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 Bronze Sulpture, "Bull" by Alfred Hrdlicka, Austria late 20th Century
By Alfred Hrdlicka
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a brutalist bronze sculpture of a charging or defensive bull on a marble base by Austrian artist Alfred Hrdlicka. The sculpture appears to be patinated ...
Marble, Bronze
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
$600 / set
Brutalist Metal and Wood Horse Bookends
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique circa 1970s, USA Brutalist-style horse bookends composed of cut and soldered sheet metal heads and legs with carved wooden bodies and wire tails. Very good, vintage condition,...
Sheet Metal
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Copper Wading Bird Sculpture
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An exceptional French mid-century modern sculpture depicting a stylized wading bird, handcrafted in hammered and welded copper. This rare and expressive piece showcases a beautifully...
Copper
$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
Torn Human Head Sculpture in Brutalist Style Signed E.D. 71
Located in Rome, IT
This sculpture is made of pottery and represents a human head torn by an ax stroke, which makes the wound bleed. The blood flows into the right side of the face and reaches the eye.
Pottery
Vintage Paolo Soleri Ceramic Mobile Sounding Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Paolo Soleri Ceramic & Copper Solar Bell — 6'3" Tall Mobile Sculpture with "Witch Hat" Top and Tribal Motifs A dramatic and rare example of Paolo Soleri’s iconic Solar Bells,...
Copper
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
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
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
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
Organic Modern Burl Wood Bookends, Sculptural Brutalist Studio Craft, 1970s
Located in San Carlos, CA
A striking pair of sculptural bookends carved from solid burl wood, celebrating the natural beauty and irregularity of the material. Each bookend features dramatic swirling grain, kn...
Burl
1970s Vintage Geometric Wood Wall Sculpture, Brutalist Relief Panel
Located in La Mesa, CA
Handcrafted in the 1970s and sourced from a Southern California estate, this sculptural wood wall panel showcases a bold geometric relief design, meticulously assembled from richly g...
Wood
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
1960s Brass Flower Sculpture on Composition Base
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s Brass Flower Sculpture on Composition Base Mid Century Modern Flowers and Leaves in distressed patinated brass and metal Composition Base
Brass
Brutalist Cast Iron Fish Sculpture - Mid-Century Aquarium-Inspired Design 1977
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking Brutalist cast iron fish sculpture captures the essence of mid-century design with its raw, textured finish and bold aesthetic. Fea...
Iron
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
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
Henri Fernandez Gold and Blue Longhorn Beetle Lamp
Located in Hastings, GB
Extremely rare sculpture in brass and agate, by Henri Fernandez for atelier Duval Brasseur, modelled as a Longhorn Beetle and dating to the 1970’s. The beautiful blue agate wings ar...
Agate, Brass
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
Set of 3 Brutalist Modern Copper and Brass Patchwork Decorative Egg Sculptures
Located in Troy, MI
Grouping of three stylized copper egg sculptures circa 1990s Patchwork copper clad eggs of graduated sizes fastened with brass rivets Unmarked 3 - 5 inch diameter 4 - 6.25 inch hei...
Brass, Copper
Brutalist Cast Bronze Sculpture of a Stylized Female Figure after Henry Moore
By Henry Moore
Located in New York, NY
Period 1970's Brutalist sculpture depicting a stylized female figure executed in cast brass, mounted on a stepped walnut plinth base. Well crafted work, in excellent original condit...
Brass
Vintage Brutalist Torch Cut Copper Horse Head
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Unleash the spirit of raw artistry into your space with this captivating vintage Brutalist Torch Cut Copper Horse Head sculpture. A truly dynamic and expressive piece, this artwork m...
Copper
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
Wooden Zodiac Libra Wall Plaque Relief Brutalist Midcentury, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wooden wall plaque relief sign, made in the Brutalist style in Germany in the 1970s. This is a wonderful Zodiac sign. This can be used as a Wall decoration or as a decorati...
Wood
Brutalist Welded Nails Sculpture by Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Brutalist Nails Sculpture by Harry Bertoia, circa 1950s.
Metal
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
Brutalist Abstract Wall Sculpture in the Style of Curtis Jere
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this large diameter wall sculpture in the style of C. Jere, circa 1960.
Metal
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
Torch Cut Brass Birds on Starburst Nail Wall Art Style Seandale, Bowie or Jere
By William Bowie, Curtis Jeré, Silas Seandel
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous torch cut brass birds on a horseshoe nail starburst wall art sculpture in the style of Silas Seandel or William Bowie. Comprised of horsesh...
Metal, Brass
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
$300Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Brutalist Metal Owl Sculpture in the Style of Curtis Jere
By Curtis Jeré
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical metal owl sculpture, hand-sculpted, circa 1970s.
Metal
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
Hand Carved Soapstone Owls Sculpture / Paperweight in the Style of Glenn Heath
Located in San Diego, CA
Hand carved soapstone owls sculpture / paperweight in the style of Glenn Heath, circa 1980s. The owl is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3"W x 1"D ...
Soapstone
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
MCM Ceramic and Marble Owls Sculpture by Jose Torres Guardia
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool MCM ceramic and marble owls sculpture by Jose Torres Guardia, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 6.5"W x 3.25"D...
Marble
Jack Van Deckter Brutalist Sculpture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A really wonderful torch cut, brutalist sculpture by Jack Van Deckter, ca' 1960's. Patinated wrought iron-heavy. Abstract but with a figurative feel. Jack Van Deckter (American, 1917...
Wrought Iron
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
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
Vintage Brutalist sculpture "Monk With The Book" by Salvino Marsura, Italy 1970s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Mid-century modern metal Brutalist sculpture "Monk With The Book" by Salvino Marsura, made in Italy in the 1970s. Salvino Marsura is an Italian artist born in Treviso in 1938. His c...
Iron
Wooden Zodiac Gemini Wall Plaque Relief Brutalist Midcentury, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wooden wall plaque relief sign, made in the Brutalist style in Germany in the 1970s. This is a wonderful Zodiac sign. This can be used as a Wall decoration or as a decorati...
Plywood
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
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
$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
$310Sale Price / set|25% Off
Brutalist Mid Century Small Bronze Panther Sculptures, France, 1950s
Located in Valencia, VC
Pair of small Brutalist patinated cast bronze sculptures, representing two panthers on movement. Produced in France circa the mid 20th century. They are small but very beautiful in...
Bronze
Sleek and Dark Design in Black Solid Wood Totem, Still Stand No87
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sleek and Dark Design in Black Solid Wood Totem, Still Stand No87 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament t...
Hardwood
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
1960's Brutalist Art Sculpture Solid Bronze Figural Bookends Artist Signed WLC
By Paul Evans, Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful brutalist solid bronze sculptural figural bookends, circa 1960's. Great form and design. The sculptures are signed on the bottom with the artist initials "WLC". One is mark...
Bronze
Brutalist Torch-Cut Steel Sculpture "The Buffalo" on Marble Base by Tom Hardy
By Thomas Bush Hardy
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning brutalist torch-cut steel sculpture "The Buffalo" on black marble base by listed artist, Tom Hardy, circa 1950s. This striking buffalo sculpture is crafted from torch-cut st...
Marble, Cut Steel
$1,645Sale Price|30% Off
20th Century School Brutalist Bronze Figurative Sculpture Of A Woman
Located in Germantown, MD
20th Century School Brutalist Bronze Figurative Sculpture Of A Woman standind on one leg. Measures 9" in width, 8" in depth and stand 19" tall. We...
Bronze
Table Lamp, Brutalist wood, Brown color France 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
We can notice the curves. The wood is a solid Wood. We have a socket in plastic, with a plastic switch You can use any kind of bulb up to 100 watt. Art deco or tribal and Brutalist s...
Wood
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bronze & Marble Jazz Musician Band Figures 5 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bronze & Marble Jazz Musician Band Figures - 5 Pc Set. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: (5) Standing Musicians: 13" H x 4.5 W x 5" D
Bronze
Large Flowers Wall Decoration Brutalism Ars Munda
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage Brutalist-style wall art, sculpture mounted on a narrow white shelf, made entirely of resin, by Ars Munda, Germany, 1960s-70s. Ars Munda was an artist collective that primar...
Resin
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
Wooden Zodiac Libra Wall Plaque Relief Brutalist Midcentury, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wooden wall plaque relief sign, made in the Brutalist style in Germany in the 1970s. This is a wonderful Zodiac sign. This can be used as a Wall decoration or as a decorati...
Plywood
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
$1,014Sale Price|19% Off
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Burnt Oak, Rustic
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Burnt Oak
Oak
$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
$1,596Sale Price|38% Off
Brutalist Direct Metal Bull Sculpture Yahweh, Gilt Polychroming Stock Market
Located in Peoria, AZ
Rare! Brutalist Bull Sculpture Depicting Archaic Deity Yahweh Gilt Polychroming Verso base "Yahweh" This fascinating sculpture is done in a simple, primitive style, looking like...
Metal, Enamel
Brutalist Bronze Mounted Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze mounted abstract sculpture. The sculpture features four topographical like forms connected to a narrow bronze stem, mounted to a thick limestone base. Signed by the artist. D...
Limestone, Bronze