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.
Pair of Brutalist Mexican Glasses by Feders
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare Pair of Brutalist Mexican Glasses designed by Felipe Delfinger, circa 1970. About Felipe Delfinger: In the year 1860, the German Derflinger family arrived at Mexi...
Art Glass
Set of 3 Blanc de Chine Awa Odori Figurines
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of three white porcelain Awa Odori festival dancers wearing kimono and amigasa bamboo hat. Often mistaken for geishas. Dancing figures created by Keiten Takahashi (Japanese, 192...
Porcelain
Italian Mid-Century Hand-Carved Alabaster Ashtray, 1950s Brutalist
Located in Barntrup, DE
An adorable Italian genuine alabaster hand-carved ashtray with irregular shapes and beautiful colors from light beige to gray. Italy, circa the 1950s...
Alabaster
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
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
$240Sale Price|63% Off
Monumental Brutalist Ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, 1950s
Located in View Park, CA
A green glow: monumental vintage Italian brutalist hand-worked metal ashtray by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor, made in Italy circa 1950. Patinated copper in tones of chartreuse, teal, and pewter. Born in Florence in 1915, Marcello Fantoni wed ancient Italian pottery technique with decidedly Modernist elements, garnering tremendous acclaim both at home and abroad - his work has been collected by important museums worldwide. When Fantoni died in Florence in 2011 at the age of 95, his obituary in the Italian newspaper La Nazione hailed him “the master of beauty.” This stunning piece certainly justifies the moniker. With the signature etched on verso, it is without doubt an heirloom rarity for the savvy collector...
Copper
Vintage Bronze Ashtray with Organic Sculptural Brutalist Design, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage bronze ashtray from the 1960s is a striking example of organic Brutalist design. Its sculptural, raw-edged form and heavy solid weight give it the presence of an art obj...
Bronze
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
"NEMO" Majolica Set Designed by Aude Clément for 12 People '38 Pcs'
By Aude Clément
Located in Paris, FR
"NEMO" Service set for 12 persons in hand-painted majolica. Original NEMO set, designed by the french artist Aude Clément and produced by Au Bain Marie,...
Majolica
Set of Three Awa Odori Ceramic Dancing Figures
Located in Hanover, MA
Three glazed ceramic figures of stylized folk dancers in the Awa Odori festival. One marked "E. Lyles" on the underside. I believe these figures are based on a design by Japanese met...
Ceramic
$3,013Sale Price / set|44% Off
AVMazzega style. Brutalist hand-blown Murano glass glassware, Italy, 1970s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Set of 6 hand-blown Italian Murano glass set. Manufactured in the 70s, these cups are considerable in size and have a slightly brutalist style. Orange, caramel, white and transparent...
Murano Glass
set of 6 round drink mats C030 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The round coasters were 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...
Aluminum, Brass
Unique Hand Forged Cheese Spread Knife Brutalist Style
By Arthur Court
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare hand forged unique cheese spreader knife great brutalist design.
Metal
$451Sale Price|20% Off
Eisberg-Glasschale Design Pertti Santalahti für HUMPPILA, Finnland, 1970er Jahre
By Humppila, Pertti Santalahti
Located in Aachen, DE
Seltene finnische Eisglas-Schale der späten 60er / frühen 70er Jahre von Pertti Santalahti für HUMPPILA, unbeschädigt, original gelabelt. Signiert sowohl mit dem Künstler als auch mi...
Art Glass
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
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
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
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
Modern multiple Wine Bottle Rack Gold, Silver coloured, Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Wine Bottle Rack 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 Spa...
Aluminum, Brass
Brass Wine Pourer Solid Sand Cast Handmade Decorative Object for Bar or Table
Located in Benahavis, AN
The bottle rack 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...
Brass
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
Mid Century Wine Rack in Wrought Iron Brass 1960s
Located in Meer, VAN
Mid Century Wine Rack in Wrought Iron Brass, Europe, 1960s. This is a great mid century wine rack in wrought iron with nice brass details. Hand wrought iron with a very nice artisan...
Brass, Wrought Iron
$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
1970s Italian Chunky Brown Ceramic Ashtray with Iridescent Glaze
Located in Toronto, CA
This sculptural ceramic ashtray was produced in Italy in the 1970s by Porcellane Laveno, a renowned maker known for its refined glazes and experimental forms. The piece features a so...
Ceramic
Asian Stoneware Dish or Vide Poche, Brown Color, Korean, circa 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is a Stoneware dish or Vide poche, brown and Black Color color, made circa 1950 in Korea.
Pottery, Stoneware
English ceramicist Paul Philp Vase, 2014
By Paul Philp
Located in Uccle, BE
Paul Philp ( born. 1941 ) Previously lecturer at Londons Central School of Art and at Corsham, Philp is based in the South West of England and now devotes himself to the creation of...
Stoneware
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
$2,620Sale Price|20% Off
1970 Brutalist Studio Pottery Floor Vase by Inge
Located in New Windsor, NY
Handmade slab built monumental Brutalist pottery vase. Meticulously decorated and glazed with organic and geometric patterns and shapes. Applied neck. Signed and dated, Inge, 70 a th...
Stoneware
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
Large Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery in Bright Orange Glaze Brutalist 1960s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Ashtray in Bright Orange Glaze – Brutalist Fat Lava Bowl, 1950s–60s This striking Mid-Century Modern Danish studio pottery ashtray is a rare a...
Ceramic, Pottery
Brutalist Style Vintage Bowl in Brass Aluminium by David Marshall, Circa 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Brutalist Style Vintage Bowl in Brass Aluminium by David Marshall, Circa 1970s. Double brass handles by the Scottish artist David Marshall. The bottom has the trademark leather base...
Aluminum, Brass
Richard Faure 'Chestnut' Gold Wine Bottle Cradle
Located in Hastings, GB
An exceptional signed sculptured wine bottle cradle by the renowned French Artist and Sculptor Richard Faure. Hand crafted in brass, and intricately detailed in the form of a ches...
Brass
$287Sale Price|20% Off
1960s German Walther Glas "Solifleur" Single Stem Round Vase in Crystal
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage 1960s "Solifleur" single stem vase by german manufacturing company "Walther Glas". It's a quite big version of one of Walther's most famous design...
Glass, Art Glass
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Textured Mid-Century Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Oval Vase, Grey Textured Glaze with Yellow Abstract Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic vase featuring a softly rounded oval form and a te...
Ceramic
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
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
Medieval Drink Mat Coaster Posavaso Medieval Cast Aluminium Brass Handmade Spain
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 We...
Aluminum, Brass
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
Brutalist Bronze Pitcher by Max Bré, France, circa 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
This expressive bronze pitcher was created by French sculptor Max Bré around 1970. Its organic silhouette is enhanced by a raw, textured surface and a bold, sculptural handle that co...
Metal, Bronze
Brutalist Bell in the Manner of Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural unique bell is a great art object, hand-hammered metal with welded aluminum handle, this is a unique piece.
Aluminum, Metal
Hand Shaped Bottle Opener in Patinated Sand Cast Iron 1960s
Located in Meer, VAN
Hand Shaped Bottle Opener in Patinated Sand Cast Iron, Asia - most probably Japan, 1960s. Cast in the shape of an open hand, this mid-century bottle opener features two circular sea...
Iron
Burnished Metal Brutalist Inspired Tray, Late 20th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
Embrace the bold spirit of the 1970s with this small brutalist-style tray, an American-made piece that marries form and function. Crafted from burnished metal, its curved sides are a...
Metal
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
Two Brutalist Dümler & Breiden German Ceramic Pottery Vase, 1960s
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Two beautiful Brutalist ceramic vases made by Dümler & Breiden in Germany in the 1960s. Stamped underneath with the Dümler & Breiden mark, production series and “GERMANY”. ?Dümle...
Ceramic, Stoneware
8 Vintage Rocks Glasses in the Silver Version of the Artica Pattern by Libbey
Located in Nantucket, MA
Eight Libbey rocks glasses in the Brutalist "Artica" pattern. Clear glass with a raised abstracted geometric pattern, silvered on the raised surfaces, the footed glass with waisted s...
Glass
Design Drink Mat, Posavaso Diseño, Cast Aluminium and Brass Handmade in Spain
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
Sculptural Brutalist Bronze Cigar Ashtray designed by Heinz Goll, Austria 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an extremely rare and absolutely extraordinary sculptural Brutalist ashtray for cigars done in bronze. It was designed by Austrian designer Heinz Goll...
Bronze
$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 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
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
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
$307Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Ashtray or Vide-Poche by Jan Van Erp
By Copper Shop & Van Erp Studio
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Asbak by Jan Van Erp This vintage ashtray is a strong example of the iconic Fat Lava aesthetic by Dutch ceramicist Jan van Erp. Produced in the mid-20th ...
Ceramic
$460Sale Price|20% Off
Long Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Ashtray or Vide-Poche by Jan Van Erp
By Copper Shop & Van Erp Studio
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-Century Modern Fat Lava Asbak by Jan Van Erp This vintage ashtray is a strong example of the iconic Fat Lava aesthetic by Dutch ceramicist Jan van Erp. Produced in the mid-20th ...
Ceramic
Macabo Cusano Milanino Italy fine shaker hammered by Aldo Tura design years '70
Coasters C009 Design, C011 Medival , C048 Track, C052 Ring & A097 Tray x 1 each
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Coasters and Tray were created by David Marshall , the items are made in Sand Cast solid brass and aluminium . Handmade mounted and finished in our foundry and worksh...
Aluminum, Brass
Set of 10 Mid-Century Brutalist German Pottery WGP Punch Bowl and Cups, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist West German Pottery WGP Punch Bowl and Cups from Dümler & Breiden, 1960s, Set of 10, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attributio...
Metal
Vintage German Brutalist Bronze Totem Pot by Horst Dalbeck for HDV Dalbeck, 1970
Located in Hamburg, DE
Very heavy bronze vessel. The vessel shows ornamental decorations with traditional designs. This piece has an attribution mark, I am sure that it is completely authentic and take ful...
Bronze
Drink Mat Track, Coaster, Solid Cast Brass and Aluminium C048 Posavaso Huella
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 We...
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
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