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.
Mid-Century Italian Studio Ceramic Vase with Applied Relief Figures
Located in Northport, MI
A striking mid-century Italian studio ceramic vase featuring applied relief figures and distinctive rounded accents. This cylindrical vessel is glazed in a rich black, providing a dr...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Brutalist Candelabra in Patinated Bronze, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small scaled ( H: 14.5, W/D: 19 cm) candelabrum for 4 regular sized candles. It is fashioned from patinated bronze and showcases distinct Neo-gothic/brutalist vibes. It was possibl...
Bronze
Quist Variomaster Brutalist Modular Candle Holders Set Chrome German 1970s
Located in Lisboa, PT
This set of four Variomaster modular candle holders was produced in the 1970s by Quist, a German manufacturer known for its bold interpretation o...
Metal, Chrome
Wrought iron candle holder in the "Atelier De Marolles" style - France 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Wrought iron candle holder in the "Atelier De Marolles" style - France 20th Jean Touret Style - Henri Vion Style - Decorative objects Measures : 59x53cm H:90cm
Wrought Iron
Hand Carved Soapstone Owls Sculpture / Paperweight in the Style of Glenn Heath
Located in San Diego, CA
Hand carved soapstone owls sculpture / paperweight in the style of Glenn Heath, circa 1980s. The owl is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3"W x 1"D ...
Soapstone
Mid-Century Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard for Paro, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additio...
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist German Bronze Candleholder from Harjes, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist German Bronze Candleholder from Harjes, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mar...
Metal
1970s Mdina Glass by Michael Harris Tall Vase, Signed Brutalist
By Michael Harris, Mdina
Located in Torquay, GB
1970s Mdina glass tall vase. Design by Michael Harris for Mdina glass, circa 1970s. Fire orange color with greenish appliqué stripes around the stem. Substantially sized at over 30cm...
Glass
Brutalist Owl Sculpture in Raw Metal with Glass Eyes in the Style of Curtis Jere
By Curtis Jeré
Located in San Diego, CA
A really cool brutalist owl sculpture in raw metal with glass eyes in the style of Curtis Jere, circa 1960s. The sculpture is in very good vintage condition and measures 7"W x 3.5"D...
Metal
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Bust
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This compelling studio pottery bust is a masterwork of Brutalist expression, featuring a hand-built ceramic head adorned with a primitive, regal crown. The artist has utilized a soph...
Pottery
Massive Matte Black Brutalist Hammered Metal Noir Lily Pad Centerpiece Bowl 18"
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning modernist centerpiece bowl in matte black. Made of metal with a hammered surface and pleated details along the edge. Measures 18" diameter and is in excellent condition.
Metal
Cubic by Kalou Dubus, Black Stoneware Ceramic, Unique Light Sculptural
By Kalou Dubus
Located in PANTIN, -
This one-of-a-kind sculptural lamp by French artist Kalou Dubus is titled Cubic. Handcrafted in raw black grogged stoneware, the piece combines a dense, architectural presence with a...
Stone
Brutalist Metal Candle Holder, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Metal Candle Holder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist Item Type: Vintage, Antique or ...
Metal
Brutalist Wall Sculpture, Danish Art, 1970s
By Henrik Horst
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Brutalist wall sculpture designed and manufactured by the Danish artist Henrik Horst, circa 1970s. Patinated metal construction mounted on a frame of wood.
Metal
Bronze Mounted Brutalist Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze mounted abstract sculpture. The sculpture showcases an interlocking narrow bronze sculpture on a Douglas fir base. Dimensions 6.75" width x 3.25" depth x 13.25" height. Cond...
Bronze
Brutalist Small Metal Bowl A018 Solid Cast Aluminium & Brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The small Basket bowl was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium and brass. All our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in out foundry and workshop in Spain. It ...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Brutalist Bronze Candleholder from Harjes, Germany, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Bronze Candleholder from Harjes, Germany, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designe...
Metal, Bronze
Set of 3 Vintage Postmodern Brutalist Candle Holders in Stone, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Postmodern Brutalist Candle Holders in Stone, 1980s, Set of 3, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Stone Color: Beige Styles: ...
Stone
Brutalist Bronze Candleholder 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Bronze Candleholder, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Bronze Color: Gold Styles: Brutalist Item Type: Vintage, Ant...
Bronze
Contemporary Bronze Totem Sculpture by Bertrand Créac'h, France
Located in London, GB
Totem "Faille" by Bertrand Créac'h Material: bronze, blak patina Dimensions: H 200 x 25 x 25 cm Year: 2024 Bertrand Créac’h met on his journey the artists Étienne Martin, François S...
Bronze
Vintage Boho Brutalist Chain Link Snake Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Inject a dose of raw, industrial edge into your decor with this striking vintage Brutalist snake sculpture. Hand-crafted from salvaged heavy-gauge chain links expertly welded into a ...
Steel, Iron
$120Sale Price|48% Off
Ruscha Keramik Brutalist Advents Candle Holder - West Germany, 1960's
By Ruscha
Located in Bern, CH
West German ceramic Brutalist Advents candle holder produced by Ruscha Keramik (W.Germany) in the late 1960's to mid-1970s. With four candle holde...
Ceramic
Brutalist panel (mixed media)
Located in Oostende, BE
A Brutalist panel featuring geometrically cut colored glass set in concrete, all encased in a sturdy wooden frame.
Cement
Sculptural Table Lamp Carved in an Olive Wood Block France 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This table lamp, is carved in the Olive wood. The wood has this light brown color of this wood, with the old patina. This lamp was made in France, circa 1950, US PLUG ADAPTATOR W...
Wood
Sun Clock D003 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Sun Clock 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 works...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Wrought Iron Floor Candleholder with Ring Detail, France, 1960s
Located in PARIS, FR
A tall and sculptural floor candleholder in hand-forged iron, France, circa 1960. Characteristic of the Brutalist aesthetic, this piece features a slender, tapered central shaft ador...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Torch-Cut Steel Sculpture "The Buffalo" on Marble Base by Tom Hardy
By Thomas Bush Hardy
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning brutalist torch-cut steel sculpture "The Buffalo" on black marble base by listed artist, Tom Hardy, circa 1950s. This striking buffalo sculpture is crafted from torch-cut st...
Marble, Cut Steel
Handcrafted Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Brutalist Design, 36x42 CM
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Elevate your home decor with our stunning carved wooden bowl, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship. This bowl features a gracefully curved shape, making it not only a practica...
Wood
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Pottery and Iron Wall Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Pottery and Iron Wall Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Gray Styles: ...
Metal
mid century modern henrik horst wall CANDLE HOLDER iron brutalistic style
By Henrik Horst
Located in Mannheim, DE
Outstanding 1970s metal wall candle holder. Designed by Henrik Horst, Denmark. Eclectic brutalistic style. A unique piece and a perfect addition to any mid century interior. For cand...
Metal
MCM Ceramic and Marble Owls Sculpture by Jose Torres Guardia
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool MCM ceramic and marble owls sculpture by Jose Torres Guardia, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 6.5"W x 3.25"D...
Marble
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Pottery Candleholder from Judi Kunst, 1960s
By Judi Kunst
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Pottery Candleholder from Judi Kunst, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: ...
Ceramic
1960's Brutalist Art Sculpture Solid Bronze Figural Bookends Artist Signed WLC
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Paul Evans
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful brutalist solid bronze sculptural figural bookends, circa 1960's. Great form and design. The sculptures are signed on the bottom with the artist initials "WLC". One is mark...
Bronze
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Scored Vases - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional pair of vintage studio pottery vases captures the raw, expressive spirit of the Brutalist and Mid-Century Modern movements through their striking textural contrast. ...
Ceramic
$1,502Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Brutalist sculpture "Monk With The Book" by Salvino Marsura, Italy 1970s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Mid-century modern metal Brutalist sculpture "Monk With The Book" by Salvino Marsura, made in Italy in the 1970s. Salvino Marsura is an Italian artist born in Treviso in 1938. His c...
Iron
Mid-Century Brutalist Torch-Cut Metal Wall Sculpture signed Silas Seandel
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the renowned American artist Silas Seandel, this mid-century Brutalist wall sculpture from 1976 is a masterful fusion of industrial design and artistic craftsmanship. Craft...
Cut Steel
Hand-Carved Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Solid Hardwood, Organic Design
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This graceful, organic bowl is a one of a kind piece, hand carved from a single block of figured solid hardwood. Its fluid, free-form shape is defined by a gently undulating rim that...
Wood
Thick crystal vase Argos model by César Baldaccini signed Daum France circa 1970
By Daum
Located in LE CANNET, FR
Brutalist crystal vase, designed by Cesar Baldaccini in the 1970s. Engraved signature "Daum France" on the base. Present with the Cristal Daum label. Luminous turquoise-blue color. N...
Crystal
Vintage Brutalist Candleholder, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist candelabra with three arms. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Gold Styles: Brutalist Period: 1970s Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned Dimensions: 5.12ʺ...
Metal
Brutalist Celtic Tray A097 Solid Sand Cast Aluminum and Brass Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The small tray 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 ...
Aluminum, Brass
Maches Mexican Brutalist Bronze Slanted Dresser Box
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Brutalist dresser box. With embossed lines around the circumference and a slanted body. In the style of Pal Kepenyes. The lid is decorated with a bowl-like shape containing...
Bronze
Glazed Stoneware Honey Jar With Bee by Danish Getter Hundstrup
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unsual hard-fired stoneware jar or urn featuring a playfull bee to its lid. Designed and made by the Danish Female Ceramist Getter Hundstrup in Denmark during the 1980s. It has this ...
Stoneware
Table Lamp, Brutalist wood, Brown color France 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
We can notice the curves. The wood is a solid Wood. We have a socket in plastic, with a plastic switch You can use any kind of bulb up to 100 watt. Art deco or tribal and Brutalist s...
Wood
Brutalist Aluminum Candlestick Holder designed by Gunther Lambert, Germany 1970s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a large Brutalist candlestick holder designed by Gunther Lambert. The candlestick holder is done in hammered aluminum, featuring beautiful and sleek des...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Italian Brutalist Travertine Candleholder by Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Hamburg, DE
Schlichter candlesticks made of travertine, designed by Fratelli Mannelli from the 60s. A no-nonsense design that draws its elegance from the minimalist design and the particular mat...
Travertine
Tom Dixon Gold “Gem” Series Candelabra, Rough & Smooth Collection, 2013
By Tom Dixon
Located in London, GB
For sale is a gold Tom Dixon “Gem” series cast-aluminium three-candle candelabra, for the "Rough & Smooth" Collection, dating from 2013. Tom Dixon’s “GEM” series was part of Dix...
Aluminum
Vintage Brutalist German Metal Candleholder, Ebersberg, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist German Metal Candleholder from Kunstschamiede Bergmeister, Ebersberg, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This pi...
Metal
Brutalist Brass Sculpture Flowers and Leaves Style of Silas and Jere
Located in New York, NY
A signed brass and metal sculpture of flowers and leaves, Brutalist period, in the style of designers Silas Seandel or C. Jere, circa mid-20th century. A Brutalist sculpture of flowe...
Metal, Brass
Abstract, Brutalist Sculpture in Copper, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Object resembling a group of flowers. Executed in patinated copper. Raw and brutal in expression. It was executed during the 1970s within the perimeters of Middelfart Psychiatric Hos...
Copper
Mid-Century Brutalist Scandinavian Wooden Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Scandinavian Wooden Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Wood Color: Brown Styles: Brutalist,...
Wood
Vintage Stainless Steel "Blow Up" Citrus Basket by Fratelli Campana for Alessi
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage stainless steel "Blow Up" citrus basket by Fratelli Campana for Alessi, circa 1990s. This super cool brutalist style basket / bowl is made of we...
Stainless Steel
Set of 2 Vintage German Brutalist Metal Candle Holders from Harjes, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Two large Brutalist Candle Holder from German Manufacturer Harjes. Three arms in organic forms. Official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer records. Additional...
Metal
Torn Human Head Sculpture in Brutalist Style Signed E.D. 71
Located in Rome, IT
This sculpture is made of pottery and represents a human head torn by an ax stroke, which makes the wound bleed. The blood flows into the right side of the face and reaches the eye.
Pottery
Brutalist Bronze Sculpture by Ralph Tazian
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist bronze sculpture on a mahogany base by Laguna Beach based artist Ralph Tazian
Bronze
$408Sale 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
Pair Hand Crafted Brutalist Iron Candelabra With 5 Candle Holders
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully designed, and very large, Pair of Brutalist Wrought Iron Candelabras The unique and architectural pieces have platforms for 5 - 3" candles, with arms that are twisted...
Iron
Mid-Century brutalist hand-forged candlestick
Located in Herentals, BE
Hand-forged, twisted and hammered candlestick. The candlestick has 4 different, forged and hammered legs that are attached under a twisted center piece. Above this, the scalloped dri...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Vase from BKW Böttger Keramik Wandsbek, Hamburg, Germany, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Vase from BKW Böttger Keramik Wandsbek, Hamburg, Germany, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information:...
Ceramic
Luxury square candlesticks Italian design 1960s Solid brass Brutalist
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of Solid Brass Candelabra with Stones Itaia 1960s
Brass
Vintage German Brutalist Metal Candleholder from Dalbeck, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Candle Holder from German Manufacturer Dalbeck. This heavy Candle Holder has 5 arms and follows an organic form language. have official proof of authenticity such as vintag...
Metal