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.
Aurelio Teno (1927/2013) Owl-shaped sculpture, natural stone and Bronze
By Aurelio Teno
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Aurelio Teno (1927/2013) Owl-shaped sculpture, natural stone and Bronze. Superb sculpture from the 70s by Aurelio Teno, of brutalist inspiration, made from a block of natural quartz,...
Quartz, Bronze
$1,090Sale Price|20% Off
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
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Extendable Floor Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Extendable Floor Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-...
Iron
Vintage Brutalist Mid Century Steel Metal Family Table Sculpture Signed Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brutalist Mid Century Steel Metal Family Table Sculpture Signed Hardy. Item features a sculpture of a man, woman, and child (in the man's arms) unique brutalist design. Signe...
Metal
Hand-forged wrought iron candlesticks, France 1950s
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in Antwerp, BE
Striking pair of hand-forged wrought iron candelabra from France, dating to the 1950s. These sculptural five-light candleholders strongly reflect the aesthetic associated with Jean T...
Wrought Iron
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
Matthew Hilton. Brutalist candle holders, England, 1980s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist candlesticks by Matthew Hilton, England, 1980s, set of 2. Sculptural shapes made of aluminium. Totally timeless pieces for any current interior with a classic or contempora...
Aluminum
Hand Crafted Brutalist Art Pottery Owl c 1970/1980’s
Located in New York, NY
Intriguing studio made ceramic pottery owl in the Brutalist style. The tonal polychrome mat finish glaze perfectly complements the textural surface. Suitable for use as a flower vase...
Pottery
Michel Anasse — Metal Rooster Sculpture, c. 1960
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An elegant and highly decorative metal rooster sculpture by Michel Anasse (1930–2020), one of the key figures of French modernist metalwork. This exceptional piece showcases Anasse’...
Metal
60s Mid Century Modern Brutalist K L Hakuli Brass Abstract Art Menorah Israel
By Yaacov Agam, Wainberg 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
Vintage Carved Solid Mahogany Decorative Post, Brutalist Style, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsomely carved solid mahogany decorative post. Vintage, and originally intended as a banister stop. This is a strikingly beautiful piece that can serve as an eye catching art obje...
Mahogany
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
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candleholder 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Wrought Iron Color: Black Styles: Brutalis...
Wrought Iron
$580Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Brutalist Rare Hand Hammered Brass Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare pair of candleholders solid hand hammered brass, we got these pair in Norway beautiful and unique.
Brass
$2,200 / set
Solid Aluminum Brutalist Candelabras
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Brutalist candelabras, in the style of Paul Evans. Striated texture, black patinated impressions, six candle wells, beveled angle edges with archi...
Aluminum
Isabelle Faure Signed Illuminated Gold Butterfly Sculpture Light Brass and Agate
Located in Hastings, GB
An incredibly rare sculpture by world renowned sculptor Isabelle Faure, in hand worked brass and agate. The enormous butterfly spans over 80cm in diameter and the stunning agate wing...
Agate, Brass
Elefante by NONO Buffet 10, Sturdy Oak, Architectural Allure
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Buffet 10, Sturdy Oak, Architectural Allure ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist ...
Hardwood
Vintage Boho Brutalist Modernist Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Command attention with the raw, architectural power of this vintage Brutalist sculpture. Epitomizing the avant-garde spirit of the Mid-Century Modernist movement, this striking abstr...
Stone, Aluminum
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
Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' Sculpture 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' sculpture 1950s This is a wonderful piece of modernist African art. It is a so called 'Makonde' sculpture. These unique pieces are crafted by t...
Wood, Ebony
Henri Fernandez Gold and Blue Longhorn Beetle Lamp
Located in Hastings, GB
Extremely rare sculpture in brass and agate, by Henri Fernandez for atelier Duval Brasseur, modelled as a Longhorn Beetle and dating to the 1970’s. The beautiful blue agate wings ar...
Agate, Brass
Large Brutalist Mid Century wrought iron floor candelabra candle holder, knot
Located in BELFORT, FR
Large mid century and brutalist style wrought iron floor candelabra.
Wrought Iron
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
William Friedle Vintage Brutalist Metal Sculpture
Located in San Antonio, TX
Signed vintage mid-century brutalist metal art sculpture by William Friedle, circa 1960s. William worked with his brother, Bruce Friedle creating u...
Metal
Brutalist Candelabra, Sculpture in Wrought Iron, 1970s, France
Located in Antwerp, BE
Handcrafted brutalist candelabra, sculpture with five bronze holders made in France, one piece unique five-arm candelabra a work of craftsmanship by an unknown artist. It's an except...
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candle Holder
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Candle Holder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern Item Type...
Iron
Rare Gold BMF Nagel Quist Variomaster Brutalist Stockable Modular Candleholder
Located in Vienna, AT
Stackable modular candleholder by BMF Quist Nagel, rare gold edition. The candleholders were designed by Ceasar Stoffi and Fritz Nagel and manufactured by BMF (Bayerische Metallwaren...
Brass, Chrome
Klaus Lehmann, Brutalist German Studio Pottery Cube Art Sculpture No. No. 337 81
Located in Hamburg, DE
Klaus Lehmann, Postmodern Brutalist German Studio Pottery Cube Art Sculpture No. 337 81, 1981
Pottery
Vintage Sculptural Brutalist Iron & Glass Wall Candleholders by Dantoft, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Large 1970s Brutalist Wall sculptures made by Danish design company Dantoft kunstartikler (trans.: art objects). Made from black lacquered and welded iron set in a graphic formation ...
Iron
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
Hand Blown Glass Solarized Ghost Vase by Gregory Nangle, Brutalist Design
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Solarized Cleaving Ghost Vase. Hand Blown Crystal Glass and also available in Ruby transparent color, faded silvering at base. The artist blows these into M...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Silver
$900Sale Price|20% Off
Large burtalist wal sculpture, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Architectural brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 85cm Width: 185cm Ref.: 2508120401 *All images are always pa...
Metal
Mid Century Brutalist Modern Abstract Wall Sculpture by Finesse Originals
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fun to look at piece of 3D wall created by Finesse Originals in the 1960's. It consists of a wood frame and the sculpture part is molded resin.
Resin, Wood
Modern Sculpture in Dark Art, Black Solid Wood by Escalona, Still Stand No94
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Sculpture in Dark Art, Black Solid Wood by Escalona, Still Stand No94 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a...
Hardwood
1970 Salvino Marsura style Brutalist Sculpture Irone Bowl
Located in Brescia, IT
Sculpture Iron Bowl Salvino Marsura attr. Italy, 1970 Striking hand-forged metal bowl in the Brutalist style, dating from the mid-20th century. This sculptural piece is composed of...
Iron
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
$1,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Khadim Diop Bronze Sculptures African Ethnic Art Statue Musician Vintage Modern
Located in London, GB
Khadim Diop, the Senegalese artist renowned for his bronze sculptures that adorn many private collections worldwide, has crafted two captivating and expressive pieces that showcase his mastery of the medium, a rare find in the market outside Africa! The first sculpture portrays a dynamic figure playing the Djembe drum...
Bronze
Modernist Candle Holder - Stainless Steel Brutalist Candlestick - Italy 1980s
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Modernist Candle Holder - Stainless Steel Brutalist Candlestick - Italy 1980s Superb design for this piece, quite reminiscent of the Memphis Group style. Made of stainless steel an...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Wooden Zodiac Aries Ram 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
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
Italian modern brutalist Brass sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brutalist Brass sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo, 1970s Brass sculpture with a rectangular base with reference to the brutalist style. The front of the sculpture is square...
Brass
Brutalist Cast Iron Fish Sculpture - Mid-Century Aquarium-Inspired Design 1977
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking Brutalist cast iron fish sculpture captures the essence of mid-century design with its raw, textured finish and bold aesthetic. Fea...
Iron
Brutalist Bronze Vase by Kaj Blomqvist for Rakennusvaline, Finland, 1960s
Located in Malmö, SE
A stunning Brutalist / Scandinavian Modern bronze vase with amazing patina. Designed by Kaj Blomqvist and made by Rakennusvaline, Finland, 1960s. Great original condition.
Bronze
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
$600 / set
Brutalist Metal and Wood Horse Bookends
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique circa 1970s, USA Brutalist-style horse bookends composed of cut and soldered sheet metal heads and legs with carved wooden bodies and wire tails. Very good, vintage condition,...
Sheet 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
Two Sunburst Centerpieces / Fruit Bowls, Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair if Sculptural Spanish Brutalist Centerpiece Bowls Spain, 1950s. These spanish revival centerpieces or fruit bowls were entirely made by hand in wrought iron. They have brutalist...
Iron
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Monumental Paolo Soleri Brutalist Bronze Bell with Cast Aluminum Spine, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Monumental Paolo Soleri Brutalist Bronze Bell with Cast Aluminum Spine, 1960 A striking and monumental work by Paolo Soleri, this sculptural bronze bell is suspended from a cast alum...
Aluminum, Bronze, Copper
Organic Sculptural Metal Vase – Nature-Formed Abstract Vessel, Brutalist Style
Located in Hannover, DE
This exceptional sculptural vase is a true masterpiece shaped not by human hands, but by the raw forces of nature itself. Formed over time through natural processes, this organic met...
Iron
Pair of Brutalist Mid Century wrought iron candle holder sticks
Located in BELFORT, FR
Pair of mid century and brutalist style wrought iron candle holders. Perfect condition.
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Free-Form Glass Trinket - Solid Cast Glass Catchall - France 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Brutalist Free-Form Glass Trinket - Solid Cast Glass Catchall - France 1970s Free-form large and heavy decorative catchall. Entirely made of solid glass and beautifully crafted ! ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
1980s Brutalist Iron and Brass Italian Three Arms Candelabra
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking 1980s Italian candelabra is a masterclass in Brutalist design, merging raw industrial strength with sophisticated Mid-Century flair. Hand-forged with a dramatic archite...
Brass, Iron
$543Sale Price|53% Off
Brutalist Style Pink and Brown Ceramic Drip Glaze Candelabra by Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Glasgow, GB
A vintage ceramic candelabra by the renowned French pottery makers Vallauris. Handcrafted in the 1960s, this rare and distinctive piece reinterprets the traditional French candelabr...
Ceramic
Monumental Brutalist Stacked Cube Steel Garden Sculptures, after David Smith
By Paul Evans, David Smith
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental Brutalist Stacked Cube Steel Garden Sculpture, after David Smith / Paul Evans.. Signed and dated bUT unfortunately illegible. Amazing use of color, texture and space, Eigh...
Steel
Large Abstract Gilded Metal Sculpture by Philippe Cheverny, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
An abstract sculpture by French artist Philippe Cheverny, rendered in gilded metal. Its Brutalist form emerges from molten metal, poured and shaped into a freeform silhouette. Rests ...
Metal
Modern Burned Oak Totem, a Design of Sleek Darkness, Still Stand No101
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Burned Oak Totem, a Design of Sleek Darkness, Still Stand No101 _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testamen...
Hardwood
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
Brutalist Bronze Sulpture, "Bull" by Alfred Hrdlicka, Austria late 20th Century
By Alfred Hrdlicka
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a brutalist bronze sculpture of a charging or defensive bull on a marble base by Austrian artist Alfred Hrdlicka. The sculpture appears to be patinated ...
Marble, Bronze
Mid-Century Minimalist Dutch Studio Pottery Vase from Mobach, 1960s
By Mobach
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Minimalist Dutch Studio Pottery Vase from Mobach, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer ...
Ceramic
Brutalist Mid Century Giraffe Statue
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Redding, CT
Brutalist Mid Century Giraffe Statue. Whimsical piece . Fun for that animal lover . Place outdoors in a garden or indoors .
Metal