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 Crackle Glazed Ceramic Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage ceramic vase is a striking example of Organic Modern craft, blending a refined silhouette with rugged, tactile textures. The ovoid body is cloaked in a luminous off-whit...
Ceramic
Richard Bitterman Brutalist Bud Vase or Sculpture
Located in Buffalo, NY
Handcrafted Brutalist bud vase or sculpture, 1960s, brass, stee. Plastic test tube, signed R. Bitterman.
Brass, Steel
Large Brutalist Decorative Bronze Bowl, Kaj Blomqvist, Finland 1970s
Located in Helsinki, FI
An impressive and substantial brutalist decorative bowl by Finnish artist Kaj Blomqvist, crafted in solid cast bronze during the 1970s. Considerably larger and heavier than the more ...
Bronze
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
Abstract Brutalist Wire Horse Sculpture Marcello Fantoni for Raymor
By Raymor, Marco Fantoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century, abstract, Brutalist, horse sculpture by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor is a mixed metal wire sculpture mounted on a walnut base with copper label signed Fantoni Italy for R...
Metal
$2,138Sale Price / set|20% Off
A Rare Pair of Candelabras in "Fat Lava", by Marius Giuge Vallauris - 1960s
By Marius Giuge
Located in MOUGINS, FR
This pair of 37 cm high three-light candelabras features scrolls at the top and base of the shaft, constructed directly as a base in a "water foam" design. The white color of these models is dotted with black alveoli that contrast with the clear enamel. The technique used to achieve this effect was to add chemical compounds to the enamel. Depending on the chosen dosage, this created variations in the size and depth of the craters. This decoration, invented by Marius Giuge, inspired the "Fat Lava" ceramics, very popular in Germany in the late 1960s and 1970s. An iconic example of Marius Giuge's production in the 1960s and 1970s, the pair is signed 3 times under each piece: MARIUS GIUGE – VALLAURIS...
Enamel
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 Hand-Crafted Brass and Iron Candle Holders, Mexico, 1970s
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
Brutalist Bronze and Brass Picture Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze and brass rectangular picture frame featuring four twisted brass rods on the front of the frame. The back of the frame has a curved stand and a brass heart detail to secure th...
Brass, Bronze
$401Sale Price / item|53% Off
Sculptural Wooden Object with Organic Form by Sergio Vulpe
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
This one-of-a-kind sculptural object is carved from solid wood and shaped into a raw, organic form. A meditative accent piece for shelves, consoles, or gallery-style interiors — hand...
Brass
Brutalist Vase · Hand-Hammered Silver-Plated Steel Circa 1970
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Some objects don't ask permission to exist in a space. This vase is one of them. Organic in form and sculptural in presence, this piece defies the boundary between functional object ...
Metal
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Match Strike Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite two-piece studio pottery set perfectly captures the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic of the 1970s, celebrating the raw beauty of hand-thrown functional art. Handcrafted with a clea...
Pottery
Brutalist abstract coated bronze seated woman and man bookends
Located in Asheville, NC
Vintage abstract bronze bookend sculptures of a faceless man and woman. About 7”H Price is for the set. Sold as a set only
Bronze
NONO Elefante Buffet 15, Solid Wood, 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 Crafting Elegance with a Modernist ...
Hardwood
Wooden Zodiac Capricorn 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...
Wood
Mid Century Clay Head Sculpture on Wood Base
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Mid Century clay bust of a man. Brutalist and unique on a wooden base. Expressive and abstract.
Clay, Wood
Patinated Iron Tree Form Sculpture
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
This tree can of course be used as a decorative piece. Also used as a clothing/hat rack, etc.
Iron
Large Vintage Brutalist Glazed Ceramic Sculpture, English, 1980S
Located in Bristol, GB
VINTAGE SCULPTURE An abstract free-form organic shaped ceramic sculpture, incorporating multiple holes and voids to create a hollowed appearance slightly reminiscent of an alien lif...
Ceramic
KiBiSi for Menu Danish Modern "Weight Here" 3-Arm Polystone Candelabra
By KiBiSi
Located in St. Louis, MO
A striking piece of modern Scandinavian design, this "Weight Here" three-arm candelabra was created by the acclaimed Danish design collective KiBiSi (Bjarke Ingels, Lars Larsen, and ...
Steel
Octagonal Card Tray E006 Silver and Gold Desk Tray Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Card Tray 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 ...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Studio Pottery Stoneware Vase - Signed
Located in San Diego, CA
An interesting brutalist style studio pottery stoneware vase, circa 1970s. Cool and different piece that is signed on the underside. The vase is in very good condition with no chips...
Stoneware
Vintage Boho Torch Cut Wrought Iron Hammer Head Shark
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage sculpture is a masterclass in Brutalist metalwork, expertly torch-cut from heavy wrought iron to capture the raw, powerful silhouette of a hammerhead shark. ...
Wrought Iron
A BRUTALIST Golden SHABBY-CHIC Wrought Iron CANDELABRA CANDLESTICK, France 2001
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular candlestick or candelabra sculpture, Post-Modernist, Brutalist, Shabby-Chic, "organic" tree composition of golden wrought iron rods, folded and welded, mounted on a tri...
Wrought Iron
Cast Bronze Brutalist Sculpture by James Dale M'Hall
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
James Dale M'Hall was an award-winning master sculptor based in California. This brutalist sculpture weighs nearly 20 pounds and stands 24 inches tall. It was given as a gift from th...
Bronze
Pair of Green Clay Sculptures, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of modernist sculptures in green patinated clay, made in France in the 1970s. This pair of sculptures depicts two seated female figures with free and expressive forms. Made of ...
Clay
Matthew Hilton Postmodern Aluminum Swan Candlesticks, Pair
By SCP, Matthew Hilton
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Postmodern or Brutalist aluminum "swan" candlesticks By Matthew Hilton for SCP England (signed to base) England, Circa 1980s Measures: A - 6"W x 2.75"D x 14.75...
Aluminum
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
Brutalist Wrought Iron Knotted Wall Candle Sconces
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1970s, Sweden. A pair of wall candle sconces crafted in Sweden with a tapered edge design. Designer is unknown and pieces are unmarked. Priced & sold as a pair.
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Brutalist West German Pottery WGP Fat Lava Vase from Jopeko, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist West German Pottery WGP Fat Lava Vase from Jopeko, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs...
Ceramic
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
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
Handmade Sculptural Iron, Copper, Bronze 4 Piece Railings, by Larry Griffis Sr.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Handmade sculptural iron, copper, bronze 4 piece railings, by Larry Griffis Jr. Stunning artistic railings originally commissioned for downtown Buffalo N...
Bronze, Copper, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Tripod Candle Holders c.1950-1960
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A pair of solid bronze brutalist tripod candlesticks holders with bronze plated perforated shades and removable bronze plated spring loaded candle...
Bronze
Clock perforated D018 Cast Brass, Gold coloured, Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Perforated 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 materi...
Aluminum, Brass
TR001 Golf Trophy coloured gold and aluminium in solid cast brass and aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative trophy , 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. C...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century German Brutalist Schamotte Series Vase from Spara Keramik, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Brutalist Schamotte Series Vase from Spara Keramik, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informati...
Ceramic
Vintage Curtis Jere Style Brutalist Lily Flower Sculpture.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Brass Stone Flower Sculpture. Mid Century Brutalist Style , no Makers Mark. Beautiful Rainbow Petina, wooden Base. Vintage Condition Con...
Brass
Brutalist abstract wrought iron sculpture from the 1970s
By François Thévenin
Located in LE CANNET, FR
Interesting artisanal French work from the 1970s Wrought and welded iron sculpture This highly decorative piece is in the same vein as other designers such as Sido and Francois Theve...
Iron
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
Wrought Iron Candle Stand with Beads, Brutalist Style, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Hand forged Wrought Iron Candle Stand With Beads . Good condition .
Wrought Iron
Early Peter Voulkus Ceramic Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Peter Voulkus ceramic vase early 1960'd [unsigned].
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Weed Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the essence of handcrafted artistry with this striking vintage studio pottery weed vase. Its elegant, teardrop silhouette and richly textured, almost primal surface, bearing ...
Pottery, Stoneware
1950's Brutalist Metal Wall Soccer Football Hanging Sculpture MCM 3D
By Curtis Jeré
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and unique metal wall hanging soccer football game 3D, circa 1950's nice patina finish unique piece great for the world cup 2026.
Metal
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
Brutalist Bronze Mounted Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze mounted abstract sculpture. The sculpture features four topographical like forms connected to a narrow bronze stem, mounted to a thick limestone base. Signed by the artist. D...
Limestone, Bronze
Stonhenge 2 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 Stonehenge. Handcrafted in raw black grogged stoneware, the piece evokes a miniature interpretation of the f...
Quartz
Stonhenge 1 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 Stonehenge. Handcrafted in raw black grogged stoneware, the piece is composed of two parts and evokes a mini...
Malachite
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Studio Pottery Bowl Sculpture from Bjørn, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Studio Pottery Bowl Sculpture from Bjørn, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informati...
Ceramic
1960's Swiss Brutalist wrought iron floor standing Candle Holder
Located in Bern, CH
Large Brutalist floor standing wrought iron candle holder dating from the late 1950's - early 1960's. With single candle holder on a decorated tripod base. Believed to be of Swiss or...
Wrought Iron
Cast iron tripod candleholder, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Tripod candlestick in cast iron with a brutalist design, made in France in the 1960s. This sculptural piece in black cast iron captivates with its robust lines and handcrafted aesth...
Iron
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
Vintage Boho Geometric Abstract Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking and sculptural, this vintage geometric abstract piece delivers modern artistic flair with a bold boho twist. Crafted from welded metal rods in a dynamic, angular formation, ...
Metal
Set of Two Beautiful Travertine Candle Holder by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful set of Candlesticks in Travertine Marble is a wonderful example of Italian decorative objects production during the 1970s. Made by Fratelli Mannelli, the color and the...
Travertine
Vintage Boho Metallic Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Presenting a truly unique Vintage Boho Metallic Studio Pottery Vase, an arresting piece that embodies the raw beauty and expressive freedom of mid-century artisan ceramics. This vase...
Pottery
German Studio Pottery Sculptural Candle Holder from Hans Fischer, 1980s
By Hans Fischer
Located in Hamburg, DE
German Studio Pottery Sculptural Candle Holder from Hans Fischer, 1980s
Ceramic
Italian Glazed Terracotta Head Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Glazed Terracotta Head Sculpture. Offered is a beautiful well executed Italian glazed terra cotta face or head sculpture signed Consorso, circa. 1950. A fine example of Itali...
Terracotta
Brutalist stippled abstract sculpture in Carrara marble by Anna Mizak
Located in London, GB
Biomorphic abstract sculpture in stippled Carrara marble, on honed plinth. Anna Mizak was born in 1939 in Poland. She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and later at the R...
Carrara Marble
Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Vase by Melitta Teubner, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Vase by Melitta Teubner, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Material...
Ceramic
A French workshop cast iron candlestick, 1950s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
French cast iron workshop candlestick, made in France in the 1950s. This sculptural piece in raw cast iron features a handcrafted design with an authentic, industrial character. Its...
Iron
Vintage Scored Floral Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This sculptural vintage studio pottery vase is a masterclass in contrasting textures and minimalist form. The elongated, hand-thrown body is crafted from a gritty, sand-tempered terr...
Pottery