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.
Garden Bench, Rustic Blackened Wood, Raw Organic Form Indoor, Outdoor, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This monolithic bench is a one of a kind piece, crafted from massive, century-old reclaimed oak beams. Its powerful, minimalist form is unified by a deep ebonized finish, transformin...
Wood, Oak
Garden Bench, Rustic Blackened Wood, Raw Organic Form Indoor, Outdoor, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This monolithic bench is a one of a kind piece, crafted from massive, century-old reclaimed oak beams. Its powerful, minimalist form is unified by a deep ebonized finish, transformin...
Wood, Oak
Brutalist Rustic Small Bench, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Brutalist Rustic small bench. Striking Dutch design from the 1960s. Solid oak frames which can be dismantled for safe transport. This wonderful Brutalist Rustic ...
Oak
Brutalist Bench, Reclaimed Oak Wood, Natural, Organic, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This bench is a quiet testament to time and endurance, crafted from centuries-old reclaimed oak beams salvaged from European architecture. Its form is deliberately minimal, allowing ...
Wood, Oak
Brutalist Bench, Black Burnt Wood, Outdoor, Indoor, Organic, Rustic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique bench with original design by Logniture. Made entirely from oak wood. Protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade design...
Wood, Oak
Tyrolean Mountain Chair , Solid Oak, Handcrafted , Brutalist style, wax polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Tyrolean mountain chair in solid oak, handcrafted in brutalist style it is mainly used for milking livestock but is also used as a seat in mountain houses and cabins
Oak
Hashi Bench – Architectural Daybed In Charred Oak & Black Boucle - Sidani Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Hashi Bench is a modular seating object composed of two orthogonal upholstered blocks suspended above a recessed wood base. The lower platform is constructed from engineered wood...
Bouclé, Foam, Wood
Axis Architectural Bench In Macassar And Velvet By Sidani Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This architectural bench features a monolithic composition with a rectilinear platform and offset leg structure. The frame is constructed from engineered hardwood panels finished in ...
Velvet, Wood
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bench or Low Table in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil
By Sóha, Denis Milovanov
Located in Paris, IDF
Bench or low table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Measures: 35 x 250 x 60 cm Warm furniture’s made by Russian designer Denis Milovanov from "Soha" studio. Si...
Oak
Brutalist Square Coffee Table in Warm Wood Veneer, Podio by NONO
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Brutalist square coffee table in red oak wood Veneer, Podio by NONO The NONO design team presents a coffee table that exudes elegance an...
Plywood
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bench in Solid Oak Light and Linseed Oil
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Bench made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 90 x 185 x 60 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authentic sty...
Oak
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bench in Solid Oak ‘Dark’ and Linseed Oil
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Brutalist Bench Bench made of solid oak (+ linseed oil). Measures: 90 x 185 x 60 cm. SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak i...
Oak
Brutalist Bench in Solid French Oak - Cadence by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Cadence bench is inspired by the simplicity and power of the rhythmic stepped brickwork visible in the architecture of Amsterdam's 'South Plan' area; the city development plan de...
Oak
Contemporary Antic Style Bench in Solid Oak, Light, 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Bench Sculpted wood (solid oak) Finish: hammered, light [Suitable for outdoor use] SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorat...
Oak
Live Edge Walnut Bench, Wabi-Sabi, Brutalist, Organic, Log Furniture, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Embrace the essence of wabi-sabi with our walnut bench, meticulously crafted from a walnut wood. This bench is a celebration of natural beauty, showcasing the unique imperfections th...
Wood, Walnut
Brutalist Style Bench with Solid Oak Pyramid Bases and Ivory Bouclé Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
Contemporary Italian bench in a striking Brutalist style, featuring sculptural, architectural lines. The piece consists of two truncated pyramid-shaped bases in solid oak supporting ...
Bouclé, Wood, Oak
Brutalist Bench, Black Burnt Wood, Outdoor & Indoor, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This exquisite handmade charred oak bench exemplifies the perfect blend of craftsmanship and elegance. Constructed from high-quality charred oak. The...
Wood, Oak
Wabi Sabi Primitive Rustic Bench, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Primitive rustic bench or coffee table made of sturdy wood with a weathered finish. The natural wear of the wood over the years has created a unique, rustic look that adds character ...
Wood
Brutalist Bench, Rustic, Black, Burnt Wood, Outdoor, Indoor, Organic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique bench with original design by Logniture. Made entirely from oak wood. Protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade design...
Wood, Oak
A Pair of Brutalist Wabi Sabi Benches, France, circa 1960s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Pair of wooden benches, France, circa 1960s. Solid construction with irregular, sculpted legs and natural edges. Dark stained surface with visible wear and patina. Wear consistent w...
Oak
Axis Architectural Bench In Solid American Walnut & Leather By Sidani Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This architectural bench features a monolithic composition with a rectilinear platform and offset leg structure. The frame is constructed with solid American Walnut, joined with mitr...
Leather, Walnut
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bench in Solid Oak and Wool Bouclé, Italy
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This contemporary bench embodies the raw elegance of Brutalist-inspired design. Handcrafted in Italy from solid oak, its sculptural presence is defined by bold, cylindrical legs and ...
Wood
Rustic Log Bench, Black, Burnt Wood, Outdoor, Indoor, Organic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique bench with original design by Logniture. Made entirely from oak wood. Protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade design...
Wood, Oak
Contemporary Antic Style Bench in Solid Oak, Dark, 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Bench Sculpted wood (solid oak) Finish: hammered, dark [Suitable for outdoor use] SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in ...
Oak
1970s Sculptural Alpine Bench in Solid Pine from France
Located in Almelo, NL
Authentic Alpine bench in solid pine with warm patina, France, 1970s. Striking monumental Alpine sculptural bench crafted in solid pine, France, circa 19...
Pine
Rick Owens Double Prong Concrete Bench
By Rick Owens
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Rick Owens Concrete Bench, 2016 This striking concrete bench by Rick Owens, created in 2016, embodies the designer’s signature fusion of brutalism and minimalism. Crafted from raw co...
Concrete
Rustic Pine Bench, France 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Solid Pine bench with hand-carved joinery.
Pine
Sculpted Massive Bench N3 by Denis Milovanov, Solid Oak, Grey
By Sóha, Denis Milovanov
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Massive Bench 3 by Denis Milovanov, Solid Oak Dimensions: H. 45 x 300 x 40 cm / SH. 40 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative obj...
Oak
Brutalist Organic Bench, France, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking wooden bench embodies the bold aesthetic of brutalist design, seamlessly blending raw textures with organic forms. Crafted from solid wood, its sculptural presence evok...
Wood
Rustic 19th Century French Folk Art Bench, Dark Wood, Brutalist Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rustic 19th-century French folk art bench, showcasing a charming primitive character. Constructed from sturdy dark wood, the bench boasts a rich patina that speaks to its age and his...
Wood
$5,580 / item
James de Wulf Concrete Locking Bench 60
Located in Paia, HI
James de Wulf has worked for over fifteen years with gravity joints inspired by the work of Angelo Mangiarotti. With concrete as a medium, he has been able to expand on what Mangiaro...
Concrete
$6,194 / item
Sculpted Bench or Coffee Table N12 in Solid Oakwood
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Bench or side table in solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authentic sty...
Oak
Brutalist Oak Corner Bench, Europe Second half of the 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
By the latter half of the 20th century, European furniture design had become an arena for bold experimentation and a renewed fascination with material honesty. Designers began creati...
Oak
Contemporary Brutalist Style Massive Bench in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil
By Sóha, Denis Milovanov
Located in Paris, IDF
Massive bench made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Measures: 300 x 70 x 35 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design a...
Oak
Brutalist Bench, Black, Burnt Wood, Outdoor, Indoor, Organic, Rustic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique bench with original design by Logniture. Made entirely from oak wood. Protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade design...
Wood, Oak
Brutalist Bench, Black, Burnt Wood, Outdoor, Indoor, Organic, Rustic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique bench with original design by Logniture. Made entirely from wood. Protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade design wil...
Wood, Oak
Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table or Bench #8 in Solid Oak
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 45 x 140 x 28 cm. SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authen...
Oak
$70,000
James Bearden "Ant Bench"
Located in New York, NY
"Ant Bench," a one-of-a-kind tour-de-force by American artist James Bearden. The blackened steel hand-welded and textured substructure and grille were created around a long and slend...
Steel
Stool, Side Table, Solid Burnt Wood, Rustic, Organic, Handmade, Carved, Black
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Chainsaw carved bench/side table. Carved from a single piece of burnt oak wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade ...
Wood, Oak
Rare bench attributed to Zanine Caldas
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Really nice bench attributed to Zanine Caldas, in massive pegui wood and skin. Gorgeous pièce of the brasilian design and the handwork of the designers of this country.
Animal Skin, Wood
Contemporary Long Bench 'Antic' Style by Soha Concept, Solid Oak, Light
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Antic Bench by Soha Concept, Solid Oak, Light Dimensions: H. 45 x 200 x 40 cm / SH. 40 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative obj...
Oak
Contemporary Sculpted Bench with Backrest N1 by Soha Concept, Solid Oak
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Sculpted Big Bench with Backrest by Soha, Solid Oak (+ linseed oil) Dimensions: H. 85 x 300 x 45 cm / SH. 45 cm Unique piece made to order ------ SÓHA design studio ...
Oak
Architectural Solid Oak Wooden Brut Bench
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut collection takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. The Brut benc...
Oak
Brutalist Solid Wood Bench, France 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Derived from the French "brut", meaning raw, Brutalism describes the architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring minimalist constructions that showcase bare m...
Wood
$6,912Sale Price / item|10% Off
Brutalist Rectangular Coffee Table in Warm Wood Veneer, Podio by NONO
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Brutalist rectangular coffee table in red oak wood veneer, Podio by NONO The NONO design team presents a coffee table that exudes elegance and modernity. The foundation of this piec...
Plywood
Solid Wood Senufo Bench, Ivory Coast Mid-20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
Senufo benches are traditional, handcrafted pieces, integral to the Senufo people's cultural heritage. This bench was crafted in the Ivory Coast in the first half of the 20th century...
Wood
Brutalist Solid Oak Wooden Brut Slim Bench - by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut collection takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. The Brut Slim...
Oak, Walnut
$2,200 / item
Mobichalet Brutalist Benches in Oak
By Mobichalet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mobichalet, bench, oak, beech, Belgium, 1950s. This rustic bench will come forward nicely in a relaxing atmosphere, like a patio or a studio space. The Brutalist appearance is exp...
Beech, Oak
$3,161Sale Price|24% Off
Vintage French Black Wooden Bench Raised on Metal Feet Brutalist Period
Located in Sofia, BG
Exceptional piece representing Brutalist period - a black bench made of single piece of wood raised on a hand made metal structure with raw finish...
Metal
Set of Four Brutalist Wooden Benches, France 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Derived from the French "brut", meaning raw, Brutalism describes the architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring minimalist constructions that showcase bare m...
Wood
$6,073 / item
Sculpted Bench or Side Table N4 in Solid Oakwood
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Bench or side table in solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authentic sty...
Oak
$18,000 / item
Cleaving Bronze Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cleaving Bronze Bench was a series that began with an exploration into the geologic structures of minerals and rocks. Using the language of science to create art. Each bench is metic...
Cast Stone, Cement, Metal, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Steel, Cut Steel, Stai...
Sculptural Wooden Bench, in Solid Dark Brown European Oak, Brut by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut collection takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. The Brut benc...
Oak, Walnut
$5,300 / item
Winter Hazel Leaf Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Leaf Bench is a continuation of the Artists series that bases the form in geometry and the content in nature. Embellished Minimalist style of New Brutalism. Hand Cast in the Artists ...
Bronze
Iron and Bronze Brutalist Tribal Style Bench
Located in North Miami, FL
Very unique tribal style bronze bench with two sides depicting a warrior. It is heavy and solid with a perfectly finished soft pink boucle fabric. Pretty from ALL sides.
Bronze, Iron
In the Taste of Alexandre Noll Live Edge Blackened Side Tables/ Benches
Located in North Miami, FL
In the Taste of Alexandre Noll. This pair of live edge, brutal style tables or benches, stained in a dark black matte finish. Perfect as side tables or additional bench seating.
Wood
$1,422 / item
Stacked Antique White Painted Stool
Located in Westwood, NJ
Stacked Antique white painted stool with a striking yet simple silhouette of a geometric form with a nod to Brutalist design. Made of pine with an ...
Wood
Brutalist & Sculptural Handcrafted Bench, Solid French Oak, Cadence by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Cadence bench is inspired by the simplicity and power of the rhythmic stepped brickwork visible in the architecture of Amsterdam's 'South Plan' area; the city development plan de...
Oak
Solid Pine Wood Bench by Silvio Coppola for Fratelli Montina, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pine Wood; Bench; Simplicity; Italy; 1970s; Fratelli Montina; Silvio Coppola; Brutalist Brutalist solid pine wood bench designed by Silvio Coppola for Fretelli Montina. A stunning...
Wood, Pine
Brutalist Solid Oak Wooden Cadence Bench
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Cadence bench is inspired by the simplicity and power of the rhythmic stepped brickwork visible in the architecture of Amsterdam's 'South Plan' area; the city development plan de...
Oak, Walnut