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.
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
$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
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
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
Brutalist Mid Century Vase by Scherzer Germany
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
In a perfect condition this stunning vase.
Ceramic
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Studio Pottery Bull Sculpture in Green Glaze Signed
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This unusual mid-century modern studio pottery sculpture depicts a stylised bull rendered in a bold, abstract form. Handcrafted in ceramic, the piece features a beautifully mottled g...
Ceramic, Pottery
1970s Vintage Metal Brutalist Candleholder in Excellent Condition
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Metal Brutalist Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Brutalist Color:...
Metal
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
Brutalist Scandinavian Stoneware Black and Blue Bowl, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Striking handmade Scandinavian modern brutalist stoneware bowl produced in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Shiny black glaze on the inside. Geometric hand-carved shapes around the edge w...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
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
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
Handmade Brutalist artist bronze candlestick signed Beergmeister Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Bronze candlestick object Art Deco Kunstschmiede Bergmeister Ebersberg. With beautiful patina
Bronze
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
Travertine Marble Italian Box & Catchall Desk Accessory Fratelli Mannelli, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful square-shaped catchall and the rectangular Box in Travertine Marble is a wonderful example of Italian decorative objects production during the 1970s. Made by Fratelli...
Travertine
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
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
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
1960s Mid Century Modern Abstract Metal "Wall Jewelry" Sculpture Harry Bertoia
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT! BRUTALIST HANDWORKED SCULPTED METAL WALL ART Attributed to Harry Bertoia. INCREDIBLE WELDS, WORKMANSHIP & DESIGN! HUGE! ...
Bronze, Iron
Set of Three 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
Large Brutalist "Pom Pom" Brass Wall Sculture by Curtis Jere Signed and Dated
By Curtis Jeré, Curtis Freiler, Artisan House, Jerry Fels
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
XL Black Brutalist Style Candlestick Holder Of Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in München, BY
Large brutalist style candlestick holder of Wrought iron, Germany, 1950s. Dimensions: Height 30.7" / 78cm, Width 15.0" / 38cm, Depth 15.4" / 39cm, Edge Length Candle Bases 4.7" / 1...
Wrought Iron
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
Vintage French Riviera Style Hand Carved Olive Wood Bowl
Located in New Orleans, LA
Carved from a single block of rich, highly polished olive wood, this stunning bowl showcases a glossy dark brown finish, deep undulating ridges, and a prominent organically sculpted ...
Wood, Olive
$120Sale Price|35% Off
Swiss Brutalist Candle Holder, 1960's
Located in Bern, BE
Brutalist floor standing welded metal candle holder dating from the 1960's. Believed to be of Swiss origin. In the style of Jean Tinguely With single candle holder on a tripod base. ...
Metal
Vintage British Brutalist Bowl in Ceramic from Tremar UK
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage British Brutalist Bowl in Ceramic from Tremar UK, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Ceram...
Ceramic
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 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
Brutalist Brass Candle Sconces by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1970s, Denmark
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Brutalist Flame-Cut Brass Candle Sconces designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in the 1970s. * Set of two (2) flame-cut brass wall-mounted candle holders * Designer: Svend Aag...
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
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
Mid-Century Brutalist Torch-Cut Metal Wall Sculpture signed Silas Seandel
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the renowned American artist Silas Seandel, this mid-century Brutalist wall sculpture from 1976 is a masterful fusion of industrial design and artistic craftsmanship. Craft...
Cut Steel
Mid-Century Pottery Ikebana Vase from BKW Böttger Keramik Wandsbek, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Pottery Ikebana Vase from BKW Böttger Keramik Wandsbek, Hamburg, Germany, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution ma...
Ceramic
Sculptural Elegance Unseen Force #53: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Coffee Table
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sculptural Elegance Unseen Force #53: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Coffee Table Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to the ...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Danish Ceramic Minimalist Candle Holder From Lehmann Pottery, 1960s
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Ceramic Minimalist Candle Holder From Lehmann Pottery, Langeland, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece...
Ceramic
$2,200 / set
Chess Set by Marco Celotti Circa 1970
Located in Hudson, NY
A one of a kind chess set by Italian American artist Marco Celotti. Created circa 1970, the set is quit marvelous. Each figure is filled with detail. Even the individual pawns, each...
Pottery
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
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
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
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
Mid-Century German Space Age Bubble Glass Vase by from Gral, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Space Age Bubble Glass Vase by from Gral, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer r...
Glass
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
Mid Century Modern Brustalist Style Patchwork Metal Palm Tree C. 1940's
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 73 in W: 60 in D: 60 in An exceptionally unusual Mid-Century Modern Brutalist patchwork metal palm tree sculpture, dating to circa 1940s. With its monumental silhou...
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist WGP West German Pottery Vase, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist WGP West German Pottery Vase, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Brown Styles: Brutalist,...
Ceramic
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
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
Agate Ashtray or Vide Poche, Grey and Brown Color, Italy 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Vide-poche, or ashtray, was carved from a block of stone,Agathe stone, then polished. We can see as a decoration scheme this extraordinary sinuous Veinage, in brown and beige gr...
Agate
Mid-Century Swedish Brutalist Metal Candleholder by Harry N Boström, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Brutalist Candle Holder by Harry N Boström. This rare object is a limited edition. This one is 11/1000. Labeled Boström on bottom. This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure...
Metal
Patinated Candelabra by Sandra Kravitz for Rosenthal, "Tree of Light " Menorah
Located in San Diego, CA
Mixed patinated metal Jewish themed candelabra, designed by Sandra Kravitz presented by the Jacob Rosenthal Collection. The bottom is stamped Rosenthal and Sandra Kravitz. This 1980...
Metal
$322Sale Price|40% Off
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
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
Mid-Century Brutalist Candleholder, Metal, Gold Finish, 1960s Design
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
$188Sale Price|42% Off
Danish Brutalist Copper Vase in Copper, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A sculptural cylindrical vase in hand embossed patinated copper. It displays all the right elements of Scandinavian Brutalism. The floral relief pattern resembles some of Axel Salto'...
Copper
$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