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.
French Wood Brutalist Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful wood mountain chair from France, 1950s. Brutalist style with carved wood back with three wide slates. Formed wood seat rests on four tapered wood legs. Original wood finis...
Wood
French Wood Brutalist Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful wood mountain chair from France, 1950s. Brutalist style with carved wood back with three wide slates. Formed wood seat rests on four tapered wood legs. Original wood finis...
Wood
French Provincial oak chair, 1960s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Solid oak chairs. Slight traces of use.
Oak
$3,500 / set
French Wood Brutalist Chairs, Set of 8
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of 8 wood mountain chairs from France, 1950s. Brutalist style with carved wood back with three wide slates. Formed wood seat rests on four tapered wood legs. Original w...
Wood
Sculptural Solid Wood 'Mammut' Chair by Mobius Objects
Located in Calgary, AB
Complex yet functional joinery transcends trends making this piece a timeless addition to any interior decor. Alone as an accent chair or as part of a set, suiting both casual and ...
Wood, Walnut
Set of Two Brutalist Bull Barstools Marbella with original Cushion, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous set of Brutalist bar stools. Set of two 'Brutalist' or 'Marbella' bar stools, in wood and metal, Spain, 1970s. A curved T-shape with three handles. The curved form makes s...
Metal
Sculptural Solid Wood Chair by Mobius Objects
Located in Calgary, AB
Complex yet functional joinery transcends trends making this piece a timeless addition to any interior decor. On it's own or as a set, a contemporary classic. One American Black ...
Wood, Walnut
French Provincial oak chair, 1960s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Solid oak chairs. Slight traces of use.
Oak
Brutalist Solid Dark Brown Oak Trigon Chair
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Trigon Chair is composed of pentahedral volumes; five-faced triangular shapes. The triangle is one of the earliest known geometric forms, with its use dating back to over 5.000 y...
Oak, Walnut
$976Sale Price|30% Off
Hand-Crafted Brutalist Tripod Spanish Birthing Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Handcrafted Brutalist Tripod Spanish / Birthing Chair. Measures: 20" in width, 16" in depth and 29" H . Seat height is 14.5"
Fruitwood
3-Legged Brutalist Rustic Modern Sculptured Chair, 1960s France
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Brutalist rustic modern sculptured chair. As you can see in the last two photos, we have many different interesting wooden chairs and other home furniture.
Cowhide, Wood
Pair of Brutalist Tripod Feline Chairs C50s/60s Spain
Located in Trensacq, FR
Rare pair of Spanish Brutalist Cat tripod chairs, C1950s. A quirky duo of handcrafted gouge-work, folding feline chairs with a great naive primitive lo...
Wood
Set of 6 Olavi Hänninen Solid Wood Chairs - T chairs
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Description: Presenting a remarkable set of six chairs designed by the renowned Finnish designer Olavi Hänninen. Crafted from rich, solid wood, these chairs embody a blend of rustic...
Elm
$5,766 / item
Sculpted Armchair in Solid Oak Wood '4 Legs'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Armchair made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Dimensions : H. 82 x 48 x 48 cm (SH. 45 cm) Customizable Founded by artist Denis Milovanov, SÓHA design studio conceive...
Oak
Pair Brutalist Pine Chairs Portugal 1970s Hand-Carved Sculptural Modernist Desig
Located in Lisboa, PT
This pair of Brutalist chairs from Portugal, dating to the 1970s, is crafted from solid pine with a bold, hand-carved aesthetic. The chairs are co...
Pine
Concrete Chair Jonas Bohlin, 1980's
By Jonas Bohlin
Located in Uccle, BE
Iconic chair designed by Swedish designer Jonas Bohlin for Källemo. Signed by designer Provex JB. The chair was produced in 1981 and only 100 chairs were made.
Concrete, Cut Steel
Brutalist Stained Beech Dining Chairs, France 1960s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Almelo, NL
Brutalist stained beech dining chairs, France 1960s Brutalist, stained beech dining chairs with octagonal tapered legs, curved in the back, France 1960s. These chairs are made entirely of wood. They are in excellent original condition. No defects, but it may show slight traces of use. The color of the wood is very warm and is suitable for many settings. It works perfectly in hospitality or corporate locations like hotels, restaurants, members' clubs, or coffee bars. When you choose for used modern design, you use what is already there, making it sustainable. You may not give the furniture a second, but even a third or fourth life. Mid-century design furniture is often a high-quality product that lasts several lives for a reason. Some furniture has a rich history, and the story is still visible or tangible with some. The signs of wear give a glimpse into the previous owner's life. Price per chair, 100...
Beech
Brutalist Sculptured Solid Wood High Back Chair, France 1950s
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Beautiful mid-century solid wooden chairs made in France during the 1950s. The striking appearance of these French chairs is characterised by the high backrest with its robust foot ...
Wood
$1,279 / item
Mobichalet Brutalist set of 4 Solid Wood Chairs 1960
By Mobichalet
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Mobichalet, founded by a teacher turned cabinetmaker named Joseph Deffense in Beauraing, Belgium, in 1950, had been active a decade, aiming at furnishing second homes with rustic furnitures, which left a sought after legacy of strikingly powerful and peculiar handcrafted brutalist pieces. The chairs forming this set are typical of the designer : the seat itself is a solid slab of pine wood, the headrest is thick, a simple rectangular cuboid, and, as expected in a brutalist design, the construction is very simple yet efficient and sturdy with no sharp angles. This extremely nice set features an homogeneous seat height and very good backrest angle through all the chairs, ensuring an unexpected and consistent comfort. Under the seat, as illustrated in the pictures, the brand logo is directly carved - or drilled - in the wood with large stencil...
Pine
Swedish Stump Chair 1850's
Located in Farsta, SE
Heavily patinated Swedish Stump Chair, made in ca 1850's. That has withstand the test of time. It’s repaired with iron studs and plates. Height: 69,5 cm Seat Height: 48 cm Width: 41...
Pine
$5,766 / item
Sculpted Armchair in Solid Oak Wood
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Armchair made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Dimensions: H. 82 x 48 x 48 cm (SH 45 cm) Founded by artist Denis Milovanov, SÓHA design studio conceives and produces f...
Oak
Set of Four Brutalist Wrought Iron & Wood Barstools vintage Germany 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous set of Brutalist barstools. Set of four 'Brutalist' bar stools, in wood and wrought iron, Germany, 1970s. A curved seat with iron frame and handles. The curved form makes ...
Metal
Sculptural Carved Chair From Walnut Wood, Log Furniture, Organic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique chainsaw carved wooden functional sculpture usable as chair. Crafted from walnut wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Natural...
Wood, Walnut
Solid Wood Sculptural Side Table, Stool, Organic, Rustic, Carved, Black, Charred
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique chainsaw carved wooden functional sculpture usable as a multifunctional piece such as, tabouret, side table, night stand or even pedestal for your art. Carved from a single pi...
Wood
Primitive Stump Chair in Pine, Hand Carved, Swedish Modern, Wabi Sabi, 1900s
Located in Odense, DK
A cute primitive stump chair made in solid pine with an iron ring attached. Hand carved by an unknown Swedish cabinetmaker in the early 1900s. A lovely wabi sabi piece for the modern...
Pine
French Provincial oak chair, 1960s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Solid oak chairs. Slight traces of use.
Oak
Sculptural brutalist chair in solid oak in wabi-sabi style
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Wabi Sabi - Vintage - Decoration Measures : 46x53 H:90 SH:48cm Solid Wood and Resin inlay - Handcrafted from solid oak, ensuring durability and a robust appearance. - The wabi-sabi ...
Oak
A Set of 4 BRUTALIST RUSTIC MODERN CHAIRS by GEORGES ROBERT, France 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
A suite of 4 massive chairs, Modernist, Brutalist, Popular Art, impressive solid wood structures with thick legs, mulch seats, by Georges Robert, France 1950. CONDITION: In beautifu...
Leather, Elm
Set of Primitive Brutalist Chairs in Solid Wood, T chairs, Olavi Hänninen
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
This striking set of early 20th-century Brutalist chairs is attributed to Finnish designer Olavi Hanninen, known for his raw, sculptural approach to furniture. Crafted from solid har...
Elm
$2,488Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Brutalist 1970s Solid Oak Dining Chairs, Postmodern Switzerland
Located in Basel, BS
Solid Oak Brutalist, Postmodern Dining chairs from the 1970s. Very sturdy and comfortable, high quality design, made in Switzerland. The solid oak wood grain is phenomenal. Origina...
Upholstery, Oak
A Brutalist Folk Art Alpine set of Four Chairs, France, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This beautiful set of four solid oak chairs features hand-carved, folk-style ornamentation of decorative leaf varieties in a rustic alpine atmosphere. The tapered seat is supported b...
Wood, Oak
$3,286 / set
Set of four brutalist Oak dining Chairs, 1960s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
This exceptional set of four dining chairs, crafted in solid oak, embodies the robust and timeless aesthetic of Dutch mid-century design. Dating from the 1960s, these chairs showcase...
Leather, Oak
Paire de chaises brutalistes en orme massif par Aranjou 1960's
By Aranjou
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Paire de chaises brutalistes en orme massif par Aranjou 1960's Les chaises Aranjou incarnent l’authenticité et le savoir-faire du design français des années 1950 à 1970. Réalisées en bois massif, le plus souvent en orme, elles séduisent par leur solidité, leur confort et leur esthétique brute, presque sculpturale. Chaque pièce témoigne d’un travail artisanal minutieux : lignes épurées, assemblages robustes et patine chaleureuse confèrent à ces assises une présence unique. Certaines créations s’inspirent du design nordique et dialoguent avec l’univers d’Olavi Hänninen, tout en affirmant une identité propre, plus rustique et terrienne. À mi-chemin entre tradition et modernité, les chaises Aranjou traversent les décennies sans perdre de leur force. Elles séduisent aujourd’hui les amateurs de mobilier vintage...
Elm
8 BRUTALIST RUSTIC MODERN Modernist CHAIRS by CHARLES DUDOUYDT, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
A set of 8 powerfull chairs in massive dark wood and bright straw seatings, by Charles Dudouyt, France 1950. The thick wood structures are giving the chairs a strong and solid feel, ...
Straw, Bentwood
Pair of Sculptural Concrete Zig Zag Chairs, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial set of concrete zig zag chairs. Exceptional presence. Stunning presence and design. Industrial steel rebar runs inside the concrete reinforcing the chair and table giving...
Concrete
Brutalist Spanish Midcentury Sculptural Tripod Chair
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Introducing the Exquisite Brutalist Spanish Sculptural midcentury Tripod Chair from 1950 Looking to add a touch of unique sophistication to your interior? Look no further than the Br...
Wood
Silvio Coppola for Fratelli Montina Dining Chairs, Italy 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Silvio Coppola for Fratelli Montina Dining room Chairs, Italy, 1970s Introducing a remarkable set of four dining room chairs, expertly crafted from blond pine wood, designed by the ...
Pine
Solid Wood Sculptural Side Table, Charred Black Wood, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique chainsaw carved wooden functional sculpture usable as a multifunctional piece such as, tabouret, side table, night stand or even pedestal for your art. Carved from a single pi...
Wood
Set of 4 Brutalist Chairs by Silvio Coppola for Roche Bobois France Massive Wood
Located in BELFORT, FR
Set of four brutalist chairs designed by Silvio Coppola for Roche Bobois, France, in the 1970's. They're in massive pine wood. They're in nice condition, wear consistent with age a...
Wood, Pine
$1,878 / set
Set of 6 Brutalist Oak Raw Spanish Dining Chairs
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Gorgeous oak chairs with the original leather seat and oak frame. Clear pin hole connections give the chairs a nice robust look. The stools are in a good condition with some visibl...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Pierre Jeanneret Office Chairs with Serial Codes, Chandigarh, 1950s
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
A rare pair of office armchairs designed by Pierre Jeanneret for the Chandigarh administrative buildings, circa 1955-1960. With their solid teak frames, angular compass-style legs, ...
Fabric, Cane, Teak
Sculptural Bar Chair, High Stool, Solid Wood, Carved, Black, Rustic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This sculptural chair is a singular expression of raw craftsmanship, carved by hand from a solid hardwood log and blackened using the ancient Japanese shou sugi ban technique. Its dr...
Wood
Postmodern Brutalist Wooden Children Chair, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist children's chair made of wood. The design convinces with its clear lines and its materiality. The individual wooden elements are added to this object with elaborate connec...
Wood
$2,824 / set
Set of 8 French Brutalist Solid Oak Chairs
Located in Waasmunster, BE
Set of 8 French Brutalist Solid Oak Chairs
Oak
Spanish Hand-Carved Brutalist Fireside Chair with Studded Seating
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible hand-carved fireside chair with studded seating. This ornate piece displays Spanish artisan craftsmanship at its finest. Low and wide...
Metal
Willy Guhl Style Concrete Tulip Chairs, 1970s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique set of concrete aggregate chairs with a Tulip style base. Very unusual chairs with light patina and nice coloring. Good condition. Extremely heavy and well made. Priced as a pair of 2 chairs...
Concrete
$5,282 / item
Sculpted Chair N3 in Solid Oak Wood
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Chair made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Dimensions: H. 82 x 48 x 48 cm (SH 45 cm) Warm furniture’s made by Russian designer Denis Milovanov from "Soha" studio. Sim...
Oak
$4,575 / item
"Cadre" Chair
Located in London, London
Brutalist chair in steel with a smooth waxed finish. Stephane Ducatteau's pieces are sculptural and yet ergonomic and functional. He uses a range of metal treatments to achieve a glossy soft finish. Please note that this particular Cadre chair...
Steel
$463 / item
Vintage Wooden Brutalist Chairs 1970
Located in Mortsel, BE
We have a larger quantity of this piece so this makes it perfect if you are searching for multiple pieces. Very sturdy brutalist wooden chairs.
Wood
Studio Made Sculptural Chain Side Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. Studio made in Michigan. Super uncomfortable
Metal
Brutalist Patinated Leather and Wood Easy Chairs, Spain, 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Brutalist Patinated Leather and Wood Easy Chairs, Spain, 1950s A striking pair of mid-20th century easy chairs, crafted in Spain during the 1950s. These Brutalist lounge chairs feat...
Leather, Beech
Pair of Brutalist Spade Chairs, The Netherlands ca 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Brutalist design - deriving from the French word brut, meaning “raw” – is characterised by a deliberate plainness and crudity. It emerged in the mid-20th century and gained popularit...
Wood
Set of 3 - Sculptural 'Mammut' Counter Stool - Custom Stain Option - In Stock
Located in Calgary, AB
Mammut counter stool - crafted in solid Ash, made in Canada. Complex, functional joinery transcends current trends making this piece a timeless addition to any interior. This set of...
Wood, Ash
$3,365Sale Price|34% Off
Brutalist Dark Brown Trigon Chair
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This Trigon Chair is a showroom model in excellent condition. - Its designed by Aad Bos and crafted in the Netherlands. - Dimensions: L:105 x W:48 x H:105 cm. - Seat height: 45 cm...
Oak
Set of Four Torbecchia Dining Chairs by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova
By Giovanni Michelucci, Poltronova
Located in Dronten, NL
Set of 4 dining chairs from the Torbecchia series, designed by brutalist architect Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, 1964. Solid walnut structure with seats upholstered in cane. ...
Cane, Walnut
$10,644 / item
James de Wulf Concrete Lowboy Block Chair
Located in Paia, HI
The first chair design by James de Wulf. Weighing 750 pounds, the Block Chair is a grounded landscape fixture. High loft cushions are molded into the seat, removable for laundering. ...
Concrete
$5,282 / item
Sculpted Chair N2 in Solid Oak Wood
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Chair made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Dimensions: H. 82 x 48 x 48 cm (SH 45 cm) SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects...
Oak
Set of solid oak and wicker chairs, carved Savina Joseph style
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Set of two Scandinavian armchairs and four chairs from the 1950s in the style of Joseph Savina's work. Solid oak structure carved on the top of the backs. Wicker straw seats (period)...
Wicker, Oak
$8,426Sale Price / set|20% Off
Round Post Modern 1980s Brutalist Mcm Beech Dining Chairs, Set of 6
Located in Basel, BS
Absolutely incredible, and very stylish Post Modern Brutalist set of 6 dining chairs. Extreme attention to detail on these masterfully made chairs and table--Sculptural elements thr...
Beech
French Provincial oak chair, 1960s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Solid oak chairs. Slight traces of use.
Oak