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 Sideboard by Defour in Solid Dark Stained Oak, Belgium 1970s
By Thomas Defour
Located in Hellouw, NL
A bold silhouette with sculptural appeal, this Brutalist sideboard in solid oak anchors a room with confidence and quiet rhythm. Designed with an eye for architectural composition, i...
Oak
Brutalist Sideboard with Panelled and Geometric Doors, Spain 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This striking sideboard is a strong example of Spanish Brutalist furniture from the 1960s, a period when designers across Europe embraced bold architectural forms and expressive mate...
Wood
Brutalist Oak Sideboard with Lattice Front Spanish Style
Located in London, London
A substantial oak sideboard in a distinctive Alpine / Brutalist style, likely dating from the mid to late 20th century. The piece is constructed in solid oak or oak veneer, with a t...
Oak
NONO Sideboard Elefante 26, Design by Joel Escalona, Sculpted Silhouette
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Sideboard Elefante 26, Design by Joel Escalona, Sculpted Silhouette ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a...
Hardwood
Olavi Hanninen - Sideboard - Elm - 1950 - Brutalist
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Austere yet richly tactile, this sideboard by Olavi Hänninen commands with its elemental massing and raw sculptural presence. Hewn from deeply grained elm, the façade is animated by...
Elm
1950s Dutch Gescher & Kemper Brutalist Oak Sideboard
Located in High Point, NC
This striking 1950s Dutch Brutalist oak sideboard by Gescher & Kemper exemplifies the movement’s emphasis on bold form, material honesty, and sculptural presence. Crafted from solid ...
Oak
Brutalist Artisan Oak Cabinet or Sideboard With Carved Details, 1940 France
By Guillerme et Chambron, Charles Dudouyt
Located in Vienna, AT
Brutalist french sideboard from carved oak, circa 1940-1950 Perfectly sized 39"x 32" mid-century modern sideboard or small cabinet with its...
Wrought Iron
Brutalist “Staccato” Dresser by Lane Furniture, USA, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Brutalist “Staccato” Dresser by Lane Furniture, USA, 1970s Striking Brutalist dresser from the “Staccato” series by Lane Furniture, USA, 1970s. This architectural piece showcases La...
Wood, Walnut
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
$3,264 / item
Modern Architectural Sideboard
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Architectural sideboard, big, bold and inspired by classic Brutalism Architecture. Constructed from reclaimed wood and highlighted in a two-...
Wood
Brutalist Sideboard by Charles Dudouyt, Blonde Oak, France, 1940
Located in Hudson, NY
Statement brutalist sideboard in blonde oak by innovative French designer Charles Dudouyt.
Oak
Large Contemporary Brutalist Sideboard, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Large Contemporary Brutalist Sideboard, Italy
Wood
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
Elefante Console Table 21, Design by Joel Escalona, Organic Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Console Table 21, Design by Joel Escalona, Organic Elegance————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Mode...
Hardwood
Brustalist oak sideboard, Belgium.
Located in Landgraaf, NL
This Belgian sideboard is crafted mostly from solid oak and reflects the Brutalist style with its strong lines and architectural details. The piece offers plenty of storage with 2 ca...
Oak
$5,356 / item
Contemporary Italian Brutalist Sideboard
Located in London, London
Sideboard Brutalist style Five doors Cupboards with shelves Made in Italy Contemporary This contemporary Brutalist sideboard, expertly crafted in Italy, exemplifies a bold and...
Ash
Graphical brutalist credenza, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Brown brutalist credenza with 4 graphical doors and 4 central drawers. Beautiful timeless design and a real eye catcher for your living room. Good condition. 1970s - Belgium Dime...
Wood
NONO Elefante Console Table 29, Joel Escalona's Vision, Round Base
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Console Table 29, Joel Escalona's Vision, Round Base ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Moder...
Hardwood
Low Sideboard in Solid Oak by Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Low sideboard in solid oak, designed by Henning Kjærnulf in the 1960s. The piece features a refined Brutalist expression with four doors and round metal handles. Inside, the cabinet ...
Oak
French 1940s Brutalist Oak Sideboard
Located in London, London
Sideboard Oak Brutalist Sliding doors France 1940s
Oak
Brutalist Sideboard with Decor â la Gouge in the Style of Jean Touret, France
By Jean Touret
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brutalist sideboard with decor à la gouge in the style of Jean Touret from 1950's, France. Solid walnut wood with à la gouge decoration and very detailed joints, wrought iron fitting...
Iron
Contemporary Italian Brutalist Style Sideboard
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Contemporary oak sideboard in the Brutalist style from Italy with two small doors.
Oak
$10,204
De Coene brutalist sideboard
Located in Brussel, BE
Amazing De Coene brutalist sideboard with 4 doors and 2 drawers inside.
Wood
Mid Century Spanish Geometric Brutalist Sideboard
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Mid-Century Spanish Brutalist sideboard with Geometric design in pale oak.
Oak
Brutalist Sideboard in Oak, 1980s
Located in Hellouw, NL
A solid and sculptural sideboard that evokes the spirit of 1980s Brutalism. Designed with clarity and intention, this piece combines strong geometry with a highly tactile approach to...
Oak
Contemporary Brutalist Sideboard, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Contemporary Brutalist Sideboard, Italy
Wood
Contemporary Brutalist Sideboard, Solid Ashwood with Sculptural Geometric Front
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A powerful contemporary sideboard defined by a rigorously sculptural façade, carved as a rhythmic composition of geometric volumes. Crafted entirely in solid natural ashwood, the fro...
Ash
"Grip" Console-Table / Display / Sculptural Object in Solid Bamboo
Located in Maastricht, NL
"Grip" console-table / display / sculptural object in solid bamboo Four square shapes flow to the center to swirl, weave, and grip eachother. Firmly holding on to form “Grip” A sculptural, powerful , iconic object made out of solid bamboo using...
Bamboo
Vintage Maison Regain Solid Elm Sideboard, 1970s, France
Located in San Antonio, TX
Vintage brutalist Maison Regain sideboard made of solid elm, circa 1970s, France. This vintage credenza features three drawers at the top and two divided compartments on each lower h...
Elm
A French Brutalist Style Oak Sideboard, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking French oak sideboard designed in the Brutalist style. Crafted from solid oak, it features bold lines, substantial proportions, and distinctive iron strap hinges that under...
Iron
Large Brutalist Sideboard with Decor à la Gouge in the Style of Jean Touret
By Jean Touret
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large brutalist sideboard with decor à la gouge in the style of Jean Touret from 1950's, France. Solid walnut wood with à la gouge decoration and very detailed joints, wrought iron f...
Iron
French Brutalist Sideboard with Graphic Doors in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, solid elm, France, 1970s This sideboard exemplifies exceptional woodworking, highlighted by its graphically designed doors that create a dynamic and tactile rhythm across...
Elm
Contemporary Brutalist Sideboard, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Contemporary Brutalist Sideboard, Italy
Wood
Contemporary Sculpted Sideboard in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary sculpted sideboard in solid oak and linseed oil. Dimensions: H. 85 x W. 160. x D. 45 cm Unique piece made to order. Founded ...
Oak
$7,250Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimal Console Table, Sideboard Made of Black Tinted Oak Wood, Narrow Console
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Console made of solid oak wood stained with a water-based dye and finished with matt polyurethane. —— NONO is a Mexican design brand with more than 10 years of experience dedicated ...
Wood, Oak
Brutalist De Coene Sideboard in Stained Oak, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A brutalist sideboard by De Coene, made in Belgium in the 1970s. Crafted from black-stained oak, the piece showcases four geometric diamond-pattern doors opening to reveal generous s...
Oak
Mid-Century Oak Brutalist Sideboard in the Spanish Style
Located in London, London
Mid-Century Oak Sideboard in the Spanish Style, Probably Belgian, 1950s–1960s A substantial mid-century oak sideboard, produced in Belgium during the 1950s–1960s but conceived in t...
Oak
Rare Brutalist Ebonised Oak Bar, De Coene
By Aurora
Located in Waasmunster, BE
Rare Brutalist Oak Bar, Original Edition "Niagara" from "Aurora", style De Coene
Oak
Large Belgian Sideboards in Black Lacquered Oak with Graphical Doors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of sideboards, lacquered oak, Belgium, 1970s These Belgian credenzas showcase a meticulously crafted design, featuring a clear rhythm and flow that exudes harmony and balance. ...
Oak
$6,365Sale Price / item|20% Off
Brutalist Console Table, Minimal Old Wood Sideboard, Narrow Console Elefante
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante collection by NONO furniture. A distinguished tribute to the architectural movements of Mexican Modernism and Brutalist design. The collection showcases three minimal furn...
Wood, Oak
Spanish Brutalist Lowboard in Oak, 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
An attractive Spanish brutalist lowboard with nice graphical details ont he front. The lowboard consists of three elements, adding up to 2.40 cm widt...
Oak
Solid Pine Sideboard with a Simple, Strong and Sturdy Look
Located in Beerse, VAN
Charming pine sideboard with a simple, strong and sturdy look. It is somewhat in the style of female designer Charlotte Perriand and dates from around the 1970s. It is most likely of...
Pine
Contemporary Sculpted Sideboard in Solid Oak, Light, Checkered Texture
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Sculpted Sideboard in Solid Oak, Light Oak, Checkered Texture Dimensions: H. 60 x W. 200. x D. 55 cm Unique piece made to order. Founded by artist Denis Milovanov, S...
Oak
French Brutalist Credenza Or Sideboard Signed Charles Dudouyt
By Pierre Chapo, Jean Prouvé, Charles Dudouyt, Francisque Chaleyssin, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Houston, TX
French Brutalist Credenza Or Sideboard Signed Charles Dudouyt. This outstanding French Modern credenza, sideboard or enfilade has two cabinet...
Bronze
Mid-century Brutalist solid wood Sideboard
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mid-century Brutalist solid wood Sideboard Wear Consistent with age and use Measures : 189cmx47.5cm H:81cm Material : Solid Wood
Wood
Beautifully Crafted Solid Oak Sideboard, 20th Century, Belgium
Located in Echt, NL
Beautifully crafted Belgian Sideboard in very good condition. This credenza combines a simplified layout executed within a complex design, and solid construction details. It is mad...
Wood, Oak
Brutalist Sideboard 'Torino' by Frans Defour, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This brutalist sideboard model 'Torino' crafted by Frans Defour, showcases a geometric pattern. Its spacious shelves and two drawers provide practical storage solutions without compr...
Wood
Italian Oak Wood Sideboard with Hand Carved Patterns and Travertine Marble Top
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This hand-carved oak wood sideboard features five folding doors and an interior central shelf, crafted to blend elegance with functionality. The top is made of robust 3 cm thick trav...
Travertine, Marble
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
Custom Sideboard from Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Solid oak custom cabinet from Parma, Italy. Featuring a raised display platform against the wall. Five drawers on the left and open space behind the second and third drawer. Center s...
Marble, Metal
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
Italian Oak Wood Sideboard with Travertine Marble Top and Hand Carved Patterns
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant and sculptural, this Italian oak wooden sideboard features a refined travertine marble top and four hand-carved doors with geometric patterns that highlight the craftsmanship...
Marble
Black brutalist sideboard by Frans Defour, Belgium 1970's
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
This large and rare sideboard from the Torino series by Belgian designer Frans Defour is a powerful example of Brutalist design, crafted in the early 1970s. Its front features a stri...
Glass, Oak
Belgian Sideboard in Black Lacquered Oak with Graphical Doors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, lacquered oak, Belgium, 1970s This Belgian credenza showcases a meticulously crafted design, featuring a clear rhythm and flow that exudes harmony and balance. The carved...
Oak
Original Brutalist sideboard In Solid Elm Circa 1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Original large brutalist sideboard in solid elm circa 1950/1960 interesting gouge work, key assembly not a nail, not a dot of glue, disasse...
Elm
Belgian Sideboard in Black Lacquered Oak with Graphical Doors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, lacquered oak, Belgium, 1970s This Belgian credenza showcases a meticulously crafted design, featuring a clear rhythm and flow that exudes harmony and balance. The carved...
Oak
Italian Oak Wood Sideboard with Hand Carved Patterns in the Doors, Italy
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Oak wood sideboard with handcarved pattern in the doors. Manufactured in Italy. Composed by five doors and oak skirting. Every item LA Studio offers is checked by our team of 10 cra...
Oak
$15,738Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante Console Table 25, Design by Joel Escalona, Artistic Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Console Table 25, Design by Joel Escalona, Artistic Wood ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modern...
Hardwood
L.A. Studio Designed Brass and Oak Wood Brutalism Italian Sideboard
By L.A. Studio
Located in Madrid, ES
An impressive two sections sideboard designed by L.A. Studio Interiorismo in Brutalism style, inspired by American designer and sculptor Paul Evans...
Brass
Belgian Sideboard in Black Lacquered Oak with Graphical Doors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, lacquered oak, brass, Belgium, 1970s. This Belgian credenza showcases a meticulously crafted design, featuring a clear rhythm and flow that exudes harmony and balance. T...
Brass