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.
John De La Rosa California Brutalist Fish Sculpture, ca 2000s
By John De La Rosa
Located in Cathedral City, CA
John De La Rosa California Brutalist Fish Sculpture, ca 2000s Sculpture measures 30" wide, 7-1/4" deep, 17-1/4' high overall, Base plate measures 7-1/4" square, 1" high. Signature e...
Metal
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
Solid Bronze Abstract Sculpture, USA 1960's
Located in New York, NY
This work was made by bending a very long 3/4 inch solid bronze rod into a rectangular brick, it weighs a surprising 75 lbs for its size
Bronze
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
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 metal Brutalist sculpture Bird by Salvino Marsura, Italy 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing mid-century modern metal Brutalist sculpture "Bird" by Salvino Marsura, made in Italy in the 1950s. Salvino Marsura is an Italian artist born in Treviso in 1938. His career ...
Iron
Brutalist Torch Cut Iron Garden Sculpture Ca. 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
Impressive torch cut iron sculpture of abstract geometric form executed in the Brutalist style. The sculpture is in original rust surface, and...
Iron
Wall Sculpture Torch Cut Brass Birds on Starburst Nail Style Silas Seandel
By Silas Seandel, William Bowie, Curtis Jeré
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
Brutalist Metal Hand Sculpted Owl Attributed to Sergio Bustamonte
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage hand sculpted Brutalist Mexican metal Folk Art owl attributed to Sergio Bustamonte, circa 1960s.
Metal
Wrought iron sculpture lying woman France 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Wrought iron sculpture lying woman France 1970
Wrought Iron
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
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
Vintage Abstract Wire Spray Kinetic Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage sculpture is a quintessential example of Mid-Century Modern artistry, echoing the rhythmic, industrial forms of the Brutalist movement. The piece features a dra...
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 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
Brutalist Metal Sculpture by Silas Seandel
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist mixed metal sculpture by Silas Seandel. This piece depicts a stylized Lilly, it is constructed of torch cut metal, it is signed "Silas" on its back. The sculpture is design...
Brass, Copper
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Escalona's Black Solid Wood Sculpture of Abstract Elegance, Still Stand No85
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Escalona's Black Solid Wood Sculpture of Abstract Elegance, Still Stand No85 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw bea...
Hardwood
$308Sale 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
Ceramic Wall Sculpture Plaque Ruscha West Germany
By Ruscha
Located in Poperinge, BE
Abstract vintage wall sculpture, plaque made of partially glazed terracotta, depicting leaves and a flower with twigs, fat lava accents in the background, West German pottery, possib...
Terracotta
Tall Bronze Masai Sculptures 1960s Vintage Kenya Mother Baby Giacometti Style
Located in London, GB
Two 1960s bronze sculptures from the Maasai tribe in Kenya and Tanzania in everyday motherhood figures. The elongated and brutalist-like effect figures evoke a Giacometti-like aest...
Bronze
XL Brutalist Spanish Brass Crucifix after Dalí's Christ, Circa 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Striking and large 1970s Spanish brutalist wall crucifix in blackened brass with gold-leaf highlights. Angular, jagged rays explode outward from a central figure of Christ, echoing D...
Brass
Brutalist Patinated Metal Abstract Sculpture by Frans de Boer Lichtveld, 1964
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Brutalist sculpture. Design by Frans de Boer Lichtveld. Striking Dutch design from the 1960s. Patinated metal with various decorative elements. This wonderful Br...
Metal
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Joel Escalona's Masterpiece in Elegant Dark Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No100
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Masterpiece in Elegant Dark Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No100 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one i...
Hardwood
$14,995Sale Price|40% Off
1970s, Henri Fernandez Brass Fountain Style Fish Sculpture, France
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Fish sculpture, made of torch cutted, hand hammered and welded brass structure sitting on a oriental style brass base filled with ciment. All his fountains sculpture are unique but ...
Agate, Brass
Brutalist Portrait done in Mosaic, attr. to Yugoslav artist Ratomir Gligorijevic
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a striking handcrafted mosaic panel attributed to the celebrated Serbian and Yugoslav artist Ratomir Gligorijević Gliga (1924–2014). The composition dep...
Stone
Modernist Neo Sumerian style Bronze Sculpture of a Centaur, 20th Century
Located in View Park, CA
A rare and valuable modernist sculpture of a centaur, 20th century. Hand carved out of solid bronze with felted base. D’après Picasso with clear influence from Giacometti and Henry M...
Bronze
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Hand Made Metal Brutalist Bonsai Tree in Rust Finish
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist hand made iron Bonsai tree sculpture. The sculpture has wonderful all over rust finish, gained from years of outdoor life, this piece was origina...
Iron, Wrought 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
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
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
Primitive Carved Sitting Woman Sculpture
Located in Haaltert, BE
Primitive Carved Sitting Woman Sculpture
Wood
Vintage Elbert Weinberg "Scroll" Bronze Brutalist Abstract Sculpture Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Elbert Weinberg "Scroll" Bronze Brutalist Abstract Judaica Sculpture Figure on Teak Wood Base, Signed "EW". Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 10.5" H x 4.25" W x 4" D. Ba...
Bronze
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This organic sculptural abstract piece, hand carved from a single block of solid hardwood. Its rounded, pebble like form feels grounded and natural, inviting the hand to hold and exp...
Wood, Walnut
$628Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Bronze Avian Sculpture 'Japan'
Located in San Diego, CA
Serene, elegant, and handsome bronze sculpture. Simple lines that are undeniably midcentury. Finely hand casted (evokes Brutalist), it boasts a handsome verdigris patina. This avian ...
Bronze
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
Pair, Vintage Distressed Tole Obelisk Form Sculptures
Located in Atlanta, GA
Note: We have 3 pairs available - each are slightly different, but same size as noted. This striking pair of tole metal architectural-form ornaments is constructed in faceted, tape...
Metal
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
Copper Abstract Mid-Century Modern Table Sculpture on Live Edge Mount
Located in Fulton, CA
Free-form copper sculpture mounted to a live edge wood base. 15.25 inches high. 7.75 inches deep 9.25 inches wide.
Copper
Taurus, Chainsaw Carved, Burnt Oak, Abstract Sculpture, Bull, Handmade, Black
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This unique sculptural animal is a one of a kind art piece, carved from a single piece of wood to ensure a monolithic and stable form. It takes the shape of a bull, rendered with a r...
Oak
Brutalist Cast Aluminum Door Panel in the style of Paul Evans, 1960s
By Paul Evans
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Wall sculpture - abstract decoration Large cast aluminum door panel from the 1960s. Its brutalist design is clearly influenced by the metal sculptures associated with Paul Evans. The...
Aluminum
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
Brutalist panel (mixed media)
Located in Oostende, BE
A Brutalist panel featuring geometrically cut colored glass set in concrete, all encased in a sturdy wooden frame.
Cement
Midcentury Torch Cut Metal Abstract Brutalist Sculpture
By Silas Seandel, Diego Giacometti, Curtis Jeré, Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Tony Melendy
Located in Houston, TX
Midcentury torch cut metal abstract Brutalist sculpture. Beautifully executed Mid-Century Modern Brutalist torch cut mixed metal abstract sculpture. ...
Brass, Copper
Biomorphic Elegance, Black Solid Wood by NONO, Still Stand No83
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Biomorphic Elegance, Black Solid Wood by NONO, Still Stand No83 Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to th...
Hardwood
Still Stand Abstract Sculpture, Wood, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, contemporary
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut
Walnut
$649Sale Price|20% Off
John Steck Desert Rose Metal and Stone Vintage Brutalist Sculpture
By John Steck, Silas Seandel, Curtis Jeré
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Vintage 1960s metal and stone table top sculpture. “Desert Rose” by John Steck is a timeless floral arrangement of bristly pom-pom blooms emanating from a stone base. The botanical a...
Stone, Metal
Brutalist Vintage Steel Fish Sculpture 1960's in the Manner of Fantoni
Located in Wilton, CT
Large vintage Brutalist steel sculpture of fishes fashioned from old pliers and a sheet metal snip. In the manner of Marcello Fantoni. The steel has been drizzled with solder to give...
Steel
Mid-century Abstract Brutalist Bronze
By A. Robillard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fabulous bronze of what looks to be a sphere. To me it seems brutalist in style, but also abstract. It has a big R on the bottom and it is dated 1967. Definitely a mystery piece. It ...
Bronze
Hand Crafted Brutalist Art Pottery Owl c 1970/1980’s
Located in New York, NY
Intriguing studio made ceramic pottery owl in the Brutalist style. The tonal polychrome mat finish glaze perfectly complements the textural surface. Suitable for use as a flower vase...
Pottery
American Brutalist Cubist Wrought Iron Sculpture Flying Bird, Kohn 1974
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brutalist torch cut metal abstract sculpture depicts a flying bird with outstretched wings, supported by spiral structure resting on demilune metal base. T...
Metal, Cut Steel
Joseph Lawrence Gardella Patinated Bronze Sculpture
Located in Astoria, NY
Joseph Lawrence Gardella (American, XX-XXI) Patinated Bronze Sculpture, rectangular with textured surface. 25.25" L x 7.75" W x 0.75" D. Provenance: From the Estate of Joseph Lawre...
Bronze
abstract geometric metal sculpture from the 60s in the style of Victor Vasarely
Located in Kiel, SH
small sculptural metal work in brass in the style of Victor Vasarely
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Abstract Bronze Sculpture on Dark Wood Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze sculpture features a vertical composition made up of sharp, angular geometric shapes with a heavily textured surface, mimicking the appearance of jagged natural rock or an abs...
Bronze
Still Stand No90, The Sleek Burned Oak Totem, a Synthesis of Dark Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Still Stand No90, The Sleek Burned Oak Totem, a Synthesis of Dark Elegance —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a t...
Hardwood
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Enamelled Iron Étagère in the Style of Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Brutalist enameled iron étagère in the style of Paul Evans, sculptural, freestanding, fitted with two removable bronzed glass 19" x 7" shelves The bas...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
NONO Elefante Sideboard 07, Robust Oak, Modernist Detail
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Sideboard 07, Robust Oak, Modernist Detail ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touc...
Hardwood
Theodore "Ted" Gall Figural Steel Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Figural sculpture by artist Ted Gall in Steel, secured to black laminated wood base. Signed. Theodore T. Gall began his career in the arts in the mid-sixti...
Steel
Sculptural Unseen Force #62: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Table, Modern Art Piece
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sculptural Unseen Force #62: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Table, Modern Art Piece Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to the nature of the production process, each piece may vary in grain, texture, shape or even size. The dimensions provided refer to the table only. The dimensions and shape of the sculpture may vary. — About the Concept. Unseen Force Coffee Tables and Side Tables, design by Joel Escalona for NONO When Tables Talk Art...
Hardwood