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.
Vintage Terracotta Pottery Jugs With Twisted Handles- Set of 2
Located in Duxbury, MA
Pair of vintage unglazed terracotta jugs. Dimensions: Smaller: 7.75" H x 4.25" W Larger: 8.25" tall x 4.63" W
Pottery, 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
Timeless Design with Subtle Hand Forged Forms, Wrought Iron Fireplace Tools Set
Located in Lisse, NL
This artistic and strong wrought iron fire set will help manage the fire in your fireplace. If you are passionate about artistic and handcrafted antiques, then this fireplace set fr...
Iron, Wrought Iron
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
Danish Brutalist Ceramic Vase w. Petrol Blue Glaze by Hanne Grabow for Gratia
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A square and tactile brutalist vase decorated with numerals, symbols and petrol green blue'ish glaze. It is a studio piece unique made by the female Danish ceramist Hanne Grabow at h...
Ceramic
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
Scrap Metal Art of a Tank c1970
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Metal Art of a Tank c1970 Introducing a stunning piece of artisan craftsmanship that transcends mere decoration: a handmade scrap metal tank from the 1970s, skill-fully assembled fro...
Steel
Eastern European Juried Ceramic Vase, Textured Glaze with Green Motif, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Short Ceramic Vase with Acid Green Abstract Motif A vintage ceramic vase featuring a classic rounded form and a textured beige-brown glaze accented with an acid green abstra...
Ceramic
Mid-Century German Brutalist Studio Pottery Floor Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern German Brutalist Studio Pottery Floor Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1967
Pottery
Eastern European Ceramic Vase, Textured Glaze with Acid Green Motif, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Short Ceramic Vase with Abstract Motif A vintage ceramic vase featuring a classic rounded silhouette and a textured beige-brown glaze accented with an acid green abstract mo...
Ceramic
Eastern European Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Textured Glaze with Green Motif, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Narrow-Mouth Ceramic Vase with Green Abstract Motif A vintage ceramic cylinder vase featuring a narrow-mouth form and a textured brown-grey glaze accented with a hand-applie...
Ceramic
Eastern European Ceramic Vase, Textured Glaze with Green Motif, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Ceramic Vase with Grass Green Abstract Motif A vintage ceramic vase featuring a textured brown-grey glaze accented with a grass-green abstract motif. The balanced form and t...
Ceramic
Eastern European Ceramic Oval Vase, Textured Glaze with Green Motif, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Narrow-Mouth Ceramic Vase with Grass Green Abstract Motifs A vintage ceramic oval vase featuring a narrow-mouth form and a textured brown glaze accented with a grass-green a...
Ceramic
Cubic by Kalou Dubus, Black Stoneware Ceramic, Unique Light Sculptural
By Kalou Dubus
Located in PANTIN, FR
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
Hungarian Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Textured Glaze with Green Motif, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase with Green Abstract Decoration, circa 1960s–1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic cylinder vase featuring a textured brown-grey glaze accented with a hand...
Ceramic
Brutalist German Vase from Bareuther Waldsassen, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist German Vase from Bareuther Waldsassen, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additiona...
Ceramic
Thick crystal vase Argos model by César Baldaccini signed Daum France circa 1970
By Daum
Located in LE CANNET, FR
Brutalist crystal vase, designed by Cesar Baldaccini in the 1970s. Engraved signature "Daum France" on the base. Present with the Cristal Daum label. Luminous turquoise-blue color. N...
Crystal
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
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
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
Ethnic Tray A074 Decorative Center Piece solid Brass and aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative tray 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 from rec...
Aluminum, Brass
Danish Artist Peder E. Madsen Brutalist Primeval Sword-Fish Skeleton in Bronze
Located in Esbjerg, DK
The Danish artist and Sculptor Peder Evald Madsen was born in 1951 and died last year in his home. These pieces came from his own collection and were sold at auction in 2024. A parti...
Bronze
Hand-Carved Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Solid Hardwood, Organic Design
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This graceful, organic bowl is a one of a kind piece, hand carved from a single block of figured solid hardwood. Its fluid, free-form shape is defined by a gently undulating rim that...
Wood
Hungarian Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Textured Glaze with Green Motif, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase with Green Abstract Decoration, circa 1960s–1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic cylinder vase featuring a narrow-mouth form and a richly textured brown-...
Ceramic
Collection of 5o 19th Century Carved Wood Molds for Castings, Sizes Vary
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of 50 19th century carved wood molds for castings. Would make a great residential or commercial art installation. Sizes vary, great color and patina. Please note there ar...
Wood
Mid-Century Hammered Copper patinated Owl Sculpture Attributed Los Castillo Mex.
By Los Castillo
Located in San Diego, CA
Eclectic MCM patinated copper, hand-hammered, owl sculpture attributed to Mexican artisans Los Castillo, circa 1966. The sculpture is in vintage condition with a great verde patina a...
Copper
Mid-Century Space Age Brutalist Block Bubble Glass Vase by Horst Tüselmann 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Space Age Brutalist Block Bubble Glass Vase by Horst Tüselmann for Ichendorf Glashütte, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authentici...
Glass
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
"Femur" Contemporary Decorative Golden Object in Cast Brass by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Contemporary decorative object, in cast brass. Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This golden decorative object was meticulously handmade by master artisans one delicate piece at a time...
Brass
Set of 4 Vintage Brutalist Wrought Iron Candleholder from Hysteria, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist Wrought Iron Candleholder from Hysteria, Set of 4, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure that it is completel...
Wrought Iron
$3,944Sale Price|30% Off
Brutalist Wall Sculpture Forged iron 1971 Italy wooden panel
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Fantastic and mysterious brutalist sculpture mounted on wood panel, signed by the author MANZALI 1971.
Iron
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candle Holder by David Palombo, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candle Holder by David Palombo, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, desi...
Wrought Iron
James Bearden Trio of Brutalist Metal Giraffe Sculptures, Signed
Located in Dallas, TX
Brutalist style giraffe sculptures by James Bearden. Signed JB on the underside of one giraffe. Measurements of each as follows: Measures: 17.75"H x 3"W x 3.25"D 15.5"H x 2.75"W x 3...
Metal
Danish Artist Peder E. Madsen Brutalist Primeval Sword-Fish Skeleton in Bronze
Located in Esbjerg, DK
The Danish artist and Sculptor Peder Evald Madsen was born in 1951 and died last year in his home. These pieces came from his own collection and were sold at auction in 2024. A parti...
Bronze
Vintage German Brutalist Metal Candleholder from Dalbeck 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Candle Holder from German Manufacturer Dalbeck. This heavy Candle Holder has 2 arms and follows an organic form language. Official proof of authenticity such as vintage cat...
Metal
Vintage German Brutalist Metal Candleholder from Harjes, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Candle Holder from German Manufacturer Harjes. This flat candle holder follows an organic form language. Official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer r...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Swedish Brutalist Bowl by Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Swedish Brutalist Bowl by Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informati...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Brutalist Carafe Vase by Cläre Zange and Karl Heinz Löffler, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist German Carafe Vase by Cläre Zange and Karl Heinz Löffler for Krösselbach Keramik, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attrib...
Ceramic
Paire de bougeoirs en fer forgé attribués à l'Atelier Marolles, années 1950
Located in Meyrin, Switzerland
Paire de bougeoirs à trois branches en fer forgé attribués à l'Atelier Marolles, Travail manuel, France, années 1950. Les bougeoirs reposent sur quatre pieds en forme de volutes se ...
Steel
An Important Mid 20th Century Brutalist Bronze Bust By Pedro Pruna O'Cerans
By Pedro Pruna
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very fine limited edition modernist bronze bust by noted Spanish artist Pedro Pruna O'Cerans, impressed with limited edition number 3 of 8, together with the artists signature, and...
Marble, Bronze
$15,215Sale Price / item|15% Off
Burned Oak Sculpture, Abstract Elegance by Escalona, Captured in Still Stand 85
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Burned Oak Sculpture, Abstract Elegance by Escalona, Captured in Still Stand No85 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each on...
Hardwood
Mid-Century German Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase by Lu and Gerd Grove, 1968
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase by Lu and Gerd Grove, 1968, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure that it is c...
Ceramic
Brutalist Mid-Century Brass Candelabra by Heinz Goll, Austria, 1960s
By Heinz Goll
Located in Vienna, AT
Brutalist candelabra in hand-cast brass by Austrian artist Heinz Goll, created in the 1960s. This rare, sculptural piece features 1 candle holder rising from a textured base, evoking...
Brass
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
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Massive Matte Black Brutalist Hammered Metal Noir Lily Pad Centerpiece Bowl 18"
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning modernist centerpiece bowl in matte black. Made of metal with a hammered surface and pleated details along the edge. Measures 18" diameter and is in excellent condition.
Metal
Fat Lava Brutalist Style Hungarian Colored Ceramic Glazed Vase
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Pecul...
Ceramic
Mid-Century German Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase from Fritz Van Daalen, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase from Fritz Van Daalen, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage ca...
Ceramic
Vintage Handcarved Dark Wooden Candleholder with Brutalist Italian Design, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage wooden candleholder from 1960s Italy is a striking example of handcarved Brutalist design. Crafted from dark wood with strong sculptural lines, it combines raw texture w...
Wood
Vintage Wooden Mortar Handcarved Brutalist Form, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage wooden mortar from the 1970s is a striking handcarved piece in a bold Brutalist form, attributed to Piero de Buren. Its rough, sculptural shape emphasizes the natural gr...
Wood
Vintage Bronze Desk Set, Ashtray, Table Lighter and Pen Holder or Vase, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage 1960s Brutalist bronze desk set is a powerful sculptural ensemble, comprising an ashtray, table lighter, and pen holder or small vase. Each piece is beautifully crafted ...
Bronze
Vintage Iron Candleholder Hand with Copper Texture, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage iron candleholder from the 1960s is a powerful example of hand-forged Brutalist design. Crafted with a sculptural form and enriched by a subtle copper-toned texture, it ...
Iron
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Ceramic Bowl, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Ceramic Bowl, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Ce...
Ceramic
Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Brutalist Floor Vase, 1977
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Brutalist Floor Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1977, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure that...
Ceramic
20th Century Sculptural Ribbed Stone Object with Matching Plate
Located in Middleburg, VA
A distinctive and weighty sculptural object from the 20th century, crafted from solid stone with a unique ribbed texture that encircles its rounded midsection. Tapering elegantly int...
Stone, Alabaster
$188Sale Price / item|20% Off
Swiss Brutalist wrought iron Candle Holder
Located in Bern, CH
Swiss Brutalist wrought iron candle holder dating from the 1960's. Made by W. Müller Metalfabrik, Ersigen, Switzerland. With placement for two candle holders. Original makers label ...
Metal
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Carved from a single piece of wood, this tall abstract sculpture is a masterwork of organic fluidity. Its design features an undulating, vertical silhouette that flows with a sense o...
Walnut
"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
Wrought Iron Candle Holder in Brutalist Giacometti Style
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Cirac 1970. We offer this Wrought Iron Candle Holder in Brutalist Giacometti Style. Fantastic Patina.
Iron