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.
Large Brutalist Aluminum + Brass Serving Tray or Bowl by Leopold of Spain
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Spain, this brutalist style aluminum and brass tray is marked by Leopold of Seville, Spain and dates from the 1970s. Tray is 19.5” long and is 10.38” at widest point and fea...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Celtic Tray A097 Solid Sand Cast Aluminum and Brass Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The small tray 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 ...
Aluminum, Brass
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Konge-Tinn Pewter Flatware from Norway
By Fjord Fiesta
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of 4, original-boxed, serving and entertaining flatware from Konge-Tinn. This “Royal Pewter” set includes the well cataloged pattern on utensi...
Pewter
$1,101 / set
Set of 8 round drink mats
Located in Benahavis, AN
The " Coaster " was created by DM, from sand cast aluminium and brass. All our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain. It is certified authen...
Brass
Silver and Bronze Brutalist Signed Tray by David Marshall, Spain 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
One of kind Brutalist mixed metals silver and bronze tray by David Marshall, signed, Spain 1970s. Features a David Marshall seal on one of the corners. Beautiful riveted bronze handl...
Silver, Bronze
Bottle Mat Ring C052 Made from Sand Cast Aluminum, Brass Handcrafted Lacquered
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 ...
Aluminum, Brass
C026 Medieval bottle mat by David Marshall in brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
David Marshall - Handmade Medieval Bottle Mat in Brass and Aluminium- Models C026 This striking bottle coaster is a fine example of the work of renowned designer and artist **David ...
Aluminum, Brass
Gold Celtic Drink Mat Brass Coaster C059 Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Celtic Coaster was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful Wedding or Compan...
Brass
Mid-Century Brutalist Studio Pottery Cake Plate, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Studio Pottery Cake Plate, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Blue Styles: Brutalist, Mid-...
Ceramic
CO52 C011 C009 drinkmats designed by David Marshall in cast brass and aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
David Marshall – Set of 3 Handmade Coasters in Brass and Aluminium – Models C052, C011, C009 Discover a unique trio of sculptural coasters designed and handmade by renowned artist D...
Aluminum, Brass
Drink Mat Brass Gold Coaster Bottle Mat Barware C019 Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Ethnic Coaster was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Makes a beautiful Wedding or Company Gift. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry a...
Brass
Serving Dish in Crystal by Walther Glas, Germany, 1960-1970
Located in Herentals, BE
This remarkable serving dish has handles on both sides and is made of crystal with a granular, transparent structure and an orange-brown motif. The bottom of the serving dish is smooth. The serving bowl fits in with the brutalist movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The Walther Glas...
Crystal
Sculptural Aluminum Casserole Pan by Don Drumm
By Don Drumm
Located in New York, NY
This round casserole pan was crafted by the artist and designer Don Drumm. Recalling the raw, crude forms of Brutalism, this pan is a sculpted aluminum. Drumm is known for using cast...
Aluminum
Brutalist Leaf form metalwork cake server by Don Drumm, 20th century
By Don Drumm
Located in View Park, CA
A NEW LEAF: a brutalist cake server in aluminum by Donald Drumm, signed, 20th century. Immaculate. Pick up in LA or we ship worldwide. 11.25” x 4.8” x 1.75”
Aluminum
Brutalist Mid Century Handmade Complete 3 Piece Sauce Boat Set, Portugal, 1970s
Located in London, GB
A striking and very stylish Brutalist Mid-Century brass and aluminium complete 3-piece gravy boat, sauce boat or saucière on plate with ladle, hand made in Portugal in the 1970s. Th...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Brueghel Ceramic Plate
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage ceramic plate, sourced from the renowned Pieter Breughel gallery in Amsterdam, is a quintessential example of mid-century European studio pottery. The piece ...
Ceramic
Tray Rectangular E002 cast Brass and Aluminium Silver and Gold coloured Handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Tray 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 rec...
Aluminum, Brass
Octagonal Place Mat C042 Cast Aluminum Silver coloured, Cast Brass Gold coloured
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Place Mat 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
Ethnic Drink Mat Gold Coaster Bottle Mat Barware C019 Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Ethnic Coaster was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Makes a beautiful Wedding or Company Gift. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry a...
Brass
Jaimal Odedra, "Rana", sand cast bronze platter, Morocco, 2015
Located in New York, NY
"Rana" Bronze platter by Jaimal Odedra, with handmade wood box. Each piece is sand cast by artisans in Morocco. Stamped: Jaimal Odedra. Weight: 2.3 kg
Bronze
Handcrafted Japanese Yakisugi Bowl
Located in London, GB
Fine traditionally hand-crafted and turned Ash Yakisugi platter - bowl. These are handmade to the very best quality in London using traditional techniques. Finished in food safe oil....
Ash
Trays Mondrian Style Set of 5
Located in Paris, FR
Mondrian style set of 5 trays with structure and frame in solid wenge, each tray is covered with natural genuine leather, 2 trays in red, 1 tray in b...
Leather, Wenge
$959
H 0.79 in Dm 13.59 in
Dior Silver Plated and Tortoiseshell Lucite Serving Serving Tray, Italy 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous midcentury serving tray in silver plated metal and tortoiseshell effect lucite. This stunning and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and its design is attr...
Silver Plate
$1,250
H 16.75 in W 20.63 in D 1.75 in
Large Antique Stubbs 'Fruit & Flowers' Blue Transferware Platter or Serving Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very large, antique blue transfer Staffordshire serving tray. By Stubbs & Kent. In the 'Fruits & Flowers' pattern. Measuring approx. 20 5/8 in. by 16 3/4 in. Simply a wonderful...
Porcelain, Pottery
Jaimal Odedra, "Rana", sand cast bronze platter, Morocco, 2015
Located in New York, NY
"Rana" bronze platter by Jaimal Odedra, with handmade wood box. Each piece is sand cast by artisans in Morocco. Stamped: Jaimal Odedra. Weight: 4.8 kg.
Bronze
1970s Sensational Rosewood Service Tray
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Exotic Rosewood Sleek Service Tray Clean modern lines 17.88 long x 7.75 w x .63 h Preowned vintage Refer to images
Rosewood
Chinese Hardwood Opium Tray, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
By the 18th century, opium use had become as central to Chinese social life as taking tea or smoking tobacco, fostering a subculture rich with its own customs, traditions, and exquis...
Hardwood
Italian Cast Aluminum and Brass Fish Centerpiece, 1970s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Whimsical cast aluminum and brass centerpiece or platter of impressive size and detail; excellent vintage condition.
Aluminum, Brass
Serving Tray, 19th Century English in Papier Mâché
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century English papier mâché serving tray with an exquisitely hand painted scene of a stylized bird, floral bouquet and rococo bordering with lacquered finish. Perfect for servi...
Paper
Carl Auböck Model #3431 'Knopferl' Brass Tray
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3431 'Knopferl' brass tray. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese tray is executed in patinated and p...
Brass
Rattan and Brass Italian Centerpiece Tray Basket, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern brass and rattan round tray basket or centerpiece. It has a brass trim covering the top and brass handles at both sides. Handcraft...
Brass
Set of 5 Coasters, David Marshall, 1970s
Located in PARIS, FR
Set of five coasters in aluminum and brass, with beveled edges and freeform shapes. Spanish work by David Marshall, characteristic of the brutalist design of the 1970s. The reverse i...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Metal and Brass Tray, David Marshall, 1970s
Located in PARIS, FR
Aluminium and Brass Tray with Beveled Edges, adorned with freeform shapes and two brass handles. Spanish work by David Marshall, emblematic of 1970s Brutalist design. The underside i...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 1.25 in W 15.63 in D 7.5 in
Brutalist Style Aluminum and Brass Tray or Platter Attrib to David Marshall
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Spain, this brutalist style aluminum and brass tray is attributed to David Marshall and dates from the 1970s. Tray is just over 15-1/2” long and is 7-1/2” at widest point. S...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 0.4 in W 10.83 in D 15.16 in
David Marshall Service Tray Aluminium Brass Ant Leather Brutalist Art, 1970
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Brutalist tray by Artist David Marshall in cast aluminium and brass with leather back. Heavy and textural, it would make great table centre piece. This piece was cast in a manner tha...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 1.78 in Dm 7.29 in
Enamel Bowl Signed Laurana with Rame D'Arte Label by Franco Bastianelli, Italy
Located in Melbourne, AU
A medium sized signed bowl by Franco Bastianelli for Laurana Rame D'Arte. Copper and enamel, circa 1960, Italy. Laurana were famous for their Brutalist enamelware during the 1960s. A...
Copper
Sold
H 11.03 in W 15.75 in D 0.4 in
Rare Cast Aluminum and Brass Brutalist Tray by David Marshall, Spain, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Heavy and wonderfully crafted with the maker's mark impressed on the aluminum surface Brass inclusion Faux bamboo rim This piece is in fair vintage condition with characterful mar...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 3.15 in W 23.04 in D 11.82 in
Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Style Tray by David Marshall (1970s) - Large
Located in London, GB
Aluminium and brass brutalist tray by David Marshall. This piece is large, elegantly rugged, beautifully trodden and irregularly formed. It looks like it has had a rough life and the...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 0.79 in W 17.92 in D 12.21 in
Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Style Serving Tray by David Marshall, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This aluminium and brass Brutalist style serving tray (circa 1970s) by David Marshall is weighty and wonderfully tactile with the maker's mark impressed on the brass surface. There a...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 2.76 in W 27.17 in D 13 in
Large Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Style Tray by David Marshall, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Very large aluminium and brass Brutalist tray by David Marshall. This piece is elegantly rugged, beautifully trodden and irregularly formed. It looks like it's had a rough life and t...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 1.38 in W 14.18 in D 7.29 in
Aluminium and Brass Tray Attributed to David Marshall, circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
Aluminium and brass brutalist tray attributed to David Marshall. This piece is elegantly rugged, beautifully trodden and irregularly formed. It's had a rough life and therein lies it...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 0.79 in W 17.33 in D 10.24 in
Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Style Tray by David Marshall, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Aluminium and brass brutalist style tray by David Marshall, circa 1970s. This tray is different than many of Marshall's works in that it is symmetrical overall rather than organicall...
Aluminum, Brass
Paul Evans Handcrafted "Patchwork" Ice Bucket, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Patchwork" ice bucket in copper, brass and pewter with plastic insert with wood base by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, American, 1970s.
Brass, Copper, Pewter