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.
DAVID MARSHALL Brutalist candlestick brass aluminium 70s Spain
Located in Paris, IDF
David Marshall Brutalist candlestick in aluminium and brass. Monogram logo on the base, leather protector and manufacturer's mark on the under...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Boho Cast Lizard Ceramic Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage cast ceramic bowl is a masterful exploration of Organic Modernism and bold animalia. Hand-sculpted with a raw, stone-like texture, the vessel features intricate...
Ceramic
Decorative Diagonal Picture Frame N019 Solid Cast Brass Aluminum Handmade Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative diagonal picture frame 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...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer r...
Ceramic
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
Brutalist Abstract Wall Sculpture in the Style of Curtis Jere
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this large diameter wall sculpture in the style of C. Jere, circa 1960.
Metal
Brutalist wrought iron fruit bowl or candle holder, Netherlands 1950s
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in ECHT, NL
Brutalist style fruit bowl or candle holder. Hand crafted from wrought iron. The piece show quality craftsmanship in all its details. The curled legs are riveted to the bowl and the ...
Wrought Iron
Vintage German Brutalist Studio Pottery Carafe Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1980
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Brutalist Studio Pottery Carafe Vase by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1980, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution markIt is completely au...
Ceramic
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
Brutalist Male Bust by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Patinated Bronze
Located in Astoria, NY
Philip LaVerne (American, 1907-1987) and Kelvin LaVerne (American, 1937-2025) Male Figure Patinated Bronze Portrait Bust Sculpture, signed to reverse. 22.5" H x 14" W x 7" D. Prove...
Bronze
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
Vintage Set of Three Graduated Wrought Iron Floor Candlesticks with Orb Accents
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Set of three graduated sculptural floor candlesticks in dark patinated iron, each combining a shallow pricket candle cup with an architectural openwork standard and four-foot splayed...
Silver, Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
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
Modernist Ceramic Twin Vase with Sgraffito Decor in Style of Gambone
By Fratelli Fanciullacci, Guido Gambone, Aldo Londi
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Unusual twin vase features abstract modernist decor on the front side in beige-brown color that was applied in sgraffito technique and then tinted. The reverse side of the vase is a...
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
Salvino Marsura Brutalist Forged Iron Centerpieces, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
One-of-a-kind round brutalist and sculptural centerpiece, designed and made in Italy in the 1970s by the Italian sculptor Salvino Marsura. In hand-forged iron, silver patinated with ...
Iron
Brutalist Torch-Cut Metal Tabletop Sculpture, Manner of Silas Seandel
Located in San Carlos, CA
A dynamic Brutalist tabletop sculpture composed of overlapping torch-cut steel panels mounted on twin brass rods, rising from a rough-hewn plaster base. Each panel bears the irregula...
Brass, Cut Steel
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Steel Sculpture, USA, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Modern Brutalist sculpture of tortured and burnt welded steel.
Steel
Large Brutalist Mid Century wrought iron floor candelabra candle holder
Located in BELFORT, FR
Large mid century and brutalist style wrought iron floor candelabra.
Wrought Iron
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
Brutalist Abstract Iron Sculpture, Signed CH, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
An expressive Brutalist sculpture in welded iron, composed of sharply cut geometric elements that merge into a dynamic and almost architectural form. The layered construction, pierce...
Iron
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
Large Brutalist Japanese Ceramic Vase by Takao Tomono
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceramic glazed vase by Japanese American artist, Takao Tomono. The vase features a wheel thrown form with a hand built mouth and 'wing' detailing around t...
Ceramic
$190,575
Harry Bertoia Bush Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
"Untitled" (Bush) Sculpture by Harry Bertoia, circa 1970's made of welded bronze. Harry Bertoia, was an Italian-born American artist, sound art sculptor, and...
Bronze
Brutalist Pottery Bust of W. C. Fields, American, Vintage 1960s Decor
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brutalist Bust of W. C. Fields, artist unknown "nice size, glaze and color" "in good vintage as found condition" W. C. Fields was an American comedian, actor, and juggler who rose ...
Pottery
Abstract Modern Wood Sculpture, Still Stand No1 by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Hardwood
XL Black Brutalist Style Candlestick Holder Of Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in München, BY
Large brutalist style candlestick holder of Wrought iron, Germany, 1950s. Dimensions: Height 30.7" / 78cm, Width 15.0" / 38cm, Depth 15.4" / 39cm, Edge Length Candle Bases 4.7" / 1...
Wrought Iron
1970's Chamotte Earthenware Wall Mount Clock with Light
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heavy Brutalist 1970's wall mount chamotte earthenware clock with European (E14) candelabra socket. No mounting plate on back, however clock can be affixed to wall using a sturdy hoo...
Earthenware
Large Brutalist William Friedle Wall Hanging Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Torch cut brass elements constitute the mass of this great Brutalist wall hanging sculpture, marked "Friedle" Very good orig...
Brass
Wooden Zodiac Gemini 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...
Plywood
Sleek and Dark Design in Black Solid Wood Totem, Still Stand No87
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sleek and Dark Design in Black Solid Wood Totem, Still Stand No87 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament t...
Hardwood
BMF Nagel Quist Variomaster Brutalist Stockable Modular Candleholder
Located in Vienna, AT
Stackable modular candleholder by BMF Quist Nagel, the candleholders were designed by Ceasar Stoffi and Fritz Nagel and manufactured by BMF (Bayerische Metal...
Brass, Chrome
Brutalist Mid Century wrought iron candelabra candle holder
Located in BELFORT, FR
Mid century and brutalist style wrought iron candelabra.
Wrought Iron
Jens Quistgaard, Brutalist wrought iron candle holder, Dansk Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in BELFORT, FR
Brutalist style wrought iron candelabra, in the style of Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
Wrought Iron
Vintage metal Brutalist sculpture Bird by Salvino Marsura, Italy 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing mid-century modern metal Brutalist sculpture "Bird" by Salvino Marsura, made in Italy in the 1950s. Salvino Marsura is an Italian artist born in Treviso in 1938. His career ...
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
A Brutalist Sculpture By Chet LaMore ca' 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant, bronze sculpture by a noted artist Chet LaMore, ca' 1960, entitled "Column". On original base. "Chet La More was an American painter, sculptor,...
Bronze
1960s Brass Flower Sculpture on Composition Base
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s Brass Flower Sculpture on Composition Base Mid Century Modern Flowers and Leaves in distressed patinated brass and metal Composition Base
Brass
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
Enzo Mari, Travertine desk organizer, Fratelli Mannelli Italy 1970s
By Fratelli Mannelli, Enzo Mari
Located in Firenze, IT
Travertine desk organizer Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s. H 10 cm - 13 × 14.5 cm. Conditions: good condition consistent with age and use. Defects.
Travertine
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
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
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 Metal Sculpture by Silas Seandel
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist mixed metal sculpture by Silas Seandel. This piece depicts a stylized Lilly, it is constructed of torch cut metal, it is signed "Silas" on its back. The sculpture is design...
Brass, Copper
$1,021Sale Price|41% Off
Pair of French Brustalist Candle Holder, 1950
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A unique set of two brutalist candle holders from the fifties. each one is made and welded from a fork. Great design and great patina.
Steel
Sculptural Unseen Force #62: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Table, Modern Art Piece
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sculptural Unseen Force #62: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Table, Modern Art Piece 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
$279Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century German Walther Glas "Solifleur" Single Stem Round Vase in Crystal
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage 1960s "Solifleur" single stem vase by german manufacturing company "Walther Glas". It's a quite big version of one of Walther's most famous design...
Glass, Art Glass
Belva Ball Brutalist Tree Sculpture Bronze Geode Mid-Century Modern 20th Century
By Belva Ball
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Brutalist sculpture depicting two elongated trees in bronze, their delicate, branching forms rising from a rough-cut geode base by Belva Ball. Circa mid 20th century. The contrast ...
Metal
Pair of brutalist wrought iron candle holders, France 1950s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Pair of brutalist wrought iron candle holders circa 1950, in the style of Atelier Marolles. Heavy pieces with a beautiful patina. Both are in great condition, showing minimal signs...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Bronze Faux Bois Candlesticks, France, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and interesting pair of candlesticks sculpted as tree branches in an elegant faux bois trompe-l’œil is made of patinated bronze. The textured surface is remarkably detailed...
Bronze
Pair, Vintage Distressed Tole Obelisk Form Sculptures
Located in Atlanta, GA
Note: We have 3 pairs available - each are slightly different, but same size as noted. This striking pair of tole metal architectural-form ornaments is constructed in faceted, tape...
Metal
Joseph Lawrence Gardella Patinated Bronze Sculpture
Located in Astoria, NY
Joseph Lawrence Gardella (American, XX-XXI) Patinated Bronze Sculpture, rectangular with textured surface. 25.25" L x 7.75" W x 0.75" D. Provenance: From the Estate of Joseph Lawre...
Bronze
Brutalist Vide Poche in Cast Bronze 1960s
Located in Meer, VAN
Brutalist Vide Poche in Cast Bronze, mid 20th century. Beautiful and very distinct vide poche in heavy cast bronze. Quintessentially brutalist with rough and hand made shapes and he...
Bronze
$1,596Sale Price|38% Off
Brutalist Direct Metal Bull Sculpture Yahweh, Gilt Polychroming Stock Market
Located in Peoria, AZ
Rare! Brutalist Bull Sculpture Depicting Archaic Deity Yahweh Gilt Polychroming Verso base "Yahweh" This fascinating sculpture is done in a simple, primitive style, looking like...
Metal, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Abstract Bronze Sculpture on Dark Wood Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze sculpture features a vertical composition made up of sharp, angular geometric shapes with a heavily textured surface, mimicking the appearance of jagged natural rock or an abs...
Bronze
$212Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Umanoff Grenada Style Brutalist Black Iron Bowl
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage iron bowl in the style of Umanoff. The piece is designed in the Salterini Grenada pattern, making it unique. The bowl projects a st...
Iron
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Signed Raw Metal Torch Cut Flower Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Brutalist raw metal torch cut flower sculpture, circa 1983. The sculpture is in very good vintage condition and measures 10"W x 5"D x 14.5"H; it is signed and mumbered on the side. G...
Metal
Rare & Early James Bearden "Pod Box on Stand" Steel & Blackened Bronze Brutalist
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and studio-made by American designer and craftsman James Bearden, this pedestal style box offers a unique blend of extraordinary hand-made quality and striking brutalist vis...
Bronze, Steel
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Patinated Solid Bronze Abstract Wall Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique solid bronze wall sculpture according to the original owner was purchased in a gallery in Italy back in the 1960s it's signed but hard to read the name as shown in the pictu...
Bronze
Buste de femme de Robert ROCCA 1960
Located in LYON, FR
Joli buste en ciment à patine bronze de l'artiste Français Robert ROCCA. Superbe patine et très belle exécution, l'ensemble est signé sous la base et daté 1960. Parfait état
Concrete
Vintage Gold Leaf Face Pottery Stripes - Set of 3
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This enigmatic set of three vintage art pottery plaques offers a captivating blend of Surrealist influence and Brutalist texture. Hand-crafted from dark, matte ceramic, each piece fe...
Gold Leaf