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 Large Ceramic Table Lamps for Soholm by Haico Nietzsche, Denmark 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table lamp by Haico Nietzsche for Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom lampshade. The beige ceramic base has a subtle concave shape, which is mirrored in ...
Ceramic
Large Brass Wall Lamp by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1960s, Denmark
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Brutalist Sun-Shaped Brass Wall Lamp designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in the 1960s. * Large flame-cut sun-shaped brass sconce * Designer: Svend Aage Holm Sorensen * Model: 5207...
Brass
1 of the 2 Ceramic Table Lamps by Søholm, Custom Made Shades by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 beautiful ceramic table lamps by Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom made lampshade by R. Houben. The beautiful blue and brown ceramics make a stunning combinat...
Ceramic
1970s Brass Brutalist Style Petite Table Lamp
Located in Stamford, CT
1970s burnished brass petite table lamp. All over carved geometric design. Newly rewired with new brass socket. Lamp takes one standard bulb (not included). Custom white Phillip Jeffries grasscloth...
Brass
Rustic Ceramic Pendant Light, Handcrafted Studio Design, France, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rustic Ceramic Pendant Light, Handcrafted Studio Design, France, 1970s A unique handcrafted ceramic pendant light with a raw, artisanal aesthetic. Made from stoneware in a natural b...
Brass
Mid-Century French Brutalist Iron Chain-Link Table Lamp
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A striking Mid-Century French table lamp dating to circa 1950s–1960s, featuring a sculptural body formed from a substantial series of interlocking iron chain links, rising from a sim...
Iron, Wrought Iron
French Iron Wall Sconce, Brutalist Design, Circa 1930, Floral Motif
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French, early 20th century (circa 1930) black iron wall sconce of foliate theme with scrolling branches like a trained “espalier” tree, blooming small roses or gardenia. This unique ...
Iron
1 of the 3 Ceramic Floor Lamps, Custom Silk Lamp Shades by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Set of three industrial ceramic floor table lamps, 1970s. This set brings an industrial and rich visual appeal to any interior. With its beautiful shapes, it offers a unique presenc...
Ceramic
Brutalist Sconce by Felipe Delfinger (Derflingher) for Feders, Mexico, 1960s
Located in San Antonio, TX
Brutalist hand-blown thick glass sconce, México, c. 1960s, by Felipe Delfinger (Derflingher) for Feders. This Mexican mid-century modernist sconce is high-quality in construction wit...
Metal
Georges Pelletier Ceramic Lamp, Custom Double Silk Rattan Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table/ floor lamp by Georges Pelletier, 2022. Custom made double rattan lampshade by René Houben. The brown ceramics and the warm colored details fit perfectly wit...
Ceramic
Shade One by Kalou Dubus, Sanded Chamotte Stoneware Floor & Table Lamp
By Kalou Dubus
Located in PANTIN, -
SHADE ONE is a handbuilt chamotte stoneware lamp — designed to sit on a table or rest directly on the floor. Its base is a dense, geometric sculpture that seems hewn from stone rathe...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair of Grey and Brown Ceramic Table Lamp for Soholm, Denmark 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 beautiful ceramic table lamps by Haico from Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom lampshade. The brown and dark grey ceramic base has a beautiful shape with geom...
Ceramic
Pelletier Baluster Dark Ceramic Lamp, Custom Made Silk Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table/ floor lamp by Georges Pelletier, 2022. Custom made beige silk lampshade by René Houben. The dark ceramics and the warm colored geometric details fit perfect...
Ceramic
Hammered Glass Wrought Iron Sconce by Longobard, Italy, 1970s
By Longobard
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern wall lamp light sconce amber and clear hammered glass and wrought iron, gilding gold copper patina, by the manufacture Longobard in Verona in a Brutalist style, th...
Wrought Iron
Georges Pelletier Brown Ceramic Lamp, Custom Double Silk Rattan Lampshade
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table/ floor lamp by Georges Pelletier, 2022. Custom made double rattan lampshade by René Houben. The brown ceramics and the warm colored details fit perfectly wit...
Ceramic
XL Brown and Beige Ceramic Floor Table Lamp, Denmark
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful XL ceramic table/floor lamp, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom lampshade. The base with brown tones and a dripping pattern fits perfectly with the custom made ocher s...
Ceramic
Brutalist Metal Table Lamp by Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural metal table lamp by Laurel Lamp Company, executed in a bold Brutalist style. The design features textured metalwork with strong, architectural detailing, reflecting the ...
Metal
Pair of large 1960s Brutalist bronze wall sconces
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1960s, in the Brutalist Gothic style. Solid brass frame with a patina finish; custom-made shades. Highly original and sculptural design. Very ni...
Brass
1 of the 2 Soholm Ceramic Table Lamps with Custom Lampshades, Noomi Backhausen
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table lamp by Noomi Backhausen for Soholm, model Erika. Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom made lampshade with beautiful pattern. The green and brown ceramics a...
Ceramic
Brutalist Blackened Metal Table Lamp, France, 1970s, Sculptural Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Striking Brutalist table lamp from the 1970s, featuring a sculptural base in blackened metal composed of stacked cylindrical elements. The raw, architectural form and textured finish...
Metal
Square Brutalist Brass Wall Lamp by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1960s, Denmark
By Holm Sørensen, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Classic Brutalist wall lamp designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in the 1960s. * Square, multi-layered wall lamp in flame-cut brass * Designer: Svend Aage Holm Sørensen * Manufactur...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Soholm Ceramic Table Lamps, Noomi Backhausen, Denmark 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table lamp by Noomi Backhausen for Soholm, model Erika. Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom made embriodery lampshade by R. Houben, with bronze inner shade. The ...
Ceramic
$1,580Sale Price|20% Off
1920s French Brutalist Palm Form 2 Tier Plafonnier/ Flush Mount, Maison Jansen
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1920's French Brutalist Cut Bronze Palm Form Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture/ Plafonnier. Highly detailed and manufactured by Maison Jansen. 4 lights, 2 tiers.
Bronze
Pair of Blue Ceramic Table Lamps by Soholm, Silk Lampshade, Denmark 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of beautiful ceramic table lamp by Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom made silk lampshade by R. Houben. With off white silk inner-shade. The beautiful blue ceramics ...
Ceramic
Pair of Soholm Ceramic Table Lamps by Noomi Backhausen, Denmark 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful pair of ceramic table lamp by Noomi Backhausen for Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom made Silk lampshade by R. Houben. With off white inner shade. The green an...
Ceramic
Pair of Soholm Ceramic Table Lamps with Silk Shade Backhausen, Denmark 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful pair of ceramic table lamps by Noomi Backhausen for Soholm, model Erika. Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom made lampshade by R. Houben. The green and brown ceramics an...
Ceramic
Pair of Blue Tiered Silhouette Ceramic Table Lamps by Soholm, Denmark 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table lamp by Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom made lampshade by R. Houben with off white innershade. The beautiful blue ceramics and the tiered silho...
Ceramic
1 of 2 Sunburst Crown Light Fixtures in Gilt Iron, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Sunburst crown flush mounts, gilt iron, frosted glass, Spain, 1950s. Priced individually. Beautiful hand-hammered sunburst crown shape leafed flush mount ceiling light fixtur...
Metal, Gold Leaf, Iron
Sculptural Table Lamp Carved in an Olive Wood Block France 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This table lamp, is carved in the Olive wood. The wood has this light brown color of this wood, with the old patina. This lamp was made in France, circa 1950, US PLUG ADAPTATOR W...
Wood
1 of the 2 XXL Brass Wall Sconces by Holm Sorensen, 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 Beautiful Brass Wall Sconces by Holm Sorensen, manufactured in Denmark during the 1960s. Please note that the price is for one piece, two pieces available. Cleaned and w...
Brass
Torch Cut Brass Brutalist Chandelier by Tom Greene for Feldman
By Tom Greene, Feldman Lighting Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
This torch cut brutalist chandelier was designed by Tom Greene and made by Feldman Lighting of Los Angeles. Its long narrow torch cut brass pendant is enhanced with layered cut brass...
Brass
1 of the 2 Holmegaard Indigo Ceramic Lamps, Custom Tall Blue Shades by R. Houben
By Holmegaard
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table/ floor lamps. Custom made silk lampshades by René Houben. The indigo glazed ceramics with a beautiful shape fit perfectly with the custom made lampshade, ill...
Ceramic
$2,400 / set
Pair of Vintage Brutalist Sconces
Located in Pasadena, CA
Striking pair of vintage brutalist three-lite sconces embodies the raw, architectural aesthetic of the brutalist movement. Crafted from robust, weathered metal, the wall sconces fea...
Metal
XL Pelletier Brown Warm Tones Ceramic Lamp, Custom Silk Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table/ floor lamp by Georges Pelletier, 2022. Custom made lampshade by René Houben. The brown ceramics and the warm colored details fit perfectly with the custom m...
Ceramic
1 of the 3 Ceramic Brown Blue Pendants, Denmark 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Stunning set of three round ceramic hanging lamps with a beautiful pattern, made with rich colored ceramics, manufactured around the 1960s in Denmark. The pendants have holes in the...
Ceramic
1 of the 4 Ceramic Green Brown Blue Pendants, Denmark 1970
Located in Rijssen, NL
Stunning set of four round ceramic hanging lamps with a beautiful pattern, made with rich colored green, blue and brown ceramics, manufactured in the 1960s in Denmark. Size is based...
Ceramic
Pair of Ceramic Table Lamps for Soholm, Denmark 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 beautiful ceramic table lamps by Haico from Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom lampshade. The ceramic base fits perfectly with the custom made silk shade by Re...
Ceramic
Pair of Hand Painted Sculptural Table Lamps for Soholm, Denmark 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of beautiful ceramic table lamps from Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom lampshade. The vibrant ceramic base has a beautiful shape with hand painted waves. The light...
Ceramic
Cereus Lamp Raffia Shade (Small) by Nani Goods Contemporary Ceramic Cactus Lamp
By Nani Goods, Steven Lancaster
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Inspired by the organic, undulating shapes of desert night blooming cacti, the Cereus Lamp balances minimalist design with playful natural form. Hand‑built from a dark, rusty‑brown c...
Brass
1 of the 4 Ceramic Green Brown Pendants, Denmark 1970
Located in Rijssen, NL
Stunning set of four round ceramic hanging lamps with a beautiful pattern, made with rich colored green and brown ceramics, manufactured by Jette Hellerøe for Axella in the 1960s in ...
Ceramic
Pair of small 1960s Brutalist bronze wall sconces
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1960s, in a Gothic Brutalist style. Solid patinated brass structure, custom-made shades. Highly original and sculptural design. Excellent vintag...
Brass
Brutalist Ceramic Pendant Lamps, Italy, 1970s, Priced Individually
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two distinctive Italian Brutalist ceramic pendant lamps dating from the 1970s, available individually. The listed price is per lamp. Each pendant is handmade in heavily textured cer...
Brass
Light Blue Cereus Lamp (Medium) by Nani Goods Contemporary Ceramic Cactus Lamp
By Steven Lancaster, Nani Goods
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Inspired by the undulating forms of night‑blooming desert cacti, the Cereus Lamp balances minimalism with playful organic movement. Hand‑built from speckled stoneware using slab‑cons...
Brass
Brutalist Wall Sconces by Paul Evans, Metal & Resin, 20th Century
By Paul Evans
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of interesting brutalist sconces in the manner of Paul Evans, 20th Century. Created from metal and resin, the sconces are perfect in many interiors, including arts & crafts...
Metal
$5,800 / set
1930's Forge Iron Tripod Italian Floor Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Amazing pair of large forge iron tripod Italian floor lamps, newly rewired and ready to use with some wear and patina due to age and use. One of the lamps is 1' shorter.
Iron
Rare Brutalist Ruby Red Cut Glass Wall Light by Raak Amsterdam
By RAAK
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and highly sculptural Brutalist wall light by Raak Amsterdam, distinguished by its dramatic composition of deep ruby-red cut glass fragments. When illuminated, the fixture tr...
Metal
$2,620Sale Price|20% Off
Large Sunburst Light Fixture in Gilt Metal with Milk Glass Globe, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brutalist gilt metal sunburst ceiling flush mount with milk glass globe shade. Spain, 1960s. This gilt iron sunburst light fixture with opaline globe shade was manufactured in Spain...
Metal, Iron
Substantial Brass Pendant Light by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1960s, Denmark
By Holm Sørensen, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Substantial Brutalist Brass Pendant Light designed Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in the 1960s. * Large onion-shaped pendant light with layered flame-cut brass slates * Designer: Svend ...
Brass
Stoneware desk lamp by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1950s, Denmark
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
A rare stoneware desk lamp by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen stoneware made in the in the 1950s. It is truly perfect piece. * A stoneware desk lams with blue glaze...
Ceramic
Green Ceramic Floor Table Lamp, Custom Matching Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table/floor lamp. Custom made beige and green lampshade by René Houben. The green and beige ceramics with beautiful details fit perfectly with the custom made beig...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mazzucotelli Italian Brutalist Wrought Iron Rare Butterfly Sconce
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing one light. Will be rewired with certified US UL sockets for USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. Wrought iron body that has been oiled to st...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Grey Cereus Lamp (Medium) by Nani Goods Contemporary Ceramic Cactus Lamp
By Nani Goods, Steven Lancaster
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Inspired by the organic, undulating forms of desert cacti, the Cereus Lamp embodies a harmonious blend of minimalism and playful natural shapes. Each lamp is hand-built using traditi...
Brass
Georges Pelletier Brown Gold Ceramic Lamp, Custom Silk Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table/ floor lamp by Georges Pelletier, 2022. Custom made double rattan lampshade by René Houben. The bronzed brown ceramics and the warm colored details fit perfe...
Ceramic
$981Sale Price|35% Off
Swedish Brutalist Outdoor Wall Lamp Patinated Copper And Amber Art Glass
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolute beautiful and extremely rare large cylindrical wall light attributed to Ateljé Lyktan in Sweden. The lamps are made of copper, what become beautiful patinated true the years...
Copper
Pink Cereus Lamp (Medium) by Nani Goods Contemporary Ceramic Cactus Lamp
By Nani Goods, Steven Lancaster
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Inspired by the undulating forms of night‑blooming desert cacti, the Cereus Lamp balances minimalism with playful organic movement. Hand‑built from speckled stoneware using slab‑cons...
Brass
Large 1970's Brutalist Gilded Metal and Bronzed Lamp.
Located in New York, NY
1970's Large Metal Brutalist lamp with a torched and pierced design. The column form lamp has a wonderful irregular brutalist design in tones of Gold and Bronze. The lamp has been N...
Metal, Brass
Gaetano Missaglia "Scultura" Floor Lamp, Aluminum & Wood, 1960
Located in Milano, IT
Large "Scultura" Floor Lamp by Gaetano Missaglia, Italy, 1960s More than just a lamp—it’s an architectural feature. The "Scultura" model, designed by Gaetano Missaglia in the 1960s,...
Aluminum
Brutalist Torch Cut Iron Floor Lamp by Richard Barr for the Laurel Lamp Company
By Richard Barr, Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
A highly uncommon Richard Barr "Assemblage," torch cut iron floor lamp for the Laurel Lamp Company. This lamp design dates from 1964 and is only the third of its type I have seen in ...
Steel, Iron
G. Pelletier Brown Gold Copper Ceramic Lamp, Silk Custom Lampshade by Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table/ floor lamp by Georges Pelletier, 2022. Custom made lampshade by René Houben. The brown ceramics and the shimmering gold/coppered colored details complement ...
Ceramic
Pair of Ceramic Brown Tapered Cone Pendants, Denmark 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful set of round ceramic hanging lamps with a beautiful pattern in the style of Axella, manufactured in the 1960s in Denmark. This gorgeous set brings refined elegance and ric...
Ceramic