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.
Candelabra Piramide III G016 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Candelabra Piramide III was created by David Marshall, from sand cast brass & aluminium. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our found...
Aluminum, Brass
Wooden Zodiac Libra 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
$1,080Sale Price|28% Off
Brutalist Sculptural Lamp
Located in Redding, CT
Brutalist sculptural lamp with gilt surface. Angelic in shape and elegant in movement this sculpture is united with illumination. Heavy gilded sculptur...
Plaster
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
Wooden Zodiac Libra 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
Large Brutalist German Studio Pottery Bowl by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Brutalist German Studio Pottery Bowl by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: ...
Ceramic
Vintage Brutalist Candelabra by Menachem Berman, Israel, Bronze and Walnut
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Vintage mid century brutalist candelabra by Menachem Berman, designed and produced in Israel, circa 1960s. Three hand worked bronze candle arms rise organically from a solid walnut t...
Bronze
Handcrafted Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Brutalist Design, 36x42 CM
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Elevate your home decor with our stunning carved wooden bowl, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship. This bowl features a gracefully curved shape, making it not only a practica...
Wood
Vintage Jack Boyd Brutalist Kinetic Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet
By Jack Boyd
Located in Southampton, NJ
This striking hand-forged sterling silver bracelet by renowned artist Jack Boyd is a testament to his mastery of sculptural jewelry design. Featuring Boyd’s signature organic forms, ...
Sterling Silver
Handcrafted Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Carved Brutalist Design
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Elevate your home decor with our stunning carved wooden bowl, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship. This bowl features a gracefully curved shape, making it not only a practica...
Wood
Large Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Brutalist Candle Holder handmade from steel. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Gray Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern Period: 1960s Item Type: Vintage, Antiq...
Metal
$1,654 / set
Pair of candleholders by Matthew Hilton.
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pair of candleholders in chrome plated aluminium by Matthew Hilton. A refined sculptural design defined by balance, negative space, and polished chrome surfaces. Both functional and ...
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
Square Brutalist Stoneware Trinket by Sejer Keramik, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Raw looking yet delicately glazed quardratic trinket/box in glazed stoneware. Abstract circular lid motif in earthy/dusty glazes. Brilliant decorative piece for personal smalls, jewe...
Stoneware
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
A sculpture carved from a single solid log, the form is abstract and figurative at the same time, suggesting a figure, a link, or simply the wood finding its own logic. The negative ...
Walnut
Brutalist Sculpture "Family" Signed Italy, circa 1961 Manner of Marcello Fantoni
Located in Buffalo, NY
Brutalist sculpture "Family" signed Italy, circa 1961, manner of Fanoni. Amazing form surface Classic modernist well executed.
Metal
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
Mid-Century Brutalist Bronze Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Bronze Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Gold Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century...
Metal
Brutalist Glazed Stoneware Vase by Eric Astoul La Borne, Signed, circa 2000
By Eric Astoul
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Stoneware Vase by Eric Astoul - La Borne - Circa 2000 - Era Debril Joulia Astoul Sculptural stoneware vase by Eric Astoul, one of the leading ceramists working in La Borne, France. ...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Stoneware
Beautiful Metal Crane Flamingo Figure Smokers set Brutalist Era, Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A large Figurine made of wrought iron for Holding Cigarettes, Matchsticks and Smoking Accessories. Made of metal with a nice patina and rusty parts. Typically made in Germany in the 1960s, as a statement piece on a cupboard or credenza. Also nice for a mens room.
Metal
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
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
Eddie Hackman The Shearer Bronze Figure Limited Edition 1986 Australian Outback
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eddie Hackman "The Shearer" Bronze Figure Limited Edition 1986 Australian Outback, Signed to Rear. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 4" H x 3.75" W x 2.5" D.
Bronze
Vintage Candle Holder Hand-Forged Iron Brutalist Design Italy, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Vintage candle holder hand-forged iron brutalist design Italy, 1970s This vintage candle holder made of hand-forged iron in a brutalist design dates back to the 1970s in Italy. The ...
Iron
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
Mid-Century German Brutalist Porcelain Vase from Wunsiedel Bavaria, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Brutalist Porcelain Vase from Wunsiedel Bavaria Porzellan, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, It is complete...
Porcelain
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
Sculptural brutalist fruit bowl in aluminium & brass by David Marshall, 1980s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Sculptural fruit bowl in aluminum and brass by David Marshall, Art 3 Spain circa 1980. In very good condition, signature is stamped on the inner brass part.
Aluminum, Brass
Fat Lava Style German 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. Particular and original German ceramic vase colored with a beautiful shade of red and a dark and vivid black; it has a simple shape but at the same time innovative and modernist; the beautiful and bright colors are balanced and proportioned respecting a minimalist design; the glazing of the vase was obtained by first laying down one color, proceeding to fix it by firing it in the kiln, then the same procedure was carried out for the other color; on the bottom is the mark "W. Germany"; it was produced between 1968 and 1971 in a craft workshop in the city of Dresden (then in East Germany), an important center for the production of porcelain and ceramics. "Fat lava" is the name given to a certain style of East German art...
Ceramic
Vintage German Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase, 1979
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase, 1979, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Style: Brutalist Period: 1970s Country...
Ceramic
Large Brutalist Candle Holder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Brutalist Candle Holder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Style: Brutalist Color: Black Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned Dimensio...
Glass
Beautiful Set of three Copper Handmade Brutalist Flower Vase, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful set of three flower vase made in Germany, circa 1970s. Made of copper, has some nice patina, but this is old-age. The size given in the dimensions section refers to the lar...
Copper
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 style. Huge handmade candle holders by Ferro Art, Spain, 1960s
By Ferro Art, Ferrocolor
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Huge and sculptural Brutalist set of 2 candelabras by Ferro Art, Spain, 1960s. Pair of candlesticks made entirely of sheet metal or tin. Worked, hammered and welded entirely by hand,...
Iron, Sheet Metal, Tin
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 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
Stunning Large handmade Brass Sunflower wall hanger 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very impressif large Sunflower .Handmade from Messing Brass and copper .Really a stunning piece . Superb patine over the years . A real unique piece of Art . One off .
Brass
Vintage Brutalist German Studio Pottery Carafe Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1974
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist German Studio Pottery Carafe Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1974, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional infor...
Ceramic
Vintage Brutalist Wrought Iron Candleholder, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Brutalist Candle Holder handmade from Wrought Iron. Additional information: Style: Brutalist Color: Black Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned Dimensions: 9.06ʺW × 32.68ʺH...
Glass
$217Sale Price|29% Off
Brutalist Danish Mid Century Ceramic Candle Holder by Judi Kunst, Denmark 1970
By Judi Kunst
Located in Hannover, DE
This lantern by Judi Kunst is custom-made in size and design and was a personal gift of honor. This candle holder is exceptionally masterfully shaped in its organic shape and is remi...
Pottery
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
Handcrafted Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Carved Brutalist Design
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Elevate your home decor with our stunning carved wooden bowl, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship. This bowl features a gracefully curved shape, making it not only a practica...
Wood
Mid-Century Brutalist Candleholder in Wrought Iron, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Candleholder in Wrought Iron, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Wrought Iron Color: Gray Styles: Brutal...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Metal Brutalist Candleholder
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Metal Brutalist Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Brutalist Color:...
Metal
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
Brutalist Maze Bowl Cast Aluminum & Brass Reference A080 by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The abstract bowl was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain. It is certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall. He is insipired by nature and the landscaps making useful art with cast brass and alumium materials. We also make bespoke designs for clients, like signage for condominums, private homes, Hotels & Restaurants, awards for Charity...
Aluminum, Brass
Signed Vintage Brutalist Ceramic Studio Pottery Footed Bowl Catchall
Located in Miami, FL
Signed Vintage Brutalist Ceramic Studio Pottery Footed Bowl Offered for sale is a hand-built rustic studio pottery glazed footed bowl with a sculptuiral look. The bowl is irregular...
Ceramic, Clay
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 Studio Pottery Vase, Germany, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase, Germany, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Green Styles: Brutalist Period: 1980...
Ceramic
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bronze & Marble Jazz Musician Band Figures 5 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bronze & Marble Jazz Musician Band Figures - 5 Pc Set. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: (5) Standing Musicians: 13" H x 4.5 W x 5" D
Bronze
Vintage Boho Orrefors “Corona” Crystal Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Illuminate your home with the iconic brilliance of Scandinavian design in this vintage "Corona" crystal bowl, designed by Lars Hellsten for Orrefors. Introduced in 1978, this masterp...
Crystal
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Gecco Figurine, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Gecco Figurine, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Gray Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century...
Metal
Escalona's Black Solid Wood Sculpture of Abstract Elegance, Still Stand No85
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Escalona's Black Solid Wood Sculpture of Abstract Elegance, Still Stand No85 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw bea...
Hardwood
$620Sale Price|77% Off
Decorative Stone Bowl in Quartz Crystal with Black Tourmaline Inclusions, Brazil
Located in Glasgow, GB
Hand-carved from a single piece of tourmaline quartz, this sculptural bowl merges organic mineral formation with refined craftsmanship. The raw exterior preserves the natural matrix ...
Quartz, Tourmaline
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
Mid-Century German Brutalist Carafe Vase in the style of Gerhard Liebenthron
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Brutalist Carafe Vase in the style of Gerhard Liebenthron, 1960s, in None conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Brow...
Ceramic
$230Sale 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
Vintage Brutalist German Metal Candleholder, Ebersberg, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist German Metal Candleholder from Kunstschamiede Bergmeister, Ebersberg, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This pi...
Metal
Brutalist German Ceramic Bowl and Candle Holder from Jasba
By Jasba
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist German Ceramic Bowl and Candle Holder from Jasba, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Addit...
Ceramic
Brutalist Abstract Sculptural in Grogged Stoneware by Jo Rowland – circa 1970
By Jo Rowland
Located in leucate, FR
A masterful sculptural work blending architectural rigor with telluric expression. This exceptional grogged stoneware (grès chamotté) sculpture is an original work by the artist Jo ...
Stoneware
$169Sale Price|28% Off
Brutalist candelabra in wrought iron by RK design, Switzerland 1970s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Beautiful Brutalist 4-light wrought-iron candelabra circa 1970, Swiss production by RK. In very good condition.
Wrought Iron