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.
20th Century French Vintage Abstract Brutalist Raw Metal Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern French abstract Brutalist sculpture, décor piece made of hand crafted raw metal, in good condition. Minor fading, scratches due to age. Wear consistent w...
Metal
$3,988Sale Price / set|20% Off
David Marshall. Brutalist aluminum and bronze wall sculptures, Spain, 1970s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Set of two brutalist wall sculptures by David Marshall, Spain, 1970s. Made of aluminum and bronze. These wall sculptures can be placed on the wall as decorative elements, or installe...
Aluminum, Bronze
Abstract Modernist Bronze Sculpture Figural with Brutalist Relief Texture 1970s
By Lynn Chadwick
Located in Troy, MI
Unique post-war abstract sculpture in solid bronze Anonymous artist circa 1970's Slab like torso cast in deep relief texture and nuanced patinas Three elongated legs and subtly offs...
Bronze
Brutalist Fiberglass Relief Wall Plaque, 1960s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Brutalist relief plaque made of fiberglass in the 1960s, featuring an abstract surface of geometric shapes and incised textures. The patinated finish in bronze-effect tones evokes th...
Fiberglass
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This captivating sculpture is a one of a kind piece, hand carved from a single block of solid hardwood. Its form is a continuous, biomorphic loop, an abstract ribbon of wood that twi...
Walnut, Wood
$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Sculpture 1950s 1960s Mid Century Brutalist Abstract Metal Modern Art
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Peoria, AZ
AFTER PAUL EVANS MID CENTURY MODERN MONUMENTAL BRUTALIST FINE ART DIRECT METAL SCULPTURE! MAGNIFICENT TOWER STRUCTURE! IRON, BRASS, BRONZE & WOOD BASE CIRCA 1956 Similar to Diego Giacometi Approximate Dimensions: Large 34" Tower/ 13" Wide & Deep This is the Holy Grail for Mid Century abstract...
Bronze, Iron
Vintage Jere style brutalist brass, copper & rock sculpture by Daniel Dhaeseleer
Located in Hastings, GB
Unusual brutalist brass, copper and rock sculpture by Daniel Dhaeseleer, Belgium, 1970s. Very similar to Curtis Jere designs in the USA. Has the original tag, and also is hand signed...
Stone, Brass, Copper
$1,187Sale Price|20% Off
Marcello Fantoni style. Stunning brutalist sculpture, Italy, 1950s
By Paul Evans, Marcello Fantoni, Silas Seandel
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist sculpture in Marcello Fantoni's style, 50s. Made of copper metal cut with a torch and welded together the pieces that form it, creating a body of purely brutalist phantasma...
Copper, Iron
$12,000Sale Price|52% Off
1960s Mid Century Modern Abstract Metal "Wall Jewelry" Sculpture Harry Bertoia
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT! BRUTALIST HANDWORKED SCULPTED METAL WALL ART Attributed to Harry Bertoia. INCREDIBLE WELDS, WORKMANSHIP & DESIGN! HUGE! App...
Bronze, Iron
Harry Bertoria 1960 square sculpture in gilt bronze and black base
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Bronze sculpture Harry Bertoia 1960.
Bronze
$2,900 / item
Rick Owens Cast Bronze Coupe Nitrate Patina Vase
By Rick Owens
Located in Chicago, IL
The now iconic bronze coupe vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the nitrate patina. Each piece is handmade and hand patinated so there is always a slig...
Bronze
Curtis Jere "Windswept" Brutalist Sculpture, Brass and Marble
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Miami, FL
Curtis Jere "Windswept" Brutalist Sculpture, Brass and Marble Offered for sale is a vintage Curtis Jere Brutalist "Windswept" sculpture on a black marble base. This brass sculptur...
Marble, Brass
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
Abstract Modern Wood Sculpture, Still Stand No1 by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
$1,800 / item
Small Decorative Brutalist Sculpture on Brass Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking mid-century brutalist sculpture on brass stand featuring bold, abstract geometry and raw, textured metalwork. This piece has a great patina and every side is its good side. ...
Brass, Cut Steel
Vintage Carved Solid Mahogany Decorative Post, Brutalist Style, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsomely carved solid mahogany decorative post. Vintage, and originally intended as a banister stop. This is a strikingly beautiful piece that can serve as an eye catching art obje...
Mahogany
Abstract Brutalist Sculpture in Bronze & Black Horn, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual paper weight or desk sculpture fashioned from a heavy bronze disc from which a decorative piece of old black/dark brown horn from a Yak is towering (removable). Anonymously m...
Bronze
Brancusi Inspired Abstract Male Torso Bronze Sculpture on Marble Base
By Rene Brancusi, Brancusi
Located in Houston, TX
Large Brutalist male torso abstract bronze sculpture on a marble base in the manner of Brancusi. This midcentury figural male torso sculpture is finely detailed and dates to the mid-...
Marble, Bronze
Vintage Boho Brutalist Modernist Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Command attention with the raw, architectural power of this vintage Brutalist sculpture. Epitomizing the avant-garde spirit of the Mid-Century Modernist movement, this striking abstr...
Stone, Aluminum
Midcentury Brutalist Brass Sculpture, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful hand-made brass sculpture, Midcentury Modern/Brutalist period, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. Piece is unsigned; In the style of designers Paul Evans, Curtis Jere. Piece is all brass with a square black composite base. Very good condition as shown in images. Dimensions: 22.75" Height. Other items shown available separately, search 1stDibs ref. #: Mackenzie-Childs vase, search ref. #: LU1314226933622 (SOLD.) Agate dish...
Composition, Brass
Italian modern brutalist Brass sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brutalist Brass sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo, 1970s Brass sculpture with a rectangular base with reference to the brutalist style. The front of the sculpture is square...
Brass
$11,706 / item
Table Elefante by NONO 02, Oak Pure, Distinctive Style
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Table Elefante by NONO 02, Oak Pure, Distinctive Style ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch...
Hardwood
Monumental Brutalist Stacked Cube Steel Garden Sculptures, after David Smith
By David Smith, Paul Evans
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental Brutalist Stacked Cube Steel Garden Sculpture, after David Smith / Paul Evans.. Signed and dated bUT unfortunately illegible. Amazing use of color, texture and space, Eigh...
Steel
Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' Sculpture 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' sculpture 1950s This is a wonderful piece of modernist African art. It is a so called 'Makonde' sculpture. These unique pieces are crafted by t...
Wood, Ebony
$5,600Sale Price|22% Off
Paul Evans Brutalist Cocktail Table in Patinated Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional Brutalist coffee table by Paul Evans, created as part of his celebrated Sculptured Metal Collection for Directional, exemplifies the raw artistry and architectural p...
Bronze, Steel
Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This commanding vintage Brutalist sculpture is a striking example of the mid-century industrial art movement. Evoking the spirit of iconic designers like Curtis Jere, the piece featu...
Brass, Steel
Massive Outdoor Abstract Steel Floor Sculpture in Geometric Stacked Cube Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A massive brutalist sculpture outdoor sculpture circa 1980's. It consists of welded steel construction with patinated cubes on a black enameled base. Just shy of 8 feet tall. Unmarked.
Steel
Modern Sculpture in Dark Art, Black Solid Wood by Escalona, Still Stand No94
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Sculpture in Dark Art, Black Solid Wood by Escalona, Still Stand No94 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a...
Hardwood
Large Abstract Gilded Metal Sculpture by Philippe Cheverny, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
An abstract sculpture by French artist Philippe Cheverny, rendered in gilded metal. Its Brutalist form emerges from molten metal, poured and shaped into a freeform silhouette. Rests ...
Metal
Elefante by NONO Buffet 10, Sturdy Oak, Architectural Allure
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Buffet 10, Sturdy Oak, Architectural Allure ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist ...
Hardwood
Contemporary Oval Metal Sculpture in a Modern Brutalist Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Contemporary sculpture in black/brown metal, featuring an irregular metal ring set on a light-colored base. The contemporary sculpture reflects a brutalist style. Dimensions: H 51 ×...
Stone, Metal
NONO Elefante Foyer Table 09, Oak Precision, Minimalist Elegance
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Foyer Table 09, Oak Precision, Minimalist Elegance ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modern...
Hardwood
Klaus Lehmann, Brutalist German Studio Pottery Cube Art Sculpture No. No. 337 81
Located in Hamburg, DE
Klaus Lehmann, Postmodern Brutalist German Studio Pottery Cube Art Sculpture No. 337 81, 1981
Pottery
Mid Century Brutalist Modern Abstract Wall Sculpture by Finesse Originals
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fun to look at piece of 3D wall created by Finesse Originals in the 1960's. It consists of a wood frame and the sculpture part is molded resin.
Resin, Wood
Monumental James Bearden Mystical Galaxy Chimes Sculpture Steel Bronze Brutalist
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and studio-made by American craftsman James Bearden, this chime sculpture is among the largest made, and the largest on sale today. An early m...
Bronze, Steel
Signed Curtis Jere Brutalist Starburst
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Redding, CT
Signed Curtis Jere Brutalist Starburst sculpture. Such a statement piece. Perfect for a focal point in any room. Rare ,authentic signed ...
Metal, Chrome
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This captivating biomorphic sculpture is a one of a kind piece, hand carved from a single, highly figured block of solid walnut. Its form rises from a clean cut base and branches int...
Wood, Walnut
Brutalist Welded Nails Sculpture by Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Brutalist Nails Sculpture by Harry Bertoia, circa 1950s.
Metal
William Friedle Vintage Brutalist Metal Sculpture
Located in San Antonio, TX
Signed vintage mid-century brutalist metal art sculpture by William Friedle, circa 1960s. William worked with his brother, Bruce Friedle creating u...
Metal
$1,804Sale Price|20% Off
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Column, Totem, Chainsaw Carved, Handmade
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Still Stand Abstract Biomorphic Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved From Single Piece of Oak Wood
Oak
1970s Set of 3 large Original Travertine Animal Sculptures by Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Nuernberg, DE
1970s Set of 3 original travertine animal sculptures designed by Fratelli Mannelli. These items are in original as found conditions. Not easy to find this set. Two of them (Elephant ...
Travertine
Original Pal Kepenyes Lion Sculpture Signed
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Pal Kepenyes Lion Sculpture made in steel and black marble signed. Pal Kepenyes was a Hungarian artist and jewelry designer known for his unique and innova...
Marble, Steel
Modern Burned Oak Totem, a Design of Sleek Darkness, Still Stand No101
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Burned Oak Totem, a Design of Sleek Darkness, Still Stand No101 _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testamen...
Hardwood
Large Brutalist William Friedle Wall Hanging Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Torch cut brass elements constitute the mass of this great Brutalist wall hanging sculpture, marked "Friedle" Very good orig...
Brass
Mid-Century Brutalist Torch-Cut Metal Wall Sculpture signed Silas Seandel
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the renowned American artist Silas Seandel, this mid-century Brutalist wall sculpture from 1976 is a masterful fusion of industrial design and artistic craftsmanship. Craft...
Cut Steel
Giovanni 'John’ Bucci Metal Art Sculpture, 1960s
Located in Savannah, GA
Giovanni 'John' Bucci (Italian-American, 1935-2019) A welded metal sculpture composed of various found metal pieces, 1960s. 20 inches wide by 24 inches tall by 8 ½ inches deep
Metal
Brutalist Bronze and Glass Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist bronze and textured stained glass sculpture by SF Bay Area artist Ralph Halloway.
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Steel Sculpture, USA, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Modern Brutalist sculpture of tortured and burnt welded steel.
Steel
1950s Wooden Sculptures Industrial Foundry for Molded Car Parts, Set of Four
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of four brutalist foundry molds from the Machine Age are a reminder of the nation’s Industrial past, a large factor in shaping the culture of the Modern era. While these pieces w...
Wood
Contemporary Bronze Totem Sculpture by Bertrand Créac'h, France
Located in London, GB
Totem "Faille" by Bertrand Créac'h Material: bronze, blak patina Dimensions: H 200 x 25 x 25 cm Year: 2024 Bertrand Créac’h met on his journey the artists Étienne Martin, François S...
Bronze
Reclining Woman Sculpture in Chamotte Clay, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Modernist sculpture of a reclining woman in black chamotte clay, made in France in the 1970s. This figurative sculpture depicts a reclining woman in a contemplative and minimalist p...
Clay
Pair of Green Clay Sculptures, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of modernist sculptures in green patinated clay, made in France in the 1970s. This pair of sculptures depicts two seated female figures with free and expressive forms. Made of ...
Clay
Bronze Mounted Brutalist Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze mounted abstract sculpture. The sculpture showcases an interlocking narrow bronze sculpture on a Douglas fir base. Dimensions 6.75" width x 3.25" depth x 13.25" height. Cond...
Bronze
Vintage Faceted Wood Sphere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the soulful intersection of geometry and nature with this striking vintage faceted wood sphere. A masterclass in Organic Modernism, this hand-carved object features a series ...
Wood
Modern Brutalist Metal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A hand-crafted geometric metal sculpture piece in a marque shape(s), in the Modern Brutalist style, circa late-20th century. Sculpture is re...
Metal
Abstract Dark Art in Modern Sculpture, Burned Oak by Escalona, Still Stand No94
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Dark Art in Modern Sculpture, Burned Oak by Escalona, Still Stand No94 Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a ...
Hardwood
Sculptural Terracotta Ceramic Vessel – Organic Contemporary Art Object
Located in Istanbul, TR
This sculptural ceramic vessel explores organic form and subtle movement through a softly twisted silhouette. The shape rises vertically from a grounded base into a fluid, abstract b...
Stoneware
$190,575
Harry Bertoia Bush Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
"Untitled" (Bush) Sculpture by Harry Bertoia, circa 1970's made of welded bronze. Harry Bertoia, was an Italian-born American artist, sound art sculptor, and...
Bronze
$1,804Sale Price|20% Off
Still Stand Abstract Biomorphic Wood Sculpture, Column, Chainsaw Carved, Totem
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Still Stand Abstract Biomorphic Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved From Single Piece of Oak Wood
Oak
Fold by Kalou Dubus, Black Stoneware Ceramic, Pair of Sculptural, One-of-a-kind
By Kalou Dubus
Located in PANTIN, -
Fold is a pair of sculptural works by French artist Kalou Dubus, handcrafted in raw black grogged stoneware. Conceived as two independent yet closely related forms, the pieces evoke ...
Ceramic, Stoneware