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.
$17,900 / item
Black Solid Wood Sculpture by Escalona, Still Stand 102
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Dark Elegance of Abstract Black Solid Wood Captured by Escalona, Still Stand No102 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Eac...
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
$2,200 / item
Sculptural Vessels in Gray by Sonja Duo-Meyer
By Sonja Duó-Meyer
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural vessels in an ovoid form with walled aperture. Hand-built of gray chamotte Limoges porcelain by Swiss ceramic artist Sonja Duo-Meyer (b. 1953) and executed circa 1995. The...
Porcelain
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Design of Sleek Darkness, Modern Black Solid Wood Totem by NONO, Still Stand 101
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Design of Sleek Darkness, Modern Black Solid Wood Totem by NONO, Still Stand No101 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each o...
Hardwood
1970s Jaime Artigas Brutalist Iron Console Table Base
By Jaime Artigas
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1970s Mexican Brutalism rare custom console table desk. Work of art. Base features solid Iron metal sculpture by Jaime Arti...
Bronze, Steel, Iron
Brutalist Bronze Sculpture, Marble Base, Signed Gerber Style Of Oppenheim 1973
Located in North Miami, FL
This heavy molten bronze question mark, bird or chicken sculpture has the traccia feet that is reminiscent on the coveted Meret Oppeneheim table. It sits in the original variegated green and black marble base with a bronze pole...
Marble, Bronze
Sleek Abstract Sculpture in Burned Oak, Still Stand No82 by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sleek Abstract Sculpture in Burned Oak, Still Stand No82 by NONO —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament t...
Hardwood
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
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Ars Munda Flowers Wall Decoration Brutalism 1960s
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
The Sleek Totem of Dark Elegance in Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No90
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Sleek Totem of Dark Elegance in Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No90 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testam...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Abstract Elegance, Dark, Sleek Black Solid Wood by Escalona, Still Stand No98
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Elegance, Dark, Sleek Black Solid Wood by Escalona, Still Stand No98 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a...
Hardwood
20th Century School Brutalist Bronze Sculpture of Standing Woman, Signed
Located in Germantown, MD
A brutalist bronze sculpture of well dressed standing woman in good vintage condition. Measures 6" in width, 6" in depth and stands 18.25" tall. Signed on base
Bronze
Terracotta Sculpture of an Expressionist Head, Italy, 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
Terracotta Sculpture of an Expressionist Head, Italy, 1960s. The style is reminiscent of early 20th-century modern sculpture (think of artists such as Medardo Rosso, Arturo Martini,...
Pottery
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Joel Escalona's Sleek Dark Totem in Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No92
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Sleek Dark Totem in Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No92 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testam...
Hardwood
Dark Modern Totem, Black Solid Wood, Vision by Escalona, Still Stand No81
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Dark Modern Totem, Black Solid Wood, Vision by Escalona, Still Stand No81—— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a tes...
Hardwood
Abstract Beauty in Black Solid Wood, Escalona's Work, Still Stand No79
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Beauty in Black Solid Wood, Escalona's Work, Still Stand No79 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testa...
Hardwood
Brutalist Welded Steel Nude Female on Chair Sculpture by Gene Logan for Elrod
By Logan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Spectacular 1975 Brutalist nude female on chair by listed sculptor Gene Adams Logan 1922-1999 for Arthur Elrod. The Sculpture is published in the Arthur Elrod Book. Constructed of ...
Steel
Modern Art Carved in Sleek Dark Black Solid Wood, NONO's Still Stand No99
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Art Carved in Sleek Dark Black Solid Wood, NONO's Still Stand No99 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a te...
Hardwood
Brutalist Fish sculpture made in Brass.
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Brutalist Fish sculpture made in Brass.
Brass
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elegance in Black Solid Wood by NONO, Still Stand No78 Redefined
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elegance in Black Solid Wood by NONO, Still Stand No78 Redefined —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament ...
Hardwood
A Decorative French Shabby Brutalist Decoy Duck This is a good sound piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Decorative French Shabby Brutalist Decoy Duck This is a good sound piece of French Country living, our decoy has metal wings, tail and beak, a flat underside and he floats very c...
Wood
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
Svelte Elefante Console 18, NONO Design, Tactile Oak Finish
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Svelte Elefante Console 18, NONO Design, Tactile Oak Finish ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting El...
Hardwood
Unseen Force #52: Solid Oak Table, Joel Escalona's Functional Art
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Unseen Force #52: Solid Oak Table, Joel Escalona's Functional Art 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
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante Tapered Leg Console 16 by NONO, Oak Craft, Stout Silhouette
Joel Escalona Defines Sleek, Dark Burned Oak in Abstract Design, Still Stand 96
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona Defines Sleek, Dark Burned Oak in Abstract Design, Still Stand No96 _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one i...
Hardwood
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
NONO Elefante Buffet 19, Oak Stalwart, Tiered Shelving Design
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Buffet 19, Oak Stalwart, Tiered Shelving Design ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Craf...
Hardwood
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Artisanal Unseen Force #68: Joel Escalona's Crafted Oak Table, Elegance & Form
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artisanal Unseen Force #68: Joel Escalona's Crafted Oak Table, Elegance & Form 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
Elefante by NONO Console 20, Slender Oak Elegance, Substantial Presence
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Console 20, Slender Oak Elegance, Substantial Presence ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a ...
Hardwood
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
BIJAN Metal Sculpture Dog with Birds Pursuit Copper and Brass on Stone Base
By Bijan
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage BIJAN Metal Sculpture Dog with Birds Pursuit Copper and Brass on Stone Base. Mid Century Modern Bijan metal sculpture circa 1960 1970s. T...
Stone, Metal, Brass, Bronze, Copper
A Dark, Elegant Design Materializes in Burned Oak, Still Stand No91, by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A Dark, Elegant Design Materializes in Burned Oak, Still Stand No91, by NONO —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a...
Hardwood
Contemporary Steel Brutalist Sculpture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Studio steel sculpture of animal using found objects. Sculpture measures 26" wide, 15" deep and 26" high.
Steel
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sleek and Dark, Joel Escalona's Burned Oak Totem Emerges, Still Stand No92
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sleek and Dark, Joel Escalona's Burned Oak Totem Emerges, Still Stand No92 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a t...
Hardwood
$9,793Sale Price / item|20% Off
Decor-Focused Unseen Force #69: Solid Wood by Joel Escalona, Coffee Table Art
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Decor-Focused Unseen Force #69: Solid Wood by Joel Escalona, Coffee Table Art Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to th...
Hardwood
Anne Van Kleeck standing woman brutalist bronze
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Anne Van Kleeck American… 1922 - 1998. this is a modernist bronze female sculpture, her face is beautifully sculpted, and her clothing is draped in a modernness fashion covering her ...
Bronze
$724Sale Price|74% Off
1950s Japanese Iron Bird Sculpture Mid-Century Asian Cabinmodern Art
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Hard to find object, we have never seen another. It is cast metal with a faux verdigris/archaic finish, marked JAPAN on verso. Weighs 1.5 pounds, stand 5.25 inches tall.
Metal
Large Scale Brutalist Gilt Metal Pelican Sculpture Ashtray Stand
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large scale, brutalist gilt metal pelican bird sculpture. American Mid century handcrafted metal Pelican Ashtray Stand. This stylish sculpture of a pel...
Metal
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
In Burned Oak, a Dark Biomorphic Sculpture of Elegance Emerges, Still Stand No97
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
In Burned Oak, a Dark Biomorphic Sculpture of Elegance Emerges, Still Stand No97 _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is ...
Hardwood
Artisan Elefante Sideboard 14, NONO Crafted, Subtle Oak Finish
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artisan Elefante Sideboard 14, NONO Crafted, Subtle Oak Finish ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernis...
Hardwood
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
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
A Sleek, Dark Burned Oak Totem, Carved into Modern Art, NONO's Still Stand No99
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A Sleek, Dark Burned Oak Totem, Carved into Modern Art, NONO's Still Stand No99 _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is ...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Biomorphic Burned Oak Elegance, Still Stand No83, Crafted by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Biomorphic Burned Oak Elegance, Still Stand No83, Crafted by NONO —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. ...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carved Elegance, Black Solid Wood Still Stand No80 by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Carved Elegance, Black Solid Wood Still Stand No80 by NONO —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the ...
Hardwood
$9,882Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sculptural Elegance Unseen Force #53: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Coffee Table
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sculptural Elegance Unseen Force #53: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Coffee Table Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to the ...
Hardwood
NONO Elefante Sideboard 17, Oak Durability, Graceful Overhang
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Sideboard 17, Oak Durability, Graceful Overhang ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist ...
Hardwood
Minimalist Elefante Console 13, NONO Signature Oak, Balanced Structure
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Minimalist Elefante Console 13, NONO Signature Oak, Balanced Structure ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a M...
Hardwood
$11,706 / item
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
Unseen Force #60: Solid Wood Coffee Table, Joel Escalona's Decorative Artistry
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Unseen Force #60: Solid Wood Coffee Table, Joel Escalona's Decorative Artistry 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
Artisan Unseen Force #64: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Coffee Table, Decor Accent
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artisan Unseen Force #64: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Coffee Table, Decor Accent Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to t...
Hardwood
Anonymous late 20th Century European modern sculpture. Sphere of metal bolts.
Located in København K, 84
Anonymous European modern sculpture. This captivating sculpture, comprised of hundreds of intricately welded metal bolts, converges into a seamless and imposing sphere. This work of...
Metal
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Svelte Elefante Console 18, NONO Design, Tactile Wood Finish
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Svelte Elefante Console 18, NONO Design, Tactile Oak Finish ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist To...
Hardwood
Brutalist Period Bronze Sculpture of Man
Located in New York, NY
Vintage patinated bronze sculpture of a man in the Brutalist style, mounted on marble plinth, measuring 23 3/4 by 9 3/4 by 5 inches. 41.6 lbs. Apparently unsigned and dating from t...
Marble, Bronze
Freestanding Brutalist Metal Sculpture after Jere
Located in New York, NY
Impressive freestanding Brutalist sculpture in the manner of Jere, Evans, unsigned. The piece has an organic form top (10 inch in diameter,) which stands on metal rods, which are att...
Steel, Wrought Iron
$770Sale Price|30% Off
Paco Valle Brutalist Metal Wire Sculpture Man And Woman Paul Evans Style
By Paul Evans
Located in Wayne, NJ
Very Detailed Paco Valle Brutalist Metal Wirework Wire Work Sculpture Of A Man And Woman Lovers . Would go wonderful with both Paul Evans , Cutis C. Jere an...
Metal
Vintage "Broken Fiddle" Bronze Violin Sculpture on Stand by Chaim Hendin
By Chaim Hendin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage "Broken Fiddle" Bronze/Brass Violin Brutalist Sculpture on Stand by Chaim Hendin (Israeli, B. 1920). "Broken Fiddle" is a memorial to musicians who died in the Holocaust. Art...
Bronze
$900Sale Price|40% Off
Brutalist Bronze Ram Sculpture on Lucite Plinth Signed M. Katz
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Brutalist bronze ram sculpture on Lucite plinth signed M. Katz.
Bronze
Taurus, Chainsaw Carved, Burnt Oak, Abstract Sculpture, Bull, Handmade, Black
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Taurus, Chainsaw Carved, Burnt Oak
Oak
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