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
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
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...
Iron, Wrought 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
$5,578Sale Price|20% Off
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 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
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
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
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
Finnish Brutalist Copper Mirror, 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
Large Finnish Brutalist copper mirror from the 1970s. Broad (6cm/2.5″) rectangular frame covered in countless dabs of molten copper for a very ...
Copper
Sunburst Mirror 1970's Feathered Copper Italian
Located in Hastings, GB
A beautiful large sunburst mirror, the hand worked feathered copper rays alternating in size around the oval mirror plate, which is original to the mirror. Dating to the early 1970'...
Copper
$1,978Sale Price|20% Off
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
$2,512
Brutalist Mirror
Located in London, GB
A Brutalist hammered steel and riveted mirror France, mid 20th Century
Steel
American Brutalist Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
An exceptional hand torched Brutalist steel mirror.
Steel
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
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
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
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
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
$1,978Sale Price|20% Off
Hearts Framed Sunburst Mirror in Red Wrought Iron, 1950s
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
Brutalist Geometric Wall Mirror, Distressed Beveled Glass, Wood, 21st C.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Venetian Geometric Wall Mirror, Distressed Beveled Glass, 21st C. This unique brutalist distressed wall mirror can be hung vertically or horizontally above a console table, bedside ...
Mirror, Wood
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
Spanish 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 Oval Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt Sunburst Mirror with Scroll Details and Brutalist Design, Wrought Iron, Spain, 1950-1960. Eye-catching gilt iron wall mirror with scroll decorations, fleur-de-lis accents and ov...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Riveted Gold Brass Brutalist Mirror
Located in Hastings, GB
A French Brutalist riveted brass mirror, dating to the 1950's, overlapping layers of textured brass and original foxed mirror plate. Height 70cm, Width 38cm, Depth 4.5cm Mirror Pla...
Brass
1960s Belgian Oak Brutalist Mirror
Located in London, London
Mirror Oak Brutalist style Belgium 1960s
Oak
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
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
$2,449Sale 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
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
Sensational Large Brutalist Starburst Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
American, mid-20th century. A Brutalist style polychromed steel wall-hanging starburst mirror, with a central, round mirrored panel, bordered with shaped wire scrolls, surrounded by ...
Metal
$5,606Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
Sculptural Contemporary Brutalist Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural contemporary Brutalist mirror. Patinated metal frame.
Metal
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
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
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, Gold Leaf, Iron
Paul Evans Patchwork Wall Mirror
By Paul Evans
Located in Highland, IN
This striking 1968 wall-mounted mirror by Paul Evans is from his copper, bronze and pewter patchwork series. The hammered and heavily worked squares of copper and bronze give an arch...
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
$555Sale 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
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
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
$3,721Sale Price|20% Off
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
Sunburst Eyelash Perforated Brutalist Mirror in Gilt Iron, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Brutalist gilt metal sunburst mirror, 1950-1960. Unusual brutalist perforated iron sunburst mirror with eyelash rays surrounding the glass. This sunburst mirror has perforatio...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
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
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...
Iron, Metal, Gold Leaf
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
$2,968Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Hammered Copper Mirror Attributed to Angelo Bragalini"
Located in Oirlo, LI
Step into the world of mid-century Italian artistry with this extraordinary hammered copper mirror, attributed to the renowned designer Angelo Bragalini. Crafted in the 1950s or 60...
Copper
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
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
Narcissi Wall Mirror in White Moon, 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
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
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
$2,214Sale Price|20% Off
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
Ceramic mirror in "cubist" style by Nathalie Soufflet
By Vallauris
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Trapezoidal ceramic mirror by the French artist Nathalie Soufflet, workshop "Curiosa". Decoration composed of a set of geometric shapes in black slip...
Ceramic, Mirror
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
French Sunburst Starburst Mirror in Gilt Iron, Gilbert Poillerat Style
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst starburst mirror in the manner of Gilbert Poillerat, Gilt Wrought Iron. France, 1940s. This wall mirror has an eye-catching starburst design. Entirely made by hand in wroug...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
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
Exceptional American Brutalist Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional American brutalist mirror. Signed and dated 1978.
Steel, Chrome
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