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.
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
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
Brutalist Terracotta Rooster Sculpture, 20th Century French Design
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th century Brutalist figurative sculpture from France is worked in warm terracotta. Its design carries the Brutalist idiom through in its proportions and detailing. As a figur...
Terracotta
$188Sale Price / set|49% Off
Danish Brutalist Glazed Ceramic Planters, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Curated set of 2 ceramic pieces. A pot shaped bowl/planter from Dot keramik in Denmark circa 1970 and an unknown square fat-lava vase or small planter from the the early 1970s. The s...
Ceramic
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
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Lunar Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage studio pottery vase is a masterclass in Brutalist form and Wabi-Sabi philosophy. Crafted with a sculptural, spherical "lunar" silhouette, the piece features ...
Pottery
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
NONO Elefante Foyer Table 09, Oak Precision, Minimalist Elegance
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Foyer Table 09, Oak Precision, Minimalist Elegance ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modern...
Hardwood
Vintage Studio Pottery Brutalist Drip Glaze Vase, Signed, circa 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking vintage studio pottery vase featuring a faceted geometric form with an organically sloped rim and expressive hand-applied drip glaze decoration. Executed in earthy terraco...
Pottery, Stoneware
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
Bronze Brutalist Bust Sculpture
Located in Austin, TX
Brutalist bronze bust sculpture. Extremely well done, exquisite detailing.
Bronze
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of 21st Century Abstract Bronze Floral Sculpture
Located in Augusta, GA
Pair of bronze abstract floral sculpture Hand made in the Brutalist-style by local Atlanta artist Made with a beautiful verdigris patina Made...
Brass, Bronze
Brutalist Bull Mask Sculpture, Wrought Iron Assemblage on Wooden Base, 95 cm
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Powerful Brutalist bull mask, a wrought-iron assemblage of reused industrial parts on a solid wooden base, by an unknown artist, second half of the 20th century. 95 cm high. Design The head is a tapering riveted iron plate with two round discs as eyes; the horns are formed by a heavy cast double hook (a so-called ramshorn hook), and below the muzzle hangs a wrought-iron nose ring with a second ring. The whole stands on an iron rod in a block of solid wood. The original cast lettering can still be seen, including "GE" on the plate and a load rating "1600 kg" on the hook: traces of the former use of the parts, deliberately left visible. A few found industrial parts become a very strong image; the silhouette works from the front and from the side and casts beautiful shadows on the wall. Unsigned. Condition Good, with signs of use and patina consistent with the reused iron: rust, scratches and an old dent in the plate. The wooden base shows signs of use. Stands stably. Please see the photos for details. Dimensions: height 95 cm, width 41 cm. In the interior A real eye-catcher in an industrial, Brutalist or minimalist interior, in a loft, a hallway or on a sideboard. Also lovely alongside Spanish or Mediterranean accents. Keywords: Brutalist sculpture, bull mask, iron bull head...
Wrought Iron, Cast Iron
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
$1,013Sale Price|35% Off
Antique Brutalist Chain Sculpture, Abstract Design, 10x8x38 Inches
Located in Malibu, CA
Antique chain sculpture that defies gravity. The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was coined to describe this style trend that emerged in the...
Iron
Large Tan Vintage Modernist Biomorphic Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Lutz, FL
Large vintage modernist sculpture or vase by Joanna Price c.1980’s. Triple stem sculpture with Freeform biomorphic shape, open center and three holes around the body, done in brown a...
Ceramic, Clay, 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
$68,538Sale Price|20% Off
Ermanno Nason Christ of the Glassblowers Murano Glass and Iron Pipes Early 1970s
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Intense and passionate glass sculpture from Ermanno Nason, using his favorite glass, the acciaio gray. This warm transparent gray color is often used by glass massiccio Sculptors, w...
Iron
Large Pair of Faux Rock Crystal Candlesticks, after Van Day Truex
Located in Spencertown, NY
A Large version of Van Day Truex's renowned "rock crystal" candlesticks. Height 13", Unmarked
Glass
John De La Rosa California Brutalist Fish Sculpture, ca 2000s
By John De La Rosa
Located in Cathedral City, CA
John De La Rosa California Brutalist Fish Sculpture, ca 2000s Sculpture measures 30" wide, 7-1/4" deep, 17-1/4' high overall, Base plate measures 7-1/4" square, 1" high. Signature e...
Metal
$11,706 / item
Table Elefante by NONO 02, Oak Pure, Distinctive Style
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Table Elefante by NONO 02, Oak Pure, Distinctive Style ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch...
Hardwood
Original Pal Kepenyes Articulate Sculpture Signed
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Rare and Original Pal Kepenyes Articulate Sculpture Signed made in brass. Pal Kepenyes was a Hungarian artist and jewelry designer known for his unique and...
Brass
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
Max Finkelstein Brutalist Welded Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Max Finkelstein brutalist welded and hammered brass sculpture in heavy patina. Signed Finkelstein 64
Brass
$1,005Sale 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
Vintage Brutalist Grandfather Clock, Wood and Resin, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Brutalist - Standing Clock Measures : 35x40cm H:190cm Materials : Wood - resin - metal Place of Origin: Belgium Period: 1970-1979 Vintage Brutalist-style carved grandfather clock, m...
Metal
$1,500Sale Price|33% Off
SALE Rare Huge Monumental David Palumbo Forged Iron Mid Century Modern Menorah
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
CYBER WEEK SALE Very Rare, Vintage David Palumbo designed, enormous, wrought iron, 9-arm brutalist, industrial Mid Century Modern Hanukkah Menorah. One of 2 Rare David Palumbo Menorahs...
Iron
$214Sale Price|20% Off
Ars Munda Flowers Wall Decoration Brutalism 1960s
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage Brutalist-style wall art, sculpture mounted on a narrow white shelf, made entirely of resin, by Ars Munda, Germany, 1960s-70s. Ars Munda was an artist collective that primar...
Resin
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
$269Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic Wall Sculpture Plaque Ruscha West Germany
By Ruscha
Located in Poperinge, BE
Abstract vintage wall sculpture, plaque made of partially glazed terracotta, depicting leaves and a flower with twigs, fat lava accents in the background, West German pottery, possib...
Terracotta
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Column, Totem, Chainsaw Carved, Handmade
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Still Stand Abstract Biomorphic Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved From Single Piece of Oak Wood
Oak
Emerald Green Faceted Murano Glass Vase
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a super-cool deep green faceted Murano glass oversized vase with lovely details throughout. The intentional rough finish to exterior adds ...
Murano Glass
Paul Evans Rare and Early Candlesticks, Set of Three, 1953
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Rare and Early Candlesticks, Set of Three, 1953 Sandblasted pewter Each: 20½ h × 3¼ dia in (52 × 8 cm) Provenance: The Artist Collection of Dorsey Reading Exhibited: Paul...
Pewter
Stoneware Sculptural Object by Ole Bjørn Krüger Own Studio, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Unique abstract sculptural object by Danish artist Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007) made at his own studio in the 1970s. The object is made of chamotte stonew...
Stoneware
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
$594Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract surrealist wooden sculpture by Fredrik Weerkamp, Netherlands 1980s
Located in ECHT, NL
Surrealist abstract sculpture made from different kinds of wood. Created by Dutch visual artist Frederik Weerkamp. This sculpture was part of his personal collection. It depicts a p...
Wood
Abstract Cubist Bronze Sculpture Signed DN, XX Century
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Abstract Cubist Sculpture Bronze Granite XX Century DIMENSIONS Height: 7 inches Width: 3-3/8 inches Depth: 3-3/8 inches ABOUT This is a brillia...
Bronze
Monumental Mid-Century Fat Lava Floor Vase with Rare Movable Ceramic Handmade
Located in Vienna, AT
An extraordinarily rare and monumental 66 cm (26 inches) tall West German Fat Lava floor vase, showcasing a masterclass in mid-century exper...
Ceramic
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Brutalist Sculpture "Family" Signed Italy, circa 1961 Manner of Marcello Fantoni
Located in Buffalo, NY
Brutalist sculpture "Family" signed Italy, circa 1961, manner of Fanoni. Amazing form surface Classic modernist well executed.
Metal
$11,706 / item
Elefante by NONO Desk 04, Oak Precision, Functional Art
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Desk 04, Oak Precision, Functional Art ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch ...
Hardwood
Brutalist Vide Poche by General Ceramics Co Alsace ., France, 1950
By General Ceramics Co.
Located in London, England
Ashtray or empty pocket year 1950, it represents the brutalist and unique spirit of the Pottery of Alsace, made of enameled Ceramic Stoneware having benefited from a high-fire cookin...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$14,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Biomorphic Elegance, Black Solid Wood by NONO, Still Stand No83
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Biomorphic Elegance, Black Solid Wood by NONO, Still Stand No83 Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to th...
Hardwood
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
Vintage Brutalist Brass Candle Holders - Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Defined by raw geometric texture and sculptural impact, this pair of vintage Brutalist candle holders features heavy cast solid brass construction. Each piece showcases an openwork h...
Brass
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This organic sculptural abstract piece, hand carved from a single block of solid hardwood. Its rounded, pebble like form feels grounded and natural, inviting the hand to hold and exp...
Wood, Walnut
Brutalist Nine-Light Candelabra Menorah with Sculptural Molten Gold Metal
By Paul Evans
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A sculptural Brutalist nine-light candelabra (or Menorah) featuring staggered candle holders, branching horizontal supports, and a richly textured gold-tone metal surface. Slender u...
Metal
Vintage Elbert Weinberg "Scroll" Bronze Brutalist Abstract Sculpture Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Elbert Weinberg "Scroll" Bronze Brutalist Abstract Judaica Sculpture Figure on Teak Wood Base, Signed "EW". Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 10.5" H x 4.25" W x 4" D. Ba...
Bronze
Poul Soldner Raku-Fired Crazed Pedestal Piece Vessel
By Paul Soldner
Located in Chicago, IL
Poul Soldner Raku-Fired Crazed Pedestal Piece Vessel 1983 marked underside 83-28-6283 Sodner attended the Los Angeles County Art Institute, and became Peter Voulkos's first student i...
Ceramic
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This captivating biomorphic sculpture is a one of a kind piece, hand carved from a single, highly figured block of solid walnut. Its form rises from a clean cut base and branches int...
Wood, Walnut
$328Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s Brutalist Bronze Candle Holders with Geometric Design
Located in London, GB
A sculptural pair of cast bronze candle holders featuring a low, rounded form raised on square feet. The surface is decorated with a finely detailed geometric pattern, creating a ric...
Bronze
The Sleek Totem of Dark Elegance in Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No90
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Sleek Totem of Dark Elegance in Black Solid Wood, Still Stand No90 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testam...
Hardwood
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
$411Sale Price|40% Off
Brutalist Hand-Forged Metal Candleholder, Venetian Style, Europe 1960s
By Maison Jansen, Luciano Frigerio di Desio, Tommaso Barbi
Located in Herentals, BE
A powerful and sculptural brutalist candleholder, crafted in Europe circa 1960s–1970s, distinguished by its commanding presence and subtle Venetian stylistic influence. The piece fea...
Metal
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Jaime Artigas Brutalist Iron Console Table Base
By Jaime Artigas
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1970s Mexican Brutalism rare custom console table desk. Work of art. Base features solid Iron metal sculpture by Jaime Arti...
Bronze, Steel, Iron
Paire de bougeoirs en fer forgé attribués à l'Atelier Marolles, années 1950
Located in Meyrin, Switzerland
Paire de bougeoirs à trois branches en fer forgé attribués à l'Atelier Marolles, Travail manuel, France, années 1950. Les bougeoirs reposent sur quatre pieds en forme de volutes se ...
Steel
Abstract Modern Art Sculpture! "Phoenix Rising" Direct Metal & Marble 1950s
By Seymour Lipton
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT! DIRECT METAL SCULPTURE "PHOENIX RISING" MID CENTURY ABSTRACT ART! ATTRIBUTED TO SEYMOUR LIPTON Signed & Titled "Phoenix Rising" Lipton 1958 DIMENSIONS: 23" HIGH x 7...
Marble, Bronze
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Candleholder in Wrought Iron and Glass, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Candleholder in Wrought Iron and Glass, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Glass, Metal Color: Bl...
Metal
Welded Chrome Automobile Bumper Abstract Sculpture by Jason Seley, '1919-1983'
By Jason Seley
Located in West Chester, PA
Large scale welded chromium-plated steel salvaged car parts sculpture by artist Jason Seley (1919-1983). Signed by the artist. Rectangular base measures roughly 18" x 10".
Steel, Chrome
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Monumental Brutalist Floor Vase, Signed Inge
Located in New Windsor, NY
Monumental 1960s Brutalist slab built floor vase. This is another amazing piece of architectural pottery offered here signed by Inge. Incised decor. Good condition with no visible ha...
Clay, Stoneware