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.
$377Sale Price|24% Off
Brutalist Style Midcentury Chain Candlestick
Located in London, GB
A large metal candlestick, blacksmith made in the form of a chain. Well-formed and stylish. Brutalist, Belgium, circa 1970s. Dimensions: 51 height x 21 diameter in cm.
Metal
Rolf Palm Höganäs Stoneware Vase, Sweden 1970s Brutalist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking rectangular stoneware vase designed by Swedish ceramicist Rolf Palm for Höganäs Keramik, circa 1970. This sculptural piece exemplifies Scandinavian studio pottery at its f...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Brown Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern ...
Metal
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Copper Wading Bird Sculpture
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An exceptional French mid-century modern sculpture depicting a stylized wading bird, handcrafted in hammered and welded copper. This rare and expressive piece showcases a beautifully...
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 Mid Century Reed candelabra in wrought iron with golden patina
Located in BELFORT, FR
Large Mid Century and Brutalist style wrought iron candelabra, with golden patina. Very nice condition.
Wrought Iron
Sun Clock D003 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Sun Clock was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium and brass. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and works...
Aluminum, Brass
$384Sale 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 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
FLUXsculpture > organic stainless-steel sculpture
By Jan Paul
Located in Maastricht, NL
FLUX rare beauty in everyday objects Numerous experiments with materials and shapes resulted in a new form and material language “Flux” Flexible steel tubes are shaped by hand ...
Stainless Steel
Antique Hand-hammered Copper Pan, Traditionally Styled as an Indian Kadai (or Ka
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
This antique hand-hammered copper pan is styled as a traditional Indian kadai, also known as a karahi. It dates to approximately 1890 and is constructed from copper. The pan features...
Copper
$120Sale Price|48% Off
Ruscha Keramik Brutalist Advents Candle Holder - West Germany, 1960's
By Ruscha
Located in Bern, BE
West German ceramic Brutalist Advents candle holder produced by Ruscha Keramik (W.Germany) in the late 1960's to mid-1970s. With four candle holde...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Swedish Brutalist Bubble Glass Block Vase by Josef Schott, 1960s
By Josef Schott
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Swedish Brutalist Bubble Glass Block Vase by Josef Schott for Smalandshyttan, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 I have official proof of authenticity ...
Glass
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
Set Of Two and five Arm Bronze Handcrafted Table Candlesticks Tharjes, 1950
Located in Rijssen, NL
A true showstopper for collectors of high-end European mid-century modernism. The four-arm and five-arm and 2 arm candelabra are fascinating pieces of 20th-century design history. ...
Bronze
Pair of Large Horst Dalbeck Amadeo Fratelli Tonini Candlelabras Brass, 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
A true showstopper for collectors of high-end European mid-century modernism, this magnificent, substantial set of two arm candelabras is a fascinating piece of 20th-century design h...
Brass
Pair of Kurt Jesch Amadeo Fratelli Tonini Candlelabras Brass, 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
A true showstopper for collectors of high-end European mid-century modernism, this magnificent, substantial set of one arm candelabras is a fascinating piece of 20th-century design h...
Brass
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
Mexican Organic Brutalist Sculptural Planters with Hand-Carved Textured Relief
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Vintage-Style Mexican Gray Clay Planter with Hand-Carved Geometric Details This sculptural Mexican planter features a beautifully weathered charcoal-black finish and a distinctive h...
Ceramic, Clay
Brutalist Aluminum & Brass Desenos Candlestick by David Marshall
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Brutalist aluminum and brass "Desenos" candlestick by David Marshall, circa 1970s. The piece is the creation of the internationally renowned artist David Marshall, based ...
Aluminum, Brass
Arenson Studio “Infinity” Brutalist Hammered Brass, Leather Box
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Hand-hammered copper box by Arenson Studios, West Palm Beach, FL, circa 1970s.
Copper
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
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
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
60s Mid Century Modern Brutalist K L Hakuli Brass Abstract Art Menorah Israel
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful Artisan made, K. L. Hakuli for Weinberg, Israel Brutalist 9 candle Hanukkah Menorah Piece is off-centered and very abstract with incised v...
Brass
German Brutalist Relief Cast Bronze Footed Jardinière/Planter, Model 54490
Located in Vienna, AT
A striking vintage German mid-century footed planter / structural bowl crafted in heavy cast bronze by the renowned Kunstgiesserei Strassacker (Süßen, Germany), Model No. 54490. This...
Bronze
Unique large brass vase in a Brutalist design, handcrafted in December 1975
Located in München, DE
Unique, large, handcrafted brass vase featuring a Brutalist design. Stamped on the underside with the date Dec 1975. No manufacturer's mark or signature. Striking, heavy Brutalist de...
Brass
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candleholder, 1960s Black Metal
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century...
Metal
Brutalist Candlestick Holder done in solid brass, Austria 1970s
By Heinz Goll
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous Brutalist candlestick holder done in solid and textured brass or bronze. It features striking design typical for the era. Made in Austria in ...
Brass
Abstract sculpture of Nicolas Vallée “NV-S 08”
Located in PAU, FR
Rare and exclusive sculpture of the french artist Nicolas Vallée. Made by plaster handsculpted and With métal pieces hand cutted And painted in black.
Metal
Lover by Kalou Dubus, Black Stoneware Ceramic, Unique Light Sculptural
By Kalou Dubus
Located in PANTIN, -
This unique sculptural lamp by French artist Kalou Dubus is titled Lovers. Handcrafted in black stoneware, the piece features a raw, textured surface that emphasizes the material’s n...
Quartz
Robert Arneson Monumental Brutalist Stoneware Vessel, 1963
Located in Chicago, IL
Robert Arneson Monumental Brutalist Stoneware Vessel, 1963 A commanding example of Robert Arneson’s early studio pottery, this monumental vessel embodies the raw power of Brutalist c...
Stoneware
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elegant and Dark, the Biomorphic Burned Oak Sculpture Still Stand 88
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elegant and Dark, the Biomorphic Burned Oak Sculpture by Joel Escalona, Still Stand No88 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. ...
Hardwood
Studio Textured Sculptural Vessel by Ceramic Artist Ani Kasten
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Contemporary Studio Textured Sculptural Art Vessel by Ceramic Artist Ani Kasten impressed "A" monogram on the underside "Blade Runner meets Mad Max" very good condition ( last coup...
Ceramic, Pottery
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 Original Studio Pottery Ribbed Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage studio pottery vase is a masterclass in tactile design and organic modernism. Dating to 1981, as indicated by the artist's incised mark on the base, the vess...
Pottery
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Candleholder 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant Slim Brutalist Candle Holder handmade from Metal. Marked with WN. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Silver Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern Period: 1960s ...
Metal
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
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
Set of 2 Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder by Inge Hjorth, 1960s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Addition...
Ceramic
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
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
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Candleholder with Gold Finish, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Brutalist Color: Gold Item Type: Vin...
Metal
Metal rooster sculpture, signed, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Metal rooster sculpture, France, 1970s, with an expressive and decorative style. Made of hammered metal, this piece is distinguished by its slender and stylized forms, giving the roo...
Metal
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 Studio Pottery Brutalist Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1974
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Brutalist Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1974, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informat...
Ceramic
Large Brutalist "Pom Pom" Brass Wall Sculture by Curtis Jere Signed and Dated
By Artisan House, Curtis Jeré, Jerry Fels, Curtis Freiler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive Modernist brass 'Pom Pom' / 'Sea Urchin' wall sculpture by Curtis Jere (Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels) for Artisan House (1979, USA). Striking, extra large wall art compos...
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
Brutalist Mid Century Vase by Scherzer Germany
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
In a perfect condition this stunning vase.
Ceramic
Vintage German Brutalist Metal Candleholder from Harjes
Located in Hamburg, DE
This flat candleholder follows organic forms. Official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer records. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Gold Styles:...
Metal
Small Canoa Dish A060 cast brass (gold colour) and aluminium (silver colour)
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Dish 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 Weddi...
Aluminum, Brass
Teak Bowl by DMK Daniela Mola & Ingo Knuth, 1980s Brutalist Design
By Ingo Knuth
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A teak bowl made by the DMK - Daniela Mola & Ingo Knuth manufacture from the 1980s. The large bowl serves as a fruit bowl or for a centerpiece. Their workmanship under all handma...
Wood, Teak
French Rustic Olive Wood Salt Box – Wall-Mounted – 1970s Artisan Craft
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
French Rustic Olive Wood Salt Box – Wall-Mounted – 1970s Artisan Craft Description: This is a beautiful rustic salt box, handcrafted in solid olive wood, made in France in the 1970s...
Wood, Olive
Nordic Brutalist Studio Pottery Wall Planter, Aase M. Lommerud, Norway 1980
Located in Skien, NO
Wabi Sabi / French country style / Nordic Organic Brutalist studio pottery wall planter / flower pot. Hand-thrown and dated 1980, signed by Norwegian artist Aase Marie Lommerud (1924...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Large brutalist wall sculpture, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Architectural brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 90cm Width: 175cm Ref.: 2508120403 *All images are always pa...
Metal
Table Lamp, Brutalist wood, Brown color France 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
We can notice the curves. The wood is a solid Wood. We have a socket in plastic, with a plastic switch You can use any kind of bulb up to 100 watt. Art deco or tribal and Brutalist s...
Wood
Brutalist Bronze Candleholder 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Bronze Candleholder, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Bronze Color: Gold Styles: Brutalist Item Type: Vintage, Ant...
Bronze
Mid-Century Brutalist Carafe Vases from Hartwig Heyne Pottery, Germany, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Carafe Vases from Hartwig Heyne Pottery, Germany, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informat...
Ceramic
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
Paul Evans Style Brutalist Hand Wrought Copper Candlesticks, Circa 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of mid-century modern Brutalist hand wrought copper large candlestick holders In the manner of Paul Evans USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 13"H. Very g...
Copper