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.
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
Brutalist Abstract Iron Sculpture, Signed CH, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
An expressive Brutalist sculpture in welded iron, composed of sharply cut geometric elements that merge into a dynamic and almost architectural form. The layered construction, pierce...
Iron
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
Brutalist Bronze Sculpture by Ralph Tazian
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist bronze sculpture on a mahogany base by Laguna Beach based artist Ralph Tazian
Bronze
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
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
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
Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Carved Wood Totem Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introduce a powerful and dramatic vertical element into your interior with this monumental hand-carved wooden totem sculpture. A masterful work of Brutalist and Organic Modern design...
Metal
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
Sculptural Modern Brutalist Letsopa Tribal-Inspired Decorative Totem 1
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
This modern sculptural Brutalist decorative totem by Egg Designs merges sculptural form with primitive inspiration. Handcrafted in unglazed terracotta, the design draws on tribal mot...
Terracotta
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
$305Sale 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
Torch Cut Brass Birds on Starburst Nail Wall Art Style Seandale, Bowie or Jere
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 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
Wrought iron sculpture lying woman France 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Wrought iron sculpture lying woman France 1970
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Brass Tree Sculpture by Friedle, Circa 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Brutalist brass sculpture of a Tree Cluster grouping by Friedle.
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
$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
Large brutalist wall sculpture, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Architectural brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 52cm Width: 195cm Ref.: 2508120405
Metal
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
Don Reitz Important Abstract Expressionist Ceramic Sculpture
By Don Reitz
Located in Sharon, CT
Important Don Reitz (1929-2014) thrown vase. Brutalized, incised, glazed and sculpted into a suggestion of a figure. About as 'attacked' and expressive as a thrown ceramic gets. Sign...
Pottery
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
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
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
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
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
$727Sale Price|20% Off
A small brass sculpture of an owl in a brutalist style - France - 1970s
By Germaine Richier, César Baldaccini
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A small brass sculpture of an owl in a style reminiscent of Germain Richier or César Baldaccini. This unique piece features a textured, organic surface, marked by raw details and a h...
Brass
Copper Abstract Table Sculpture on Live Edge Mount
Located in Fulton, CA
Free-form copper sculpture mounted to a live edge wood base.
Copper
Brutalist Candleholder Sculpture by David Marshall, Brass & Aluminum
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This brutalist sculpture, made of solid brass and aluminum, presents itself differently from every angle. The sculpture's curvature and the recessed center are the defining design fe...
Aluminum, Brass
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
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
A Sculpture of Dark Elegance, Biomorphic Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No97
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A Sculpture of Dark Elegance, Biomorphic Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No97 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a ...
Hardwood
Welded Chrome Automobile Bumper Abstract Sculpture by Jason Seley, '1919-1983'
By Jason Seley
Located in West Chester, PA
Large scale welded chromium-plated steel salvaged car parts sculpture by artist Jason Seley (1919-1983). Signed by the artist. Rectangular base measures roughly 18" x 10".
Steel, Chrome
A Brutalist Sculpture By Chet LaMore ca' 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A whimsical, figurative bronze sculpture by a noted artist Chet LaMore. "Chet La More was an American painter, sculptor, printmaker, and educator. He was ...
Bronze
Abstract, Brutalist Sculpture in Copper, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Object resembling a group of flowers. Executed in patinated copper. Raw and brutal in expression. It was executed during the 1970s within the perimeters of Middelfart Psychiatric Hos...
Copper
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
$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
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
Georges Vandevoorde Brutalist Abstract Welded Bronze Sculpture, Ca. 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Brutalist Abstractionism Georges Vandevoorde 'La Vie Interieure De L'Homme' ('The Inner Life of Man') Welded Bronze, Gold Patina Belgium, Circa, 1960s DIMENSIONS Heig...
Bronze
Brutalist Wall Sculpture of Patinated Metal
By Silas Seandel, Tony Melendy, Curtis Jeré
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
Large brutalist wall sculpture, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Architectural brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 90cm Width: 175cm Ref.: 2508120403 *All images are always pa...
Metal
Brutalist Cast Iron Fireplace Screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna – Sweden
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
A striking and sculptural fireplace screen designed by Swedish artist Olle Hermansson and produced by Husqvarna in the 1960s. Crafted in solid cast iron, this piece is a bold example...
Iron
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
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Patinated Solid Bronze Abstract Wall Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique solid bronze wall sculpture according to the original owner was purchased in a gallery in Italy back in the 1960s it's signed but hard to read the name as shown in the pictu...
Bronze
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
$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
NONO Elefante Buffet 15, Solid Oak, Understated Design Detail
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Buffet 15, Solid Oak, Understated Design Detail ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO ...
Hardwood
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
NONO Elefante Buffet 03, Oak Craft, Bold Statement
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
Vintage Bronze Abstract Brutalist Bull Fighter Sculpture by Prince Monyo, 1970s
By Prince Monyo
Located in Troy, MI
Vintage Prince Monyo Bronze Abstract Brutalist Sculpture 1970s Rare Bull Fighter sculpture by Prince Monyo Mihailescu-Nasturel (b. Bucharest, 1...
Bronze
$11,706 / item
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
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
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
"Two Dancers" Bronze Sculpture, Kostas Dikefalos (B.1956) Signed
Located in London, GB
‘Two Dancers’ bronze sculpture by Kostas Dikefalos (born 1956). Beautiful from any angle and signed. Kostas Dikefalos was born in Zakynthos in 1956. He studied sculpture with...
Bronze
Curtis Jere Horse Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Metal Curtus Jere horse sculpture with bronzy patina.
Metal
Brutalist Bronze Unicorn Sculpture Attributed at Pal Kepenyes
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1980 We offer this Brutalist Bronze Unicorn Sculpture attributed at Pal Kepenyes.
Brass
Max Finkelstein Brutalist Welded Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Max Finkelstein brutalist welded and hammered brass sculpture in heavy patina. Signed Finkelstein 64
Brass
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
$11,706 / item
NONO Elefante Stand 05, Oak Beauty, Versatile Elegance
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Stand 05, Oak Beauty, Versatile Elegance————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch N...
Hardwood
Brutalist Mermaid Sculpture, Hand-Welded Metal, Aged Bronze Finish
Located in Raymondville, TX
This alluring brutalist abstract mermaid floor sculpture has been hand skillfully crafted out of hundreds of individually welded steel pieces of various shapes. Its intriguing 360 de...
Metal