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.
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
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
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
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
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
Lothar Klute Bronze Sculptural Tray, Germany, 1989
By Lothar Klute
Located in Krefeld, DE
Lothar Klute bronze bowl, 1989. Sculptural hand-forged object with dark patina, made in Schmallenberg (Waldemai studio). This expressive bronze bowl by German artist Lothar Klute exe...
Bronze
Brutalist design tray by David Marshall, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare brutalist design tray by David Marshall made from brass and aluminum. Very decorative piece. Good condition with the right patina. 1970s - Spain Dimensions: Height: 10cm Wid...
Metal, 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
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Platter With Vases
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This unique vintage studio pottery centerpiece is a masterclass in organic form and functional art. Hand-thrown with a series of rhythmic concentric rings, the circular tray base sup...
Pottery
Huge Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cast Brass Pedestal Fruit Bowl or Dish
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Large, monumental Midcentury Modern Brutalist round bowl, dish or stand made in Europe, circa 1970s - we believe it was made in Germany but it could have been made in Italy or Spain....
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
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
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
$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
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 Original Crimped Edge Serving Platter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage studio pottery serving platter is a masterclass in organic modernism and tactile craftsmanship. Hand-formed with a distinctive crimped rim, the vessel features ...
Stoneware
$1,068 / 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
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
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
Vintage Original Slab Built Pottery Platter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking studio pottery platter is a masterwork of organic form and textural exploration, prominently signed by the artist "Salman." Meticulously slab-built, the piece features ...
Pottery
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
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
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
Midcentury Teak Serving Tray or Platter
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury teak serving tray or platter from Denmark, circa 1960s. The platter is 12" in diameter and .5" high. The piece is in very good...
Teak
$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
$156Sale Price|20% Off
H 4 in W 8.5 in D 12 in
American Modern Ceramic Handled Casserole Chartreuse Russel Wright Stubenville
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and functional American modern in chartreuse color handled casserole by Russel Wright for Steubenville pottery of Ohio, circa the 1940s. The ultramodern design emphasizes sof...
Ceramic
$6,281 / set
H 43.31 in W 51.19 in D 1.97 in
Midcentury Ceramic Fish Plates Wall Composition / Wall Decoration
By Waechtersbach Ceramics, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, Vallauris, Gil Vargas Segovia, Shorter & Son Ltd 1
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of Midcentury multi color fish Plates and Platters as Wall Decoration A funny collection of eleven european glazed ceramic, porcelain and...
Ceramic, Majolica, Porcelain, Terracotta
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
$1,919
H 1.97 in W 16.93 in D 11.03 in
French Faux Bamboo Vanity Tray or Serving Tray in Brass and Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful early 20th century faux bamboo brass tray with handles and foliage details. France, 1930s This eye-catching faux bamboo tray with mi...
Brass, Bronze
Antique German Silver Repoussé Battle Scene Tray, Circa 1850
Located in Dallas, TX
This richly decorated silver serving tray with repousse work is from Germany’s Gründerzeit period, circa 1850. The exquisite repoussage depicts an unknown military skirmish of soldiers with spears and swords on horseback. The chaotic action of the scene is offset by the whimsical décor...
Silver
$675Sale Price|22% Off
H 16.75 in Dm 11.75 in
Cut Crystal Cake Stand with Cover, Pedestal Base, Late 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
A beautifully crafted late 20th century European crystal cake stand with matching dome, showcasing a classic pedestal form and richly detailed surface dec...
Crystal
$750 / item
H 25 in W 13 in D 2.5 in
Vintage 1975 Arthur Court Sand-Cast Aluminum Fish Platter with Carnelian Eye
By Arthur Court
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
A superb example of mid-century nature-inspired design, this large oval fish platter was designed by Arthur Court and is dated 1975. Cast in the artist’s signature sand-cast aluminum...
Aluminum
$250
H 5.75 in W 13 in D 10.75 in
Dansk Designs Blue Enamelware Casserole Pot with Trivet Top IHQ France
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Designs blue enamelware Kobenstyle casserole pot and cover lid with trivet top IHQ France Designed by Jens Herald Quistgaard made in France, Kobenstyle Line introduced in 1956...
Metal, Enamel
W. H. Grindley Royal Tudor Velvet Dessert Set, Pink Ceramic Plate
Located in London, England
Get ready to impress your guests with our Grindley dessert service of Stoke Royal Tudor Velvet. This beautiful pink ceramic set consists of six 20 cm dessert plates, accompanied by a...
Faience
Hollywood Regency Large Green Ceramic Cabbage or Lettuce Serving Bowl - 1982
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large green ceramic Hollywood Regency serving bowl. This bowl will be great for serving large salads, rolls or even for use as a fruit bowl on a breakfast table. Both the inside an...
Ceramic, Paint
Sold
H 2 in W 11.8 in D 18.9 in
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
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 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
Sold
H 2.5 in W 15 in D 10 in
Black Marble Serving Tray with Brutalist Bronze Cat Handles by Michael Aram
By Michael Aram
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Very cool serving tray for cheese and crackers or bread. Black marble base with two "kool cat" brutalist bronze handles. Designed by American a...
Norwegian Pewter Brutalist Serving Set
Located in San Diego, CA
Four-piece Norwegian brutalist style heavy pewter handmade serving set. Large platter measures 17.5" in diameter and weighs just over 11 pounds. All pi...
Pewter