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.
$2,512Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Silvered Flower Sunburst Oval Mirror in Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Silvered Oval Mirror, Wrought Iron Wrought Iron Oval Sunburst Mirror with Scroll Details and Brutalist Design, Spain, 1950-1960. Eye-catching hand forged iron mirror with scrol...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
“They're Hanging Me Tonight” Mirror, Iron, JAMES VINCENT MILANO, 2022
Located in Milano, IT
“They're Hanging Me Tonight” Mirror, Iron, JAMES VINCENT MILANO, Italy, 2022 Full-length/floor mirror. Polished and brushed iron. Engraved logo plaque in satinated brass. Handcrafte...
Iron
One Pair of Gilt Metal Brutalist Mirrors, Great Usable Scale, Priced Per Mirror
Located in Buchanan, MI
One pair of gilt metal Brutalist mirrors. Great usable scale. Priced per mirror. Great condition.
Metal
Brutalist Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Patinated Metal
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt Patinated Iron Sunburst Mirror Sunburst Mirror with Bronze Gilt Patina and Brutalist Design, Spain, 1950s This sunburst mirror was entirely made by hand. It has a frame with alternating rays in two sizes with cut endings. A twisted iron rope surrounds de mirror glass. It has a terrific aged original patina in bronze-gilt color. Unusual design. It can be used as wall or console mirror placed alone but also interesting as a part of a sunburst mirrors wall composition. Overall measures: 51 cm diameter x 5 cm H Glass measures: 28 cm diameter We are specialists in mirrors and sunburst mirrors: A curated selection is avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. We invite you to enjoy the whole collection checking "more from this seller" and "all from this seller" Gilt Iron Mirror // Gilt Brutalist...
Metal, Iron
Claës Giertta, brass mirrors, 2 pcs available, Sweden, 1970s Brutalism
By Claes Giertta
Located in Stockholm, SE
Brutalist brass mirror by silversmith and sculpture Claës E. Giertta (1926-2007). Sweden 1970s. Two are available. Signed by artist. In good condition, smaller signs of age and wea...
Brass
Large Oval Wall Mirror in Solid Pine by Glasmäster Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s
By Glasmäster, Roland Wilhelmsson, AB Markaryd
Located in Odense, DK
This sculptural wall mirror was crafted in Sweden during the 1960s by Glasmäster Markaryd and features a broad, rounded frame in solid pine. The wood has aged beautifully, with a war...
Mirror, Pine
$2,578Sale Price|31% Off
Lorenzo Burchiellaro 1970's Round Mirror
By Atelier Burchiellaro, Lorenzo Burchiellaro
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Rare round sculptural mirror with modernist style brutalist designed in the 1970s by 'artist sculptor Lorenzo Burchiellaro. the mirror features a textured aluminum casting with a s...
Aluminum
Vintage Brutalist Wood Sunburst Mirrors - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This magnificent pair of vintage Brutalist wood sunburst mirrors presents a striking masterclass in textural design, seamlessly marrying geometric precision with organic, raw materia...
Mirror
Mid Century Brutalist Riveted Brass Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
Mid Century Brutalist Riveted Brass Mirror. Beautifully designed Brutalist riveted round brass mirror with a freeform design. Great designer mirror perfect for a powder room or bedroom.
Metal, Brass
Brutalist Sunburst Mirror, Handcrafted Torch Cut Brass, Spain, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
A handcrafted, torch cut brass stylized sunburst mirror. Brutalist in style. Constructed of individual distressed and curved sun rays forming a large round dramatic sunburst mirror. ...
Brass
Brutalist Wall Hanging Mirror with Rings Frame in Wrought Copper, Italy 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a Kind Hanging Mirror in Copper with Rings Frame. Brutalist Period, Italy, 1950s Eye-catching hand forged copper mirror framed by rings and hanging from a copper round links c...
Metal, Copper
Large Lane Mosaic Pattern Brutalist Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Wood frame with dimensional block decorative motif. Manufactured by Lane Furniture Company, can be hung vertically or horizontally.
Mirror, Wood
French Brutalist Wall Mirror in Patinated Forged Steel, 1970s Design
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A compelling French Brutalist wall mirror from the 1970s, handcrafted in forged steel with a remarkable timeworn patina. Combining sculptural strength with refined craftsmanship, thi...
Steel
$392Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Scandinavian Teak Wall Mirror, 1960-1970
Located in Herentals, BE
Remarkable designed solid teak wall mirror.
Teak
Silvered Brutalist Oval Mirror in Wrought Iron with Scroll Decorations
Located in Barcelona, ES
Silvered Oval Mirror in Wrought Iron Wrought Iron Oval Wall Mirror with Scroll Details on the Frame, Spain, 1950-1960 Eye-catching hand forged iron mirror heavily adornen by scrollwo...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
$17,072 / item
James de Wulf Concrete Standing Mirror
By James Dewulf
Located in Paia, HI
The James de Wulf Concrete Round Standing Mirror is a sight to behold. Decorative and functional, the mirror enhances the beauty of a room by cr...
Concrete
Sunburst Flower Mirror in Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish sunburst flower wall mirror with hearts design, wrought iron, Spain, 1950s. Black wrought iron frame featuring hearts with scrolled details and gilt accents. Beautiful to b...
Wrought Iron, Iron
$2,431Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron, Gold Leaf, France, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Starburst sunburst mirror, gold leaf, gilt iron. France, 1950s. Large size. This gilt metal sunburst miror has alternating rays in two sizes surrounding the central sphere. This Brut...
Metal, Gold Leaf, Iron
$2,758Sale Price|20% Off
Starburst Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron with Chain Link Motif, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brutalist Starburst Sunburst Mirror with Chain Links Details, Wrought Gilt Iron, Spain, 1950s Rare find. This starburst mirror was manufactured at the Mid-Century Modern period and c...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Torch Cut Mixed Metal Brutalist Mirror
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Torch cut mixed metal brutalist mirror in the style of C. Jere and Silas Seandel.
Metal
Brutalist Oak Mirror, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Solid carved mirror with a stylized handle.
Oak
$2,849Sale Price / item|20% Off
Midcentury Italian Brass Wall Mirror of Square Shape, 2022 - Available
Located in Guazzora, IT
Midcentury Brass Wall Mirror. First unveiled at the renowned Milan Furniture Fair in 2022, this mirror exemplifies refined Italian design and traditional craftsmanship. This exqui...
Brass
Brass Mirror, attributed to Luciano Frigerio, Italy, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Rectangular wall mirror in a brass frame, designed by Luciano Frigerio in the 1970s. The decorative cast brass surround is composed of irregular elevations and recesses, creating a c...
Brass
Italian Brutalist Perforated Black Lacquer & Gold Brass Modern Round Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This custom round mirror is an Italian contemporary work, entirely handmade. The design in perforated lace brass is unique. The stepped round frame is edged...
Brass, Metal
Spanish Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, Hand-Forged, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst mirror in hand forged iron and gilt patina. Spain, 1940s-1950s. This sunburst mirror features a frame made of hand forged spikes and ...
Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
French Artisanal Illuminated Golden Sunburst Wall Mirror, 1960s, France
By Paul Evans, C. Jeré Artisan House
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Sculptural handcrafted round illuminated mirror with gold-lacquered metal frame made in the 1960s, France. Massive frame with decorative scalloped edges. The mirror is in good condit...
Metal
Mid-Century American Brutalist Sculptural Wood Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking American Brutalist wall mirror dating to the mid-20th century, distinguished by its richly textured frame handcrafted from layers of reclaimed wood. Narrow wooden slats of...
Mirror, Reclaimed Wood
Midcentury Brutalist Torch Cut Mixed Metal Convex Mirror
By Curtis Jeré, Tony Melendy
Located in Houston, TX
Midcentury Brutalist torch cut mixed metal convex mirror. This stunning Brutalist convex mirror or sunburst mirror was executed in mixed metals in a very interesting design. Our mid ...
Metal
$13,650Sale Price / set|62% Off
Brass Coral Console Table and Mirror by Alain Chervet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brass coral console table and matching mirror by Alain Chervet Console measures 36.5" high, 52" wide and 10" deep Glass top is half inch thick, 60" wide and 15" deep Mirror is 42"...
Brass
Vintage Brutalist American brass and copper Curtis Jere style wall mirror 1970s
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Hastings, GB
Brutalist American brass and copper torch-cut wall mirror, 1970s. In the style of Curtis Jere. Dimensions: diameter 63cm, depth 8cm
Brass, Copper
Cork and Wood Mirror, French Work, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This mirror is made of cork and wood. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Wood, Cork
Tall Narrow Weathered Oak Mirror, French Craftsmanship, 1970s Design
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a mirror, its natural weathered oak frame, tall narrow the first thing to catch the eye. The piece dates to 1970s, sourced from France, and carries the hallmarks of period cr...
Glass, Oak
Patchwork of Brass & Copper Saavedra Mirror, Spain 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Patchwork mirror by Saavedra of Spain, brass and copper with copper nails and patinated.
Brass, Copper
Adlin 1971 Smaller Art Studio Wall Mirror in Oxidized Cast Aluminium & Mercury
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Adlin molded Aluminium, Art Glass, Oxidized Mercury Wall Relief Mirror. Featuring handcrafted, textural sculpted cast aluminium, blackened details, round inserted mercury reflector. ...
Aluminum
Exceptional American Brutalist Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional American brutalist mirror. Signed and dated 1978.
Steel, Chrome
Large Italian 1970s Brutalist Wall Mirror with Sculptures
Located in Palermo, PA
Large Italian brutalist wall mirror, late 1970s. Two large sculptures are set on the irregular wooden base. This mirror is shore to impress! Perfect item for an entrance or a dining ...
Metal
Italian Brutalist Perforated Rose Pink Lacquer & Gold Brass Modern Round Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This custom round mirror is an Italian contemporary work, entirely handmade. The design in perforated lace brass is unique. The stepped round frame is edged with a high-quality brass...
Metal, Brass
Brutalist Style Silver with Brass & Stones Inlay Console or Wall Mirror, a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
A stunning pair of Brutalist style silver wall or console mirrors. The pair of handmade brutalist mirrors features a refined filigree design ornate with blue and red natural stones. ...
Silver, Brass
Contemporary Brutalist Style Wall Mirror in Solid Oak
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Wall mirror of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 74 x 53 x 10 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authentic sty...
Oak
Contemporary Brutalist Style Wall Mirror in Solid Oak v2
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Wall mirror in solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 74 x 53 x 10 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authentic sty...
Oak
An Etched Aluminum Mirror by Lorenzo Burchiellaro Italy 1970's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant, etched aluminum mirror by Lorenzo Burchiellaro. Signed "Burchiellaro", made in Italy ca' 1970's.
Aluminum
Exceptional American Brutalist Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional American brutalist mirror. Signed and dated 1978.
Steel, Chrome
Monumental Brutalist Mirror in weathered timber and forged iron, Germany 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a striking monumental and sculptural Brutalist mirror frame, executed in heavily weathered solid wood and accented with hand-forged iron bolts. The comp...
Iron
Mix Metal Brutalist Mirror in the Manner of Silas Seandel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful round mix metal Brutalist wall mirror in the manner of Silas Seandel. The Mirror frame is constructed of tour cut steel, brass and copper. The Mirror shows some age consi...
Brass, Copper, Cut Steel
Vintage Brutalist Wall Mirror in Maple and Walnut by Tabago Furniture
By Paul Evans
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Made by Tabago Furniture Ltd. of Quebec, Canada, this stunning brutalist mirror use several species of wood to create a truly unique look. The magpie assortment of veneers include maple, oak, burl wood, rosewood and walnut. The main body of the piece is a honey colored maple, fitting for this Canadian made...
Oak, Rosewood, Walnut, Burl
Italian Modern Industrial Home Interior Design Criss Cross Fretwork Iron Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Very stylish contemporary brushed wrought iron lattice mirror, entirely handmade in Italy, the interlaced frame consisting of a well crafted trellis ope...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Torch Cut Abstract Mirror After Tom Greene
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a powerful statement with this exceptional pair of vintage Brutalist wall mirrors, embodying the raw energy and sculptural artistry of the Mid-Century Modern era. Each mirror fe...
Brass, Copper
David Marshall Brutal Style Brass and Aluminum Vanity Mirror
Located in North Miami, FL
This mixed metal style framed vanity mirror in a brutal design by David Marshall.
Aluminum, Brass
Industrial Modern, Steel, Brass, Brutalist Rectangular Wall Mirrors, 21st c.
Located in Stamford, CT
Industrial Modern, Steel, Brass, Brutalist Rectangular Wall Mirrors, 21st c. Pair of rectangular wall mirrors having a steel and brass frame with clean lines and rectangular propor...
Brass, Steel
Silas Seandel Bronze Mirror
Located in North Miami, FL
Beautiful Silas Seandel bronze mirror that is signed and dated 1970. In very good original condition.
Bronze
Brutalist wrought iron folk art mirror
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Round French wall mirror from the 1950s in brutalist style. Patinated wrought iron frame embellished with rope around the mirror. Folk art piece. Good vintage condition, slight signs...
Iron
Vintage Boho Signed Curtis Jere Chrome “Raindrops” Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent and rare find, this "Raindrops" wall mirror is a stunning example of the sculptural metalwork that made Curtis Jeré an icon of Mid-Century Modern design. A dazzling hal...
Chrome
$12,800Sale Price|20% Off
French Brass Artisanal Mirror by Alain Chevert
Located in Atlanta, GA
A custom studio made mirror by French designer and sculptor Alain Chervet, circa 1981. Unique piece in solid brass with sculptural corrugated folding form, partially Brutalist, parti...
Brass
Miroir mural brutaliste en bois massif, France, circa 1960
Located in Meyrin, Switzerland
Petit Miroir mural brutaliste en bois massif, France, circa 1960. Bon état, traces minimes d’usage du temps. Dimensions : hauteur 42 cm, largeur 34 cm, profondeur 2.5 cm
Oak
Narcissi Wall Mirror in Eclipse, handcrafted in Sweden by VAVA Objects
By VAVA Objects
Located in Saltsjöbaden, SE
The artisanal process of creating our Narcissi Wall Mirror gives each piece an individual soul and patina, as the temperature, humidity and hands at work all contribute to its distin...
Fiberglass
Narcissi Wall Mirror in Raw Green, handcrafted in Sweden by VAVA Objects
By VAVA Objects
Located in Saltsjöbaden, SE
The artisanal process of creating our Narcissi Wall Mirror gives each piece an individual soul and patina, as the temperature, humidity and hands at work all contribute to its distin...
Fiberglass
Narcissi Wall Mirror in Raw Citrine, handcrafted in Sweden by VAVA Objects
By VAVA Objects
Located in Saltsjöbaden, SE
The artisanal process of creating our Narcissi Wall Mirror gives each piece an individual soul and patina, as the temperature, humidity and hands at work all contribute to its distin...
Fiberglass
Mid-Century English Brutalist Gold Gilt Metal Frame Wall Mirror
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional mid-century English Brutalist style wall mirror featuring a heavily textured, sculptural metal frame. The perimeter is defined by a continuous row of stylized, spik...
Metal
Danish Brutalist Oak Mirror, 1950s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Elegant Danish brutalist oak mirror from the 1950s. Featuring a distinctive sculptural frame and beautiful natural character, this striking piece combines simplicity with the bold ex...
Mirror, Oak
Monolith floor mirror by VAVA Objects, fiberglass mirror handcrafted in Sweden
By VAVA Objects
Located in Saltsjöbaden, SE
The artisanal process of creating our Monolith Floor Mirror gives each piece an individual soul and patina, as the temperature, humidity and hands at work all contribute to its disti...
Fiberglass