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.
Brutalist Lounge Chair in Solid Pine, Swedish Modern, Made in the 1970s
By Roland Wilhelmsson, Sven Larsson, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Odense, DK
A comfortable lounge chair in solid pine, upholstered in a vintage fabric. Attributed to Swedish Designer Sven Larsson. Made in the 1970s. The sturdy pine frame is defined by clean...
Pine
Brutalist Lounge Chair by Abraham Sprij for Sprij Furniture Holland, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Brutalist lounge chair. Design by Abraham Sprij for Sprij Furniture Holland. Striking Dutch design from the 1960s. Solid oak frame with original black faux leath...
Faux Leather, Oak
$6,312Sale Price / item|15% Off
Muted by NONO No38 Sculptural Lounge Chair Artistic Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No38 Sculptural Lounge Chair Artistic Elegance — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NON...
Hardwood
Swivel Chair Elegant Design Muted by Joel Escalona No23
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Swivel Chair Elegant Design Muted by Joel Escalona No23 — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NONO. Thi...
Hardwood
Pair of 1970's Carl Straub Brutalist pine and leather lounge chairs - loveseat
By Carl Straub
Located in Liberty, NY
Fantastic pair of Carl Straub brutalist pine and leather lounge chairs made in 1974 in Germany. The large leather cushions rest on a leather sling that strap and buckle to the heavy ...
Leather, Pine
Pair of 1970's Scandinavian brutalist pine lounge chairs with ottoman
Located in Liberty, NY
Great pair of 1970's brutalist pine lounge chairs with ottoman - Scandinavian in style, similar to some Yngve Ekstrom designs, although I believe they are made by Herlag in Germany....
Cotton, Pine
Danish Modern, A Pair of Lounge Chairs in Pine & Wool by Christian IV, 1970s
By Hans Frydendal 1, Christian IV
Located in Odense, DK
A lovely pair of lounge chairs in solid Pomeranian pine, with cushions upholstered in a textured wool-blend fabric featuring fine vertical pinstripes in a muted rose hue. The fabric ...
Wool, Pine
Wooden Lounge Chair, Carved From Single Piece of Wood, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique functional sculpture carved from a single piece of wood in the shape of an lounge chair. Each piece in our production is carved by artists with basic wood carving power tools....
Wood
Luxury Office Chair Ergonomic Design Muted by Joel Escalona No05
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Luxury Office Chair Ergonomic Design Muted by Joel Escalona No05 — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the...
Hardwood
Mid Century Brutalist Danish Pine and Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage 1970’s Danish Brutalist Stained Pine and Brown Leather Sling Loveseat. Reminiscent of Brazilian Mid Century and Brutalist designs such as those by Percival Lafer. This unique...
Leather, Canvas, Pine
Muted by NONO No12 Sturdy Wooden Chair Modernist Flair
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No12 Sturdy Wooden Chair Modernist Flair — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NONO. This...
Hardwood
Muted by NONO No08 Sculptural Lounge Chair Artistic Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No08 Sculptural Lounge Chair Artistic Elegance — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lo...
Hardwood
Muted by NONO No18 Accent Chair Contemporary Comfort
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No18 Accent Chair Contemporary Comfort — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chai...
Hardwood
$6,684Sale Price|10% Off
Contemporary Lobby Chair Sleek Design Muted by Joel Escalona No03
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contemporary Lobby Chair Sleek Design Muted by Joel Escalona No03——— Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by...
Hardwood
Minimalist Brutalist Lounge Chair, Burn Oak Wood Muted D Easy Chair by NONO
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Minimalist Brutalist Lounge Chair, Burn Oak Wood Muted Easy Chair by NONO Brutalist chairs boast a strong, yet passive presence with minimalist designs that highlight the rich text...
Hardwood
Muted by NONO No04 Solid Wood Chair Timeless Brutalist Aesthetic
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No04 Solid Wood Chair Timeless Brutalist Aesthetic — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by...
Hardwood
Pair Brutalist Black Leather & Cast Solid Brass Lounge Chair by Egg Designs
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
Egg Designs’ Primal lounge chair Set Pair (2024) is a bold, Brutalist-inspired statement piece, crafted with sculptural presence and rich material contrast. Upholstered in black leat...
Brass
$7,427 / item
Muted by NONO No26 Footstool Elegant Companion Piece
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No26 Footstool Elegant Companion Piece — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NONO. This ...
Hardwood
Pair of low Mid-century Design Brutalist lounge chairs / arm chairs in solid oak
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Add a bold statement to your living space with this stunning pair of Brutalist oak lounge chairs from the 1960s. These chairs exemplify the raw, powerful aesthetic of Brutalist desig...
Oak
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Lounge Chair, dark Stained Oak style of Viggo Boesen
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This compact Danish modern lounge chair in dark-stained oak, echoing Viggo Boesen's iconic 1960s style. This chair combines form and function with its modest size, high back, and low...
Fabric, Oak
$8,800 / set
Pair of Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Drum Chairs
By Craft Associates, Paul Evans, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of Adrian Pearsall designed “Sculptura” round chairs for Craft Associates in 'brutalist' style sculpted bronze resin 'goop' over molded drum-form plywood frame, upholstered in original plush faux fur...
Resin, Wood
Brutalist Oak Lounge Chair by Lou Hodges
By Lou Hodges
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Reupholstered in Paction Larsen fabric. Frame fully refinished.
Fabric, Oak
$3,481 / set
Pair of 1970s Brutalist Solid Oak Side Chairs
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A striking pair of Brutalist side chairs, handcrafted in solid oak during the 1970s. These pieces capture the bold architectural spirit of the period, defined by their powerful geome...
Wood
Danish Large 1970s Brutalist Club Chair in Suede with Noble Patina and Wear
By Niels Eilersen, Jens Juul Eilersen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful oversized lounge chair in brutalist style. Designed by Jens Juul Eilersen for N. Eilersen and made in the 1970's. Eilersen is one of the storied Danish manufacturers that h...
Suede, Beech
Muted by NONO No12 Sturdy Wooden Chair Modernist Flair
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No12 Sturdy Wooden Chair Modernist Flair — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Ch...
Hardwood
Paul Evans Style Brutalist Handmade Brass & Leather Lounge Chair, a Pair
By Paul Evans
Located in Plainview, NY
These exceptional lounge chairs inspired by the bold and sculptural aesthetic of Paul Evans' Brutalist designs, seamlessly blend industrial artistry with Art Deco elegance. Masterful...
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s set of Low & High Back Lounge Chair Oak, Style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A beautiful set of design chairs, resembling the style of Henning Henry Kjærnulf, forms a rare sculptural find. This set is crafted from oak and retaining their original savak wool u...
Fabric, Oak
Muted by NONO No20 Sofa Chair Plush Luxury Seating
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No20 Sofa Chair Plush Luxury Seating — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chair...
Hardwood
1970’s French Brutalist Oak and Red Velvet Lounge Chair
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Brutalist Oak Lounge Chair c.1970’s, likely French, maker unknown. Solid oak frames with cutout detail on arms and mortise and tenon at upper sides of backrest. Upholstered i...
Velvet, Oak
$3,700Sale Price|26% Off
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Brutalist Drum Pod Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Wayne, NJ
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Brutalist Chair . The highly decorated resin surfaces are similiar to Paul Evans Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Series studio pieces. The resin on these h...
Fabric
Story Book Brutalist Wabi Sabi Oak Fire place Lounge / Arm Chairs
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
2x Two robust and heavy dark oak chairs. Fit perfectly with the style of designers such as Henning Kjærnulf, Axel Einar Hjorth, Charlotte Perriand, Jea...
Oak
Muted by NONO No10 Solid Oak Chair Minimalist Luxury
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No10 Solid Oak Chair Minimalist Luxury — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chai...
Hardwood
Elegant Lounge Chair High Comfort Muted by Joel Escalona No13
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elegant Bar Stool High Comfort Muted by Joel Escalona No13 — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NONO. ...
Hardwood
Two Armchairs in Oak & Longhaired Icelandic Sheepskin, Henning Kjærnulf, 1950
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of two rare sculptural Danish modern lounge chairs in solid oak, back and seat reupholstered in longhaired icelandic sheepskin. Attributed to Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for Nyru...
Sheepskin, Oak
Muted by NONO No08 Sculptural Lounge Chair Artistic Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No08 Sculptural Lounge Chair Artistic Elegance — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lo...
Hardwood
Brutalist Design Oak Wingback Lounge Chair, Netherlands 1950's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Brutalist Design Oak Wingback Lounge Chair. Made in the Netherlands, 1950's / 60's period. Solid oak constructed fauteuil. New seat and back cushions have been made to measur...
Fabric, Oak
Muted by NONO No06 Dining Chair Elegant Simplicity Solid Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No06 Dining Chair Elegant Simplicity Solid Wood — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NO...
Hardwood
Muted by NONO No10 Solid Oak Chair Minimalist Luxury
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No10 Solid Oak Chair Minimalist Luxury — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NONO. This s...
Hardwood
$6,684Sale Price|10% Off
Modern Chair Solid Oak Sculptural Form Muted by Joel Escalona No01
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Chair Solid Oak Sculptural Form Muted by Joel Escalona No01 ——— Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection ...
Hardwood
Minimalist Brutalist Lounge Chair, Burn Oak Wood Muted E Easy Chair by NONO
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Minimalist Brutalist Lounge chair, Burn Oak Wood Muted Easy Chair by NONO Brutalist chairs boast a strong, yet passive presence with minimalist designs that highlight the rich text...
Hardwood
Solid Wood Chair Minimalist Design Muted by Joel Escalona No15
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solid Wood Stool Minimalist Design Muted by Joel Escalona No15 — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by N...
Hardwood
Muted by NONO No02 Minimalist Lounge Chair Solid Wood Comfort
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No02 Minimalist Lounge Chair Solid Wood Comfort ——— Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NO...
Hardwood
Muted by NONO No16 Comfort Lounge Chair Sleek Modernism
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No16 Comfort Lounge Chair Sleek Modernism — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NONO. Thi...
Hardwood
$5,941Sale Price|20% Off
Office Desk Chair Ergonomic Solid Wood Muted by Joel Escalona No17
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Office Desk Chair Ergonomic Solid Wood Muted by Joel Escalona No17 — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with...
Hardwood
Architectural Square Design Oak Lounge Chair, Belgium 1950's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Architectural Square Brutalist Design Oak Lounge Chair. Made in Belgium, 1950's / 60's period. Solid Oak constructed armchair with open slat back. Refitted with high quality ...
Fabric, Oak
Brutalist Oak Lounge Chairs by Esko Pajamies for ASKO, Finland (1970s)
Located in Almelo, NL
Brutalist Oak Lounge Chairs by Esko Pajamies for ASKO, Finland (1970s) These are rare versions of the brutalist lounge chairs designed by Esko Pajamies for ASKO in Finland during th...
Upholstery, Oak
Brutalist Spanish Lounge Chair in Solid Oak and Warm Ochre Suede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, solid oak, suede, Spain, 1960s This chair is a Spanish lounge chair from the 1960s, designed in a Brutalist spirit. Its form is bold and architectural, prioritizing ma...
Suede, Pine
Olive tree root armchair, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Olive tree root wooden lounge chair with footstool. This all natural tree root chair is absolutely stunning and shaped by nature. Its very heavy and ...
Wood, Olive
Pine And Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Toronto, CA
Black leather and glossy pine make for fine companions in inviting lounge chair. The snug fit of the cushions in the frame implies coziness, inviting you to make yourself at home. Sm...
Leather, Pine
$6,684Sale Price|10% Off
Muted by NONO No14 Club Chair Luxurious Seating Solution
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No14 Club Chair Luxurious Seating Solution — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge ...
Hardwood
$6,684Sale Price|10% Off
Muted by NONO No16 Comfort Lounge Chair Sleek Modernism
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No16 Comfort Lounge Chair Sleek Modernism — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge C...
Hardwood
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Small Spanish brutalist leather chair
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Small Spanish chair - approx. from the 1950s/1960s. Brutalist. In leather and stained pine with decorative copper buttons on the seat and backrest. It is a little petite in size, s...
Leather, Pine
Contemporary Lobby Chair Sleek Design Muted by Joel Escalona No03
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contemporary Lobby Chair Sleek Design Muted by Joel Escalona No03——— Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by...
Hardwood
Brutalist Occasional Chair with Pleated Rust Velvet Cushion
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1980s Brutalist occasional chair attributed to Italian artist and designer Luigi Serafini for Sawaya & Moroni. The artisan-made, iron silhouette features a whimsical abstract form ...
Iron
$5,941Sale Price|20% Off
Rocking Chair Modern Design Muted by Joel Escalona No19
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Rocking Chair Modern Design Muted by Joel Escalona No19 — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NONO. Th...
Hardwood
Muted by NONO No18 Accent Chair Contemporary Comfort
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No18 Accent Chair Contemporary Comfort — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chai...
Hardwood
Two vintage oak armchairs by Abraham 'Bram' Sprij, 1960's
By Bram Sprij
Located in CASTENRAY, NL
Pair of low-back 'Siegfried' Lounge Chairs in Solid Oak and freshly reupholstered with quality bouclé fabric by Abraham 'Bram' Sprij for 'Sprij Meubelen' Vlaardingen, The Netherlands...
Bouclé, Oak
$7,427 / item
Muted by NONO No60 Chair Made of Solid Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No60 Chair Made of Solid Wood — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NONO. This series, me...
Hardwood
$7,427 / item
Muted by NONO No56 Footstool Elegant Companion Piece
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No56 Footstool Elegant Companion Piece — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NONO. This s...
Hardwood
1970s Brutalist Mid Century Modern Lounge Side Chair Armchair--2 Available
Located in Madison, WI
Very cool, stylish Brutalist 1970's lounge / side / accent chairs, 2 available, sold individually. Shipping can be combined. Dimensions: Total height ...
Upholstery, Oak