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.
Mid Century Brutalist Credenza or Dresser by Lane
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Lane Credenza or Dresser. Long and low, perfect as a TV stand/media console or in your bedroom as a dresser. Walnut case with chrome pulls, and marquetry...
Wood, Walnut
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze "Stalagmite" Coffee Table, Signed brutalist MCM
By Paul Evans
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Paul Evans designed Pe-71 coffee table Stunning designer collectors piece that's in great original condition. The glass top has surface scratches . Dim: 42" D x 16" H
Metal
Solid Wood Bench, Log Bench, Charred, Organic, Modern Sculptural Seat, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This unique seating piece is a one of a kind functional sculpture, carved from a single piece of solid hardwood to ensure its monolithic strength and permanent character. The design ...
Wood, Oak
Mid Century Brutalist Gentleman's Chest Dresser by Lane
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Lane Tallboy Gentleman’s chest dresser. Walnut case with chrome pulls, and marquetry on doors. Doors open to interior divided...
Wood, Walnut
$3,228Sale Price|20% Off
Large Spanish Sunburst Light Fixture in Wrought Gilt Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Gilt Iron Foliage Sunburst Ceiling Light Fixture, Spain 1950s. Large size. This piece was entirely made by hand in hammered iron. Richly decorated with leaves in two siz...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Original metal Brutalist wall lamp Octopus by Salvino Marsura, Italy 1980s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Rare mid-century modern metal Brutalist wall lamp Octopus by Salvino Marsura, made in Italy in the 1980s. Salvino Marsura is an Italian artist born in Treviso in 1938. His career be...
Metal
Brutalist pendant lamp by Felipe Delfinger for Feders, Mexico, 1960s
By Longobard, Tiffany Studios, Poliarte, Felipe Delfinger
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist pendant lamp by Felipe Delfinger for Feders, Mexico, 1960s. Custom stained glass diffuser in blue, orange, caramel and white tones, combined with a brass structure. Crafted...
Metal, Brass
c.1960s Monumental Brutalist Abstract Sculpture by Calif. Artist Tony Melendy
By Tony Melendy
Located in Oakland, CA
Monumental torch cut Brutalist Abstract sculpture by California artist Tony Melendy c.1960s. A figurative abstract sculpture with intricate metal work details through out the entire ...
Metal
Solid oak wooden dining table Brut by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut table takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. Designed by Aad B...
Oak
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 Lounge Chair in Solid Pine, Swedish Modern, Made in the 1970s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Sven Larsson, Roland Wilhelmsson
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
A Beautiful Slate and Oak Coffee Table by Carl Straub, Circa 1960’s
By Carl Straub
Located in Hastings, GB
A Beautiful Slate and Oak Coffee Table by Carl Straub, Circa 1960’s This beautiful oak and slate contrasting table, not only has an elegance but also a playful use of weight and bal...
Slate
Scandinavian Modern, Stump Chair / “Kubstol” in Pine, Mid 20th Century, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A fine example of a mid 20th-century Swedish Stump Chair, "Kubstol", crafted in pine with a sculptural silhouette and clean lines. The chair’s understated character is enhanced by th...
Pine
$1,500 / item
Stool 014 (st-ar-014)
Located in Ridgewood, NY
The ST-AR-014 is a small-batch, sculptural concrete stool designed and handmade in Brooklyn, NY. Raw yet refined, it balances functionality with an imagistic presence—serving equally...
Concrete, Cement
Brutalist Strictly Spanish Swivel Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall c. 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Brutalist swivel lounge chair, designed by Adrian Pearsall as part of the Strictly Spanish series. The chair features a scoop form upholstered seat and exaggerated elongated b...
Upholstery, Wood
In Stock - STOR Dining Table Stained Solid Ash - 123"x49"
Located in Calgary, AB
Oversized turned legs and exposed joinery make a bold statement. The exposed end-grain joint is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, a detail that visibly confirms solid wood ...
Ash
Vintage 1960s Danish Oak Dining Chairs style of Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A complete set of four Danish Brutalist dining chairs from the 1960s, directly channeling the distinctive "Baroque Modern" vernacular of master designer Henning Kjærnulf. This suite ...
Oak
Abstract Modernist Bronze Sculpture Figural with Brutalist Relief Texture 1970s
By Lynn Chadwick
Located in Troy, MI
Unique post-war abstract sculpture in solid bronze Anonymous artist circa 1970's Slab like torso cast in deep relief texture and nuanced patinas Three elongated legs and subtly offs...
Bronze
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Brasilia Style Nightstands
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Stunning pair of brutalist style vintage 1970s walnut with metal corners nightstands by Tabago Canada. This set is in great condition with minimal signs of wear. Adjustable shelf ...
Metal
Free Form Organic Designer Coffee Table In Aged Plaster Finish
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A contemporary addition to your living space, this piece radiates the beauty of nature and serves a practical purpose. The coffee table features a captivating organic shape that draw...
Marble
1960s Mid-Century Modern William Bowie Brutalist Nail Geometric Wall Sculpture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Sculptor William Bowie (1926-1994, Large 1960s Mid-Century Modern brutalist or geometric nail wall sculpture. Can hung any way you want, there is no designated top or bottom. Unsigne...
Steel
Japanese Antique Brutalist Side Table 1860s-1900s / Coffee Table Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese Brutalist side table. It is composed of materials that were originally used during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s), and it po...
Wood
Pair of Brutalist Oak Armchairs, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
This striking pair of Brutalist armchairs was produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1970s. Crafted from solid oak, the chairs present a powerful architectural presence defined by bol...
Oak, Fabric, Wood
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This captivating sculpture is a one of a kind piece, hand carved from a single block of solid hardwood. Its form is a continuous, biomorphic loop, an abstract ribbon of wood that twi...
Walnut, 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
Sculptural Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Black Wood, Carved, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This commanding functional sculpture is hand-carved from a single, massive hardwood log. It features a substantial, thick circular top supported by heavy legs that have been hand-hew...
Wood
Paul Evans Wall Mounted Sculpted Bronze Brutalist Sideboard, USA, 1969
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Paul Evans Wall Mounted Sculpted Bronze Brutalist Sideboard, USA, 1969 An exceptional example from Paul Evans’ iconic sculpted bronze series, this brutalist sideboard was created in ...
Slate, Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist Wood and Leather Safari Armchair, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Imposant armchair with leather covering. A brutalist design. An impressive and cozy solitaire. The material combination of dark stained wood and brown leather is striking. The cheek...
Leather, 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
Brutalist, Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp, Double Decker Lamp by Streicher Goods
By Ethan Streicher, Streicher Goods
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Double Decker lamp is a tall, brutalist-inspired table lamp, perfect for lighting in larger living spaces, created by Streicher Goods in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp is composed of a...
Brass
Unique Hand Forged Cheese Spread Knife Brutalist Style
By Arthur Court
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare hand forged unique cheese spreader knife great brutalist design.
Metal
Sculptural Matte Black Ceramic Vase, Contemporary Organic Modern Design
Located in Istanbul, TR
This contemporary ceramic vase is handcrafted in stoneware and finished in a deep matte black surface that highlights its sculptural silhouette. The form features a fluid, organic pr...
Stoneware
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
Vintage Danish Brutalist Ladder Back Oak Dining Chairs, 1960s. Set of 8.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Brutalist Ladder Back Oak Dining Chairs, 1960s. Set of 8. Scandinavian Mid-Century modern dining room chairs in Nordic oak. Very likely designed by Henning Kjærnulf, ...
Oak
Brutalist solid Oak Coffee Table by De Puydt Belgium, 1970s
By De Puydt
Located in Berlin, DE
Brutalist solid Oak coffe table by De Puydt. De Puydt was a Belgian furniture manufacturer known for producing high-quality, modern designs during the mid-20th century, particularly ...
Steel
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
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
Danish Brutalist Historicism Stool and Side Table Handturned Solid Oak ca 1900
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish stool and side table with frame and legs of hand-turned solid oak. The stool seat s made with a circular shape slight concave form, good to sit on. Crafted by skilled Danis...
Oak
$1,044Sale Price / set|40% Off
Mazzega murano glass Wall lighting Brutalist Pair , 1960s
By Mazzega
Located in La xara, VC
Original Period light Original lamp from the 50s/60s in the brutalist trend. a decorative piece that will give a unique atmosphere to your interior . There are several reasons to bu...
Metal, Iron
Gran Cabinete Brutalista Pieza Única
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sumérgete en la nostalgia del pasado con este cautivador aparador de estilo brutalista vintage, una obra maestra de la artesanía española. Fabricado en madera, con excelentes acabado...
Wood
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Wave Chaise Longue Chair - Mid Century Modern Lounge
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Decatur, GA
Rare Brutalist style "Goop" base wave chaise by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1970s. All new foam and leopard print velvet. Excellent condition. Base is free of any chi...
Velvet, Resin
Mid-Century Italian Brutalist Bronze Amadeus Series Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Italian Brutalist Bronze Amadeus Series Candleholder by Kurt Jesch for Fratelli Tonini, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additio...
Metal
$1,200 / set
Pair of Wall lights by Bruno Herbst Sweden 1970s
By Bruno Herbst
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of large, heavy 1970s Bruno Herbst metal and glass wall lamps. A rare model clean and simple design executed in its original lacquer metal. Heavy duty style, almost Brutalist ...
Metal
Five Brutalist Tyrolean or Swiss Mountain Chairs, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant set of five Brutalist Tyrolean or Swiss Mountain chairs. Striking design from the Tyrol region of the Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps. Solid ash hand-crafted fr...
Ash
Tobago Mid-Century Dresser, Canadian, 2 Drawers, Vintage, 1975
Located in Montréal, CA
Tobago Canadian dresser – 9 drawers. This vintage piece features a central section with three drawers flanked by six hidden drawers, three on each side, offering clever and versatile...
Walnut
French Provincial oak chair, 1960s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Solid oak chairs. Slight traces of use.
Oak
Rustic solid oak coffee table with a one piece top, France 1950s
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Axel Vervoordt
Located in ECHT, NL
Rustic wabi sabi coffee table. Made in France in the 1950s. Made from solid oak. What makes this table special is that the top is a single slab of natural shaped oak. It has an amazi...
Oak
Mid Century Brutalist Danish Pine and Leather Loveseat
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
$9,911Sale Price / item|10% Off
Concrete Circular Dining Table Atlante Ultra High Perfomance Cement Mortar
Located in Rome, Lazio
Atlante is a round dining table with essential lines and a strong inspiration. Completely fashioned in UHPC concrete mortar by a team of expert artisans, this table perfeclty emodie...
Concrete
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
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
Harry Balmer Harold Weiss Laurel Ribbon Brutalist Table Lamp c. 1960/70's
By Laurel Lamp Company, Harry Balmer
Located in New York, NY
Classic Brutalist school table lamp designed by Harry Balmer and Harold Weiss, for the Laurel Lamp Co. circa 1960/70's. Known as the Ribbon Lamp, this piece features an exaggerated ...
Metal, Copper
Big murano table lamps in the style of F. Fabbian, Italy, 1970s, set of 2
By F. Fabbian
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of big table lamps from the 70s, in the style, design and manufacture of the Italian glass brand F. Fabbian. The shade is conical in two-tone Murano glass and the structure is p...
Brass
Brutalist Oak Arts and Crafts Antique Hall Chair in Manner of Charles Limbert
Located in Lutz, FL
Antique Brutalist Oak American Arts and Crafts Hall or Accent chair in the style of Charles Limbert, Reischmann label present underneath in addition to very old upholstery shop label...
Naugahyde, Oak
Jean-Jacques Argueyrolles Gilt Metal Sconces, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Jean-Jacques Argueyrolles (French, b. 1954) Pair of Gilt Metal Brutalist Wall Sconces. 78" H x 3.25" W x 7.25" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Metal
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
Brutalist Italian Chestnut Wood and Brass Bar Cabinet, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Brutalist-style three-door bar cabinet in chestnut wood. With geometric and harmonious lines, the piece of furniture is also embellished by the underlying brass band.
Brass
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