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.
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
Blow Glass Milk Jar by Odilon Avalos
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Descendant of a family of glass workers, Odilón Ávalos Razo, was born in Puebla in 1881. He came to Guadalajara attracted by the economic and Industrial development that characterize...
Blown Glass
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
"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
A Golden SHABBY-CHIC Wrought Iron CANDELABRA CANDLESTICK, France 1990-2000
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular candlestick or candelabra sculpture, Post-Modernist, Brutalist, Shabby-Chic, "organic" tree composition of golden wrought iron rods and leaves, mounted on a quadripod b...
Wrought Iron
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
Mid-Century Brutalist Solid Brass Candle Holder with Tripod Base, 1960s–70s
Located in Herentals, BE
Mid-century sculptural candle holder in solid brass, dating from the 1960s–70s. The circular top is defined by a radial organic relief, centered with a conical candle spike. Resting ...
Brass
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
Brutalist Candleholder - Gilt & Patinated Bronze - 1950s
Located in MOUGINS, FR
A candle-holder in wrought iron. It is plated with gold leaf and patinated, resting on three curved feet. This piece is in Brutalist style and was manufactured in the 1950s. It comp...
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
Brutalist Candlestick Holder done in solid brass Austria 1970s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous Brutalist candlestick holder done in solid brass. It features striking design typical for the era. Made in Austria in 1970s. Very good vinta...
Brass
Brutalist Textured Column Planter, ATLAS III by SIRAK
By SIRAK
Located in Los Angeles, CA
ATLAS III by Sirak Brutalist Column Planter The ATLAS planter, with its monolithic form, channels the spirit of ancient building techniques, evoking the solidity of interlocking fou...
Concrete
20th Century Sculptural Ribbed Stone Object with Matching Plate
Located in Middleburg, VA
A distinctive and weighty sculptural object from the 20th century, crafted from solid stone with a unique ribbed texture that encircles its rounded midsection. Tapering elegantly int...
Stone, Alabaster
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
21st Century Abstract Bronze Floral Sculpture
Located in Augusta, GA
Bronze abstract floral sculpture Hand made in the Brutalist-style by local Atlanta artist Made with a beautiful verdigris patina Made in the ...
Brass, Bronze
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
Taurus, Chainsaw Carved, Burnt Oak, Abstract Sculpture, Bull, Handmade, Black
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This unique sculptural animal is a one of a kind art piece, carved from a single piece of wood to ensure a monolithic and stable form. It takes the shape of a bull, rendered with a r...
Oak
Pair of Brutalist Cast Stainless Steel Candleholders by Olav Joa, Norway 1970s
A striking pair of Norwegian Brutalist candleholders designed by Olav Joa, circa 1970s. Executed in cast stainless steel (18-8), these sculptural candlesticks embody the bold archit...
Stainless Steel
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Carved Stone Torso Sculpture by J-Muk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Carved Stone Torso Sculpture on wood base, inscribed "J-Muk" by the artist.
Stone
$3,780 / item
Minimalist Column Planter, APOLLO IV by SIRAK
By SIRAK
Located in Los Angeles, CA
APOLLO IV 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
1960s Brutalist Steel Abstract Sculpture
Located in Raleigh, NC
Heavily textured and expressive vintage sculpture. Has tons of movement and a wonderful patina.
Cut Steel
Pair of Brutalist Cast Stainless Steel Candleholders by Olav Joa, Norway 1970s
A striking pair of Norwegian Brutalist candleholders designed by Olav Joa, circa 1970s. Executed in cast stainless steel (18-8), these sculptural candlesticks embody the bold archit...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Eagle Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a bold statement with this monumental vintage hand-carved eagle sculpture. Hewn from a single solid log, this imposing figure stands with a stoic, totem-like presence, showcasin...
Wood
Small Mid-Century Brutalist Bronze Jug
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A small decorative German brutalist jug made of bronze. 1960´s. Dimensions Height: 13 cm / 5.11 inch. Diameter: 12 cm / 4.72 inch. Weight: 3,68 kg
Bronze
Vintage Boho Patinated Bronze Bust of Man
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exuding a profound sense of character and history, this vintage portrait bust is a masterful work of sculpture. The artist has captured a powerful, introspective expression, brought ...
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Pair of Brutalist Candleholders/Sculptures by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
These two pieces by Israeli artist David Palombo are in his signature Brutalist style and use the two materials he is best known for iron and natural stone. Fully functional as candl...
Stone, Iron
Sterling Silver Bust of Winston Churchill (London, 1969)
Located in Islamabad, PK
Sterling Silver Bust of Winston Churchill (London, 1969) Material: Sterling Silver (.925) Dimensions: 3 inches (7.6 cm) height × 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) width Weight: 488 grams (unweight...
Silver
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
3 Brutalist Brass Candle Holders from Staffan Englesson Ab Sweden, 1970s
Located in Rīga, LV
Set of 3 vintage brutalist brass candle holders or vases from Staffan Englesson AB Stockholm. Heavy. Additional information: Country of ...
Brass
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Important Peter Voulkos 'Plate', 1981 – Wheel-Thrown Stoneware, Surface Drawing
Located in Chicago, IL
Important Peter Voulkos 'Untitled Plate', 1981 – Wheel-Thrown Stoneware with Surface Drawing Dimensions: 5¼ D × 21 W× 20 H in Signed: Voulkos 81, to reverse Catalog: Registered under...
Clay
Wrought Iron Candlestick with Dragon, Brutalist Style, 20th Century
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Wrought Iron Candlestick With Dragon decoration Chandelier - Vintage - Dragon Measures : Ø Base 34cm H:123cm Material : Wrought Iron
Iron
Brutalist Handcrafted Wall Sculpture of a Rooster, Europe, circa 1960s–1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brutalist Handcrafted Wall Sculpture of a Rooster, Europe, circa 1960s–1970s A striking Brutalist wall sculpture depicting a rooster, handcrafted in forged and welded metal with an ...
Metal
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
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
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
Wooden Zodiac Sagittarius 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
Vintage Brutalist Iron & Green Glass Wall Candleholders by Dantoft, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
1970s Brutalist Wall sculptures made by Danish design company Dantoft kunstartikler (trans.: art objects). Made from black lacquered and welded iron set in a graphic formation highli...
Iron
Brutalist Candlestick Holder Done in Brass and Nickel, Italy, 1970s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a rare Brutalist three-arm candlestick holder done in bronze and chrome. It features sculptural form, with thick bronze sticks curved in symmetrical dir...
Brass, Nickel
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
$172Sale Price|41% Off
Brutalist Icelandic Lava Vase by Glit HF, 1970s
By Glit
Located in Esbjerg, DK
HF Gilt is a renowned Icelandic ceramic pottery studio. The clay used in this piece is made from pumice stone collected from Icelandic volcanos. The ...
Lava
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
Candelabra Cobra G022 Cast Brass Gold coloured made in Spain by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Candelabre 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. ...
Brass
Vintage Boho Patinated Bronze Abstract Figurative Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Unearth a compelling work of art with this striking Vintage Patinated Bronze Abstract Figurative Sculpture, a piece that powerfully merges raw expression with refined form. Crafted f...
Bronze
Wooden Zodiac Sagittarius 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
Acrobatic Man Bronze Sculpture By Pieter Florizoon (1937-2015)
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Acrobatic Man Bronze Sculpture By Pieter Florizoon (1937-2015) Sculpture - Decoration - Vintage Measures : 36cmx24cm H:42cm Wear consistent with age and use.
Bronze
Abstract Charred Wood Sculpture, Totemic Form, By Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This expressive abstract sculpture is a one of a kind piece, hand carved from a single block of solid hardwood. Its dynamic silhouette, defined by reaching limbs and an open stance, ...
Wood
Sculptural Brutalist Bronze Candelabra from Ystad/Scandia, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A sculptural candleholder/candelabra cast in washed bronze. It is to be installed with 5 regular sized candles. This design comes from Scandia/Ystad-Metall in Sweden and It was likel...
Bronze
Mid-Century Danish 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 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materi...
Ceramic
Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Vase, West Germany, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Fat Lava Pottery Vase from Ruscha, West Germany, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such a...
Ceramic
Vintage Brutalist Metal Candleholder, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist Metal Candleholder, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979. Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Brutalist Color: Brown Item Type: Vintag...
Metal
Signed Mid-Century Brutalist Studio Stoneware Vase, c. 1960s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This striking signed mid-century studio stoneware vase exemplifies the bold, expressive aesthetic of Brutalist ceramic design popular in the mid-20th century. Hand-thrown and artist-...
Ceramic
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
Small Scandinavian Brutalist Stoneware Vase w. Orange High Fire Glaze
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small high fired stoneware vase executed with reddish orange glazes with earthy/black accents. Unknown Scandinavian ceramist in the style of Jaap Ravelli circa 1970. Measurements...
Stoneware
Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Original Torch Cut Steel Figurative Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a bold statement with this striking vintage torch-cut steel figurative sculpture, a one-of-a-kind expression of raw artistry and industrial elegance. Standing an impressive 71 i...
Steel
Brutalist abstract wrought iron sculpture from the 1970s
By François Thévenin
Located in LE CANNET, FR
Interesting artisanal French work from the 1970s Wrought and welded iron sculpture This highly decorative piece is in the same vein as other designers such as Sido and Francois Theve...
Iron
Brutalist Metal Patchwork Box with Insert Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cube form desktop box covered with patchwork copper by American artist and designer Paul Evans (1931-1987). The lidded box has a plastic insert box and was made as an ice box or a ...
Metal
1970s Welded Steel and Bronze Brutalist Mask by Suzanne Benton
Located in Sacramento, CA
1970s welded steel and bronze Brutalist mask by New York artist Suzanne Benton. Benton is a sculptor, mask performance artist, printmaker, and painter, and this piece is an excellent...
Bronze, Steel
Trapeze Clock D013 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Trapeze Clock 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...
Aluminum, Brass
Candleholder by Rosette Bir
By Rosette Bir
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1970s massif steel candleholder signed by the French artist Rosette Bir. Great condition Unique piece.
Steel
Brutalist Candle Holder, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage brutalist torch cut metal candle holder with 6 arms. Beautiful and timeless piece which is very decorative. The Brut design is very attractive. Very good condition ...
Metal
Handcrafted Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Brutalist Design, 36x42 CM
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Elevate your home decor with our stunning carved wooden bowl, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship. This bowl features a gracefully curved shape, making it not only a practica...
Wood