorah. One of 2 Rare David Palumbo Menorahs...
Iron
$525Sale Price|30% Off
Huge Vintage Mid Century Modern Don Drumm Cast Aluminum Brutalist Menorah XL
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
CYBER WEEK SALE. Huge Vintage Mid Century Modern Don Drumm Cast Aluminum Brutalist Monumentally Long Tree of Life Hanukkah Menorah. Signed ...
Aluminum
Pair of Heavy Cast Bronze Candleholders
Located in London, GB
A pair of cast bronze candlesticks, with dark brown patina. European, second half 20th century. Heavy sculptural works with the feel of hand-crafted items, each piece slightly diff...
Bronze, Brass
Two Massive Brutalist Candlesticks by David Marshall
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two massive, brutalist candlesticks designed and manufactured by the Scottish artist David Marshall made with an ancient sand pressing technique. They come with patina. A great gift ...
Brass, Steel
DAVID MARSHALL Brutalist candlestick brass aluminium 70s Spain
Located in Paris, IDF
David Marshall Brutalist candlestick in aluminium and brass. Monogram logo on the base, leather protector and manufacturer's mark on the under...
Aluminum, Brass
Large wrought iron candelabra with an abstract design and three candle holders
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage decoration - candle holders Brutalist decoration - Candle not included - This piece is probably unique. Measures : 43X36cm H:107cm This wrought iron chandelier features a t...
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
$120Sale Price|48% Off
Ruscha Keramik Brutalist Advents Candle Holder - West Germany, 1960's
By Ruscha
Located in Bern, BE
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 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
Large Pair of Faux Rock Crystal Candlesticks, after Van Day Truex
Located in Spencertown, NY
A Large version of Van Day Truex's renowned "rock crystal" candlesticks. Height 13", Unmarked
Glass
Menorah G048 Abstract Candelabra Cast Brass Gold Coloured Made in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Menorah 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. Ce...
Brass
Tom Dixon Gold “Gem” Series Candelabra, Rough & Smooth Collection, 2013
By Tom Dixon
Located in London, GB
For sale is a gold Tom Dixon “Gem” series cast-aluminium three-candle candelabra, for the "Rough & Smooth" Collection, dating from 2013. Tom Dixon’s “GEM” series was part of Dix...
Aluminum
Vintage Brutalist Brass Candle Holders - Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Defined by raw geometric texture and sculptural impact, this pair of vintage Brutalist candle holders features heavy cast solid brass construction. Each piece showcases an openwork h...
Brass
Vintage set of 3 mid century Stoff Nagel modular candle holders. Germany 1960s
Located in Bristol, GB
Set of 3 chrome candle holders designed in the 1960s by Werner Stoff for Hans Nagel These modular candleholders have the signature tripod silhouette. The geometric interlocking syst...
Chrome
Sculptural Brutalist Wrought Iron Floor Candlestick, Folk Art Chain & Horseshoe
Located in LYON, FR
A striking piece of mid-century folk art / brutalist design. This sculptural floor-standing candle holder is entirely hand-crafted from repurposed heavy iron elements, featuring a sh...
Steel
Sculptural Solid Walnut Wooden Candle Holder R:4
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Acer candle holder R:4 features a rhythmic architectural interplay of cubic volumes and semi arched voids. Designed by Aad Bos and hand crafted by our carpenters from solid oak o...
Steel
Mid-Century Brutalist Scandinavian Wooden Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Scandinavian Wooden Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Wood Color: Brown Styles: Brutalist,...
Wood
Mid-Century French Brutalist Hand-Forged Iron Seven-Light Candelabrum
Located in Dallas, TX
Bold yet beautifully balanced, this mid-century French candelabrum was hand-forged from iron in the expressive Brutalist tradition. Seven candle arms rise in a graduated, symmetrical...
Wrought Iron
$402Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Solid Walnut Candle Holder - Acer R:2 by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Acer candle holder R:2 features architectural cubic volumes and semi arched voids. Made out of solid wood and steel, showing signs of handcraft. Designed by Aad Bos and crafted...
Steel
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
Vintage Handcarved Dark Wooden Candleholder with Brutalist Italian Design, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage wooden candleholder from 1960s Italy is a striking example of handcarved Brutalist design. Crafted from dark wood with strong sculptural lines, it combines raw texture w...
Wood
Pair of Wrought Iron Large Brutalist Candelabras, Circa 1970s, France
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Pair of Wrought Iron Large Brutalist Candelabras, Circa 1970s, France. Handcrafted brutalist floor candelabra, with hammered wrought iron sculptural structures. Excepti...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Wrought Iron Floor Candleholder with Ring Detail, France, 1960s
Located in PARIS, FR
A tall and sculptural floor candleholder in hand-forged iron, France, circa 1960. Characteristic of the Brutalist aesthetic, this piece features a slender, tapered central shaft ador...
Wrought Iron
$260Sale Price / set|20% 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
Large Brutalist Mid Century wrought iron floor candelabra candle holder, knot
Located in BELFORT, FR
Large mid century and brutalist style wrought iron floor candelabra.
Wrought Iron
$421Sale 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
$150Sale Price|20% Off
1960's Swiss Brutalist Metal Candle Holder
Located in Bern, BE
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
Brutalist Hand-Crafted Brass and Iron Candle Holders, Mexico, 1970s
Located in Round Top, TX
Twisted iron candle sticks in two different heights. Hand-made pieces with the most incredible bases that have a trio of circular "feet". Shorter: 6" Diameter x 15.13"H Taller: 6" ...
Brass, Iron
Large brutalist bronze hanging candle holder , 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Large brutalist bronze hanging candle holder , 1970’s
Bronze
Paire de bougeoirs en fer forgé attribués à l'Atelier Marolles, années 1950
Located in Meyrin, Switzerland
Paire de bougeoirs à trois branches en fer forgé attribués à l'Atelier Marolles, Travail manuel, France, années 1950. Les bougeoirs reposent sur quatre pieds en forme de volutes se ...
Steel
Brutalist Wall Candle Holder by Erkki Hovi for Finn Atelier Oy, Finland, 1970s
Located in Göteborg, SE
Bring sculptural drama and Nordic craftsmanship to your interior with this striking Brutalist wall-mounted candle holder, designed by Finnish artist Erkki Hovi and crafted by Finn At...
Pine
Vintage Set of Three Graduated Wrought Iron Floor Candlesticks with Orb Accents
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Set of three graduated sculptural floor candlesticks in dark patinated iron, each combining a shallow pricket candle cup with an architectural openwork standard and four-foot splayed...
Silver, Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
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 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
German Studio Pottery Sculptural Candle Holder from Hans Fischer, 1980s
By Hans Fischer
Located in Hamburg, DE
German Studio Pottery Sculptural Candle Holder from Hans Fischer, 1980s
Ceramic
Vintage American Studio Sculptural Brutalist Steel and Bronze Candlesticks
By Richard Serra, Silas Seandel, Paul Evans
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A striking set of hand fabricated American studio Brutalist candlesticks, individually signed and dated 2002. Constructed from forged blackened steel and bronze, each features a geom...
Bronze, Steel
Brutalist 9 Candle Menorah Bronze ca' 1960's Mid Century
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual menorah-9 light candleholder, Brutalist style, Mid Century. Made of bronze, nicely detailed and heavy weight. Measures approx. 15.5"H
Bronze
Mid-Century Brutalist German Bronze Candleholder from Harjes, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist German Bronze Candleholder from Harjes, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mar...
Metal
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 Wrought Iron Candleholder, 1960s Black Metal
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century...
Metal
Brutalist Wrought Iron Three-Light Candelabra, Spanish Modern Style
Located in San Carlos, CA
Hand-forged wrought iron candelabra in the Brutalist/Spanish Modern idiom. Three asymmetric trumpet-form candle cups, hand-rolled and seam-welded, rise from gently curved strap-iron arms atop a scrolled tripod base. Hammered, pitted surface throughout consistent with hand forging. Finished in matte black. Unmarked — attribution not confirmed; offered as mid-century studio ironwork in the manner of Spanish/Mexican wrought iron...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Brass Candle Sconces by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1970s, Denmark
By Holm Sørensen, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Brutalist Flame-Cut Brass Candle Sconces designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in the 1970s. * Set of two (2) different flame-cut brass wall-mounted candle holders * Designer:...
Brass
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
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
$1,498Sale Price / set|20% Off
Brutalist style. Huge handmade candle holders by Ferro Art, Spain, 1960s
By Ferro Art, Ferrocolor
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Huge and sculptural Brutalist set of 2 candelabras by Ferro Art, Spain, 1960s. Pair of candlesticks made entirely of sheet metal or tin. Worked, hammered and welded entirely by hand,...
Iron, Sheet Metal, Tin
Brutalist Danish Weight Here Series Candleholder by Kibisi for Menu
By KiBiSi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Danish Weight Here Series Candleholder by Kibisi for Menu, in Very Good conditions. Designed from 2000 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Material...
Steel
Brutalist Brass Candle Sconces by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1970s, Denmark
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Brutalist Flame-Cut Brass Candle Sconces designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in the 1970s. * Set of two (2) flame-cut brass wall-mounted candle holders * Designer: Svend Aag...
Brass
Mathias For Fondica France Gilt Bronze Candlestick Candle Holder
Located in Toledo, OH
Brutalist style gilt bronze candlestick by Mathias for Fondica France. Very good condition. Dimensions: 7" diameter x 18" H.
Bronze