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.
Brutalist Wall Sculpture of Patinated Metal
By Silas Seandel, Tony Melendy, Curtis Jeré
Located in Houston, TX
Brutalist wall sculpture of patinated metal. Monumental Brutalist wall sculpture of patinated metal inspired by Silas Seandel. Fabulous large Brutalist abstract wall sculpture of patinated metal in the manner of Silas Seandel/Curtis Jere/Tony Melendy...
Iron
Mid-Century Brutalist German Floor Vase from Krösselbach Keramik, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist German Floor Vase from Krösselbach Keramik, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure that it is compl...
Ceramic
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Artist‑Signed Pierced Studio‑Ceramic Vessels, Nordic Organic Brutalist
Located in Skien, NO
Nordic Organic Brutalist studio pottery – expressive hand‑worked texture, raw tactile clay surfaces, sculptural functional form with perforated detailing, typical Norwegian studio‑ce...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
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
$1,705Sale Price / set|20% Off
Brutalist Murano Art Glass Vases by Costantini, Italy, 1970s
By Constantini
Located in Valencia, VC
A Pair of Brutalist Murano Art Glass Vases Attributed to Costantini A striking pair of Brutalist Murano art glass vases distinguished by their sculptural organicist form and sophist...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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
Brutalist Sculptural Ceramic Vase, American Studio Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Americal art studio pottery vase features bold, sculptural form with dynamic geometric contour, decorated with textural, Brutalist sgraffito relief pattern and complex glaze ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Early 20th c. Brass Candle Holders c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A pair of vintage column candlestick holders. Each piece features a solid brass cylindrical column stem set upon a multi-tiered stepped wooden base. CREATOR Unknown. D...
Bronze
Danish Brutalist Sculptural Cast Aluminum Candleholder
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Brutalist Sculptural Cast Aluminum Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Aluminium Color: Silver Styles: Brutalist ...
Aluminum
$395Sale Price|28% Off
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
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
1960s Bronze Sculpture by Thure Thörn – Seated Female Figure (3/7)
By Thure Thorn
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
An exceptional and highly decorative bronze sculpture by renowned Swedish artist Thure Thörn, dating from the 1960s. This powerful piece depicts a seated female figure, rendered wit...
Bronze
Large hand made unica Brutalist art vase Jan van Stolk 1962 Holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very large unique one off Art Vase signed V S Alias Jan van Stolk 1962 A ceramic or pottery vase bearing the signature or monogram V S most likely refers, in the Low Countries, ...
Earthenware
Vintage set of 3 mid century Stoff Nagel modular candle holders. Germany 1960s
Located in Bristol, GB
Set of 3 chrome candle holders designed in the 1960s by Werner Stoff for Hans Nagel These modular candleholders have the signature tripod silhouette. The geometric interlocking syst...
Chrome
Extra Large Brutalist Iron Chain Candlestick Holder in black iron, Germany 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a Sculptural three-light floor candelabrum executed in hand-forged iron and copper, dating from circa the 1960s–1970s. Standing an impressive 66 cm tal...
Iron
Swiss Brutalist Candle Holder
Located in Bern, BE
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
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Bronze Sculpture Romantic Dreams by Susanne Vertel
Located in New York, NY
Stylized cast bronze sculpture depicting three women in reclining position by noted sculptor Susanne Vertel. This sculpture is part of a limited edition...
Bronze
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
Glen Davis Welded Metal Sculpture
By Glen Davis
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s in great vintage condition. W. Glen Davis is an American sculptor who was born in the 20th Century
Metal
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
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
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
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
Tripod Candelabra G023 handmade cast in brass by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Tripod Candelabra was created by David Marshall, from sand cast brass. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in...
Brass
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
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
Large 19th Century Stoneware Ceramic from La Borne Pottery French Handmade
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
La Borne - 19th century Large stoneware pottery from center of France Realised circa 1880 Original good condition its peculiarity is to have a piece of another pot fixed...
Ceramic
A huge brutalist Steel Totem – Gilbert Ségas, France, 1994
By Jean Tinguely, César Baldaccini, Gonçalo Mabunda
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
This metal sculpture by Gilbert Ségas depicts an anthropomorphic figure with a totemic presence, assembled from old tools. Two large crossed shears form the legs, while pliers and ot...
Steel
Set of 2 Vintage German Brutalist Metal Candle Holders from Harjes, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Two large Brutalist Candle Holder from German Manufacturer Harjes. Three arms in organic forms. Official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer records. Additional...
Metal
Danish Brutalist Stoneware Vase by Conny Walther, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A unique chanterelle shaped pottery vase/bowl in earthy polychrome glazes by the danish female ceramist Conny Walther. Organic brutalism' in style. Nice intact vintage condition. Sig...
Stoneware
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
Canoa A059 Dish Handmade Silver and Gold coloured Bowl
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Canoa Dish 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 fro...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Ceramic Candleholder from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Ceramic Candleholder from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informat...
Ceramic
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Owl Sculpture in Raw Metal on Quartz by Curtis Jere for Artisan House
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical brutalist owl sculpture in raw metal on quartz base by Curtis Jere for Artisan House, circa 1967. The sculpture is in very good vintage condition and measures 11.5"W x 4.5...
Quartz, Metal
$2,400Sale Price|65% Off
Giant Concrete Bowl, Charcoal & Ash
Located in Camp Meeker, CA
This bowl was made using charcoal and ash from the artist's property in northern California. Every year, fuel reduction in the forest provides fuel for heating his old cabin. The ash...
Concrete
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
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
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
Set of 5 planters, decorative vases by Dutch Mobach in clay. Midcentury modern.
By Mobach
Located in Forest, BE
Set of large planters / decorative vases by dutch company Mobach. Strong and heavy in light various tones of beige and brown. __________________...
Clay
Beautiful Set of four Copper Handmade Brutalist Flower Vase, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful set of four flower vases made in Germany, circa 1970s. These are single flower or rose vases. Made of copper, they have some nice patina, but this is old-age. The size give...
Copper
Mesh Fruit Bowl Stylish Funcional Countertop Piece Gold Coloured Sand Cast Brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Mesh 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 materials. C...
Brass
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
Midcentury Brutalist Travertine Marble Italian Bookends Fratelli Mannelli, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful set of bookends in Travertine Marble is a wonderful example of Italian decorative objects produced during the 1970s. Made by Fratelli Mannelli, the color and the texture of the marble, together with the pure and geometrical design, make it a wonderful example of midcentury elegance. This item is perfect for a desk in an office room or for being the focal center of a living room or a hallway entry...
Travertine
$71,077Sale Price|20% Off
Ermanno Nason Christ of the Glassblowers Murano Glass and Iron Pipes Early 1970s
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Intense and passionate glass sculpture from Ermanno Nason, using his favorite glass, the acciaio gray. This warm transparent gray color is often used by glass massiccio Sculptors, w...
Iron
Signed Welded Iron Abstract Table Sculpture, May 1965
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Handcrafted Mid Century Modern Iron Stock Part Angular Table Sculpture. Featuring a handmade open, vertically Welded Iron design utilizing welded iron rod, pipe, sheet, round and met...
Iron
Sculpture of a head in wood, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A wooden sculpture of a head, France, 1960s, with an expressive and profoundly organic character. Carved from a solid block of wood, this piece reveals a face with soft, introspectiv...
Wood
Gabor Kalman Brutalist Steel Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Kalman takes steel and torch-cuts it, then contours it for a Brutalist effect. Signed base Gabor Kalman '68. This item is currently on view in our NYC Greenwich Street Location.
Cut Steel
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
Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi Style
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering example of beauty in craftsmanship. Hand and digital machine made; the standing sculpture stan...
Hardwood
Jesus Peligri for Art Summa Abstract Welded Iron Table Sculpture
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Contemporary Jesus Pelegri for Art Summa limited edition Abstract Brutalist Metal Tower Table Sculpture. Featuring handcrafted vertical totemic tower with welded Iron pieces composed...
Metal
Pieter Spruyt handmade Brass 3 Brutalist Torchères
Located in Den Haag, NL
Hand made Brass Torchères. Made and signed by Pieter Spruyt 1980s . fit for tea lights . or other Candles . set of Three .
Brass
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
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
Set of five Swiss decorative brutalist copper vases
Located in Bern, BE
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
$3,077Sale Price|30% Off
Bronze Figural Group Of African Royal Family On Carrier And Attendants, C. 1920s
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th century Bamoun Bronze sculpture. The art of bronze in african art at the service of the King. The king, a bearded figure, a symbol of wisdom, sits in his carrier chair,...
Bronze
Marcel Ramond (1935-) Metal geometric sculpture, circa 1970
Located in Paris, FR
Marcel Ramond (1935-) Metal geometric sculpture, circa 1970 Welded iron Signed under the base A certificate will be provided to the buyer Length 44 x Height 38 x Depth 18 cm
Metal
Rare Brutalist Iron Candleholder, Hand-Forged European Design, 1960s
Located in Herentals, BE
A rare and beautifully executed Brutalist iron candleholder, handcrafted in Europe during the 1960s. The columnar form, pierced with organic voids, and the thick, hammered surface cr...
Iron
$288Sale Price / set|20% Off
Organic Modern Burl Wood Bookends, Sculptural Brutalist Studio Craft, 1970s
Located in San Carlos, CA
A striking pair of sculptural bookends carved from solid burl wood, celebrating the natural beauty and irregularity of the material. Each bookend features dramatic swirling grain, kn...
Burl
Black brutalist tree candle holder “tree of life” 1970s.
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Black brutalist tree candle holder “tree of life” 1970s. This striking brutalist candle holder, dating from the 1970s, is crafted from wrought iron and finished in black. Its sculptural form resembles a tree, with organically shaped branches rising from a sturdy central trunk. Often referred to as a “Tree of Life” candle holder...
Wrought Iron
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