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.
$11,706 / item
Elefante Oak Sideboard 01, NONO Charm, Sleek Utility
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Oak Sideboard 01, NONO Charm, Sleek Utility ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch N...
Hardwood
Abstract Brutalist Bird Sculpture, Welded Bronze on Concrete Base, C 1960s-70s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A compelling example of mid-century Brutalist metalwork, this hand-worked bronze sculpture depicts an abstracted bird form with remarkable economy of means. The composition balances ...
Concrete, Bronze
Handcrafted Sculptural Stoneware Vase with Geometric Relief Elements
Located in Istanbul, TR
This sculptural stoneware vase explores the relationship between geometry, shadow, and surface. Handcrafted from stoneware clay, the vessel features a series of circular relief eleme...
Stoneware
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
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
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
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Dog
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This charming vintage studio pottery sculpture is a masterful celebration of texture and whimsical design. Hand-crafted with striking attention to detail, the piece captures the ende...
Pottery
Train on Track with Smoke by Brutalist Artist Chet Blacketer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful and Heavily Patinated, very large example of Brutalist - a train on a track. The entire piece is a solid unit, very stable and also quite heavy. In the manner of Jere, ...
Iron
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
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
Glen Davis Welded Metal Sculpture
By Glen Davis
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s in great vintage condition. W. Glen Davis is an American sculptor who was born in the 20th Century
Metal
Mid Century Modern Abstract Bronze Sculpture of a Standing Tree Stump Log
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular Brutalist expression of a standing tree stump log in Bronze. Artist unknown, but definitely from the early 1970s. Amazing artistic craftsmanship. The stump is well balan...
Bronze
Brutalist Sculpture by Dimitri Hadzi
By Dimitri Hadzi
Located in New York, NY
Bronze, brass and wood cabinet scale Brutalist sculpture by noted sculptor Dimitri Hadzi. Intriguing abstract mixed metal example signed on the base, as shown.
Brass, Bronze, Iron
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Slim Elefante Console 08, NONO Craft, Chic Brutalist Style
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Slim Elefante Console 08, NONO Craft, Chic Brutalist Style ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist To...
Hardwood
Brutalist Steel Sculpture of “Amphetrite” by Dale Edwards
By Dale Edwards
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Welded steel sculpture of “Amphetrite” goddess of the ocean. By American sculptor Dale Edwards. Signed Dale and dated 74 (see detail photos). In origi...
Steel
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
Art-Form Table Unseen Force #58: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood, Elegant Decor
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Art-Form Table Unseen Force #58: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood, Elegant Decor 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
Curtis Jere Horse Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Metal Curtus Jere horse sculpture with bronzy patina.
Metal
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
Large Brutalist "Pom Pom" Brass Wall Sculture by Curtis Jere Signed and Dated
By Curtis Jeré, Artisan House, Curtis Freiler, Jerry Fels
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive Modernist brass 'Pom Pom' / 'Sea Urchin' wall sculpture by Curtis Jere (Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels) for Artisan House (1979, USA). Striking, extra large wall art compos...
Brass
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante by NONO Console 11, Stout Oak Base, Refined Top
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Console 11, Stout Oak Base, Refined Top ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touc...
Hardwood
Midcentury Torch Cut Metal Abstract Brutalist Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré, Diego Giacometti, Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Tony Melendy, Silas Seandel
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
A Zoomorphic BRUTALIST Ritual SCULPTURE Unique PIECE from LA BORNE France 1980
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional, spectacular and "mystical" phantasmagorical sculpture, inspired by nature and the wild, mineral or organic and animal or even... shamanic! in 3 nested parts, Zoomorph...
Ceramic
$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
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
Large burtalist wal sculpture, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Architectural brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 85cm Width: 185cm Ref.: 2508120401 *All images are always pa...
Metal
Original Pal Kepenyes Articulate Sculpture Signed
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Rare and Original Pal Kepenyes Articulate Sculpture Signed made in brass. Pal Kepenyes was a Hungarian artist and jewelry designer known for his unique and...
Brass
Gladiator and Jester, Brutalist Sculptures in Mixed Metal, 1966-1967
By B. O'Byrne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Superlative examples of welded, Brutalist sculptures from the 1960s, this pairing of Gladiator and "King's Clown" were executed in steel, brass and slate by B. O'Byrne. The sculptor ...
Steel
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
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
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
Flowers and Bee Sculpture in Mixed Metal on Quartz by Ken Rains
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical flowers with bee sculpture in mixed metal on quartz base by Ken Rains, circa 1970s. The sculpture is in very good vintage condition and measur...
Quartz, Metal
Brutalist Handcrafted Wall Sculpture of a Rooster, Europe, circa 1960s–1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brutalist Handcrafted Wall Sculpture of a Rooster, Europe, circa 1960s–1970s A striking Brutalist wall sculpture depicting a rooster, handcrafted in forged and welded metal with an ...
Metal
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
Curtis Jere Brass Spiral Brutalist Articulating Table Sculpture on Marble Base
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Curtis Jere brass articulating spiral table sculpture. This vintage Jere sculpture features a spiraling brass design with brutalist elements. It has multicolored rods with raw weld...
Marble, Brass
Lover by Kalou Dubus, Black Stoneware Ceramic, Unique Light Sculptural
By Kalou Dubus
Located in PANTIN, -
This unique sculptural lamp by French artist Kalou Dubus is titled Lovers. Handcrafted in black stoneware, the piece features a raw, textured surface that emphasizes the material’s n...
Quartz
Original Pal Kepenyes Sculpture Signed
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Pal Kepenyes Sculpture made in brass and wood, signed. Pal Kepenyes was a Hungarian artist and jewelry designer known for his unique and innovative designs...
Brass
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. 17 inches wide by 18 ¼ inches tall by 8 inches deep
Metal
Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Joseph Burlini Titled Icarus Signed on Lucite Base
Located in Winnetka, IL
A bronze sculpture by Joseph A. Burlini signed J. A. Burlini etched in the lucite base. Done in the Brutalist style.
Bronze
Jacques Lerebourg Welded Steel Brutalist Wall Sculpture
Located in Norwood, NJ
Welded and cut steel abstract Brutalist wall hanging sculpture by French sculptor Jacques Lerebourg. Jacques Lerebourg is a 20th-century French artist known for his abstract and natu...
Steel
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Carved Stone Torso Sculpture by J-Muk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Carved Stone Torso Sculpture on wood base, inscribed "J-Muk" by the artist.
Stone
$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
1960s Bronze Sculpture by Thure Thörn – Seated Female Figure (3/7)
By Thure Thorn
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
An exceptional and highly decorative bronze sculpture by renowned Swedish artist Thure Thörn, dating from the 1960s. This powerful piece depicts a seated female figure, rendered wit...
Bronze
Vintage Iron Giraffe Sculpture in Brutalist Style, 29\" Tall, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Brutalist style hand forged and welded steel giraffe sculpture with a rich dark patina. Heavily inspired by traditional West African ironworks this piece captures an elongate...
Iron
Cubic by Kalou Dubus, Black Stoneware Ceramic, Unique Light Sculptural
By Kalou Dubus
Located in PANTIN, -
This one-of-a-kind sculptural lamp by French artist Kalou Dubus is titled Cubic. Handcrafted in raw black grogged stoneware, the piece combines a dense, architectural presence with a...
Stone
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
$750Sale Price|50% Off
Macabre Surreal Brutalist Steel Step Sculpture
Located in New Windsor, NY
Torch cut steel and mixed metals Surrealist sculpture of a headless seated figure. Haunting and thought provoking piece dating from the late 1960s-the early 1970s. Unsigned. The ...
Steel, Cut Steel, Wire
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Gecco Figurine in Gray
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Gecco Figurine, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Gray Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century...
Metal
Donald Drum Style MCM 1960s Cast Aluminum Brutalist Exotic Wild Beast Sculpture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large Mid-Century Modern Donald Drum style cast aluminum brutalist exotic African wild beast sculpture on base. Also after Bruce Fox designs. In fine cond...
Aluminum
Vintage Boho Artisanal Pigmented Plaster Scagliola Turtle Shell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This monumental artisanal sculpture is a masterclass in organic Postmodern design, utilizing the sophisticated scagliola technique to recreate the intricate beauty of a giant sea tur...
Plaster, Paint
Sterling Silver Bust of Winston Churchill (London, 1969)
Located in Islamabad, PK
Sterling Silver Bust of Winston Churchill (London, 1969) Material: Sterling Silver (.925) Dimensions: 3 inches (7.6 cm) height × 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) width Weight: 488 grams (unweight...
Silver
Vintage Boho Artisanal Pigmented Plaster Scagliola Turtle Shell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking artisanal sculpture is a masterclass in organic Postmodern design, utilizing the sophisticated scagliola technique to mimic the intricate patterns of a turtle shell. Ha...
Plaster, Paint
Large Modernist Abstract Sculpture "INNERWOVEN STRUCTURE" by Duayne Hatchett
By Duanye Hatchett
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large modernist abstract sculpture "INNERWOVEN STRUCTURE" by Duayne Hatchett. Amazing graceful bent layers of metal, can be mounted, hung as a mobile or on a stationary surface, i.e....
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
Brutalist Welded Steel Abstract Sculpture In The Style Of Curtis Jeré
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Mexico City, MX
A patinated steel abstract sculpture in the style of Curtis Jeré. Manufactured in the 1970's. The leaf-shaped designs are folded and overlapped to resemble a tree. The piece is unsig...
Steel
Vintage Boho Abstract Brutalist Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This abstract sculptural piece stands upright like a totemic figure, composed of stacked and intersecting geometric forms—cylinders, blocks, and rounded slices—that interlock in a ve...
Metal
"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
$3,600Sale Price|45% Off
Brutalist Period Mixed Metals and Wood Couple Sculpture JN
Located in New Windsor, NY
Amazing mixed metals and wood Brutalist Period couple sculpture. A wonderful mix of copper, brass, nails and wood that have been manipulated, cut, carved, heated, tacked, and welded ...
Metal, Copper
Israeli Brutalist Iron and Jerusalem Stone Octopus Menorah by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
This striking Brutalist menorah by David Palombo masterfully fuses raw iron with natural Jerusalem stone, embodying both strength and heritage. Hand-forged with nine rugged, textured...
Stone, Iron
1960s Owl Sculpture On A Painted Black Base
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s Owl Sculpture On A Painted Black Base Willem DeGroot Style Wood Base has some wear
Metal