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.
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This vertical sculptural piece is a one of a kind work of art, carved from a single piece of wood to reveal a rhythmic stack of organic, pebble-like forms. The design evokes the anci...
Walnut
German Studio Pottery Jug Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1993
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist German Studio Pottery Jug Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1993, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999 This piece has an attribution mark, Additional informat...
Ceramic
Square Brutalist Stoneware Trinket by Sejer Keramik, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Raw looking yet delicately glazed quardratic trinket/box in glazed stoneware. Abstract circular lid motif in earthy/dusty glazes. Brilliant decorative piece for personal smalls, jewe...
Stoneware
Bronze Brutalist Sculpture In The Manner of Alberto Giacometti
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Bronze Brutalist Sculpture in the manner of Alberto Giacometti depicting a human figure on a round base
Bronze
Bronze Brutalist Sculpture Stylized Bouquet of Flowers
Located in Kent, CT
A well-executed mid-century Brutalist bronze sculpture depicting a stylized bouquet of flowers. Dark patina. Raised on a shaped wood block stand. Artist unknown. Dimensions: 15″L x 6...
Bronze
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Studio Pottery Wall Candle Holder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Studio Pottery Wall Candle Holder From Lovemose Denmark, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Addit...
Ceramic
Mid 20th Century Italian Carved Wood Abstract Sculpture by Moroder David
Located in Memphis, TN
A carved wooden abstract sculpture by Moroder David, Italy, second half of the 20th century, composed of stacked geometric forms with incised and relief detailing. The composition is...
Wood
Wooden Zodiac Sagittarius 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
Harlequin, American Cubist Modernist Welded Metal Sculpture, ca. 1970s
Located in New York, NY
About sculpture This figurative sculpture of a Harlequin standing in a relaxed pose is unusual not only in the choice of materials; but, most importantly, due to the unusual combina...
Metal
Brutalist Scandinavian Blue Stoneware Vase in the style of Annikki Hovisaari
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Large and special Scandinavian vase executed in glazed stoneware. It is square and features incised patterns and finished with a denim blue glaze. Un-known Scandinavian/Danish maker ...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Brutalist Solid Brass Candle Holder with Tripod Base, 1960s–70s
Located in Herentals, BE
Mid-century sculptural candle holder in solid brass, dating from the 1960s–70s. The circular top is defined by a radial organic relief, centered with a conical candle spike. Resting ...
Brass
$696Sale Price|39% Off
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Metal Sculpture, Torch Cut Sun Statue
By Paul Evans, C. Jeré Artisan House
Located in Decatur, GA
Large scale mid century brutalist sun sculpture. Torch cut patinated metal mounted on wood. Signed "CD". Excellent condition - no flaws of note. Measures: W 20" x D 20" x H 36"....
Metal, Iron
$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
DO16 Square Clock, Gold and aluminium coloured, Solid cast Brass & Aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Clock was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled materials. Cert...
Aluminum, Brass
Scheurich Fat Lava Ear Vase – Model 407-35, West Germany, 1970
Located in Herentals, BE
A rare Scheurich Fat Lava ear vase, model 407-35, crafted in West Germany ca. 1970. Featuring vibrant red glaze and heavy textured lava drip in brown and cream, this tall piece showc...
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Patinated Bronze Abstract Figurative Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Unearth a compelling work of art with this striking Vintage Patinated Bronze Abstract Figurative Sculpture, a piece that powerfully merges raw expression with refined form. Crafted f...
Bronze
Pair of Brutalist Cast Stainless Steel Candleholders by Olav Joa, Norway 1970s
A striking pair of Norwegian Brutalist candleholders designed by Olav Joa, circa 1970s. Executed in cast stainless steel (18-8), these sculptural candlesticks embody the bold archit...
Stainless Steel
Scandinavian Brutalist Glazed 3-neck Stoneware Vase, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual stoneware vase executed in white, brown and maroon drip glazes . It features 3 necks and can be viewed as The Scandinavian Equivalent of Japanese Ikebana. It was made anonymo...
Stoneware
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
Candle holder made of candle and brass, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Wax and brass candlestick, France, 1970s, a unique decorative piece blending raw materials and metallic elements. This candlestick consists of a deliberately irregular and textured c...
Brass
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
Brutalist Ceramic Vase, Green, Germany, 1980s, Studio Pottery Design
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase, Germany, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Green Styles: Brutalist Period: 1980...
Ceramic
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carved Modern Totem in Dark Black Solid Wood Elegance, Still Stand No95
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Carved Modern Totem in Dark Black Solid Wood Elegance, Still Stand No95 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a tes...
Hardwood
Modern Brutalist African Wooden Sculpture – Female Bust
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Modern Brutalist African Wooden Sculpture – Female Bust – 50 cm This is a striking sculpture of a female bust, carved in solid wood, in a style that combines modern minimalism, bruta...
Wood
Vintage Candle Holder Hand-Forged Iron Brutalist Design Italy, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Vintage candle holder hand-forged iron brutalist design Italy, 1970s This vintage candle holder made of hand-forged iron in a brutalist design dates back to the 1970s in Italy. The ...
Iron
$287Sale Price|20% Off
1960s German Walther Glas "Solifleur" Single Stem Round Vase in Crystal
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage 1960s "Solifleur" single stem vase by german manufacturing company "Walther Glas". It's a quite big version of one of Walther's most famous design...
Glass, Art Glass
Menorah G048 Abstract Candelabra Cast Brass Gold Coloured Made in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Menorah was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled materials. Ce...
Brass
Puzzle Table Clock D021 Solid Brass and Aluminum Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Table Clock was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain fr...
Aluminum, Brass
Large Basket Bowl A016 Solid Cast Brass Aluminum Handmade Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Basket Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain f...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Style Wall-Mounted Candleholders
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Striking Mid-Century iron candleholders in a handsome Brutalist style. Great for indoor and outdoor use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).
Iron
Ceramic Table Tiger Statue Alcobaca Portugal Hollywood Regency Vintage 1970s
Located in London, GB
This 30cm tall ceramic tiger imported in the 1970s from Alcobaca, Portugal, a city famous for its ceramics. This little tiger has a fearful pose bigger than its height! Expertly mo...
Ceramic
"Rino"Contemporary Silver Hanger in Aluminium Cast by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This contemporary Hanger was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite difficult, if not impossible to mak...
Aluminum
Vintage British Brutalist Bowl in Ceramic from Tremar UK
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage British Brutalist Bowl in Ceramic from Tremar UK, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Ceram...
Ceramic
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
A sculpture carved from a single solid log, the form is abstract and figurative at the same time, suggesting a figure, a link, or simply the wood finding its own logic. The negative ...
Walnut
DO12 Perforated Clock, Gold coloured, Solid cast Brass Handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Clock was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled materials. Cert...
Brass
M. Cohen Cherry Wood "Live Edge"Turned Bowls
Located in Sharon, CT
Two brutalist hand turned bowls. Each signed on bottom by hand 'MCohen Cherry Burl' 10"diameter x 3 1/4" ht. and 9"diameter x 3 3/4"height.
Cherry
Candelabra Cobra G022 Cast Brass Gold coloured made in Spain by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Candelabre was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled materials. ...
Brass
Octopus Clock D005 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Octopus Clock was created by David Marshall, from sand cast brass & aluminium. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and...
Aluminum, Brass
A Brutalist Sculpture By Chet LaMore ca' 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant, bronze sculpture by a noted artist Chet LaMore, ca' 1960, entitled "Column". On original base. "Chet La More was an American painter, sculptor,...
Bronze
Trapeze Clock D013 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Trapeze Clock Tray was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass.Makes a beautiful Wedding or Company Gift. Handmade, mounted and...
Aluminum, Brass
A Golden SHABBY-CHIC Wrought Iron CANDELABRA CANDLESTICK, France 1990-2000
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular candlestick or candelabra sculpture, Post-Modernist, Brutalist, Shabby-Chic, "organic" tree composition of golden wrought iron rods and leaves, mounted on a quadripod b...
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron Candle Stand With Beads Denmark
Located in Den Haag, NL
Hand forged Wrought Iron Candle Stand With Beads . Good condition .
Wrought Iron
Pair of Bronze Faux Bois Candlesticks, France, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and interesting pair of candlesticks sculpted as tree branches in an elegant faux bois trompe-l’œil is made of patinated bronze. The textured surface is remarkably detailed...
Bronze
Brutalist Hand-Crafted Brass and Iron Candle Holders, 1960s Pair
Located in Round Top, TX
Twisted iron candle sticks in two different heights. Hand-made pieces with the most incredible bases that have a trio of circular "feet". Shorter: 6" Diameter x 15.13"H Taller: 6" ...
Brass, Iron
$6,000Sale Price|33% Off
Abstract Modern Art Sculpture! "Phoenix Rising" Direct Metal & Marble 1950s
By Seymour Lipton
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT! DIRECT METAL SCULPTURE "PHOENIX RISING" MID CENTURY ABSTRACT ART! ATTRIBUTED TO SEYMOUR LIPTON Signed & Titled "Phoenix Rising" Lipton 1958 DIMENSIONS: 23" HIGH x 7...
Marble, Bronze
Stoneware pot, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A French stoneware pot from the 1960s, exemplifying the post-war revival of handcrafted ceramics. Its architectural and balanced form is characterized by a cylindrical body topped wi...
Stoneware
Mid-20th Century Pair of Brutalist Candleholders/Sculptures by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
These two pieces by Israeli artist David Palombo are in his signature Brutalist style and use the two materials he is best known for iron and natural stone. Fully functional as candl...
Stone, Iron
Decorative box by Arnaldo Pomodoro for Edizioni Ars D, Milan 1980
Located in Conversano, IT
Stunning box designed by Arnaldo Pomodoro for Edizioni Ars D, Milan, commissioned by Ciga Hotels in the early 1980s. This highly limited edition consists of only 520 pieces, each cra...
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Metal Sculpture, Hand-Crafted in Italy
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An abstract, vintage Mid-Century modern sculpture made of hand crafted cut steel, in good condition. The detailed Brutalist décor piece is enhanced by many different metal pieces, su...
Metal, Cut Steel
Abstract Charred Wood Sculpture, Totemic Form, By Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This expressive abstract sculpture is a one of a kind piece, hand carved from a single block of solid hardwood. Its dynamic silhouette, defined by reaching limbs and an open stance, ...
Wood
Wooden Zodiac Crab Cancer Wall Plaque Relief Brutalist Midcentury, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wooden wall plaque relief, 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 decoration it...
Plywood
Organic Sculptural Stoneware Vessel with Volcanic Texture, Handmade Ceramic
Located in Istanbul, TR
This piece is entirely handmade in my Istanbul studio using high-temperature stoneware. The surface is created through an experimental firing and glaze interaction that produces an o...
Stoneware
Candleholder by Rosette Bir
By Rosette Bir
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1970s massif steel candleholder signed by the French artist Rosette Bir. Great condition Unique piece.
Steel
Menorah G046 two Coloured Gold Silver Handmade in Spain Tabletop Candlestick
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Menorah was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful W...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Brutalist German Studio Pottery Carafe Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1974
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist German Studio Pottery Carafe Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1974, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional infor...
Ceramic
$177Sale Price|43% Off
Mdina Art Glass Vase, Bark Texture, Tortoiseshell Effect, Malta, 1970s
By Mdina
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Mdina art glass vase, handcrafted in Malta in the 1970s, features a bark-textured surface with a distinctive tortoiseshell effect, reflecting the studio’s experimental approach ...
Art Glass
Large Brutalist Glass Vase, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Brutalist Glass Vase, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Glass Styles: Brutalist Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-owne...
Glass
Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Vase, West Germany, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Vase from Ruscha, West Germany, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such a...
Ceramic
1970's Mexican Brutalist Welded And Hammered Steel House Shaped Sculpture
Located in Mexico City, MX
A 1970's anonymous Mexican Brutalist hammered and welded steel sculpture in shape of a house. The geometric design of the composition has a perfect ...
Steel
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materi...
Ceramic