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.
Pair of West German Fat Lava Pottery Vessels Attributed to Marei Keramik, 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking pair of vintage West German art pottery vessels attributed to Marei Keramik, executed during the height of the celebrated Fat Lava movement of the late 1960s and early 197...
Ceramic
1990s Brutalist Orange and Gray Fat Lava Ceramic German Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking 1990s Modernist German ceramic vase serves as a bold example of the enduring "Fat Lava" tradition, reimagined with a sleek, contemporary silhouette. The piece features ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Carafe Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1964
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist German Studio Pottery Carafe Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1964, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional i...
Ceramic
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
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
Mid-Century Brutalist West German Pottery WGP Fat Lava Vase, 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 Caged Brutalist Vase or Urn in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Raw industrial looking and brutally styled urn or lidded vase for flower arrangement or incense. Both the wire lid and container are made from solid brass. Un-known origin circa 1960...
Brass
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
Set of five Swiss decorative brutalist copper vases
Located in Bern, CH
Set of five Brutalist decorative vases & jugs dating from the 1960's. Made in Switzerland. Varying sizes, with the largest piece measuring 34cm's. Two jugs with teak handles. All in ...
Metal, Copper
Mid-Century Swedish Brutalist Glass Vase by Göte Augustsson for Ruda, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Swedish Brutalist Glass Vase by Göte Augustsson for Ruda, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalo...
Glass
Brutalist Wood Bowl, Large, in a Brown Patina, France, circa 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vide poche has been made in France circa 1960. It is a Brutalist Style bowl, with a free form. In a Brown color.
Wood
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...
Plywood
$2,681Sale Price|20% 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
Pair of West German Fat Lava Ceramic Vases by Bay Keramik and Uebelacker Keramik
By Bay Keramik
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking and highly sculptural pair of authentic West German “Fat Lava” ceramic vases dating to the late 1960s–early 1970s, featuring vivid volcanic glazes in saturated lava red wi...
Ceramic
Studio Pottery Candle Holder
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage studio pottery candle holder. Two toned speckled brown and gray glazes with an applied design on the front and back. Signed on the base.
Pottery
Bronze Brutalist Bust Sculpture
Located in Austin, TX
Brutalist bronze bust sculpture. Extremely well done, exquisite detailing.
Bronze
1980s Brutalist Clear Glass Cylinder Vase by Jan Gabrhel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The item is a clear glass cylinder vase, characterized by a heavily textured "brutalist" surface. This textured effect resembles ice or rough-hewn stone, giving the vase a robust and...
Glass
Sculptural Brutalist Iron & Green Glass Wall Candle Lamp by Dantoft, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
1970s Brutalist Wall candle sculpture made by Danish design company Dantoft kunstartikler (trans.: art objects). Made from black lacquered and welded iron set in a graphic formation ...
Iron
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Block Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage studio pottery sculpture by Kaplan is a masterclass in Brutalist-inspired organic modernism. Hand-built from substantial stoneware, the piece features an asymme...
Pottery, Stoneware
Celtic Card Tray Gold Silver Desk Tray E005 Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Celtic Card 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 f...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Brutalist Metal Candleholder, 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Metal Brutalist Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist Item Type: Vintage, Anti...
Metal
Vintage Brutalist Sculptural Metal Candleholder, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Brutalist Metal Candle Holder with 2 Arms. Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Brutalist Period: 1970s Color: Black Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned Dimens...
Metal
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
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
Pair of West German “Fat Lava” Pottery Vessels by Ankara Keramik, circa 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking pair of vintage West German studio pottery vessels attributed to Ankara Keramik, featuring the iconic “Fat Lava” textured glaze movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. E...
Ceramic
Swiss Brutalist Candle Holder
Located in Bern, CH
Striking Swiss made Brutalist candle holder crafted from blackened metal, featuring three interconnected candle platforms with sculptural, geometric lines. The elevated square drip t...
Steel
Stoneware Bottle by Alain Gaudebert, Puisaye - Era Joulia Debril Deblander Lerat
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Stoneware Bottle by Alain Gaudebert, Puisaye - Era Joulia Debril Deblander Lerat A superb ceramic bottle designed by Alain Gaudebert. The layers of glaze melt into each other, overl...
Enamel
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 Original Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite vintage studio pottery vase is a masterclass in textural design and geometric precision. Featuring a sophisticated two-toned palette, the vessel showcases a deeply inc...
Pottery
Brutalist Brass Candle Sconces by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1970s, Denmark
By Holm Sørensen, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Brutalist Flame-Cut Brass Candle Sconces made by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen in the 1970s. * Set (2) of different style flame-cut brass wall candlesticks * Designer: Svend Aage...
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
Brutalist Mid Century bronze candle holder
Located in BELFORT, FR
Mid century and brutalist style bronze candle holder. Diameter of the candle cup : 10 cm.
Bronze
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Carved from a single solid log, the form rises through a series of open, pierced voids that give the piece a lightness completely at odds with the density of the material. It reads d...
Walnut
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
Wooden Zodiac Taurus Bull 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
1970s Set of 3 large Original Travertine Sculptures by Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Nuernberg, DE
1970s Set of 3 original travertine sculptures designed by Fratelli Mannelli. These items are in original as found conditions. Not easy to find this set. The set consists of a paperwe...
Travertine
Mid-Century German Brutalist Handmade Pottery Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Brutalist Handmade Pottery Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Color: Brown Styles: Bru...
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, 1969
Pottery
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
$521 / item
Mesh Fruit Bowl A050 Solid Brass Sand Cast
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Brass Fruit Bowl 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 mater...
Brass
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
Rare 1950s Wire Shadow Box Figure Ship Scene Mid Century Wall Art Sculpture
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Extremely rare shadow box wall art from the 1950's. Reminiscent of the work of Laurids Lonborg and Richard Galef, but probably Austrian. We had a t...
Metal, Wire
Brutalist Celtic Bowl Solid Cast Aluminium and Brass A070 by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Celtic 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 from recycled materials. Certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall with his signature. The Artist is inspired by nature and land scape making functional art and sculptures out of recycled materials. We work with arquitects, interior designers and private clients to create specific designs, signage, staircases etc. for Homes, Hotels, Restaurants. Awards for Charity...
Aluminum, Brass
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
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
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
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
$8,003
Bronze walrus skull
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
There is something primordial about this piece. Cast directly from an actual walrus skull, every anatomical detail is preserved in bronze with forensic pr...
Bronze
Large Sculptural Vase #4 by Dena Zemsky
By Dena Zemsky
Located in New York, NY
Large sculptural vase #4 by Dena Zemsky. Hand-built, glazed stoneware vase form. Signed and dated on underside.
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Studio Pottery Brutalist Carafe Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1976s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Brutalist Carafe Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1976s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional ...
Ceramic
Vintage French Brutalist Candle Holders, Hand Forged Iron, Circa 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage French pair of handsome brutalist iron candleholders hand forged and hammered with their original painted finish. These elegant and simple pair of candle sticks have perfec...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Vintage metal Brutalist sculpture Bird by Salvino Marsura, Italy 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing mid-century modern metal Brutalist sculpture "Bird" by Salvino Marsura, made in Italy in the 1950s. Salvino Marsura is an Italian artist born in Treviso in 1938. His career ...
Iron
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
Still Stand No102, The Dark Elegance of Abstract Burned Oak by Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Still Stand No102, The Dark Elegance of Abstract Burned Oak by Escalona _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testame...
Hardwood
Brutalist Danish Weight Here Series Candleholder by Kibisi for Menu
By KiBiSi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Danish Weight Here Series Candleholder by Kibisi for Menu, in Very Good conditions. Designed from 2000 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Material...
Steel
$226Sale Price|49% Off
Vintage Scandinavian Brutalist Box in Copper
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A wellmade and beautifully patinated box in hammered copper. Suitable for Jewelry or small personal items. Distinct brutalist styling with architectural...
Copper
Brutalist Expressionist Horse Sculpture, Signed JC with Copyright Mark, 1980s
Located in San Diego, CA
A dynamic Brutalist-style horse sculpture rendered with heavy, expressive surface modeling and a strong sense of motion. The figure’s elongated limbs and bowed head convey tension an...
Resin
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
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Solid Bronze Crucifix Sculpture 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Solid Bronze Crucifix wall hung sculpture. Beautifully crafted sculpture with a rich patina. Unsigned. 1960s
Bronze
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
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