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.
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
Sculptural Terracotta Ceramic Vessel – Organic Contemporary Art Object
Located in Istanbul, TR
This sculptural ceramic vessel explores organic form and subtle movement through a softly twisted silhouette. The shape rises vertically from a grounded base into a fluid, abstract b...
Stoneware
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
Pair of Handmade Sculptures by American Artist PKW
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
Pair of handmade sculptures by American artist PKW. Rusted steel mounted into a solid fallen wood base. Signed on bases. As a pair they are a great mismatched pair with excellent sca...
Steel
Brutalist Welded Metal Abstract Mermaid Sculpture
Located in Raymondville, TX
This alluring brutalist abstract mermaid floor sculpture has been hand skillfully crafted out of hundreds of individually welded steel pieces of various shapes. Its intriguing 360 de...
Metal
Brutalist Owl Sculpture Attributed to French Sculptor Claude Barbat
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A brass, crystal, and geode Brutalist style sculpture of an owl on a wood base. Most likely done by Artist Claude Barbat. Highly detailed and intricate. The body is formed from hand ...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Brutalist Nickel Candle Holders by Thomas Roy Markusen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of sculpted pounded nickel plated Candle holder/ vases by Thomas Roy Markusen Brutalist. Large-15" high 6" diameter Small-10" high 6" diameter
Metal, Nickel
Curtis Jere Brass Spiral Brutalist Articulating Table Sculpture on Marble Base
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Curtis Jere brass articulating spiral table sculpture. This vintage Jere sculpture features a spiraling brass design with brutalist elements. It has multicolored rods with raw weld...
Marble, Brass
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
Elefante by NONO Console 20, Slender Oak Elegance, Substantial Presence
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Console 20, Slender Oak Elegance, Substantial Presence ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a ...
Hardwood
Fruit Bowl A019 Solid cast brass (gold coloured) and aluminium (silver coloured)
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Coaster 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 We...
Aluminum, Brass
Pair of Signed Iron Brutalist Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of signed iron brutalist candle holders, circa 1970s. The set is signed on the base "Perry", is in good vintage condition and measures 3"W x 3"D x 3"H. Cool well cr...
Iron
Brutalist wall sculpture, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Architectural brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 75cm Width: 180cm Ref.: 25090304 *All images are always part...
Metal
Rick Owens Cast Bronze Coupe Vase Black Patina
By Rick Owens
Located in Chicago, IL
The now iconic bronze coupe vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the black patina. Designed in 2012. Each bronze is signed. Can be used as vase or sculp...
Bronze
Bronze Abstract Sculpture of Bird
Located in London, GB
Abstract bronze cast sculpture of bird about to fly, spreading its wings. The sculpture is Expressive in a brutalist manner. It stands on a cast bronze pedestal.
Bronze
Mid Century Brutalist Iron And Slag Abstract Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An Elemental welded Iron and Slag Metal Sculpture in Brutalist Style. Signed along the base. A series of four Iron Rings with Rust patina with gray slag metal in between. Mounted on an base. Sculpted by Multidisciplinary Artist Norma Flanagan who during her lifetime worked in Stone, Metal, Ceramics, Painting and Drawing. L. 25", Depth 10 1/2", H. 16 1/2", Diam. largest ring 13...
Iron
Large Signed Bronze Sculpture of a Little Girl by Sergio Unia
Located in Redding, CT
Large Signed Bronze Sculpture of a Little Girl. By Sculptor Serigo Unia. Heavy, solid piece. Brutalist in style. Animated and cartoonish in style. Reminiscent of a character from Cha...
Bronze
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Slim Elefante Console 08, NONO Craft, Chic Brutalist Style
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Slim Elefante Console 08, NONO Craft, Chic Brutalist Style ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist To...
Hardwood
$11,706 / item
Elefante by NONO Console 11, Stout Oak Base, Refined Top
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Console 11, Stout Oak Base, Refined Top ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touc...
Hardwood
Whimsical Metal Tree Sculpture in the Brutalist School
By Curtis Jeré
Located in New York, NY
Interesting wire and brass sculpture on a slate base. Done in the Brutalist style, and of the period.
Brass
Brutalist Hand-Crafted Brass and Iron Candle Holders, 1960s Pair
Located in Round Top, TX
Twisted iron candle sticks in two different heights. Hand-made pieces with the most incredible bases that have a trio of circular "feet". Shorter: 6" Diameter x 15.13"H Taller: 6" ...
Brass, Iron
Minimalist Elefante Console 13, NONO Signature Oak, Balanced Structure
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Minimalist Elefante Console 13, NONO Signature Oak, Balanced Structure ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a M...
Hardwood
$499Sale Price|38% Off
Brutalist Style Brass Candleholder, Hand-Crafted in Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A monumental candleholder in cast brass, created in the spirit of brutalism. Its form unfolds like a branching structure, at once reminiscent of a tree and of modernist architecture....
Brass
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Artisan Elefante Sideboard 14, NONO Crafted, Subtle Oak Finish
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Artisan Elefante Sideboard 14, NONO Crafted, Subtle Oak Finish ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernis...
Hardwood
NONO Elefante Sideboard 17, Oak Durability, Graceful Overhang
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Sideboard 17, Oak Durability, Graceful Overhang ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist ...
Hardwood
Michael Harjes Brutalist Candlestick in Bronze 1970s Germany
Located in Balen, BE
This Brutalist candlesticks was designed and made in solid bronze by Michael Harjes in the 1970s. The design is wonderfully crafted, one can sense that the cast for the piece was for...
Bronze
$780Sale Price|20% Off
Large Brutalist Bronze Ballerina Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in San Diego, CA
A very large Brutalist midcentury bronze ballerina sculpture on an black marble base (6.75" x 8.5"), circa 1970s. The piece is 44.5" high and has a wo...
Marble, Bronze
$1,691
Vase by David Marshall
Located in London, GB
A large Brutalist brass and aluminium vase with twin handles by David Marshall Spain, 1970s
Aluminum, Brass
$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
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
$2,200 / set
Chess Set by Marco Celotti Circa 1970
Located in Hudson, NY
A one of a kind chess set by Italian American artist Marco Celotti. Created circa 1970, the set is quit marvelous. Each figure is filled with detail. Even the individual pawns, each...
Pottery
Set of Linear Brushed Metal Brutalist Objects, Germany, 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
Interesting set of objects.
Metal
Midcentury Torch Cut Metal Abstract Brutalist Sculpture
By Silas Seandel, Diego Giacometti, Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Tony Melendy, Curtis Jeré
Located in Houston, TX
Midcentury torch cut metal abstract Brutalist sculpture. Beautifully executed Mid-Century Modern Brutalist torch cut mixed metal abstract sculpture. ...
Brass, Copper
Large brutalist wall sculpture, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Architectural brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 52cm Width: 195cm Ref.: 2508120405
Metal
Brutalist Fish sculpture made in Brass.
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Brutalist Fish sculpture made in Brass.
Brass
Train on Track with Smoke by Brutalist Artist Chet Blacketer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful and Heavily Patinated, very large example of Brutalist - a train on a track. The entire piece is a solid unit, very stable and also quite heavy. In the manner of Jere, ...
Iron
Sculpture Probably Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large brutalist sculpture by unknown artist. Probably produced in Sweden. Signed “S. ??? 25/50”.
Bronze
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
Menorah G048 Abstract Candelabra Cast Brass Gold Coloured Made in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Menorah 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. Ce...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Large Brass Brutalist Tall Ship Style of Curtis Jere
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Large tall schooner ship with six masts torch cut in brass in the style of Curtis Jere. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. This item can be parcel posted.
Brass
Curtis Jere Horse Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Metal Curtus Jere horse sculpture with bronzy patina.
Metal
1990s Brutalist Orange and Gray Fat Lava Ceramic German Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking 1990s Modernist German ceramic vase serves as a bold example of the enduring "Fat Lava" tradition, reimagined with a sleek, contemporary silhouette. The piece features ...
Ceramic
Odile Noll : Wood hand carved big bowl, circa 1970
By Odile Noll
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Odile Noll (1921-2014, France) : Large hand carved wood bowl Signed "O. Noll" on the back by engraving Odile Noll has been teached with her father Alexandre Noll, and collaborated ...
Wood
Giovanni 'John’ Bucci Metal Art Sculpture, 1960s
Located in Savannah, GA
Giovanni 'John' Bucci (Italian-American, 1935-2019) A welded metal sculpture composed of various found metal pieces, 1960s. 17 inches wide by 18 ¼ inches tall by 8 inches deep
Metal
$580Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 3 Brutalist Rare Hand Hammered Brass Austrian Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare set of 3 candle holders solid hand hammered brass, made in austria beautiful and unique retains label.
Brass
Solid Bronze Abstract Sculpture, USA 1960's
Located in New York, NY
This work was made by bending a very long 3/4 inch solid bronze rod into a rectangular brick, it weighs a surprising 75 lbs for its size
Bronze
Clock perforated D018 Cast Brass, Gold coloured, Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Perforated Clock 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 materi...
Aluminum, Brass
Expressive Brutalist Abstract Wall Relief in Ceramic, 1970s
Located in London, GB
Expressive abstract relief sculpted in rough clay and glazed with copper oxides in matt grey-green. It is a dynamic wall decoration, signed H77.
Ceramic
Bengt Berggren Brutalist Scandinavian Modern Pewter Vase w. Female Faces, 1990s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Bengt Berggren Brutalist Scandinavian Modern Pewter Vase w. Female Faces, 1990s Handcrafted pewter vase by Swedish artist Bengt Berggren, created in the 1990s. The sculptural form f...
Pewter
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
Georges Vandevoorde Brutalist Abstract Welded Bronze Sculpture, Ca. 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Brutalist Abstractionism Georges Vandevoorde 'La Vie Interieure De L'Homme' ('The Inner Life of Man') Welded Bronze, Gold Patina Belgium, Circa, 1960s DIMENSIONS Heig...
Bronze
Mid-Century German Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase from Fritz Van Daalen, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Brutalist Studio Pottery Vase from Fritz Van Daalen, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage ca...
Ceramic
Brutalist Abstract Bronze Sculpture on Tall Black Marble Plinth Dutch 1980's
Located in London, GB
One of a two of Brutalist abstract sculptures by Dutch artist Rien Goené (1929-2013) circa 1980, signed. The asymmetrical concertina shaped bronze sculpture...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Brutalist Metal Hand Sculpted Owl Attributed to Sergio Bustamonte
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage hand sculpted Brutalist Mexican metal Folk Art owl attributed to Sergio Bustamonte, circa 1960s.
Metal
Vintage Jere style brutalist brass, copper & rock sculpture by Daniel Dhaeseleer
Located in Hastings, GB
Unusual brutalist brass, copper and rock sculpture by Daniel Dhaeseleer, Belgium, 1970s. Very similar to Curtis Jere designs in the USA. Has the original tag, and also is hand signed...
Stone, Brass, Copper
Brutalist Cast Iron Fireplace Screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna – Sweden
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
A striking and sculptural fireplace screen designed by Swedish artist Olle Hermansson and produced by Husqvarna in the 1960s. Crafted in solid cast iron, this piece is a bold example...
Iron
Vintage Mid-Century Brutalist Lucite Freeform Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A sculptural interpretation of an organic shape that is enigmatic, poised and unpredictable. A study in form, this vintage lucite piece dates to the early 1960s. In essence it is min...
Lucite
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Match Strike Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite two-piece studio pottery set perfectly captures the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic of the 1970s, celebrating the raw beauty of hand-thrown functional art. Handcrafted with a clea...
Pottery
Mid Century Modern Brutalists Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Emma De Sigaldi
Located in San Francisco, CA
Bronze abstract Brutalist style sculpture on travertine marble base. Signed Emma De Sigaldi. Emma De Sigaldi (b.1910 - d.2010) was active/lived in Monaco and is known for sculpture. ...
Marble, Bronze
Vintage Boho Artisanal Pigmented Plaster Scagliola Turtle Shell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This monumental artisanal sculpture is a masterclass in organic Postmodern design, utilizing the sophisticated scagliola technique to recreate the intricate beauty of a giant sea tur...
Plaster, Paint