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.
Esteban Prieto Iridescent Blown Glass Lowball Tumblers, Set of 2, Dated 1987
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 2 blown glass lowball tumblers by Oakland, CA glass artist, Esteban Prieto. Each with a beautiful iridescent light orange coloring to the glass and an applied serpent design...
Blown Glass
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
Mid-Century German Brutalist Studio Pottery Tea Canister with Lid, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Brutalist Studio Pottery Tea Canister with Lid by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. A...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Brutalist Pottery Ashtray or Bowl by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1968
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist German Studio Pottery Ashtray or Bowl by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1960s, 1968, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. A...
Ceramic
C047 Parador Drink Mat by David Marshall in aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
David Marshall Parador Drink Mat in aluminium C047 This striking drink mat is a fine example of the work of renowned designer and artist **David Marshall**, known for his bold, scu...
Aluminum
Stoneware Sculptural Object by Ole Bjørn Krüger Own Studio, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Unique abstract sculptural object by Danish artist Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007) made at his own studio in the 1970s. The object is made of chamotte stonew...
Stoneware
Pair of Brutalist Patinated Metal Mounted Blue Cocktail Drinking Glasses
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A striking pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist cocktail glasses featuring blue glass enclosed within sculptural patinated metal mounts. The geometric sleeves are formed from folded ...
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
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
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
Three-sided wooden ashtray, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A three-sided carved wooden ashtray, a French handcrafted piece from the 1960s with a raw and expressive character. This ashtray is distinguished by its sculptural form, resting on ...
Wood
Caroline Blackburn Brutalist Lava-Glaze Ceramic Vessel, White, 2010s
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
DESIGNER - Caroline Blackburn PERIOD - 2010s ORIGIN - United States MATERIALS - Ceramic, HandCrafted STYLE - Brutalist DIMENSIONS - 18 H x 13 W x 13 D in (45.72 x 33.02 x 33.02 ...
Ceramic, Clay
David Marshall Brutalist Brass and Wood Cutting Board, 1970s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This sculptural cutting board was designed by David Marshall in Spain during the 1970s, showcasing the artist's focus on organic materials and foundry craft. The piece is constructed...
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
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
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
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
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
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
1960s Hand-Hammered Iron Sunburst Centerpiece Bowl with Gilt Finish
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
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 Brutalist Oak Wood and Wrought Iron French Wine Cooler
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An amazing oak and wrought iron wine cooler hand-crafted in France in the Seventies, it's in original condition with normal signs of use and age, It exhibits characteristics of the B...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist Glass and Metal Tea Warmer, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s Design
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist Block Glass and Metal Tea Warmer, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Glass Color: Silver Styles: Brutalist Mid-Centu...
Glass
1970s Brutalist Oak Wood and Wrought Iron French Wine Cooler
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An amazing oak and wrought iron wine cooler hand-crafted in France in the Seventies, it's in original condition with normal signs of use and age, It exhibits characteristics of the B...
Wrought Iron
Set of 3 Vintage Brutalist Pottery Bowl and Mugs by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1984
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist German Studio Pottery Bowl and Mugs by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1984, Set of 3, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Addi...
Ceramic
Heavy Bronze Chalice Sculpture, c.1960
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Heavy Bronze Chalice Sculpture, c.1960.
Bronze
Fat Lava Style German Colored Ceramic Glazed Vase
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. Particular and original German ceramic vase colored with a beautiful shade of red and a dark and vivid black; it has a simple shape but at the same time innovative and modernist; the beautiful and bright colors are balanced and proportioned respecting a minimalist design; the glazing of the vase was obtained by first laying down one color, proceeding to fix it by firing it in the kiln, then the same procedure was carried out for the other color; on the bottom is the mark "W. Germany"; it was produced between 1968 and 1971 in a craft workshop in the city of Dresden (then in East Germany), an important center for the production of porcelain and ceramics. "Fat lava" is the name given to a certain style of East German art...
Ceramic
Caroline Blackburn Brutalist Vessel, White and Blue with Kintsugi, 2010s
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
DESIGNER - Caroline Blackburn PERIOD - 2010s ORIGIN - United States MATERIALS - Ceramic, HandCrafted STYLE - Brutalist DIMENSIONS - 17H x 15 W x 15 D in (43.18 x 38.01 x 38.01 ...
Gold
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
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
$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
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
Owl shaped ice bucket Made In Italy 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Very cool mid century Italian Ice Bucket made in Italy. Brutalist style. Can also hold a bottle of champagne. A cool piece for your bar/table 1960s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 3...
Metal
Brutalist Mexican Modern Art Glass Jar with 5 Glasses by Feders
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare Brutalist Mexican modern art glass jar with 5 designed by Felipe Derflingher, circa 1970.
Art Glass
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade Italian Rare Leather Drinking Vessel
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare drinking vessel or cup made from thick molded leather, Italian, 20th century.
Leather
$932 / item
Decorative Cutting Board #1, Sculpted Oak
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Decorative cutting board #1 Sculpted solid oak Approximative size: from 20cm to 30cm (form 8'' to 12'') Custom size available. SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture d...
Oak
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
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
Set of Six Mid Century French Sculptural Brutalist Nickel Place Holders
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated set of six Brutalist place holders were realized in France, circa 1970. They feature tapered rectangular bodies with dappled faceted ends that connect at a perpend...
Nickel
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
Heavy Earthenware Vide Poche with Enmeled Fused Glass Decor, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Heavy earthenware vessel with a fused red glass decor.
Earthenware, Art Glass
$2,200 / item
Sculptural Vessels in Gray by Sonja Duo-Meyer
By Sonja Duó-Meyer
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural vessels in an ovoid form with walled aperture. Hand-built of gray chamotte Limoges porcelain by Swiss ceramic artist Sonja Duo-Meyer (b. 1953) and executed circa 1995. The...
Porcelain
L'Atelier Deulefit Jacques Pouchain
By Jacques Pouchain and Atelier Dielufit
Located in Sharon, CT
Offering a unique pitcher from L'atelier Deulefit, Jacques Pouchain (1925-2015).
Ceramic
Fat Lava Brutalist Style Hungarian Colored Ceramic Glazed Vase
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. Pecul...
Ceramic
$264Sale Price|20% Off
A set of 11 pewter napkin rings with sculpted shells, 1975
By Metzke
Located in View Park, CA
A set of 11 pewter napkin rings ft shells and sand-dollars, 1975. Pick up in central west Los Angeles or we ship worldwide. Each ring measures appr...
Pewter
Éva Bod Ceramic Bowl, Black and Yellow Textured Glaze, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Hungarian Studio Ceramic Bowl by Éva Bod A ceramic bowl by Hungarian ceramic artist Éva Bod, finished with a striking black and yellow textured glaze. The sculptural form and richly...
Ceramic
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
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
Brutalist Deep Blue Glazed Ceramic Bowl Signed Studio Piece, 1960s
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Created in the heart of the 1960s, this sculptural bowl is a perfect testament to the brutalist movement applied to the fire arts. It captivates with the magnetic intensity of its co...
Ceramic
$852Sale Price|25% Off
Brutalist carved wood pitcher. French work in the style of Alexandre Noll
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and unusual brutalist pitcher is made of carved wood. This is a French work in the style of Alexandre Noll. Circa 1950
Wood
Large Mid-Century Italian Owl Ice Bucket – Brutalist Design
Located in Hamburg, DE
This striking mid-century Italian ice bucket is designed in the shape of an owl and makes a truly impressive statement piece for any bar or interior. Crafted in Italy during the 1960...
Aluminum
Brutalist Emerald Green & Gold Alabaster Ashtray with Gold Leaf - Made in Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A bright emerald green Italian alabaster ashtray or trinket dish. This piece has a Brutalist feel. It is round and hand-carved with an uneven...
Alabaster, Stone, Metal
$928 / item
Decorative Cutting Board #4, Sculpted Oak
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Decorative cutting board #4 Sculpted solid oak Approximative size: from 20cm to 30cm (form 8'' to 12'') Custom size available SÓHA design studio c...
Oak
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
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Large Mid-Century Brutalist Bowl in Blue Lava Glaze
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique large mid-century Brutalist bowl in blue lava glaze, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks; it measures 22"...
Pottery
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
Set of 8 Brutalist Patinated Metal Mounted Green Cocktail Glasses
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A striking set of eight Mid-Century Modern Brutalist cocktail glasses featuring green glass enclosed within sculptural patinated metal mounts. The geometric sleeves are formed from f...
Brass
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