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.
Brutalist Brass Sculpture Flowers and Leaves Style of Silas and Jere
Located in New York, NY
A signed brass and metal sculpture of flowers and leaves, Brutalist period, in the style of designers Silas Seandel or C. Jere, circa mid-20th century. A Brutalist sculpture of flowe...
Metal, Brass
Enzo Mari, Travertine desk organizer, Fratelli Mannelli Italy 1970s
By Fratelli Mannelli, Enzo Mari
Located in Firenze, IT
Travertine desk organizer Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s. H 10 cm - 13 × 14.5 cm. Conditions: good condition consistent with age and use. Defects.
Travertine
ScandinavianBrutalist Object in Polished Bronze - Gear Fragment Penholder, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
An artist made pen holder in heavy stock solid bronze. This is number 1 of 33 made. This very interesting and brutalist' perceived piece is made from a fragment of an industrial worm...
Bronze
Beautiful Metal Crane Flamingo Figure Smokers set Brutalist Era, Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A large Figurine made of wrought iron for Holding Cigarettes, Matchsticks and Smoking Accessories. Made of metal with a nice patina and rusty parts. Typically made in Germany in the 1960s, as a statement piece on a cupboard or credenza. Also nice for a mens room.
Metal
$100 / set
James de Wulf Concrete Color Samples
Located in Paia, HI
James de Wulf Concrete color samples in light grey, natural, dark grey, black, and creamy white.
Concrete
Vintage Bronze Desk Set, Ashtray, Table Lighter and Pen Holder or Vase, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage 1960s Brutalist bronze desk set is a powerful sculptural ensemble, comprising an ashtray, table lighter, and pen holder or small vase. Each piece is beautifully crafted ...
Bronze
Vintage Molten Bronze and Green Marble Signed Gerber Abstract Sculpture
By Adolf Gerber
Located in North Miami, FL
One could interrupt the nature of this vintage signed abstract bronze and dark green with black marble sculpture through the feet. Brutalist in molten form of the bronze. The variega...
Marble, Bronze
Vintage Signed Gerber Bronze and Variegated Marble Sculpture Style of Oppenheim
Located in North Miami, FL
This heavy molten bronze question mark, bird or chicken sculpture has the traccia feet that is reminiscent on the coveted Meret Oppeneheim table. It sits in the original variegated green and black marble base with a bronze pole...
Marble, Bronze
Brutalist Silvered Bronze Table Set by Morbelli, Italy, 1970s
Located in Conversano, IT
A rare and sculptural brutalist-style table set crafted in silvered bronze with a richly textured surface and organic openwork design. Produced by the renowned Italian art foundry Mo...
Bronze
"Prince", Contemporary Sculptural piece in Cast Brass by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This contemporary sculpture in cast brass was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite difficult, if not impossible to make identical items. The brass casting is produced by formation of a mold from a mixture of sand and the liquid alloy of copper and zinc. The projects are based on a contemporary appropriation of traditional methods from Brazilian artisans and reinterpreted through the integration of new forms and noble materials. An aesthetic infused with “beauty of imperfection" is obtained by the expressive potential of each material, generating works that recall nature and rationality. Estúdio Orth...
Brass
Corkscrew C020 handmade in cast brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Corkscrew was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass.Makes a beautiful Wedding or Company Gift. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Sp...
Aluminum, Brass
Cast Bronze Shark Sculpture by J. Dale M'Hall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze shark sculpture by American sculptor J. Dale M'Hall. James began sculpting in the 1960's and has worked with a variety of different media thr...
Bronze
$63Sale Price / item|10% Off
H 7.09 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
21st Century Peso Concrete Book and Door Holder 2kg Light Grey Color Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Colored book and door holders made in concrete. A touch of color for your bookcase 100% made in Italy. 2kg: measures: L 9, P 9, H 18 cm.
Concrete
$198Sale Price|10% Off
H 1.58 in W 9.06 in D 15.75 in
21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade Pink Flamingo Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....
Concrete
Vintage Modernist Paper Tray in Chrome 1970s
By Smokador, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful letter tray in polished aluminium / chrome finish with black enamel lining. In the style of Smokador. Clean and minimalist design that is timeless and classic. Unique and...
Aluminum, Chrome
1970s Lucite Ashtray and Lighter Set
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1970s Lucite chrome ashtray and lighter desk set. Lighter measurements: Width 3.75", depth 2.5, height 4.25".
Chrome
$197Sale Price / item|10% Off
H 1.58 in W 9.06 in D 15.75 in
21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade in Italy Light Grey Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....
Concrete
$775
H 1.13 in W 4.38 in D 6.38 in
Vintage 1980s Gucci Desk Set Accessories - Leather Pen + Paper Holder & Tray
By Gucci
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice 1980s Gucci - Italy designed leather desk accessories set, includes pen holder, note paper holder and small tray. The leather pieces have the classic green and red stripe, with ...
Ceramic, Leather, Suede
Brutalist Wall Sculpture of Patinated Metal
By Tony Melendy, Curtis Jeré, Silas Seandel
Located in Houston, TX
Brutalist wall sculpture of patinated metal. Monumental Brutalist wall sculpture of patinated metal inspired by Silas Seandel. Fabulous large Brutalist abstract wall sculpture of patinated metal in the manner of Silas Seandel/Curtis Jere/Tony Melendy...
Iron
Vintage Wood Pen Holder and Lighter, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage wood pen holder and lighter is an original object realized in the 1970s. Original wood and metal. Made in Italy. The set includes: a geometr...
Metal
Marble Desk Pen Holder Organizer
Located in New York, NY
A substantial marble desk pen/pencil/marker holder organizer, in the modern style, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century. Organizer can hold small pieces of paper, ...
Marble
$63Sale Price / item|10% Off
H 7.09 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
21st Century Peso Concrete Cement Book and Door Holder 2kg Flamingo Pink Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Colored book and door holders made in concrete. A touch of color for your bookcase 100% made in Italy. 2kg: L 9 P 9 H 18 cm.
Concrete
$305 / item
H 3.5 in W 18 in D 9 in
Salle de Bain 'M' Handmade Cast Concrete Tray in White by UMÉ Studio
By UMÉ Studio
Located in Oakland, CA
Cast in one pour, this piece is derived from classic bathroom tile to organize and curate your personal belongings. Perfect for your everyday bedside table items, including a tube for a fresh flower. A play on a classic architectural sample : the bathroom tile. Everyday it exists in the corner of our eye, an invisible actor of our daily routine. Out of context it becomes an object full of the rituals it witnessed. On the "wrong" surface it attracts the eye - desires a touch. Used the "wrong" way it is this newly found friend - that was always there. The Salle de Bain series plays on an oft-overlooked architectural detail: the bathroom tile. By displacing the familiar shape from a quotidian surface to its own distinct form, the cast-in- concrete tray...
Concrete
$135 / item
H 2.25 in W 4.75 in D 13.5 in
Salle de Bain - S - Handmade Cast Concrete Tray in White by UMÉ Studio
By UMÉ Studio
Located in Oakland, CA
Cast in one pour, this piece is derived from classic bathroom tile to organize and curate your personal belongings. Perfect for your everyday bathroom or desk items. A play on a classic architectural sample: the bathroom tile. Everyday it exists in the corner of our eye, an invisible actor of our daily routine. Out of context it becomes an object full of the rituals it witnessed. On the "wrong" surface it attracts the eye - desires a touch. Used the "wrong" way it is this newly found friend - that was always there. The Salle de Bain series plays on an oft-overlooked architectural detail: the bathroom tile. By displacing the familiar shape from a quotidian surface to its own distinct form, the cast-in- concrete tray...
Concrete
Noughts & Crosses Game M001 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Noughts & Crosses Game 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 foun...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Ash Tray by Holger Backstrom
By Holger Bäckström & Bo Ljungberg
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Vintage mid century modern ashtray. Brutalist in style. Featuring 16 holes and 20 points. Made from aluminum. Designed by Holger Backstrom. Not marked. Tasteful patina. 7” long 7” ...
Aluminum
Brutalist / Modern Concrete Bookends, White
Located in Camp Meeker, CA
These geometric concrete bookends will keep your literature in place with their timeless, sculptural beauty, as well as with their substantial weight. Small batches, with limited...
Concrete
Noughts & Crosses Game M001 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Noughts & Crosses Game 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 foun...
Aluminum, Brass
Solid Bronze Apple Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Whimsical Bronze Apple Sculpture Green Tone Patina with Darker Bronze Accents Paperweight or Display
Bronze
Brutalist hand-carved metal cowboy hat objet d’art, 1970
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage brutalist forged iron cowboy (or cowgirl) hat objet by Metzke, signed, 1970. Allegedly this is also an ashtray - or a paperweight. To each one’s own. Darling as a gift for ...
Iron
Brutalist / Modern Concrete Bookends, White
Located in Camp Meeker, CA
These geometric concrete bookends will keep your literature in place with their timeless, sculptural beauty, as well as with their substantial weight. Small batches, with limited...
Concrete
Brutalist Metal Task Lamp in the Style of Gino Sarfatti and Rodchenko
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a wonderful brutalist metal task lamp. This lamp is styled after Gino Sarfatti's Rodchenko inspired lamp. Inspired by Aleksandr Rodchenko's sta...
Metal
Brutalist / Modern Concrete Bookends, White
Located in Camp Meeker, CA
These geometric concrete bookends will keep your literature in place with their timeless, sculptural beauty, as well as with their substantial weight. Small batches, with limited...
Concrete
F.lli Mannelli Travertine Italian Desk Set Brutalist Style, 1970
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Desk set in Tuscan travertine Brutalist style; the set consists of a fish-shaped ticket holder, a rounded pen holder, and a triangular envelope holder; they were designed and produce...
Travertine
Sold
H 0.79 in W 6.82 in D 4.89 in
Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Style Vide-Poche by David Marshall, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This aluminium and brass Brutalist style vide-poche (circa 1970s) by David Marshall is weighty and wonderfully tactile with the maker's mark impressed on the brass surface. There are...
Aluminum, Brass
Lock and Key Paper Weight Bookend
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wooden paper weight / Bookend - a once used portion of a door with a non-removable key that turns - the piece is a wonderful architectural eleme...
Metal