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.
Set of Four Brutalist 1970s Oak & Brass Candlesticks
Located in Norwich, GB
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
Mid-Century Design Brutalist Candle Holder, 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Nice heavy brutalist candle holder.
Metal
Puzzle 3 Pieces Candelabra Solid Cast Aluminium and Brass Handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Candelabra was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Beautiful piece to Decorated your Home, makes a beautiful Wedding Gift...
Aluminum, Brass
Small Trapeze Candelabra reference G039 in cast brass and aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The candelabra was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium and brass. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and wor...
Brass, Aluminum
Plait Picture Frame N027 handmade in cast brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Plait Picture Frame was created by David Marshall, from sand cast brass. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop ...
Brass
Stylish Wing Bowl A076 in cast brass designed by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative tray 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. Certi...
Brass
Bowl round A070 cast solid Brass and Aluminium Silver and Gold coloured handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful Wed...
Aluminum, Brass
$1,002 / set
Pied fumeur dans le goût de Noll-Marolles 1950's
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Pied fumeur dans le goût de Noll-Marolles 1950's
Wood
Canoa A059 Dish Handmade Silver and Gold coloured Bowl
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Canoa Dish was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain fro...
Aluminum, Brass
Classic Menorah G018 9arms Solid Cast Brass and Aluminum Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Menorah was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from ...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist brass pair of candle holders, France 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
A pair of great brutalist candle holders France, circa 1970 Solid brass H 21 cm x 13 cm x 40 cm Conditions: excellent, no defects
Brass
Small Canoa Dish A060 cast brass (gold colour) and aluminium (silver colour)
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Dish was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful Weddi...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-20th Century Brutalist Metal Sculpture Mask by Soud’art, 78cm
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Sculpture metal "Soud’art" Mask Wear consistent with age and use Art - Graphic sculpture - Brutalist Measures : 15cmx18cm H:78cm
Metal
Brutalist Zen Bowl A071 in Cast Brass and Aluminium Designed by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Bowl was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium and brass. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop ...
Aluminum, Brass
$398Sale Price / item|53% Off
Sculptural Wooden Object with Organic Form by Sergio Vulpe
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
This one-of-a-kind sculptural object is carved from solid wood and shaped into a raw, organic form. A meditative accent piece for shelves, consoles, or gallery-style interiors — hand...
Brass
Candelabra Sinuoso 4 Velas made of solid Brass and Aluminium Handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The " Candelabro Sinuoso " was created by David Marshall in 1997, Scottish Artist living in Spain, the candlestick is produced from sand cast aluminium and brass. All our pieces are...
Brass, Metal, Aluminum
$1,061Sale Price|50% Off
Antique Glazed Terracotta Flower Column
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Beautiful artistic plant stand in glazed and painted terracotta, great skill and full craftsmanship. Unique grotesques theme with enclosed in frames moved volutes and foliage, Italy,...
Terracotta
Brutalist Abstract Bowl Cast Alumium Reference A061
Located in Benahavis, AN
The abstract 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
Vintage Boho Torch Cut Metal Bands Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Presenting a captivating vintage Brutalist metal sculpture, an intriguing abstract piece that evokes the raw beauty of a blooming flower or an exploding star. Crafted from forged iro...
Metal
Natural Stucco-Marble by Amandine Antunez
Located in PAU, FR
Stucco-Marble vase by the french artist Amandine Antunez. The Stucco-marble is an old skill of 300 years old. Made With plaster, natural glue and natural pigment.
Stucco
Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent example of Brutalist studio pottery, this vintage vase is a sculptural masterpiece of form and texture. The artist has expertly crafted a towering, organic silhouette c...
Pottery, Stoneware
Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Flower Frog Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the raw power of Brutalist design with this extraordinary vintage studio pottery sculpture. A true one-of-a-kind piece signed by the artist, its monumental, shield-like form ...
Pottery, Stoneware
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
Vintage Boho Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking studio pottery vase is a bold expression of form and texture—perfect for collectors of modern ceramics or those with an eye for architectural design. The piece features...
Pottery
Vintage Brutalist Style Gilt Wall Sconce Candle Holder
Located in Seattle, WA
Three Pronged Wall Sconce . Possibly Spanish Based on Research. Spiked Poles That’s are pointed at the bottom. Back Plate has Holes to Place Screws Through. Dimensions. 14 W ; 4 D ;...
Metal
$6,209
Hardcore Cottage #II
Located in London, GB
"Hardcore Cottagecore #II" by Tom Bull is a striking sculptural piece blending industrial and organic aesthetics. Constructed from humble materials such as cardboard and foam, the pi...
Foam
Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the unique charm of this striking vintage studio pottery vase, a testament to handcrafted artistry. Its distinctive form features a faceted, geometric base grounding a slend...
Clay, Pottery
Brutalist Wooden Sculpture, Hand-Carved, France, Mid-20th Century
Located in TOURS, FR
This exceptional mid-century sculpture showcases the raw, expressive qualities of Brutalist design through an organic lens. Hand-carved from rich American walnut and accented with a ...
Lead
Cast Bronze 'Sand Flea' Sculpture by J. Dale M'Hall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze 'Sand Flea' sculpture by American sculptor J. Dale M'Hall. James began sculpting in the 1960's and has worked with a variety of different media throughout his career but bronze sculpting...
Bronze
Jean Pierre Helle, Driftwood Sculpture, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jean Pierre Helle, (1944-2015), driftwood sculpture, circa 1970. Coming from the artist studio.
Driftwood
Jean Pierre Helle, Driftwood Sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jean Pierre Helle, (1944-2015), driftwood sculpture representing a horse.
Driftwood
"Horselaugh" by Debbie Korbel
By Debbie Korbel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Horselaugh" by Debbie Korbel Hand-Made Stainless Steel Sculpture Mounted on A Black Steel Post The Horse Is Welded To The Steel Stand, And Free-Standing Wire Tail One of A Kind...
Metal, Steel, Cut Steel
G067 Candelabra Sinuoso, Gold and Silver coloured Brass and Aluminium Handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Candelabra 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....
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
1973 "Romolo Gling" Abstract Sculpture in Metal
Located in Milano, IT
1973 "Romolo Gling" abstract sculpture in metal.
Metal
Celtic Card Tray Gold Silver Desk Tray E005 Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Celtic Card 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 f...
Aluminum, Brass
Price Upon Request
Harry Bouras Sculpture
By Harry Bouras
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago art critic, Harry Bouras was the host of "Arts and Artists" for 25 years. Harry's pieces are in permanent collections in Chicago, New York, and Tokyo. Resin coated iron sculpture. Pictured with three other matching sculptures...
Iron