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.
Vintage Wall Mirror by Palladio, Italy, 1960s
By Palladio
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful Large Vintage Wall Mirror by Palladio, Italy, 1960s. The vintage mirror is in very good vintage condition. The glass is original. The original label has been preserved. Di...
Mirror, Wood
Brutalist Sunburst Mirror in Wrought Iron, Spain 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Sunburst Mirror, Wrought Iron, Silver Patinated ____________________________________________________________________________ Hand forged iron round mirror with scrolled detai...
Wrought Iron, Iron
Brutalist Oval Sunburst Mirror, Gilt Wrought Iron, 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt Oval Eyelash Mirror in Wrought Iron Wrought Iron Oval Sunburst Mirror with Scroll Ended Rays and Brutalist Design, France, 1950-1960. Eye-catching hand forged sunburst iron mirr...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Huge Gilt Wrought Iron Sunburst Starburst Mirror, Style of Poillerat (49 in)
Located in Barcelona, ES
Huge Sunburst mirror in the manner of Gilbert Poillerat, Gilt Wrought Iron. France, 1940s. Rare find due to its size ( 49 in diameter) This oversized wall mirror has an eye-catching sunburst design with alternating rays in two sizes surrounding a central rectangular smoked golden glass. Entirely made by hand in iron in the manner of Gilbert Poillerat. Terrific aged patina and original gold leaf gilding. This monumental sunburst mirror will add a luxury but strong accent wherever you place it. To be used as wall mirror or console mirror Place it alone or as a part of a large sunburst mirror wall composition. Overall Measures: 125 cm diameter x 9 cm H // 49,21 in diameter x 3,54 in H Glass measures: 36,5 cm H x 25,5 cm W // 14,37 in H x 10,03 in W We are specialists in mirrors and sunburst mirorrs: A curated selection is avaliable at our 1stDibs marketplace. We invite you to check "more from this seller and all from this seller" to enjoy the whole collection listed. French XL Sunburst Mirror // Gilbert Poillerat Sunburst Mirror...
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron
Brutalist Mirror by Lane Furniture "Staccato" Line 1970's
Located in Fulton, CA
Lane Furniture "Staccato" wall or dresser mirror. Excellent original condition and finish. Original brackets to mount to dresser base available upon request.
Glass, Wood
Hearts Framed Sunburst Mirror in Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Colorful Hearts Framed Sunburst Mirror Patinated in Red, Wrought Iron, Spain, 1950-1960. This Sunburst Mirror features a hand forged iron frame with alternating hearts and sun beams....
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Paul Evans Style Brutalist Walnut Mirror
By Paul Evans
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage Mid-century modern brutalist walnut block panel mirror in the manner of Paul Evans. Beautiful quality with rich wood grain and bold geometric design. A chic, dramatic mirror ...
Mirror, Walnut
$2,518Sale Price|20% Off
French Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron, 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, Iron, Gold Leaf
Oak Brutalist Mirror, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Brutalist mirror from the 1970s with a solid oak frame. The robust design with characteristic relief details gives this mirror a powerful, timeless look. A real eye-catcher that fits...
Glass, Oak
Large Spanish Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding Large Eyelash Sunburst Mirror, Wrought Gilt Iron, Spain, 1950s The frame is entirely made by hand with alternating hand-hammered curved and straight rays in eyelash shape...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
American Brutalist Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
An exceptional hand torched Brutalist steel mirror.
Steel
Large Spanish Brutalist Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brutalist Starburst Sunburst Wall Mirror, Wrought Gilt Iron, Spain, 1950s The frame is entirely made by hand. Finished in gold leaf. Gorgeous gilding and terrific patina. This starbu...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Brutalist Pocket Watch Wall Mirror in Wrought Iron, Spain
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Pocket Watch Mirror, Wrought Iron, Silver Patinated ____________________________________________________________________________ Hand forged iron round with pocket watch desi...
Iron, Wrought Iron
1970's, Lane Brutalist Staccato Wall Mirror in Walnut
Located in Morristown, NJ
A mirror from one of Lane Furniture's classic 70's, Brutalist bedroom sets.. The frame is walnut with a walnut mosaic pattern in center flanked b...
Mirror, Walnut
Brutalist Studded Metal Wall Mirror 1960s Modern Design
Located in Taranto, IT
Brutalist Design 1960's Modernism Wall Mirror. Curved metal frame with studded effect. Item is in good conservative condition, present signs of time due to use and age. (Please see...
Metal
French Brutalist Sunburst Oval Mirror in Silvered Wrought Iron, 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wrought Iron Oval Sunburst Mirror with Scroll Details and Brutalist Design, Spain, 1950-1960. Eye-catching hand forged iron mirror with scroll decorations, fleur-de-lis accents and o...
Wrought Iron, Iron
Brutalist Mirror in Wrought Iron, Joan Miró Inspired, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a Kind Hand Forged Iron Mirror from the Brutalist Period. Spain, 1950s. This unique mirror was entirely made by hand. Its surrealist design is inspired in Joan Miró designs. T...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
$2,575
Brutalist Mirror
Located in London, GB
A Brutalist hammered steel and riveted mirror France, mid 20th Century
Steel
1960s Belgian Oak Brutalist Mirror
Located in London, London
Mirror Oak Brutalist style Belgium 1960s
Oak
$2,944Sale Price / item|49% 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
Hand Carved Large Brutalist Mirror In Oak 1960s
Located in Herentals, BE
Mid-Century Eye-catcher in Oak Give your space an artistic flair with this brutalist mirror from the 1960s. The geometric, hand-carved frame in warm oak reflects the essence of mid-c...
Oak
$176Sale Price|20% Off
Small brutalist metal wall mirror by Don Drumm, signed, late 20th century
By Donald Drumm
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage miniature brutalist aluminum wall mirror by metal artist Donald Drumm, signed on verso, late twentieth century. Hand-crafted with Drumm’s signature illustrative motifs with...
Aluminum
Large Oval Wall Mirror in Solid Pine by Glasmäster Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s
By Glasmäster
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful large oval wall mirror in solid pine. Made by Glasmäster in Markaryd, Sweden in the 1960s. A decorative object that pairs well with...
Pine
Multi Color Murano Glass Rock Crystal Wall Mirror by Creaciones Gobesso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid- 20th century Round Mirror with Red, Blue and Green Rock Crystal Accents, Italy, 1960s. Brutalist Design Manufactured by Creaciones Gobesso inspired by Line Vautrin designs. Hand...
Rock Crystal
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
Italian Brutalist Metal Mirror with Cobalt Blue Glass Accents
Located in Miami, FL
Unique Large Italian Mid-Century Brutalist Mirror with Murano Cobalt Blue Blown Glass Accents.
Metal
Brutalist Sunburst Mirror with Double Layered Jagged Frame in Gilt Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a Kind Brutalist Sunburst Wall Mirror, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf __________________________________________________________ Double Layered Large Sunburst Mirror with Jagged Desi...
Iron, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Patchwork Hanging Shelf Console Table & Mirror
By Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Paul Evans studio floating shelf and mirror set circa early 1970's. It features copper, bronze and pewter cladding in a patchwork design. Console shelf measures 60 x 13 x 6.5 inches ...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Rustic Brutalist Mirror Bass Wood Hand Carved Brown Color France 1960 Solid Oak
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Rustic & Brutalist Mirror Bass Wood Hand Carved Brown Color France 1960
Wrought Iron
"Rino" Contemporary Silver Face Mirror with Cast Brass Hanger
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
This contemporary mirror was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite difficult, if not impossible to make identical items. The projects ar...
Brass
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
$2,372Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gold Leaf Gilt Iron Sunburst Mirror Eye-catching Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Iron and Brutalist Design, Spain, 1950s This sunburst mirror was entirely made by hand. It has a frame with alternating leaves in two sizes accented by pointed curly rays or spikes. A loop iron decorative detail surrounds de mirror glass. It has a nice patina and gold leaf gilding. Rare design. It can be used as wall mirror placed alone or as a part of a sunburst mirrors wall composition. Overall measures: 62 cm diameter x 12 cm H // 24,40 in diameter x 4,72 in H Glass measures: 16,5 cm diameter // 6,49 in 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, Gold Leaf
$571Sale Price|32% Off
Golden Hammered Rim Round Wall Mirror Vintage 1960s
Located in Bochum, NRW
Golden Hammered Rim Round Wall Mirror Vintage 1960s. This beautiful vintage mirror is mounted in a round brass frame with a slightly hammered surface and a naturally aged patina. It ...
Brass
Creaciones Gobesso Multi Color Murano Glass Rock Crystal Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rare Mid-Century Modern handcrafted circular mirror made of stucco accented with green, yellow, orange and purple rock crystals . Italy, 1960s. Man...
Rock Crystal
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
Brutalist Sunburst Wall Sculpture Mirror by William Friedle, 1970s
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Brutalist sculpture/wall mirror, three layers of bronze spoked incorporating a brass, radiating sun dial, ca' 1970's.
Brass, Bronze
A Ceramic & Bronze MIRROR SCULPTURE Unique Piece by JEAN PERILLAUD, France 1970
By Jean Perillaud
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional rectangular and asymmetrical wall-sculpture mirror, Brutalist, large vertical rectangular frame in bronze or patinated brass, with 2 welded asymmetrical inserts arrang...
Brass, Bronze
$1,540Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Sunburst Mirror with Nails Detail in Gilt Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mini sized sunburst mirror, gilt iron, gold leaf. Brutalist spanish gilt iron sunburst mirrors with nails ornamentation. Spain, 1950s This small sunburst mirror will be eye-catching placed alone or as a part of a sunburst mirror wall composition. Choose other sunburst mirrors in different sizes from our shop to create a beautiful wall decoration. Terrific aged patina. Original gold leaf gilding. Antique glass showing marks of the pass of time. Measures: Overall diameter: 19 cm // 7,48 in diameter Glass diameter: 11 cm // 4,33 in We are specialists in wall mirrors and sunburst mirrors. A curated selection of mirrors...
Gold Leaf, Metal, Iron
Intricately Bronzed Iron Round Wall Mirror
Located in North Miami, FL
A wonderfully intricate design bronzed iron small round mirror. Heavy and important.
Bronze, Iron
Brutalist Modern, Metal, Gilt Iron, Monumental Wall Mirrors, 21st C.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Brutalist Modern, Metal, Gilt Iron, Monumental Wall Mirrors, 21st C. Pair of monumental rectangular wall mirrors having black metal tubular frames decorated with gilt iron branches ...
Metal, Iron
Brutalist Ceramic Sandstone & Pyrite Mirror, France, 1960
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great size and materials
Ceramic
Sunburst Mirror in Wrought Iron, Brutalist Period, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wrought Iron Sunburst Mirror with Scroll Details and Brutalist Design, Spain, 1950-1960. Eye-catching hand forged iron mirror with scroll decorations, fleur-de-lis accents and round ...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Hillebrand Mid-Century Brutalist Wall Mirror, Germany 1960's
By Hillebrand
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A Mid-Century wall mirror with a frame constructed of cast metal sculptural elements in the “Brutalist” aesthetic. The frame surrounds a polished and lacquered brass inner frame. Thi...
Brass, Iron
Spanish Perforated Oval Mirror, Hand Forged Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Oval Wall Mirror with Perforated Frame, Spain, 1950s Hand crafted iron oval mirror with perforated pattern on the frame and Brutalist Design. The frame is heavily adorned by perforations and iron drop accents thorough. Original patina. Its design marks the difference in this mirror. It would be perfect choice placed as console mirror or as wall mirror. Rare find. Overall measures: 82 cm H x 54 cm W x 4 cm D Glass measures: 65 cm H x 36,5 cm W 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" Oval Iron Wall Mirror // Brutalist Oval Mirror...
Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
Brutalist Cast Aluminum Frame Mirror Lunar Landscape by Sergio Vulpe
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
This mirror is more than a functional object — it is a sculptural statement piece. The hand-cast aluminum frame, with its irregular, organic edge, recalls the rugged surface of the moon. This “lunar landscape” effect plays with light and shadow, giving the mirror a unique sense of depth and intrigue. The bold, textured metal frame contrasts beautifully with the minimalist round form, making it an ideal accent for interiors in minimalist, loft, wabi-sabi, or art deco styles. Each piece is handcrafted in the VulpeConcept studio, ensuring its individuality and artisanal quality. A true collectible design element that brings both function and art into your space. Tags: Brutalist mirror, cast aluminum mirror...
Aluminum
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
A Large 20th Century Terracotta Tile Mirror by Ron Hitchins
By Ron Hitchens
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1960 An unusual large rectangular mirror by artist Ron Hitchins, the wooded frame mounted with numerous hand carved terracotta tiles of abstract geometric design, sig...
Terracotta
$6,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ghost Mirror by Gregory Nangle: Smoked Glass & Steel, Brutalist USA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
I began using Églomisé in 2001 to make a series of sculptures relating to literary works I was studying at the time. Eugene O’Neill in his famous “Long Days Journey Into Night” empl...
Silver, Bronze, Steel
Vintage Brutalist Lane "Pueblo" Polychromed Wall Mirror in Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lane Furniture wall mirror from their "Pueblo" collection in stained oak with molded and polychromed resin panels (ca. 1970s, USA). Unique, Brutalist piece evoking the designs of Pau...
Mirror, Resin, Oak
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
Brutalist HexagonL Ghost Mirror by Gregory Nangle, Silvered Glass, USA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Authentic Hand poured Silver, from the Studio that Invented the Ghost Mirror process. For over 20 years the Artist has been making custom Ghost mirrors to...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Metal, Silver, Brass, Bronze
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
$11,000 / set
Paul Evans Brutalist Mirror and Shelf
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Wall-mount shelf with slate top, and matching Brutalist metal clad mirror. Iconic design from the master of Brutalism, Paul Evans. Great original condition, ready to install. The mir...
Slate, Metal
Spanish Brutalist Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt metal leafed sunburst mirror, Spain, 1940s-1950s. This handcrafted Brutalist wall mirror features two layers of alternating leaves in different sizes surrounding a central roun...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Oceanic Mad Men Style Wall Mirror by Pulaski
By Pulaski Furniture Corporation
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautifully refinished 1970s Pulaski Oceanic style wall mirror, often attributed to Witco. Matching mirror to the famed Don Draper office credenza from the ...
Gold
Julian Schnabel Brutalist Style Silver Studded Console or Wall Mirror , a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
A very stylish pair of brutalist style studded silver mirrors designed by Julian Schnabel ( American, 1951). The mirrors are a limited edition designed by the artist for the historical Gramercy...
Metal
Brutalist Spanish mirror with dark wood frame, 1960s
Located in Herentals, BE
The mirror has a harness-shaped dark wooden hand-carved frame and finished with natural cord that is attached with decorative black cast iron nails. The mirror is also equipped with ...
Metal, Iron
Lane Vintage Brutalist Mid Century walnut Staccato Double Mirror
Located in Las Vegas, NV
LANE VINTAGE BRUTALIST MID CENTURY WALNUT STACCATO DOUBLE MIRROR Make a statement with this fantastic double mirror by Lane from the “Staccato” line, c. 1970. This is a wonderful, ...
Walnut
Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, 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 Brutalist Mid Century Mirror
Located in New York, NY
French Brutalist Mid Century Artisan Brass & Copper Mirror, handmade. Hand hammered shaped Brass with Raw weld detail. The brass & copper metal are hand shaped over a wood frame wi...
Brass, Copper