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.
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Still Stand No86 Reveals Dark Elegance in a Carved Burned Oak Totem
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Still Stand No86 Reveals Dark Elegance in a Carved Burned Oak Totem —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testame...
Hardwood
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
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
Brutalist sculpture by artist Donna in steel
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sculpture in patinated steel by artist Donna in a Brutalist style. The entire sculpture is hand-crafted with steel parts welded together. Very graphic, modern work. Unique piece, sig...
Steel, Iron
Sculpture-Base Unseen Force #67: Joel Escalona's Oak Coffee Table, Unique Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sculpture-Base Unseen Force #67: Joel Escalona's Oak Coffee Table, Unique Design Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to ...
Hardwood
Unseen Force #61: Joel Escalona's Solid Oak Table, Art-Inspired Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Unseen Force #61: Joel Escalona's Solid Oak Table, Art-Inspired Design Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to the nature ...
Hardwood
Artisan Oak Unseen Force #54: Coffee Table Art by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artisan Oak Unseen Force #54: Coffee Table Art by Joel Escalona 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
NONO Elefante Sideboard 12, Intricate Oak Form, Sleek Surface
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Sideboard 12, Intricate Oak Form, Sleek Surface ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist ...
Hardwood
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante Oak Console 06 by NONO, Bold Texture, Sleek Edge
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Oak Console 06 by NONO, Bold Texture, Sleek Edge————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch...
Hardwood
Large Brutalist Hammered Wrought Iron Candlestick, Tripod Design, 1970s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Striking Brutalist candlestick from France, dating to the 1970s, handcrafted in hammered wrought iron. The piece features a dramatic sculptural design composed of curved, organically...
Wrought Iron
Gallery-Style Unseen Force #65: Solid Oak Table by Joel Escalona, Luxe Decor
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Gallery-Style Unseen Force #65: Solid Oak Table by Joel Escalona, Luxe Decor 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
Solid Oak Unseen Force #63: Joel Escalona's Masterful Coffee Table Sculpture
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solid Oak Unseen Force #63: Joel Escalona's Masterful Coffee Table Sculpture Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to the n...
Hardwood
$9,882Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art-Form Table Unseen Force #58: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood, Elegant Decor
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Art-Form Table Unseen Force #58: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood, Elegant Decor 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
Joel Escalona's Unseen Force #57: Solid Oak Table, Sculptural Presence
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Unseen Force #57: Solid Oak Table, Sculptural Presence Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonize...
Hardwood
Unseen Force #55: Joel Escalona's Table, Sculpture-Inspired Solid Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Unseen Force #55: Joel Escalona's Table, Sculpture-Inspired Solid Wood Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonize...
Hardwood
$9,882Sale Price / item|20% Off
Solid Wood Decor Unseen Force #56: Joel Escalona's Oak Coffee Table
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solid Wood Decor Unseen Force #56: Joel Escalona's Oak Coffee Table 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
Joel Escalona's Unseen Force #51: Sculpture-Accented Solid Wood Table
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Unseen Force #51: Sculpture-Accented Solid Wood Table 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
Vintage 1981 Original Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the expressive energy of the early 1980s studio ceramic movement with this striking hand-formed vase. A masterful study in texture and color, this spherical vessel features a...
Pottery
Mid Century Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase, Germany C.1970
Located in London, GB
Mid Century Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase, Germany C.1970 In excellent condition commensurate of age. Free from chips and cracks.
Pottery
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This original studio pottery vase is a compelling exploration of texture and raw materiality. Exemplifying the Brutalist movement of the 1970s, the hand-sculpted vessel features deep...
Pottery
$398Sale 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
Vintage Pair of Brutalist Hammered Copper Candle Holders – Handcrafted Sculptura
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add a striking mid-century accent to your home with this beautiful pair of Brutalist hammered copper candle holders. Featuring an organic, flower-inspired design, these sculptural pi...
Copper
$1,800 / item
Solarized Cleaving Ruby Red Ghost Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Solarized Cleaving Ghost Vase. Hand Blown Crystal Glass and Ruby transparent color, faded silvering at base. The artist blows these into Metal Sculptures th...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Silver
Olav Joff for Polaris/Figgjo Brutalist Steel Vase, Sandnes Norway
By Olav Joff
Located in Toledo, OH
This Brutalist steel vase was designed by Olav Joff (1940-). The vase was part of the steel art series in the 1970's. The series consisted of cast...
Steel
$2,250 / set
Vintage Boho Forged Iron Candelabras - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking pair of vintage forged iron candelabras is a masterful example of mid-century artisanal metalwork. Each piece features a charming, hand-sculpted figure of a boy holding...
Iron
White brutalist tree candle holder “tree of life” 1970s.
Located in Landgraaf, NL
White brutalist tree candle holder “tree of life” 1970s. White brutalist tree candle holder “tree of life” 1970s. This striking brutalist candle holder, dating from the 1970s, is crafted from wrought iron and finished in white. Its sculptural form resembles a tree, with organically shaped branches rising from a sturdy central trunk. Often referred to as a “Tree of Life” candle holder...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Tall Earthenware Vessel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This monumental earthenware vessel is a masterclass in organic modernism, featuring a dramatic, elongated silhouette that tapers gracefully from a broad base to a slender neck. The c...
Clay, Earthenware, Ceramic
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Craftsman / Brutalist Candelabra in Bronze
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated pair of Mid-Century Modern, handmade Brutalist candelabra / candlesticks in solid bronze. Soft, natural golden brown patina. Each piece complimenting the other with t...
Eastern European Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Textured Glaze with Green Motif, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Ceramic Vase with Geometric Decoration A vintage ceramic cylinder vase featuring a heavily textured glaze and a green geometric motif set against a neutral marble-like patte...
Ceramic
Margrit van Nuffel Polished bronze Vide Poches 1970s, Set of 3
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Margrit Van Nuffel (Born 1943) was active/lived in Belgium. Margrit Van Nuffel is known for Sculpture. Margrit van Nuffel Polished bronze Vide Poches 1970s, Set of 3 Brutalist - Vin...
Bronze
$463Sale Price|20% Off
Italian crucifix Brutalist Sculpture from the 1960s
Located in bari, IT
Italian brass brutalist sculpture from the 1960s depicting a stylized crucifix.
Brass
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Lidded Jar
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage studio pottery lidded jar is a masterclass in organic modernism and tactile craftsmanship. Hand-thrown with a distinctive spiral ribbed body, the vessel feat...
Pottery
Brutalist Postmodern Candlestick by Jonathan Christian, France, 2024.
Located in Lille, FR
Sculptural Brutalist candlestick by Jonathan Christian.
Carrara Marble
Trapeze Clock D013 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Trapeze Clock Tray was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass.Makes a beautiful Wedding or Company Gift. Handmade, mounted and...
Aluminum, Brass
Set of Four Brutalist 1970s Oak & Brass Candlesticks
Located in Norwich, England
A set of four Brutalist brass and solid oak candlesticks. Circa 1970. There are a few signs of use to the finish as expected with age and use, the brass having the original patina. ...
Brass
Paul Evans Style Brutalist Candleholder, 1970s
Located in London, GB
Paul Evans style Brutalist candleholder, 1970s.
Bronze
Brutalist Postmodern Candlestick by Jonathan Christian, France, 2024.
Located in Lille, FR
Sculptural Brutalist candlestick by Jonathan Christian.
Carrara Marble
Brutalist Bronze "Dove" Sculpture, Religious / Church
Located in Buffalo, NY
Super Stylized Cast Bronze Sculpture depicting a Dove. Salvaged from Downtown Buffalo New York Church, most likely part of a railing, alter. Amazing detail.Definitely created by a sk...
Bronze
Brutalist Solid Walnut Acer Candle Holder 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
Brutalist Sculptural Art Ceramic Vase, Yugoslavia 1980s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a striking sculptural art ceramic vase made in Yugoslavia during the 1980s, distinguished by its powerful Brutalist character and highly expressive arch...
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Drip Glaze Vase in Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A masterful fusion of ceramic art and rustic metalwork, this vintage studio pottery vase makes a powerful statement. The ceramic vessel itself features a rich, earthy brown base that...
Iron
Sculptural Brutalist Iris-shaped Candle Holder by Heinz Goll, Austria 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an extremely rare and absolutely extraordinary sculptural Brutalist candle holder done in gilt bronze, shaped as Iris flower. It was designed by Austrian designer Heinz Goll...
Bronze
$1,623 / 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
Brutalist Candle Holder R:2 - Solid Dark Brown Oak - 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
Brutalist Candle Holder R:4 - Solid Black Oak - by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Acer candle holder R:4 features a rhythmic sequence of architectural cubic volumes and semi arched voids. Made out of solid wood and steel, showing signs of handcraft. Designed...
Steel
Brutalist Candle Holder by Horst Dalbeck, 1970s, Germany
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 26cm W, 16,5cm H, 8,5cm D. Material: Bronze. Designer: Horst Dalbeck. Period: 1970’s. Origin: Germany.
Bronze
Brutalist sculpture "Ram" by Yugoslav artist Miodrag Rogan, Yugoslavia 1990s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a stunning Brutalist sculpture depicting a ram. The sculpture was made by the Yugoslav artist Miodrag Misa Rogan, who is based and still works in Belgra...
Wrought Iron
1960s Raw Stone Vide poche Natural Malachite Azurite
Located in Linkebeek, BE
1960s Rough Stone Trinket Tray, Natural Malachite and Azurite Brutalist - Natural Decor - Vintage 1960s Rough Stone Trinket Tray, Natural Malachite and Azurite Decorative stone made ...
Malachite
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage studio pottery bowl, dated 1983, is a masterclass in organic texture and reactive glazing. The interior features a captivating "sunburst" effect, where earth...
Pottery
Hungarian Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Textured Glaze with Green Motif, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase with Green Abstract Decoration, circa 1960s–1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic cylinder vase featuring a textured brown-grey glaze accented with a hand...
Ceramic
French Sculptural Hand-Built Terracotta Vessel, Organic Modern, 1960s
Located in Memphis, TN
A striking French hand-built terracotta vessel dating from the 1960s, distinguished by its expressive organic form and sculptural presence. Four abstract, finger-like projections ris...
Terracotta
Large Brutalist Abstract Sculpture by Charles Bound, c.1980
Located in Surbiton, GB
Wood fired stoneware vessel by Charles Bound (b. 1939). Dimensions (cm, approx): Height: 24.
Stoneware
Hungarian Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Textured Glaze with Green Motif, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase with Green Abstract Decoration, circa 1960s–1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic cylinder vase featuring a narrow-mouth form and a richly textured brown-...
Ceramic
Sculptural Solid Oak Wooden Candle Holder R:4
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Acer candle holder R:4 features a rhythmic architectural interplay of cubic volumes and semi arched voids. Designed by Aad Bos and hand crafted by our carpenters from solid oak o...
Steel
Vintage Abstract Geometric Rings Sculpture Z
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage iron sculpture is a masterful example of Brutalist-inspired abstract art. Composed of interlocking, hand-welded rings that ascend in a graceful, rhythmic curve,...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Candlestick Holder done in solid brass Austria 1970s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous Brutalist candlestick holder done in solid brass. It features striking design typical for the era. Made in Austria in 1970s. Very good vinta...
Brass
Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A bold and sculptural studio pottery vessel, this bottle-form vase features a raw, sand-textured stoneware body with a striking contrast of glossy black glaze at the neck and handle....
Pottery
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Compressed Metal Pipe Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Mid-Century Modern metal sculpture has no artist's signature, but it believed to have been made in Canada in circa 1965. The sculpture is crafted from a length of steel pipe tha...
Metal
Travertine figures of a porcupine and a fish, Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Travertine figures porcupine and fish Mannelli Brothers, Italy 1970s H 15 cm 4 × 18 cm H 10.5 cm 3 × 10.5 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use
Metal
Brutalist Bronze Candelabra or Menorah by Daniel Gluck, California, 1970's
By Daniel Gluck
Located in Austin, TX
Solid bronze menorah candelabra for nine candles. Extraordinary piece of Brutalist design by California artist, Daniel Gluck. 1970's.
Bronze