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.
$6,000Sale Price|33% Off
Abstract Modern Art Sculpture! "Phoenix Rising" Direct Metal & Marble 1950s
By Seymour Lipton
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT! DIRECT METAL SCULPTURE "PHOENIX RISING" MID CENTURY ABSTRACT ART! ATTRIBUTED TO SEYMOUR LIPTON Signed & Titled "Phoenix Rising" Lipton 1958 DIMENSIONS: 23" HIGH x 7...
Marble, Bronze
'Regatta', An American Brutalist Iron Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th century American Brutalist iron sculpture, titled Regatta, captures the dynamic energy of a sailboat race with bold, abstracted forms. The composition features four sai...
Iron
$734Sale Price|20% Off
A small brass sculpture of an owl in a brutalist style - France - 1970s
By César Baldaccini, Germaine Richier
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A small brass sculpture of an owl in a style reminiscent of Germain Richier or César Baldaccini. This unique piece features a textured, organic surface, marked by raw details and a h...
Brass
$11,706 / item
Elefante by NONO Desk 04, Oak Precision, Functional Art
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Desk 04, Oak Precision, Functional Art ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch ...
Hardwood
Paul Evans styled Brutalist Metal Sculptural Vase by Jim Heneveld
By Paul Evans
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A welded steel box vase sculpture with flamed metal decoration to the body and applied designs to each side . Made in the manner of Paul Evans with highlighted edges to the design in...
Metal
Two Massive Brutalist Candlesticks by David Marshall
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two massive, brutalist candlesticks designed and manufactured by the Scottish artist David Marshall made with an ancient sand pressing technique. They come with patina. A great gift ...
Brass, Steel
Carved from Elegance, Still Stand No80 in Burned Oak by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Carved from Elegance, Still Stand No80 in Burned Oak by NONO —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to th...
Hardwood
"Kabuto #4, " by Lucien Petit
By Lucien Petit
Located in New York, NY
Glazed stoneware sculpture. Wood fired.
Stoneware
XL Mid-Century Brutalist Chamotte Vase by Spara Keramik, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
XL Mid-Century Brutalist chamotte vase - by Spara Keramik - incised decoration red brown - Germany 1960s Mid-Century German Brutalist chamotte vase by Spara Keramik. This very large...
Ceramic
Max Finkelstein Brutalist Welded Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Max Finkelstein brutalist welded and hammered brass sculpture in heavy patina. Signed Finkelstein 64
Brass
$696Sale Price|39% Off
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Metal Sculpture, Torch Cut Sun Statue
By Paul Evans, C. Jeré Artisan House
Located in Decatur, GA
Large scale mid century brutalist sun sculpture. Torch cut patinated metal mounted on wood. Signed "CD". Excellent condition - no flaws of note. Measures: W 20" x D 20" x H 36"....
Metal, Iron
Peter Lipman-Wulf Sculptural Vessel
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural, hand-formed vessel of painted and glazed clay, likely for use as a bird bath, by German/American artist and educator Peter Lipman-Wulf. Born i...
Clay
Hammered Glass Wrought Iron Sculpture Lamp by Biancardi & Jordan, Italy, 1970s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern sculpture lamp light sconce hammered glass and wrought iron, by the manufacture Biancardi & Jordan in Verona in a Brutalist s...
Wrought Iron
Dark Elegance, Biomorphic Black Solid Wood Crafted by NONO, Still Stand No93
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Dark Elegance, Biomorphic Black Solid Wood Crafted by NONO, Still Stand No93 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and ...
Hardwood
Anne Van Kleeck standing woman brutalist bronze
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Anne Van Kleeck American… 1922 - 1998. this is a modernist bronze female sculpture, her face is beautifully sculpted, and her clothing is draped in a modernness fashion covering her ...
Bronze
$100 / set
James de Wulf Concrete Color Samples
Located in Paia, HI
James de Wulf Concrete color samples in light grey, natural, dark grey, black, and creamy white.
Concrete
Brutalist Mid Century zoomorphic wrought iron candelabra candle holder
Located in BELFORT, FR
Large mid century and brutalist style wrought iron candelabra.
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Shallow Bowl Cast Alumium and Brass Reference A024 by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The shallow small 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
Brutalist wrought iron fruit bowl or candle holder, Netherlands 1950s
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in ECHT, NL
Brutalist style fruit bowl or candle holder. Hand crafted from wrought iron. The piece show quality craftsmanship in all its details. The curled legs are riveted to the bowl and the ...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Silvered Bronze Table Set by Morbelli, Italy, 1970s
Located in Conversano, IT
A rare and sculptural brutalist-style table set crafted in silvered bronze with a richly textured surface and organic openwork design. Produced by the renowned Italian art foundry Mo...
Bronze
Brutalist Mid Century wrought iron candle holder
Located in BELFORT, FR
Mid century and brutalist style wrought iron candle holder. Perfect condition. Handmade in Switzerland.
Wrought Iron
$2,200 / item
Sculptural Vessels in Gray by Sonja Duo-Meyer
By Sonja Duó-Meyer
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural vessels in an ovoid form with walled aperture. Hand-built of gray chamotte Limoges porcelain by Swiss ceramic artist Sonja Duo-Meyer (b. 1953) and executed circa 1995. The...
Porcelain
Picture Frame by Mathias for Fondica, France, 1990s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Rare picture photo frame in gilt metal, bronze style by Mathias for Fondica. Sign Mathias and stamp Fondica France. Interior measurements of the frame 18 x 13 centimeters. Famous art...
Metal
Rare & Early James Bearden "Pod Box on Stand" Steel & Blackened Bronze Brutalist
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and studio-made by American designer and craftsman James Bearden, this pedestal style box offers a unique blend of extraordinary hand-made quality and striking brutalist vis...
Bronze, Steel
$405Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Solid Walnut Candle Holder - Acer R:2 by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Acer candle holder R:2 features architectural cubic volumes and semi arched voids. Made out of solid wood and steel, showing signs of handcraft. Designed by Aad Bos and crafted...
Steel
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Raw Metal Torch Cut Flower Sculpture by Dan Jordan
Located in San Diego, CA
Brutalist raw metal torch cut flower sculpture by Dan Jordan, circa 1983. The sculpture is in very good vintage condition and measures 12.5"W x 11"D x 17"H; it is signed and dated 19...
Quartz, Metal
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Tin Wrapped Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Brutalist tin wrapped wooden box, circa 1970s. The piece was made in Mexico and is in very good vintage condition. #843
Metal
Unique Hand Forged in Fire Artistic Design Candlestick with Three Frog like Legs
Located in Lisse, NL
This is the kind of unique artwork that brings a smile to your face. We bet you have never seen such a candlestick. This artistically designed and very well made candlestick dates f...
Wrought Iron
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
Biomorphic Elegance, Black Solid Wood by NONO, Still Stand No83
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Biomorphic Elegance, Black Solid Wood by NONO, Still Stand No83 Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to th...
Hardwood
Multi Metal Brass and Copper Brutalist Style Hand made Hinged Box with Bun Feet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Muti-Metal Hinged box of Brass and Copper. The piece is of the Brutalist Style and its hand Crafted qualities of welded or soldered pieces of Metal t...
Brass, Copper
Brutalist Style Vintage Bowl in Brass Aluminium by David Marshall, Circa 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Brutalist Style Vintage Bowl in Brass Aluminium by David Marshall, Circa 1970s. Double brass handles by the Scottish artist David Marshall. The bottom has the trademark leather base...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introduce a touch of organic warmth and artisanal texture to your home with this captivating vintage studio pottery vase. The vessel features a classic bulbous bottle shape with a sl...
Pottery
$405Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Solid Walnut Candle Holder - Acer R:2 by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Acer candle holder R:2 features architectural cubic volumes and semi arched voids. Made out of solid wood and steel, showing signs of handcraft. Designed by Aad Bos and crafted...
Steel
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Important Peter Voulkos 'Plate', 1981 – Wheel-Thrown Stoneware, Surface Drawing
Located in Chicago, IL
Important Peter Voulkos 'Untitled Plate', 1981 – Wheel-Thrown Stoneware with Surface Drawing Dimensions: 5¼ D × 21 W× 20 H in Signed: Voulkos 81, to reverse Catalog: Registered under...
Clay
$329Sale Price|20% Off
Art Ceramic Surfboard Bowl Dish by Rogier Vandeweghe for Perignem Studio
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Art Ceramic Surfboard model bowl / dish by Rogier Vandeweghe for Perignem / Amphora Studio. Made in Belgium, 1960's. Rare dish with surfboard shape. Marked on the ...
Ceramic
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
The Sleek Totem of Dark Elegance in Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No90
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Sleek Totem of Dark Elegance in Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No90 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testam...
Hardwood
Brutalist Torch Cut Iron Garden Sculpture Ca. 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
Impressive torch cut iron sculpture of abstract geometric form executed in the Brutalist style. The sculpture is in original rust surface, and...
Iron
$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
NONO Elefante Foyer Table 09, Oak Precision, Minimalist Elegance
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Foyer Table 09, Oak Precision, Minimalist Elegance ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modern...
Hardwood
Gladiator and Jester, Brutalist Sculptures in Mixed Metal, 1966-1967
By B. O'Byrne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Superlative examples of welded, Brutalist sculptures from the 1960s, this pairing of Gladiator and "King's Clown" were executed in steel, brass and slate by B. O'Byrne. The sculptor ...
Steel
Brutalist Postmodern Candlestick by Jonathan Christian, France, 2024.
Located in Lille, FR
Sculptural Brutalist candlestick by Jonathan Christian.
Carrara Marble
1960s Brass Flower Sculpture on Composition Base
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s Brass Flower Sculpture on Composition Base Mid Century Modern Flowers and Leaves in distressed patinated brass and metal Composition Base
Brass
Mid Century Modern Abstract Bronze Sculpture of a Standing Tree Stump Log
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular Brutalist expression of a standing tree stump log in Bronze. Artist unknown, but definitely from the early 1970s. Amazing artistic craftsmanship. The stump is well balan...
Bronze
Early Peter Voulkus Ceramic Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Peter Voulkus ceramic vase early 1960'd [unsigned].
Ceramic
Contemporary Oval Metal Sculpture in a Modern Brutalist Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Contemporary sculpture in black/brown metal, featuring an irregular metal ring set on a light-colored base. The contemporary sculpture reflects a brutalist style. Dimensions: H 51 ×...
Stone, Metal
Bronze Candle Holder by Alexander Lamont
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Bronze Candle Holder by Alexander Lamont, a luxurious and exquisite piece of furniture that will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. Standing tal...
Bronze
Brutalist Art Pottery Studio Sculpture Man with Gun Riding a Camel signed
Located in New York, NY
1970's Brutalist Studio Art Pottery sculpture depicting a Arab man, carrying a rife, riding a camel. The sculpture is signed illegibly on its base, this example is in very good, or...
Pottery
Vintage Murano Scavo Cobalt Blue Glass Vase, Hand-Blown
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Alfredo Barbini
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Vintage Murano cobalt blue Scavo glass vase, hand-blown with a textured matte archaeological finish—ideal for Brutalist or Organic Modern interiors. This Murano Seguso Scavo cobalt ...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Monumental Brutalist Floor Vase, Signed Inge
Located in New Windsor, NY
Monumental 1960s Brutalist slab built floor vase. This is another amazing piece of architectural pottery offered here signed by Inge. Incised decor. Good condition with no visible ha...
Clay, Stoneware
$117Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Brutalist Ice Glass Vase by Ingrid Glashütte
Located in Rümmingen, BW
This milk glass vase is in a Brutalist design and was made in Germany around 1970. Its surface is reminiscent of ice or bark, giving this vase a highly textured and interesting surface. This vase, while having a rather tough-looking design, still remains soft and clean due to its white color and rounded edges. This creates a very interesting juxtaposition that will add a cool and contemporary vibe to your interior. This ice or bark glass...
Glass, Milk Glass
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
Wrought Iron Candle Stand With Beads Denmark
Located in Den Haag, NL
Hand forged Wrought Iron Candle Stand With Beads . Good condition .
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Mid Century wrought iron candelabra candle holder
Located in BELFORT, FR
Mid century and brutalist style wrought iron candelabra.
Wrought Iron
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
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
Mid-Century Pottery WGP Brutalist Carafe Vase from Dümler & Breiden, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century West German Pottery WGP Brutalist Carafe Vase from Dümler & Breiden, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional...
Ceramic
Set of 5 Mid-Century Studio Pottery Vase, Carafe, Bowls and Candle Holder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Studio Pottery Vase, Carafe, Bowls and Candle Holder from Till Sudeck, 1960s, Set of 5, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attributio...
Ceramic
Vintage Brutalist Metal Candleholder, Black Finish, 1960s Design
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century Mode...
Metal
West German Brutalist Pottery Bowl from WGP, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
West German Brutalist Pottery Bowl from WGP, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Ce...
Ceramic