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.
Two Heavy Southwest Kokopelli Metal Sculptures Bookends
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Two heavy signed Southwest Kokopelli metal sculptures. The sculpture features Kokopelli, a fertility deity in the shape of a humpbacked figure playing the flute. The sculpture an...
Metal
Paul Evans Style Brutalist Iron & Brazed Brass Drip Square Vase, circa 1970
By Paul Evans
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Handcrafted Brutalist Brazed and Flowed Brass on Iron Vase, 1970's Featuring a rectangular form, hand poured brazed Brass atop Metal in mottled Black, Brown, Rust, Gold, and Deep Gre...
Brass, Iron
20th Century School Brutalist Bronze Sculpture of Standing Woman, Signed
Located in Germantown, MD
A brutalist bronze sculpture of well dressed standing woman in good vintage condition. Measures 6" in width, 6" in depth and stands 18.25" tall. Signed on base
Bronze
Brutalist Art Studio Pottery Lidded Jar Pot by Jaan Mobach, Netherlands 1960's
By Mobach
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Rare Brutalist Dutch Art Studio Pottery Lidded Jar Pot by Jaan Mobach. Made in the Netherlands, 1960's period. Marked on the bottom. Brown bronze glazes on this pot with lid....
Ceramic
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
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Abstract Elegance, Dark, Sleek Black Solid Wood by Escalona, Still Stand No98
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Elegance, Dark, Sleek Black Solid Wood by Escalona, Still Stand No98 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a...
Hardwood
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
Three Studio Brutalist Abstract Metal Sculptures like Jeré Paul Evans, 60's, Set
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of Three Brutalist Metal Tree Sculptures like Jeré, Paul Evans, 1960's, USA Torch-cut, welded and grinder-worked sheet metal in various organic abstract forms resembling trees. F...
Sheet Metal
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Joel Escalona's Sleek Dark Totem in Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No92
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Sleek Dark Totem in Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No92 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testam...
Hardwood
Dark Modern Totem, Black Solid Wood, Vision by Escalona, Still Stand No81
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Dark Modern Totem, Black Solid Wood, Vision by Escalona, Still Stand No81—— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a tes...
Hardwood
Abstract Organic Ceramic Sculpture with a mushroom, Yugoslavia, 1980s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a unique hand-built ceramic sculpture created in Yugoslavia during the 1980s by an unknown artist. The highly expressive composition combines organic an...
Ceramic
Arik Amir Brutalist Sculpture of a Dancer
Located in Redding, CT
Arik Amir Brutalist Iron Sculpture of a Dancer, signed Arik on the base. Arik Amir (b 1922-2008) Tel Aviv, Israel. Biography from The Isreali Museum of Jerusalem refered to him as ''...
Iron
Fluted Concrete Vases / Vessels, 'Set of 3'
Located in Camp Meeker, CA
A little Art Deco, a little Gothic, very Brutal. Cast concrete, tinted with dark gray pigment. Natural finish. These vessels are great empty, but even better with flowers or a succ...
Concrete
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
Modern Art Carved in Sleek Dark Black Solid Wood, NONO's Still Stand No99
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Art Carved in Sleek Dark Black Solid Wood, NONO's Still Stand No99 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a te...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elegance in Black Solid Wood by NONO, Still Stand No78 Redefined
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elegance in Black Solid Wood by NONO, Still Stand No78 Redefined —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament ...
Hardwood
NONO Elefante Buffet 15, Solid Oak, Understated Design Detail
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Buffet 15, Solid Oak, Understated Design Detail ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO ...
Hardwood
Joel Escalona Defines Sleek, Dark Burned Oak in Abstract Design, Still Stand 96
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona Defines Sleek, Dark Burned Oak in Abstract Design, Still Stand No96 _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one i...
Hardwood
Unseen Force #52: Solid Oak Table, Joel Escalona's Functional Art
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Unseen Force #52: Solid Oak Table, Joel Escalona's Functional Art Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to the nature of the production process, each piece may vary in grain, texture, shape or even size. The dimensions provided refer to the table only. The dimensions and shape of the sculpture may vary. — About the Concept. Unseen Force Coffee Tables and Side Tables, design by Joel Escalona for NONO When Tables Talk Art...
Hardwood
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante Tapered Leg Console 16 by NONO, Oak Craft, Stout Silhouette
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
NONO Elefante Buffet 19, Oak Stalwart, Tiered Shelving Design
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Buffet 19, Oak Stalwart, Tiered Shelving Design ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Craf...
Hardwood
1960s Brass Sculpture on Chain Link Iron Base
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s Brass Sculpture On Chain Link Iron Base Unique Mid Century sculpture Brutalist style torch cut leafs, sprouted from an iron base Unsigned, similar to works by Curtis Jere ...
Brass, Iron, Sheet Metal
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Burnt Oak, Rustic
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Burnt Oak
Oak
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Artisanal Unseen Force #68: Joel Escalona's Crafted Oak Table, Elegance & Form
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artisanal Unseen Force #68: Joel Escalona's Crafted Oak Table, Elegance & Form Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to the nature of the production process, each piece may vary in grain, texture, shape or even size. The dimensions provided refer to the table only. The dimensions and shape of the sculpture may vary. — About the Concept. Unseen Force Coffee Tables and Side Tables, design by Joel Escalona for NONO When Tables Talk Art...
Hardwood
Elefante by NONO Console 20, Slender Oak Elegance, Substantial Presence
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Console 20, Slender Oak Elegance, Substantial Presence ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a ...
Hardwood
Slim Elefante Console 08, NONO Craft, Chic Brutalist Style
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Slim Elefante Console 08, NONO Craft, Chic Brutalist Style ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist To...
Hardwood
Brutalist Welded Steel Nude Female on Chair Sculpture by Gene Logan for Elrod
By Logan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Spectacular 1975 Brutalist nude female on chair by listed sculptor Gene Adams Logan 1922-1999 for Arthur Elrod. The Sculpture is published in the Arthur Elrod Book. Constructed of ...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Metal Brutalist Stylized Figurative Sculpture Marked "Ann"
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large metal mid-century sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Canada in approximately 1965 in a Brutalist style. The sculpture is do...
Metal
Rare Mid-Century Brutalist Bronze Candelabra
Located in APELDOORN, NL
This exceptionally rare and attractive bronze candelabra is a striking example of Mid-Century Modern design. It features a highly unusual organic shape with textured branches that ri...
Bronze
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of 21st Century Abstract Bronze Floral Sculpture
Located in Augusta, GA
Pair of bronze abstract floral sculpture Hand made in the Brutalist-style by local Atlanta artist Made with a beautiful verdigris patina Made...
Brass, Bronze
Brutalist Desktop Glass Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist desktop / tabletop glass sculpture. It is made of crashed glass and mirror melted into clear acrylic and mounted on natural piece o...
Glass
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Jaime Artigas Brutalist Iron Console Table Base
By Jaime Artigas
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1970s Mexican Brutalism rare custom console table desk. Work of art. Base features solid Iron metal sculpture by Jaime Arti...
Bronze, Steel, Iron
A Dark, Elegant Design Materializes in Burned Oak, Still Stand No91, by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A Dark, Elegant Design Materializes in Burned Oak, Still Stand No91, by NONO —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a...
Hardwood
Vintage Bronze Abstract Brutalist Bull Fighter Sculpture by Prince Monyo, 1970s
By Prince Monyo
Located in Troy, MI
Vintage Prince Monyo Bronze Abstract Brutalist Sculpture 1970s Rare Bull Fighter sculpture by Prince Monyo Mihailescu-Nasturel (b. Bucharest, 1...
Bronze
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sleek and Dark, Joel Escalona's Burned Oak Totem Emerges, Still Stand No92
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sleek and Dark, Joel Escalona's Burned Oak Totem Emerges, Still Stand No92 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a t...
Hardwood
Fat Lava Brutalist Style Hungarian 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. Pecul...
Ceramic
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
$9,793Sale Price / item|20% Off
Decor-Focused Unseen Force #69: Solid Wood by Joel Escalona, Coffee Table Art
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Decor-Focused Unseen Force #69: Solid Wood by Joel Escalona, Coffee Table Art Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to th...
Hardwood
Small Brutalist Studio Pottery Signed Figural Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
An interesting figural brutalist studio pottery stoneware vase, circa 1970s. It is has an abstract Picasso influenced look to it. Very cool and different piece that is signed on the...
Stoneware
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
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante Oak Sideboard 01, NONO Charm, Sleek Utility
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Oak Sideboard 01, NONO Charm, Sleek Utility ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch N...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
A Sleek, Dark Burned Oak Totem, Carved into Modern Art, NONO's Still Stand No99
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A Sleek, Dark Burned Oak Totem, Carved into Modern Art, NONO's Still Stand No99 _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is ...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Biomorphic Burned Oak Elegance, Still Stand No83, Crafted by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Biomorphic Burned Oak Elegance, Still Stand No83, Crafted by NONO —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. ...
Hardwood
Artisan Elefante Sideboard 14, NONO Crafted, Subtle Oak Finish
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artisan Elefante Sideboard 14, NONO Crafted, Subtle Oak Finish ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernis...
Hardwood
Brutalist Concrete Candle Lanterns, Set of 3, White
Located in Camp Meeker, CA
Cast concrete with semigloss finish. Large: 8" dia x 8" tall, fits a 3" diameter candle up to 6" tall. Medium: 5" dia x 5" tall, fits a 2" diameter candle up to 4" tall, votive, t...
Concrete
Abstract Beauty in Black Solid Wood, Escalona's Work, Still Stand No79
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Beauty in Black Solid Wood, Escalona's Work, Still Stand No79 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testa...
Hardwood
Pair of Brutalist Nickel Candle Holders by Thomas Roy Markusen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of sculpted pounded nickel plated Candle holder/ vases by Thomas Roy Markusen Brutalist. Large-15" high 6" diameter Small-10" high 6" diameter
Metal, Nickel
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carved Elegance, Black Solid Wood Still Stand No80 by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Carved Elegance, Black Solid Wood Still Stand No80 by NONO —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the ...
Hardwood
$9,882Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
NONO Elefante Sideboard 17, Oak Durability, Graceful Overhang
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Sideboard 17, Oak Durability, Graceful Overhang ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist ...
Hardwood
Minimalist Elefante Console 13, NONO Signature Oak, Balanced Structure
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Minimalist Elefante Console 13, NONO Signature Oak, Balanced Structure ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a M...
Hardwood
$11,706 / item
Elefante by NONO Console 11, Stout Oak Base, Refined Top
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Console 11, Stout Oak Base, Refined Top ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touc...
Hardwood
Unseen Force #60: Solid Wood Coffee Table, Joel Escalona's Decorative Artistry
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Unseen Force #60: Solid Wood Coffee Table, Joel Escalona's Decorative Artistry Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to the nature of the production process, each piece may vary in grain, texture, shape or even size. The dimensions provided refer to the table only. The dimensions and shape of the sculpture may vary. — About the Concept. Unseen Force Coffee Tables and Side Tables, design by Joel Escalona for NONO When Tables Talk Art...
Hardwood
Artisan Unseen Force #64: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Coffee Table, Decor Accent
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artisan Unseen Force #64: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Coffee Table, Decor Accent Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to t...
Hardwood
Italian Brutalist Iron Sculpture Attributed to Marcello Fantoni - 1950s-1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Keywords: iron sculpture, attributed to Marcello Fantoni, Italian brutalist art, 1950s sculpture, mid-century sculpture, welded iron, Tuscan sculpture, unsigned work, Italian design,...
Iron
Signed Ilana Goor Bronze Donkey Sculpture
By Ilana Goor
Located in Round Top, TX
Signed Ilana Goor Bronze Donkey Sculpture A wonderfully expressive bronze donkey sculpture by acclaimed Israeli artist and designer Ilana Goor, signed “Goor.” Richly textured and mod...
Bronze
Brutalist Cast Stainless Steel Vase by Olav Joa, Norway 1970s
A sculptural Norwegian Brutalist vase designed by Olav Joa, circa 1970s. Executed in cast stainless steel (18-8 quality), this cylindrical vessel embodies Joa’s distinctive architec...
Stainless Steel
Pair of two large Vintage Brutalist Mid-Century Candlesticks
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Set of two brutalist candlesticks from the 1970s, crafted from twisted iron in a style typical of the period. Beautiful as a pair, with a refined finish that enhances their bold, scu...
Metal
Freestanding Brutalist Metal Sculpture after Jere
Located in New York, NY
Impressive freestanding Brutalist sculpture in the manner of Jere, Evans, unsigned. The piece has an organic form top (10 inch in diameter,) which stands on metal rods, which are att...
Steel, Wrought Iron
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Copper Vase with Blue & Brown Enamel Overlays by Rita Brierton
Located in San Diego, CA
Brutalist copper vase with blue and brown enamel overlays by Rita Brierton, circa 1991. The vase is very heavy and finely crafted; the piece measures: 3.5" W x 2.5" D x 9" H. #1091.
Enamel, Copper