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.
Two Sunburst Centerpieces / Fruit Bowls, Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair if Sculptural Spanish Brutalist Centerpiece Bowls Spain, 1950s. These spanish revival centerpieces or fruit bowls were entirely made by hand in wrought iron. They have brutalist...
Iron
1970s French Hand-Carved Wooden Basket – Decorative Patinated Centerpiece
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1970s French Hand-Carved Wooden Basket – Decorative Patinated Centerpiece Description: This beautiful hand-carved wooden basket was made in France in the 1970s. Its sculpted form an...
Wood
1970s French Wooden Pear-Shaped Fruit Basket – Dark Patina Decorative Bowl
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1970s French Wooden Pear-Shaped Fruit Basket – Dark Patina Decorative Bowl Description: This charming wooden fruit basket, crafted in France during the 1970s, features an elegant pe...
Wood
$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
Crystal Cup by Arch. Taddei Sestini for Kristall Krisla - Italy 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Italian 1970s design; Architect Taddei Sestini; Kristall Krisla vintage glass; Italian modernism; Space Age crystal cup; Sculptural glass; Architectura...
Crystal
Vintage Rustic Handcrafted Wooden Pedestal Bowl in Mountain Folk Art Style
Located in Roma, IT
I am offering for sale a Pedestal Bowl handcrafted in Italy probably during the mid-20th century. The style of this footed fruit bowl is typical of the Folk Art of the mountainous ar...
Fir
Brutalist Style French Porcelain Stoneware Centerpiece
Located in Prato, Tuscany
A French centerpiece of distinctive character and artistic interest, crafted in the Brutalist style between 1950 and 1955 in porcelain stoneware by an artisan workshop near Saint-Val...
Stoneware
Brutalist Shallow Bowl Cast Alumium and Brass Reference A024 by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The shallow small bowl was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain. It is certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall. He is insipired by nature and the landscaps making useful art with cast brass and alumium materials. We also make bespoke designs for clients, like signage for condominums, private homes, Hotels & Restaurants, awards for Charity...
Aluminum, Brass
$7,405Sale Price|50% Off
Huge Unique Brutalist Centrepiece Inlaid Bowl by Elina Brandt-Hansen circa 1990s
By Elina Brandt-Hansen
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Monumental and exceptional masterwork by Norwegian ceramic pottery artist Elina Brandt-Hansen (1955-2017), circa 1990s. The piece speaks for itself and ...
Clay, Stoneware
Sunburst Centerpiece Bowl in Gilt Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind hand-hammered iron Brutalist sunburst centerpiece bowl with gold leaf finish, Spain, 1960s. Rare find. Its design is sculptural and highly decorative. This centerpiece...
Gold Leaf, Iron, Wrought Iron
A monumental brutalist iron leaf centerpiece, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A large brutalist centerpiece / platter hand-crafted out of metal, and with subtle verdigris, in the shape of a leaf, probably late 20th century. A stunning and unique one-of-a-kind ...
Metal
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
Brutalist Ethnic Sweet Bowl Handmade in Spain Aluminium Brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Sweet Bowl 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 in Spain from recycled materials. Certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall with his signature. The Artist is inspired by nature and land scape...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Celtic Bowl Solid Cast Aluminium and Brass A070 by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Celtic Bowl 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 in Spain from recycled materials. Certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall with his signature. The Artist is inspired by nature and land scape making functional art and sculptures out of recycled materials. We work with arquitects, interior designers and private clients to create specific designs, signage, staircases etc. for Homes, Hotels, Restaurants. Awards for Charity...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Abstract Bowl Cast Alumium Reference A061
Located in Benahavis, AN
The abstract bowl was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain. It is certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall. He is insipired by nature and the landscaps making useful art with cast brass and alumium materials. We also make bespoke designs for clients, like signage for condominums, private homes, Hotels & Restaurants, awards for Charity...
Aluminum
1950s Large Danish Orange Centerpiece Fruit Table Bowl Mid-Century Vintage
By Krenit
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A wonderful 1950s mcm pop of color for any interior with a real design heritage behind it, by Herbert Krenchel for Krenit of Denmark. Massive at 15 inches in diameter.
Enamel, Steel
Art Deco Glass, wood and Metal Fruit Bowl, France, 1940s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1940 / Fruit bowl / glass, metal, wood / Art Deco A beautiful French Art Deco fruit bowl from the 1940s, featuring a sculptural form that perfectly captures the glamour and...
Metal
$2,607 / item
H 7.88 in W 13 in D 6.7 in
21st Century, Hand-Carved Amber Crystal and Golden Bronze Bowl with Rhinoceros
Located in Calenzano, FI
21st century hand carved amber crystal and golden bronze bowl. This bowl is finely chiseled lost wax castings and hand-grounded crystal. The golden bronze rhinoceros on the base was...
Crystal, Bronze
Ventrella Bronze Centrepiece, Italy 1970s
By Ventrella
Located in Naples, IT
Large round brass and bronze centrepiece series 'Labirinti', signed Ventrella GioiellIeri in Naples.
Bronze
Glass Decorative Plate, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Glass decorative plate is an original decorative object realized in the 1970s. Original art glass. Fumé glass. Made in Italy. The dish is decorated with several geomtrical l...
Glass
Hand Carved Alabaster Horse Centrepiece Sculpture, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Centerpiece in the shape of a horse in hand carved alabaster. Made in Italy, 1970s.
Alabaster
$2,067 / item
H 3.94 in W 8.67 in D 17.72 in
Bowl Decorative Centerpiece Serveware Solid Amber Onyx Marble Hand-carved Italy
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Bowl sculpted by hand from a solid block of Amber onyx. The polished finishing underlines the transparency of the onyx making this a very precious object. Dimensions: Medium L 45, W...
Onyx
Baccarat Crystal Decorative Centerpiece
By Baccarat
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautifully hand crafted baccarat crystal decorative centerpiece bowl. The piece is in excellent condition. Maker's mark etched underneath. Minor shelves wear. The centerpiece measur...
Crystal
$1,780 / set
H 5.91 in W 17.33 in D 10.24 in
Set of Two Ceramic Centerpieces by Gabbianelli, Italy, 1970s
By Gabbianelli
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two huge ceramic centerpieces by Gabbianelli. Oversized handles and pure sculptural shape.
Ceramic
$300 / item
H 6.89 in Dm 9.65 in
Geometric Pedestal Bowl in White and Pearl Marbled Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our decorative geometric pedestal bowl is great for holding fruit, plants, decorative objects, faux succulents and specially everyone's attention. You can have it on display on a kit...
Resin
$540
H 8.86 in W 7.09 in D 13.98 in
Mid-Century Italian Crystal Glass Shell Centerpiece Bowl, 1960s–1970s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Mid-Century Italian Crystal Glass Shell Centerpiece Bowl, 1960s–1970s Striking mid-century centerpiece bowl or compote crafted in heavy crystal glass, Italian origin and dating from...
Glass
$324Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.58 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
San Gimignano Italian Ceramic Plate from the 1970s
Located in Milano, MI
San Giminiano Italian ceramic plate, handprinted and realized in the 1970s. The plate pattern and decoration is typical of the centre of Ital...
Ceramic
Brutalist Hand Hammered and Torch Cut Leaf Catchall
Located in New Windsor, NY
Torch cut and hand hammered Brutalist brass leaf form catchall. Nicely detailed naturalistic aspects to this piece starting with the veining and ending with the beaded edge. It stand...
Brass
David Marshall Centerpiece Tray 1990s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Centerpiece tray with an elongated leaf-shaped design signed by the artist and sculptor David Marshall, made of brass and aluminum.
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 3.55 in W 26.38 in D 13.39 in
Brutalist Serving Set Platter and Bowl in Aluminium and Brass by David Marshall
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful set of large sculptural bowl and platter in brutalistic style by designer and sculptor David A.S. Marshall. Both items are marked with...
Aluminum, Brass
David Marshall Brass and aluminum very large dish
Located in Paris, IDF
large tray dish from David marshall around 1970.. cast Bronze and Aluminum
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Tree of Life Sculpture by Emaus Talleres Monasticos
By Emaus
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful sculptural rendition of tree of life by Emaus with candle holders. This piece is created of mixed materials (metal, bronze and walnut). A tree rendition is fixed on a walnu...
Metal, Bronze
Sold
H 4.73 in Dm 11.03 in
Fat Lava Style Vintage Hungarian Colorful Ceramic Glazed Centerpiece or Planter
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Part...
Ceramic
Bronze Triple Tray 2.0 by Arno Declercq
Located in Antwerp, BE
Arno Declercq, 2020 Sand casted in pink bronze and hand polished. Measures: 30 cm wide x 28 cm long x 19cm high / 11.8” wide x 11” long x 7.5” high Fits well in an African modernist...
Bronze
Brutalist black Arno Declercq 'Senufo' bowl
Located in Antwerp, BE
Arno Declercq; Belgian Design; Handcrafted Made in burned and waxed Iroko wood 62 cm wide x 40 cm deep x 52 cm high / 24,5” wide x 16” deep x 20 ” high Belgian designer and ar...
Wood
Midcentury 'Brutalist' Bronze Footed Bowl
Located in Pasadena, CA
Midcentury 'Brutalist' bronze footed bowl.
Bronze
Unique Brutalist Gilt Iron Sunburst Centerpiece or Fruit Bowl, Spain 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Unusual hand-hammered iron centerpiece or fruit bowl with gold leaf accents with sunburst shape. This hand crafted piece is made with iron tubes placed as sun beams and finished by i...
Gold Leaf, Iron
David Palombo Brutalist Iron Menorah
Located in Norwalk, CT
Menorah by Artist David Palombo (Israeli, 1920-1966). Welded hammered iron Brutalist hand-forged iron menorah.
Large Vintage Brutalist Burl Wood Centerpiece Bowl
By J. B. Blunk
Located in San Diego, CA
Exceptionally crafted and very large sculptural Brutalist free-form burl wood centerpiece bowl.