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.
Contemporary Sculptural Stoneware Vase with Volcanic Surface Texture
Located in Istanbul, TR
This contemporary ceramic vase is handcrafted in stoneware and finished in a deep matte black surface that highlights its sculptural silhouette. The form features a fluid, organic pr...
Stoneware
Large Brutalist "Pom Pom" Brass Wall Sculture by Curtis Jere Signed and Dated
By Curtis Jeré, Curtis Freiler, Artisan House, Jerry Fels
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive Modernist brass 'Pom Pom' / 'Sea Urchin' wall sculpture by Curtis Jere (Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels) for Artisan House (1979, USA). Striking, extra large wall art compos...
Brass
Israeli Brutalist Iron and Jerusalem Stone Octopus Menorah by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
This striking Brutalist menorah by David Palombo masterfully fuses raw iron with natural Jerusalem stone, embodying both strength and heritage. Hand-forged with nine rugged, textured...
Stone, Iron
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
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
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
Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Carved Wood Totem Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introduce a powerful and dramatic vertical element into your interior with this monumental hand-carved wooden totem sculpture. A masterful work of Brutalist and Organic Modern design...
Metal
Large Modernist Abstract Sculpture "INNERWOVEN STRUCTURE" by Duayne Hatchett
By Duanye Hatchett
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large modernist abstract sculpture "INNERWOVEN STRUCTURE" by Duayne Hatchett. Amazing graceful bent layers of metal, can be mounted, hung as a mobile or on a stationary surface, i.e....
Metal
$14,995Sale Price|40% Off
1970s, Henri Fernandez Brass Fountain Style Fish Sculpture, France
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Fish sculpture, made of torch cutted, hand hammered and welded brass structure sitting on a oriental style brass base filled with ciment. All his fountains sculpture are unique but ...
Agate, Brass
Brutalist Hand-Built Glazed Coil Teracotta Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Brutalist Hand-Built Glazed Coil Terracotta Studio Pottery Vase Offered for sale is a handsome brutalist vase made of ceramic coils adhered to an underlying terracotta form. At 13”...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
Modern Totem in Dark Elegance, Carved Burned Oak, Presented in Still Stand No95
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Totem in Dark Elegance, Carved Burned Oak, Presented in Still Stand No95 _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a...
Hardwood
Michael Harjes Brutalist 5-Lamp Candlestick, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
Five-armed sculptural candlestick in bronze by Michael Hael Harjes, made in the 1960s–70s. The piece shows a Brutalist approach with rough, textured surfaces and irregular forms that...
Bronze
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Hand Made Metal Brutalist Bonsai Tree in Rust Finish
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist hand made iron Bonsai tree sculpture. The sculpture has wonderful all over rust finish, gained from years of outdoor life, this piece was origina...
Iron, Wrought Iron
NONO Elefante Buffet 15, Solid Oak, Understated Design Detail
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Buffet 15, Solid Oak, Understated Design Detail ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO ...
Hardwood
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
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
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
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
$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
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
$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
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
Brutalist Candleholder Sculpture by David Marshall, Brass & Aluminum
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This brutalist sculpture, made of solid brass and aluminum, presents itself differently from every angle. The sculpture's curvature and the recessed center are the defining design fe...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Mixed Metals Figurative Sculpture of a Woman C1970
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic steel & iron figurative sculpture of a lifesize nude woman created by artist Hy Suchman. Sculpture is approximately 5ft 2 inches tall with a width and depth of 24 X 20. Am...
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel, Iron
Richard Faure 'Chestnut' Gold Wine Bottle Cradle
Located in Hastings, GB
An exceptional signed sculptured wine bottle cradle by the renowned French Artist and Sculptor Richard Faure. Hand crafted in brass, and intricately detailed in the form of a ches...
Brass
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
$1,312Sale Price|25% Off
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 Bronze Unicorn Sculpture Attributed at Pal Kepenyes
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1980 We offer this Brutalist Bronze Unicorn Sculpture attributed at Pal Kepenyes.
Brass
Mid Century Modern Abstract Bronze Sculpture of a Standing Tree Stump Log
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular Brutalist expression of a standing tree stump log in Bronze. Artist unknown, but definitely from the early 1970s. Amazing artistic craftsmanship. The stump is well balan...
Bronze
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
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
Jacques Lerebourg Welded Steel Brutalist Wall Sculpture
Located in Norwood, NJ
Welded and cut steel abstract Brutalist wall hanging sculpture by French sculptor Jacques Lerebourg. Jacques Lerebourg is a 20th-century French artist known for his abstract and natu...
Steel
A Very Large "Kantharos" Vase in "Fat Lava", by Marius Giuge Vallauris, 1960s
By Marius Giuge
Located in MOUGINS, FR
A very large "kantharos" vase featuring scroll hands, constructed in a "water foam" design, by Marius Giuge. The piece is extremely decorative and the enamel has kept all of its sh...
Enamel
Vintage Boho Brutalist Sculpture of Don Quixote De La Mancha
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage Brutalist sculpture portrays the legendary literary figure Don Quixote de la Mancha in a masterclass of mid-century metalwork. Hand-crafted using intricate wire...
Copper, 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
Brutalist abstract coated bronze seated woman and man bookends
Located in Asheville, NC
Vintage abstract bronze bookend sculptures of a faceless man and woman. About 7”H Price is for the set. Sold as a set only
Bronze
Donald Drum Style MCM 1960s Cast Aluminum Brutalist Exotic Wild Beast Sculpture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large Mid-Century Modern Donald Drum style cast aluminum brutalist exotic African wild beast sculpture on base. Also after Bruce Fox designs. In fine cond...
Aluminum
$195Sale Price / set|40% Off
Set of 3 Brutalist style Candlestick Holders Cage Design
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Introducing our set of 3 rugged Brutalist-style cast bronze cages—a perfect fusion of industrial charm and ambient lighting. Meticulously crafted in the shape of riveted strap iron c...
Bronze
Brutalist travertine sculpture of cat, Enzo Mari F.lli Mannelli, Italy 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century travertine sculpture of stylised cat attributed to Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s H 23.5 cm 5 × 14 cm Conditions: very good consistent with age and use,...
Travertine
Original Pal Kepenyes Sculpture Signed
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Pal Kepenyes Sculpture made in brass and wood, signed. Pal Kepenyes was a Hungarian artist and jewelry designer known for his unique and innovative designs...
Brass
Brutalist wrought iron bird sculpture dating from the 1970s
Located in LE CANNET, FR
Interesting french work in the manner of Michel Anasse, dating from the 1970s. Wrought and welded iron sculpture representing a rooster. Decorative sculpture also in the spirit of Si...
Iron
$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
John Steck Desert Rose Metal and Stone Vintage Brutalist Sculpture
By Silas Seandel, John Steck, Curtis Jeré
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Vintage 1960s metal and stone table top sculpture. “Desert Rose” by John Steck is a timeless floral arrangement of bristly pom-pom blooms emanating from a stone base. The botanical a...
Stone, Metal
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
Scott Nelles Floral Bronze Candleholder, Brutalist Design, USA, 1986
Located in Charleston, SC
The Scott Nelles Floral Brass Candleholders were crafted in 1986, showcasing an elegant design Inspired by Nature. Each candleholder is individually marked and dated by the skilled c...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
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
Asymmetrical Brutalist Bronze a single flower vase by Heinz Goll, Italy 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very rare and absolutely extraordinary sculptural asymmetrical Brutalist vase done in bronze, for a single flower. It was designed by Austrian designer Heinz Goll...
Bronze
Sculptural Brutalist Wrought Iron Floor Candlestick, Folk Art Chain & Horseshoe
Located in LYON, FR
A striking piece of mid-century folk art / brutalist design. This sculptural floor-standing candle holder is entirely hand-crafted from repurposed heavy iron elements, featuring a sh...
Steel
Pair of Sculptural Brutalist Wooden Wall Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of sculptural wooden wall sconces defined by their bold, faceted forms and substantial, block-like construction. The angular backplates and projecting candle platforms create ...
Wood
Vintage Brass and Pewter Walnut Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This captivating vintage bowl is a masterclass in bi-metal artistry, realistically rendered in the form of a halved walnut shell. A sophisticated example of the 1970s Brutalist movem...
Brass, Pewter
Brutalist Wood bowl in the spirit of Alexandre Noll - 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Brutalist Wood bowl in the spirit of Alexandre Noll Wabi Sabi decoration - Brutalist - Decoration Measures : 24cmx22.5cm H:7.5cm Material : Wood Wear consistent with age and use.
Wood
Octagonal Card Tray E006 Silver and Gold Desk Tray Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Card Tray 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 ...
Aluminum, Brass
$2,200 / set
Solid Aluminum Brutalist Candelabras
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Brutalist candelabras, in the style of Paul Evans. Striated texture, black patinated impressions, six candle wells, beveled angle edges with archi...
Aluminum
$3,600Sale Price|45% Off
Brutalist Period Mixed Metals and Wood Couple Sculpture JN
Located in New Windsor, NY
Amazing mixed metals and wood Brutalist Period couple sculpture. A wonderful mix of copper, brass, nails and wood that have been manipulated, cut, carved, heated, tacked, and welded ...
Metal, Copper
Unknown French artist. Brutalistic unique sculpture in dark steel. Late 20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Unknown French artist. Brutalistic unique sculpture in dark steel. Late 20th century. Measures: 18.5 x 9.5 cm. In excellent condition.
Steel
Vintage Scored Floral Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This sculptural vintage studio pottery vase is a masterclass in contrasting textures and minimalist form. The elongated, hand-thrown body is crafted from a gritty, sand-tempered terr...
Pottery
William and Bruce Friedle Mid Century Sunburst Brutalist Brass Sculpture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
William and Bruce Friedle Mid Century Sunburst Brutalist Brass Sculpture This sculpture measures: 42 wide x 4 deep x 42 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our photos...
Brass
"Two Dancers" Bronze Sculpture, Kostas Dikefalos (B.1956) Signed
Located in London, GB
‘Two Dancers’ bronze sculpture by Kostas Dikefalos (born 1956). Beautiful from any angle and signed. Kostas Dikefalos was born in Zakynthos in 1956. He studied sculpture with...
Bronze
Sculpture by Richard Walsh
Located in Chicago, IL
Richard Walsh freeform sculpture. Tubular metal bent and welded to torch-cut circular base, Brutalist in form and patina. Sturdy stabile sculpture, circa 1975.
Metal
$2,620Sale Price|20% Off
1970 Brutalist Studio Pottery Floor Vase by Inge
Located in New Windsor, NY
Handmade slab built monumental Brutalist pottery vase. Meticulously decorated and glazed with organic and geometric patterns and shapes. Applied neck. Signed and dated, Inge, 70 a th...
Stoneware