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.
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
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 Boho Artisanal Pigmented Plaster Scagliola Turtle Shell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This captivating artisanal sculpture is a masterclass in Postmodern organic design, utilizing the sophisticated scagliola technique to capture the intricate beauty of a tortoise shel...
Plaster, Paint
Brutalist Cast Aluminum Door Panel in the style of Paul Evans, 1960s
By Paul Evans
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Wall sculpture - abstract decoration Large cast aluminum door panel from the 1960s. Its brutalist design is clearly influenced by the metal sculptures associated with Paul Evans. The...
Aluminum
1960s Owl Sculpture On A Painted Black Base
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s Owl Sculpture On A Painted Black Base Willem DeGroot Style Wood Base has some wear
Metal
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Carved from a single piece of wood, this tall abstract sculpture is a masterwork of organic fluidity. Its design features an undulating, vertical silhouette that flows with a sense o...
Walnut
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
Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the tactile allure and expressive form of this petite vintage studio pottery vessel. A unique example of Brutalist ceramic art, this piece features a reticulated body with o...
Pottery
Large Brutalist Abstract Sculpture by Charles Bound, c.1980
Located in Surbiton, GB
Wood fired stoneware vessel by Charles Bound (b. 1939). Dimensions (cm, approx): Height: 24.
Stoneware
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
Marcel Ramond (1935-) Metal geometric sculpture, circa 1970
Located in Paris, FR
Marcel Ramond (1935-) Metal geometric sculpture, circa 1970 Welded iron Signed under the base A certificate will be provided to the buyer Length 44 x Height 38 x Depth 18 cm
Metal
$1,800 / item
Pal Kepenyes Brutalist Bronze Giraffe Sculpture
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Mexico City, MX
A Brutalist bronze giraffe sculpture by Pal Kepenyes. The sculpture is made after different pieces of bronze that are welded to create the fig...
Bronze
Pair of Wrought Iron Large Brutalist Candelabras, Circa 1970s, France
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Pair of Wrought Iron Large Brutalist Candelabras, Circa 1970s, France. Handcrafted brutalist floor candelabra, with hammered wrought iron sculptural structures. Excepti...
Wrought Iron
Wooden Zodiac Aries Ram 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...
Wood
Abstract Brutalist Wire Horse Sculpture Marcello Fantoni for Raymor
By Raymor, Marco Fantoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century, abstract, Brutalist, horse sculpture by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor is a mixed metal wire sculpture mounted on a walnut base with copper label signed Fantoni Italy for R...
Metal
$555Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Italian Steel Vase in the Style of Luciano Frigerio, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Sculptural vase from the 70s in a brutalist style. The structure of the vase develops on two levels. The first level is a parallelepiped with a quadrangular section; It has a smoo...
Steel
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
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
$795Sale Price|51% Off
Abstract Brutalistic Metal Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Unique brutalistic sculpture of head/face. This piece is signed but we can't make out the signature.
Metal
$423Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Sculptural and Brutalist Candlesticks Made in Brass and Copper, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
A pair of sculptural candlesticks probably made in Italy between the 60s and 70s. The irregular texture created like a bas-relief by small and irregular signs engraved in the surfac...
Brass, Copper, Aluminum
$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
1960's Swiss Brutalist wrought iron floor standing Candle Holder
Located in Bern, CH
Large Brutalist floor standing wrought iron candle holder dating from the late 1950's - early 1960's. With single candle holder on a decorated tripod base. Believed to be of Swiss or...
Wrought Iron
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
$1,233Sale Price / set|20% Off
Brutalist David Marshall's style vases by Alfonso Márquez, Spain, 1970s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of big vases in the brutalist style by the Spanish designer Alfonso Márquez, 1970s. Both pieces are entirely made of metal, combining polished aluminum and brass. The labels are...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Steel Sculpture of “Amphetrite” by Dale Edwards
By Dale Edwards
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Welded steel sculpture of “Amphetrite” goddess of the ocean. By American sculptor Dale Edwards. Signed Dale and dated 74 (see detail photos). In origi...
Steel
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
Scott Nelles Floral Bronze Candleholder, 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
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
$1,035Sale 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
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
1960's Brutalist Art Sculpture Solid Bronze Figural Bookends Artist Signed WLC
By Paul Evans, Alberto and Diego Giacometti
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
Robert Arneson Monumental Brutalist Stoneware Vessel, 1963
Located in Chicago, IL
Robert Arneson Monumental Brutalist Stoneware Vessel, 1963 A commanding example of Robert Arneson’s early studio pottery, this monumental vessel embodies the raw power of Brutalist c...
Stoneware
Vintage Boho Artisanal Pigmented Plaster Scagliola Wall Pocket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking artisanal wall pocket is a masterclass in Postmodern organic design, utilizing the sophisticated scagliola technique to capture the intricate beauty of a tortoise shell...
Plaster, Paint
$1,260Sale Price|30% Off
Brutalist Bronze Sculpture on Stand with Sedimentary Base
Located in Dallas, TX
Well-oxidized, slab form bronze with impressed figural decoration, raised on sedimentary base. From an important estate.
Stone, Bronze
Vintage Brutalist Wrought Iron Candle Holder, Five Arms, France, 1970s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage 5-arm wrought iron candle holder - 1970s Brutalist - Sculptural - Chandelier Measures : Ø 30cm - H : 48,5cm Wear consistent with age and use
Iron
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
Whimsical Brutalist Mouse Sculpture in Brass welded on solid Rosewood Base
By Curtis Jeré
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical petite welded brass sculpture in the style of Curtis Jere circa 1970's.
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
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: 170cm Ref.: 25090305 *All images are always part...
Metal
Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Barnacle Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Imbue your interior with the raw, elemental energy of the 1970s studio pottery movement with this extraordinary vintage cluster vase. A striking example of Brutalist design, this han...
Pottery
Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' Sculpture 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' sculpture 1950s This is a wonderful piece of modernist African art. It is a so called 'Makonde' sculpture. These unique pieces are crafted by t...
Wood, Ebony
Mathias For Fondica France Gilt Bronze Candlestick Candle Holder
Located in Toledo, OH
Brutalist style gilt bronze candlestick by Mathias for Fondica France. Very good condition. Dimensions: 7" diameter x 18" H.
Bronze
Brutalist "Patchwork" Foot Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist style "patchwork" welded foot sculpture.
Metal
Brutalist Bronze Mounted Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze mounted abstract sculpture. The sculpture features four topographical like forms connected to a narrow bronze stem, mounted to a thick limestone base. Signed by the artist. D...
Limestone, Bronze
1970s German Heinrich Ceramics Op Art Porcelain Matt-White Bisque Vase No 2014
Located in London, England
A large op art "Tetris" bisque matt-white porcelain vase which was manufactured by Heinrich Ceramics in Germany during the 1970s. A stunning brutalist 3...
Porcelain
Monumental Brutalist Stacked Cube Steel Garden Sculptures, after David Smith
By David Smith, Paul Evans
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental Brutalist Stacked Cube Steel Garden Sculpture, after David Smith / Paul Evans.. Signed and dated bUT unfortunately illegible. Amazing use of color, texture and space, Eigh...
Steel
$2,835 / item
Minimalist Column Planter, APOLLO III by SIRAK
By SIRAK
Located in Los Angeles, CA
APOLLO III by Sirak Minimalist Column Planter With its minimalist column design, APOLLO takes inspiration from the finely finished stonework seen in Greek temples constructed in his...
Concrete
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
Studio Pottery Candle Holder
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage studio pottery candle holder. Two toned speckled brown and gray glazes with an applied design on the front and back. Signed on the base.
Pottery
Primitive Carved Sitting Woman Sculpture
Located in Haaltert, BE
Primitive Carved Sitting Woman Sculpture
Wood
Brutalist wrought iron candelabra folk art 50's in style of atelier de marolles
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Large French Brutalist candlestick from the 1950s, handcrafted in the style of the De Marolles workshops. Wrought-iron candleholder structure with seven candle bases and a quadripod ...
Wrought Iron
Large burtalist wal sculpture, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Architectural brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. - Cat tail shaped. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 200cm Width: 95cm Ref.: 2508120402 *All i...
Metal
Hand-carved Brutalist Black Horse Sculpture done in ebonized wood, Italy 1970s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a hand-carved Brutalist Horse Sculpture done in wood. Body of the horse is carved out of a single piece of wood...
Wood
Brutalist Brass Tree Sculpture by Friedle, Circa 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Brutalist brass sculpture of a Tree Cluster grouping by Friedle.
Brass
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
Anonymous late 20th Century European modern sculpture. Sphere of metal bolts.
Located in København K, 84
Anonymous European modern sculpture. This captivating sculpture, comprised of hundreds of intricately welded metal bolts, converges into a seamless and imposing sphere. This work of...
Metal
Demant Brutalist Glass Dish by Göte Augustsson, Ruda Sweden 1960s
Located in Rīga, LV
Vintage brutalist glass dish designed by Göte Augustsson glass dish Ruda Sweden. “Demant” series. Additional information: Country of manufacture: Sweden D...
Glass
"Femur" Contemporary Decorative Golden Object in Cast Brass by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Contemporary decorative object, in cast brass. Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This golden decorative object was meticulously handmade by master artisans one delicate piece at a time...
Brass
Midcentury German Brutalist Bronze Bowl
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A very decorative round German mid-century brutalist bowl made of bronze. Dimensions Height: 11 cm / 4.33 inch. Diameter: 20 cm / 7.87 inch. Weight: 3,68 kg
Bronze
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
NONO Elefante Sideboard 12, Intricate Oak Form, Sleek Surface
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Sideboard 12, Intricate Oak Form, Sleek Surface ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist ...
Hardwood