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.
Vintage Brutalist Candelabra by Menachem Berman, Israel, Bronze and Walnut
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Vintage mid century brutalist candelabra by Menachem Berman, designed and produced in Israel, circa 1960s. Three hand worked bronze candle arms rise organically from a solid walnut t...
Bronze
$167Sale Price|28% Off
Brutalist candelabra in wrought iron by RK design, Switzerland 1970s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Beautiful Brutalist 4-light wrought-iron candelabra circa 1970, Swiss production by RK. In very good condition.
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Candleholder 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant Slim Brutalist Candle Holder handmade from Metal. Marked with WN. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Silver Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern Period: 1960s ...
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist Heavy Wrought Iron Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Heavy Wrought Iron Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century Mod...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Brutalist Candleholder, Steel, Vintage 1960s Design
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Steel Style: Brutalist Color: Brown Item Type: Vintage, Antiqu...
Steel
Set of 2 Vintage Brutalist Metal Candleholders, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist Metal Candleholders, 1970s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Gold Styles: Brutalist Item Ty...
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candle Holder by David Palombo, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candle Holder by David Palombo, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, desi...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Large Brutalist Wrought Iron Tripod Floor Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Large Brutalist Wrought Iron Tripod Floor Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Black Style...
Metal
Set of 2 Brutalist Wrought Iron Candleholders, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Wrought Iron Candleholders, 1960s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Ce...
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Ceramic Candleholder from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Ceramic Candleholder from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informat...
Ceramic
$1,297Sale Price / set|20% Off
Brutalist style. Sculptural candle holders by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s
By Ferro Art
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Sculptural candle holders by Ferro Art (also Ferroart), Spain, 1950s, set of 2. Made of wrought iron worked, welded and hammered entirely by hand, with a subtle gold patinated finish...
Iron
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
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
Brutalist Concrete Candle Lanterns, Set of 3, White
Located in Camp Meeker, CA
Cast concrete with semigloss finish. Large: 8" dia x 8" tall, fits a 3" diameter candle up to 6" tall. Medium: 5" dia x 5" tall, fits a 2" diameter candle up to 4" tall, votive, t...
Concrete
Vintage Brutalist Iron & Green Glass Wall Candleholders by Dantoft, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
1970s Brutalist Wall sculptures made by Danish design company Dantoft kunstartikler (trans.: art objects). Made from black lacquered and welded iron set in a graphic formation highli...
Iron
Sculptural Brutalist Iron & Green Glass Wall Candle Lamp by Dantoft, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
1970s Brutalist Wall candle sculpture made by Danish design company Dantoft kunstartikler (trans.: art objects). Made from black lacquered and welded iron set in a graphic formation ...
Iron
Candle holder made of candle and brass, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Wax and brass candlestick, France, 1970s, a unique decorative piece blending raw materials and metallic elements. This candlestick consists of a deliberately irregular and textured c...
Brass
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
Beautiful cast iron Candlestick Holder Brutalist Era, Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A large candlestick holder for four candles. Made of cast iron with a nice patina. Typically made in Germany in the 1960s, as a statement piece on a cupboard or credenza. Found at an...
Metal, 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
Paul Evans Style Brutalist Hand Wrought Copper Candlesticks, Circa 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of mid-century modern Brutalist hand wrought copper large candlestick holders In the manner of Paul Evans USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 13"H. Very g...
Copper
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
Bronze Candle Holder by Alexander Lamont
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Bronze Candle Holder by Alexander Lamont, a luxurious and exquisite piece of furniture that will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. Standing tal...
Bronze
Scandinavian Brutalist Candleholder in Glazed Stoneware
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Exceptionally decorative tri-fitted candle in vibrantly glazed brown ceramic. It's signed indistinguishable by an unknown Scandinavian artist/ceramist. It's in fine and intact condit...
Ceramic
1950s by Gallinaro Brutalist Italian Design Metal Candleholder
Located in Brescia, IT
Metal candleholder "Gallinaro" signed Excellent condition.
Metal
$1,629 / set
Pair of candleholders by Matthew Hilton.
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pair of candleholders in chrome plated aluminium by Matthew Hilton. A refined sculptural design defined by balance, negative space, and polished chrome surfaces. Both functional and ...
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
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
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 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
Vintage Candle Holder Hand-Forged Iron Brutalist Design Italy, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Vintage candle holder hand-forged iron brutalist design Italy, 1970s This vintage candle holder made of hand-forged iron in a brutalist design dates back to the 1970s in Italy. The ...
Iron
Brutalist Mid Century zoomorphic wrought iron candelabra candle holder
Located in BELFORT, FR
Large mid century and brutalist style wrought iron candelabra.
Wrought Iron
Torres de Satélite Copper Candleholder - Goeritz and Barragán inspiration
Located in Guadalajara, MX
Inspired by the iconic Torres de Satélite—Mathias Goeritz and Luis Barragán’s monumental modernist sculptures of 1950s Mexico City—this handcrafted candleholder translates architectu...
Copper
Candle Holder, Handcrafted in Amsterdam from Solid Walnut - 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
Handmade Brutalist artist bronze candlestick signed Beergmeister Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Bronze candlestick object Art Deco Kunstschmiede Bergmeister Ebersberg. With beautiful patina
Bronze
$580Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 3 Brutalist Rare Hand Hammered Brass Austrian Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare set of 3 candle holders solid hand hammered brass, made in austria beautiful and unique retains label.
Brass
Corry Ammeriaan Brutalist Candlestick for Artihove
Located in San Diego, CA
Corry Ammeriaan Brutalist Candlestick for Artihove, brutalist metal candle stick holder . rare piece by Dutch artist .
Metal
Brutalist Candelabra Candlestick 1960s after Felix Agostini In Solid Bronze
Located in Benington, Herts
A Fine 1960s Bronze Candelabrum/Candlestick in the Manner of Felix Agostini French circa 1960’s Conceived in the Brutalist style, this fine candelabrum for four candles of stagger...
Bronze
Fratelli Mannelli A pair of travertine four arm Candleholders
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Fratelli Manelli candleholders… Travertine from the 1960s a rare find.. these elegant candleholders made of beautiful beige travertine, With such a striking look they have ...
Travertine
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Tall Torch Cut Brutalist Copper Candleholder by E.Schran
By E. Schran
Located in San Diego, CA
Tall torch cut brutalist copper candleholder by E.Schran, circa 1989. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 5.25"D x 7.5"H. #2451.
Copper
Brutalist Bronze Candelabra or Menorah by Daniel Gluck, California, 1970's
By Daniel Gluck
Located in Austin, TX
Solid bronze menorah candelabra for nine candles. Extraordinary piece of Brutalist design by California artist, Daniel Gluck. 1970's.
Bronze
$493Sale Price|38% Off
Brutalist Style Brass Candleholder, Hand-Crafted in Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A monumental candleholder in cast brass, created in the spirit of brutalism. Its form unfolds like a branching structure, at once reminiscent of a tree and of modernist architecture....
Brass
$192Sale Price / set|60% Off
Vintage rock form candleholders in real stone, 1970s
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of bouldercore candelaria, 1970s. Tones of basalt, moss, and aubergine. Real stone - heavy. Felted bases. Pick up in LA or worldwide delivery option...
Stone
Brutalist Candle Holder R:4 - Solid Black Oak - by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Acer candle holder R:4 features a rhythmic sequence of architectural cubic volumes and semi arched voids. Made out of solid wood and steel, showing signs of handcraft. Designed...
Steel
Vintage Pair of Brutalist Hammered Copper Candle Holders – Handcrafted Sculptura
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add a striking mid-century accent to your home with this beautiful pair of Brutalist hammered copper candle holders. Featuring an organic, flower-inspired design, these sculptural pi...
Copper
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
Set of 4 Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Cascade Candleholder Pendant, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Cascade Candleholder Pendant, 1960s, Set of 4, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Blac...
Metal
Vintage Brutalist Metal Candleholder, Black Finish, 1960s Design
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century Mode...
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Candleholder in Wrought Iron and Glass, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Candleholder in Wrought Iron and Glass, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Glass, Metal Color: Bl...
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Tripod Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Tripod Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Brutalist Period: 1960s Color: Black ...
Metal
Vintage 1970s Brutalist Metal Candleholder in Black Finish, Excellent
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist Metal Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist Item Type: Vintage, Ant...
Metal
Large brutalist bronze hanging candle holder , 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Large brutalist bronze hanging candle holder , 1970’s
Bronze
Sculptural Acer Candle Holder R:2 - Solid Walnut - 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
Tall Brutalist Black / Gold Ceramic Candle Light Candelabra, Norway, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Painted black and gold ceramic candle light candelabra, made in Norway, 1960s.
Ceramic
Brutalist Candle Holder R:2 - Solid Dark Brown Oak - 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
Mid Century Candelabra by Don Drumm
Located in Redding, CT
Mid Century Candelabra by Don Drumm. Classic Sculptural Brutalist style.. Holds four candles. Perfect for that collector. Don Drumm was bo...
Aluminum
X-Large, Vintage Rami Zamir Torch Cut Hand Forged Brutalist Copper Menorah Israe
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
X-Large Vintage Rami Zamir Torch Cut Hand Forged Brutalist Copper Menorah Israel The menorah is raised upon curled tubular copper posts, affixed to an ...
Copper
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
$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
Sculptural Brutalist Bronze Candle Holder designed 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, shaped as a coral. It was designed by Austrian designer Heinz Goll...
Bronze
$251Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Solid Oak Wooden Candle Holder R:2
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The surrealism inspired Acer candle holder R:2 features architectural cubic volumes and semi arched voids. Designed by Aad Bos and hand crafted in Amsterdam from solid oak wood and s...
Steel