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.
"Materia Fracta" Brutalist Brass & Bronze Sideboard by Justfurnituress
Located in Guazzora, IT
A brutalist belief conceived as a functional sculpture, in which matter, rhythm and composition merge into a strongly expressive language. The front is made through an assembly of ir...
Silver, Brass, Bronze
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
French Solid Walnut Credenza / Sideboard, Early Brutalist, 1930s, Architectural
Located in Almelo, NL
A rare early French Brutalist credenza in solid walnut, dating to the 1930s, distinguished by its architectural form, handcrafted construction, and richly developed patina. A rare F...
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
$74,900Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Sculptural Art Metal Cabinet Model 'PE-40A', Signed & Dated 1974
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional and monumental cabinet, model PE-40A, designed by American sculptor and furniture master Paul Evans for Directional, signed and dated 1974. This important example repr...
Slate, Steel
Charles Dudouyt Brutalist Credenza in Oak & Brass France, 1940s
Located in Berlin, DE
A striking oak credenza attributed to Charles Dudouyt, showcasing a craftsmanship and sculptural design language. The piece features beautifully carved geometric patterns on the cent...
Brass
Mid century 1970's Danish Gangso Mobler rosewood credenza - Poul H. Poulsen
Located in Liberty, NY
Stunning 1970's brutalist rosewood credenza - sideboard designed by Poul H Poulsen for Gangso Mobler with a large ceramic tile inset i...
Ceramic, Rosewood
$5,225Sale Price / item|20% Off
brass sideboard handmade in Italy available
Located in Guazzora, IT
Un mobile in ottone, ispirato alla luna, incanta con la sua superficie cesellata, ricca di crateri e curve che evocano il paesaggio lunare. Polished brass reflects light, creating a ...
Brass
Reform Hammered Brass Credenza
Located in New York, NY
The Reform credenza is inspired by the Brutalist architecture of modernist temples and churches from Le Corbusier's Ronchamp to Miami's Temple Israel t...
Brass
Handcrafted Solid Oak Credenza with Wrought Iron Details Spain 1940s
Located in Almelo, NL
Handcrafted solid oak Credenza with wrought iron details Spain 1940s This is a beautiful, handcrafted solid oak credenza or sideboard with wrought iron details from Spain in the 1...
Wrought Iron
Sculpted Credenza 'Hammered' in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Credenza, cabinet made of solid oak (+ linseed oil), with sliding doors Made to order - Custom size SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative object...
Oak
Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Natural Oak Buffet
By De Coene Frères, Charles Dudouyt
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Description: This stunning mid-century modern buffet in natural oak epitomizes timeless elegance and functional design, making it a sophisticated addition to any luxury interior. Cr...
Oak
Hand Crafted Brutalist Giuseppe Rivadossi Sideboard in Oak Italy, the 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Hand crafted Brutalist Giuseppe Rivadossi sideboard in oak Italy, the 1970s. A fantastic oak sideboard by the Italian sculptor and designer Giuseppe Rivadossi featured a high leve...
Oak
Brutalist Mid-century Belgian Black Oak Sideboard, Belgium 1970s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1970 / sideboard / oak, aluminium / Mid-century / Brutalist / Vintage Impressive Belgian sideboard made of black oak with aluminium accents, creating a bold contrast. Th...
Oak
A Structural Gesture in Breton Vernacular: Solid Oak Buffet
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A composition of quiet solidity, this Breton sideboard unearthed in Normandy articulates a language of architectural rhythm tempered by rural traditio...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Credenza Dresser by Bert England for John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous brutalist credenza or long dresser by Bert England for John Stuart. Bi fold doors open to reveal 8 total drawers and a shelf. Walnut mosaic panels which are framed. Marble top on 90 % front edge is walnut. Brass tubular base with walnut sabots. A true quality piece. Signed John Stuart. Has been refinished. All doors...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Danish Modern Brutalist Credenza in Oak, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Brutalist Credenza in Oak, 1960s. Beautiful and sculptural Mid-Century Modern Danish highboard in oak that offers plenty of storage space. Made in Denmark in the 1960s with intricate hand carved motifs and wrought iron drawer pulls. This high sideboard could very well be designed by Henry/Henning Kjærnulf, as he is well known for combining baroque and early medieval...
Oak
$2,646Sale Price|20% Off
Black brutalist credenza, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Ebonized black brutalist credenza with 4 doors which offer plenty of storage space. Additional is a never seen before white marble inlay on the bottom creating a nice contrast. Be...
Marble
Large Oak Brutalist Sideboard from "Aurora"
Located in Waasmunster, BE
A striking Brutalist sideboard, model “Aurora,” distinguished by its bold architectural presence and sculptural front. Crafted with a strong emphasis on texture and form, the façad...
Oak
Midcentury Bassett Dresser from the "Mayan" Collection
Located in Dallas, TX
1960s Bassett Mid-Century Modern Mayan walnut long dresser. Features three drawers to left and right with a two-door cabinet to middle housing three more...
Wood
Brutalist Style Oak Handcarved Italian Large Sideboard
Located in Madrid, ES
Oak Sideboard handcarved with four doors and central interior shelve. Italy Every item LA Studio offers is checked by our team of 10 craftsmen in our in-house workshop. Special rest...
Oak
Paul Evans 'PE-32' Patchwork Copper Cabinet with Slate Top for Directional, 1968
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-32' copper clad bar cabinet on casters by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in 1968 per original receipt which we have a copy of...
Brass, Copper, Pewter
$9,480Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Sideboard by De Coene in Stained Oak, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This high-quality brutalist sideboard, crafted by De Coene, is in very good condition and showcases five door panels featuring a beautiful diamond-shaped geometric pattern. Behind th...
Oak
Rare Brutalist "Sculpted Bronze" Cabinet by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Montreal, QC
"Sculpted bronze" buffet by Paul Evans for Directional the front fitted with four panel doors and the top fitted typical slate slabs, the inside featuring adjustable shelves. Signed:...
Bronze, Metal
$8,250 / item
Batter Console
Located in Mount Rainier, MD
The Batter Console draws subtle inspiration from Brutalist architecture, balancing strength with refinement. Its zigzag front creates a rhythmic play of light and shadow, giving the ...
Ash, Maple, Oak, Walnut
Brutalist Oak Credenza, USA 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Stunning oak credenza on a black plinth with vertical slotted decor, it has five doors and multiple drawers and shelves. Very versatile design that can be used as storage or a multim...
Oak
Chalet Solid Oak Sideboard, France, 1940
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Step into the world of compact chalet charm with this exquisite oak sideboard, a true gem that exudes warmth and rustic elegance. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this piece showcases the rich and inviting tones of natural oak, making it a delightful addition to any interior. The sideboard features a captivating design with intricately carved doors that evoke the charm of a traditional chalet nestled in the mountains. The graceful scalloped drawers...
Oak
Contemporary Brutalist Credenza in Solid Oak, 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Brutalist credenza in solid oak Dimensions: H. 50 x W. 160 x D. 45 cm Unique piece made to order. Founded by artist Denis Milovanov, SÓHA design studio conceives and prod...
Oak
Sideboard in Elm by Olavi Hänninen for Mikko Nupponen, Finland, 1958
By Mikko Nupponen, Olavi Hanninen
Located in Almelo, NL
Sideboard in Elm by Olavi Hänninen for Mikko Nupponen, Finland, 1958 This large credenza is crafted from solid elm and features a simplified design that highlights the natural beaut...
Wrought Iron
Important Welded Steel Deep Relief Sculpted Credenza by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Montreal, QC
Important welded steel 4 door "Deep Relief Sculpted Credenza" with hand-painted enamels on doors inset with two slate tops The interior red painted w...
Steel
1970s Belgian Solid Oak Brutalist Sideboard
Located in Houston, TX
Striking Belgian solid oak sideboard dating to circa 1970, featuring bold geometric carved panel doors and contrasting blackened iron hardware. Executed in the Brutalist taste, the d...
Iron
$16,800 / item
Geometric Wood Credenza with Brass Base, Italy 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This contemporary credenza features a bold geometric facade crafted from solid wood slats, each arranged in an angled, rhythmic pattern that creates a rich sense of movement and scul...
Brass
Charles Dudouyt Brutalist Credenza in Oak & Brass, France 1940's
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional credenza by Charles Dudouyt in oak. There are many unique details on this very well-proportioned piece. A stand out is the concealed drawer release mechanism— a little...
Brass
Large Brutalist Diamond Credenza in Stained Oak, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Echt, NL
High quality Brutalist sideboard in very good condition. The sideboard has 5 door panels that show a beautiful diamond shaped graphic pattern. Behind one door you can find two draw...
Aluminum
Brutalist Sideboard in Elm by Olavi Hänninen for Mikko Nupponen, Finland, 1958
By Mikko Nupponen, Olavi Hanninen
Located in Almelo, NL
Brutalist Sideboard in Elm by Olavi Hänninen for Mikko Nupponen, Finland, 1958 This brutalist sideboard is crafted from solid elm and features a simplified design that highlights th...
Wrought Iron
1980s Vintage Brutalist Dresser Credenza
Located in Chicago, IL
Absolutely love this. We refinished this piece to a very dark brown/almost black stain. All of the drawers open easily.
Wood
$7,818Sale Price|20% Off
De Coene Brutalist Inspired Credenza, Art Deco, 1970s, Belgium, Oak and Stone
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco; Brutalist; Bar; Brutalism; De Coene; Credenza; Sideboard; Storage unit; Storage piece; Floating effect; Graphical; Belgian Design; Belgian furniture history; 1970's; Ebonized Oak; Black...
Stone
$14,000 / item
Custom Credenza by Mike Ruiz Serra
Located in Stamford, US
Custom handmade credenza in solid walnut. Featuring dovetail joints and hand gauged bevels. This item is highly customizable and is available in a wide range of woods, sizes, and la...
Iron
Brutalist Solid Oak Sideboard, France, 1940s
By Charles Dudouyt, Gaston Poisson, De Coene Frères
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A composition of resolute presence, this French credenza reveals a language of sculptural gravity and geometric poise. Executed in solid oak, it hails from the 1940s—a decade when Fr...
Marble
Patchwork Wavy Slate Metal Steel Riveted Cabinet Credenza Paul Evans Style
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Amazing vintage 1980s steel riveted wave wave patchwork black cabinet, credenza, bar with slate top. Unfortunately, I was not able to find any information regarding the maker of this...
Slate, Steel
$5,894 / item
three-door sideboard with optical glass paneling
Located in Guazzora, IT
Un mobile in ottone, ispirato alla luna, incanta con la sua superficie cesellata, ricca di crateri e curve che evocano il paesaggio lunare. Polished brass reflects light, creating a ...
Brass
Italian Brutalist Pine Credenza by Silvio Coppola
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Full pine construction.
Pine
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
9FT Italian Oak Sideboard Credenza by La Studio
Located in Pasadena, TX
Italian Oak Sideboard Credenza by La Studio Impressive 100" Italian sideboard designed by L.A. Studio. Composed of two central sliding doors and two foldin...
Oak
$2,886Sale Price / item|20% Off
Brutalist Solid Oak TV Console by Sergio Vulpe, Handcrafted Media Unit
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Brutalist Solid Oak TV Console with Sculptural Cuts – Monolithic Low Media Unit by VulpeConcept Designed as a brutalist sculptural piece, this handcrafted solid oak TV console comma...
Oak
Gino Russo Carved Wood & Slate Floating Credenza
By Gino Russo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This floating credenza by Gino Russo is characterized by a long, horizontal wall-mounted form with a slate top and a wooden case below. The slate surface is flat and trapezoidal, pro...
Stone, Slate
Brutalist Belgian Oak Credenza with Carved Geometric Doors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial Belgian oak credenza produced in the Brutalist tradition. Three cabinet doors each carry four raised panels with geometric octagonal molding — rounded rectangular forms s...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Low Sideboard Cabinet, Denmark 1960s Mid-century Modern, Kjærnulf Style
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This Danish Brutalist sideboard in solid Nordic oak is often attributed to Henning Kjærnulf and made in Denmark during the 1960s. A piece built around balance between sculpture and f...
Oak
James Bearden Capsule Cabinet, Cathedral Series, 2013
Located in New York, NY
The "Capsule Cabinet" by James Bearden is a captivating piece from his Cathedral Series. Crafted with blackened textured steel and fused bronze element...
Metal, Bronze
Charles Dudouyt - Sideboard - Oak - 1940s - 1940 - France
By Charles Dudouyt, De Coene Frères, Gaston Poisson
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Carved Oak and Marble Sideboard in the Style of Charles Dudouyt, France, 1930s–40s Graphic relief and rustic mass — a neo-rustique manifesto in wood and stone. This striking sideboa...
Oak
Brutal Hand Sculpted Copper Shelf By Lou Ramirez
By Lou Ramirez
Located in Monrovia, CA
2 Piece Brutal Hand Sculpted Individual Copper Tiled And Hand Hammered Shelving Unit With Glass Shelves. This Beautiful 2 Piece Brutalist Hand Sculpted Copper Shelving Unit Has 3 Top Direct Lighting Units That Shine Down Onto The Glass Shelves To Show Case Your Gorgeous Collectible Artifacts...
Copper