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.
Glazed Brutalist Stoneware Jug by Keramo Kostelec, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A dark brown glazed stone jug with agressive brutalist pattern finished with white glaze. It was made during the 1950s at Keramo Kostelec in the Czech Republ...
Stoneware
Danish Brutalist Stoneware Jug by Conny Walther, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Piece unique by Danish ceramist Conny Walther. Stoneware jug in pickles or olive glaze with Brutalist or abstract decor. Signed to the base: CW. Created ...
Stoneware
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 Studio Art Pottery / Ceramic Sculpture by Brenda Williams
Located in Buffalo, NY
Brutalist Art Pottery, Studio Ceramic by Brenda Williams. Northern California artist. Dramatic form, technique, wonderful glaze and color.
Ceramic, Pottery
Éva Bod Ceramic Bowl, Yellow-Black 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 distinctive yellow and black textured glaze on the exterior and a smooth...
Ceramic
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
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
Vintage Hungarian Mid-Century Ceramic Vase, Textured Form
Located in Alap, HU
Ceramic Cylinder Vase with Dark Grey-Black Volcanic Glaze and Yellow Abstract Motif, Hungary, circa 1960s-1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic cylinder vase featuring a heavily texture...
Ceramic
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Sculptural Mid-Century Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic “Grenade” Vase, Textured Dark Glaze with Yellow Geometric Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic vase featuring a sculptural, rounded “grenad...
Ceramic
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Textured Mid-Century Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Black Textured Glaze with Yellow Abstract Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic cylinder vase featuring a textured black glaz...
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
Hungarian Socialist-Era Ceramic Vase, Textured Sculptural Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Ceramic Cylinder Vase with Dark Volcanic Glaze and Yellow Abstract Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic cylinder vase featuring a heavily textured dark grey-...
Ceramic
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
Fat-Lava Style German Dark And White Ceramic Pitcher
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the whole description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. A peculiar and original German ceramic jug...
Ceramic
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Appetizer Plate
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite hand-thrown studio pottery chip and dip server is a captivating example of the organic, earthy aesthetic of the 1970s American craft movement. The piece features a dra...
Pottery
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking original studio pottery bowl is a masterclass in 1970s textural expressionism, offering a sophisticated blend of organic form and bold glazing. The vessel features a dr...
Pottery, Stoneware
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
Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Pitcher
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking studio pottery pitcher is a masterful example of mid-century Brutalist design, offering an authoritative presence through its bold, sculptural form. Handcrafted with an...
Pottery
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
Sculpture in earthenware
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Abstract sculpture in polychrome enameled earthenware, La Borne, signature to be identified, France circa 1970’s
Enamel
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
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
Art Glass BRUTALIST ABSTRACT FORM CONTEMPORARY CAST GLASS FROM ANDREW MUIR
By Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtova
Located in Stourbridge, West Midlands
A contemporary abstract almost brutalist form sculpture. This made in the Czech republic in cast glass using similiar techniques to the great cast glass workers like Stanislav Libens...
Art Glass
C038 Margarita Coaster 14 cm diameter in cast brass and aluminium David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
Handcrafted coaster in solid cast brass and aluminium, combining warm golden tones with cool silver inlays. A unique piece that is both funtional and sculptural, perfect for elevati...
Aluminum, Brass
Éva Bod Ceramic Vase, Yellow-Black Textured Glaze, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Hungarian Studio Ceramic Vase by Éva Bod A classic-shaped ceramic vase by Hungarian ceramic artist Éva Bod, finished with a distinctive yellow and black textured glaze on the exteri...
Ceramic
Éva Bod Geometric Ceramic Vase, Yellow-Black Textured Glaze, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Hungarian Studio Ceramic Vase by Éva Bod A geometric-shaped ceramic vase by Hungarian ceramic artist Éva Bod, finished with a distinctive yellow and black textured glaze on the exte...
Ceramic
Éva Bod Ceramic Shell Bowl, Black and Yellow Textured Glaze, 1970s
Located in Alap, HU
Hungarian Studio Ceramic Bowl by Éva Bod A sculptural shell-shaped ceramic bowl by Hungarian ceramic artist Éva Bod, finished with a textured yellow and black glaze on the exterior ...
Ceramic
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
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Tray
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage studio pottery tray is a masterclass in organic texture and mid-century artisanal craftsmanship. Hand-thrown with a long, slender silhouette, the piece features...
Pottery, Stoneware
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Textured Mid-Century Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Dark Textured Glaze with Yellow Abstract Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A narrow-mouth vintage Hungarian ceramic cylinder vase featuring a heavily...
Ceramic
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Textured Mid-Century Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Black Textured Glaze with Yellow Abstract Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic cylinder vase featuring a textured black glaz...
Ceramic
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Textured Mid-Century Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Black Textured Glaze with Yellow Abstract Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic vase featuring a textured black glaze accented with a ...
Ceramic
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Textured Mid-Century Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Grey Textured Glaze with Yellow Abstract Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic cylinder vase featuring a textured grey glaze ...
Ceramic
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Textured Mid-Century Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Trapezoid Vase, Grey Textured Glaze with Yellow Abstract Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A vintage Hungarian ceramic vase featuring a sculptural trapezoidal form ...
Ceramic
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Textured Mid-Century Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Trapezoid Vase, Textured Grey Glaze with Yellow Abstract Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A vintage ceramic trapezoid-form vase produced in Hungary during the soci...
Ceramic
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Vase, Textured Mid-Century Form
Located in Alap, HU
Vintage Hungarian Ceramic Cylinder Vase, Textured Grey Glaze with Yellow Abstract Motif, circa 1960s-1970s A tall vintage ceramic cylinder vase produced in Hungary during the social...
Ceramic
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
Brutalist Maze Bowl Cast Aluminum & Brass Reference A080 by David Marshall
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, Brass
$1,065 / 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
Round Drink Mat C030 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The round coaster 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
Bottle Rack for 4 Bottles Sand Cast Solid Brass and Aluminium Handmade in Spain
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 ...
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
Brutalist travertine ashtray, Cerri Nestore, Italy, 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Brutalist travertine ashtray Manufactured by CN Cerri Nestore, Italy, 1970s. H 3.5 cm 29 x 14 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use
Travertine
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
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
Brutalist Zen Bowl A071 in Cast Brass and Aluminium Designed by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The Bowl was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium and brass. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop ...
Aluminum, Brass