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.
Solid Wood Coffee Table Serie 3 – Sereno by Joel Escalona for Elegant Spaces
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solid Wood Coffee Table Serie 3 – Sereno by Joel Escalona for Elegant Spaces ——— Sereno Coffee Table Series – A Note from Joel Escalona What happens when structure becomes art? Th...
Hardwood
Paul Evans Studio Patchwork Hinged Box 1965
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio Patchwork Hinged Box 1965 Patinated copper with applied bronze and pewter throughout, Interior with original "Blue Antique" finish Dimensions: 7 h × 16 w × 8 d in P...
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
A Pair of French Heavy Oak Brutalist style Open Arm Chairs, C. 1960.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking example of mid-century European craftsmanship, this pair of lounge chairs embodies the bold, sculptural character of the Brutalist aesthetic. Constructed from solid oak, t...
Fabric, Oak
Ceramic Brutalist Vase from Michael Andersen, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unique ceramic vase displaying exceptional techniques in glazes, Brutalist styling and shape. We have not been able to find any references of this design number/series. Besides the c...
Ceramic
Brutalist Copper Pendant Lamp by Peill & Putzler, Germany, 1960s
Located in Balen, BE
Brutalist Copper Pendant Lamp by Peill & Putzler, Germany, 1960s This striking Brutalist copper pendant lamp, designed by Peill & Putzler/Philips in Germany during the 1960s. This l...
Copper
Vintage brutalist high back chair, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Decorative brutalist side chair with 4 chunky interlocking legs and a long backrest. The chair looks great and is in very nice and sturdy condition. 1960s Belgium Height: 113cm Wi...
Oak
A BRUTALIST RUSTIC-POST-MODERN SEVENTIES COFFEE TABLE, France 1960-1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An astonishing rectangular coffee or side table, Modernist, Constructivist, Brutalist, Seventies, impressive tubular wrought iron structure, thick top in geometric composition of sla...
Slate, Wrought Iron
Brutalist Dj Booth in Pink, Contemporary Musical Deck Table
Located in Paris, IDF
The Brutalist DJ Booth is a monumental piece of functional sculpture that transforms the traditional DJ console into an architectural centerpiece. Drawing inspiration from the bold g...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Foam
Sculptural postmodernism steel chair Germany 1980's
Located in Diest, BE
A striking sculptural chair crafted from folded steel plate, combining brutalist aesthetics with architectural form. Its angular zig-zag silhouette and raw oxidized patina give the p...
Steel
Brutalist Sconce by Marc Weinstein, USA 1960’s
Located in Lisboa, PT
This brutalist sconce was designed and produced by Marc Weinstein in the USA during the 1960s. Crafted from iron, this striking sconce features hourglass-shaped metal pieces that hav...
Iron
A Small BRUTALIST Iron WALL MIRROR, JEAN TOURET & MAROLLES style, France 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
A small circular wall mirror, Modernist, Brutalist, Folk Art, Rustic-Modern, thick frame and 3-link oval chain in thick wrought iron, in the spirit of Jean Touret and Les artisans de...
Wrought Iron
$1,249Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
French Scrolled Iron Table Lamp c. 1950s
Located in Warminster, GB
A wrought iron table lamp with scrolled base. French, c. 1950s. Stock ref. #3217 Professionally rewired to UK standards. New tapered calico shade included. Height with shade: 56 ...
Wrought Iron
A superb brutalist pair of lounge chairs designed by Jonathan De Pas
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
A superb brutalist pair of lounge chairs designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D'Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi for Poltronova during the golden age of radical Italian design. Architectural...
Leather, Wood
Set of Four Brutalist Oak Dining Chairs, Belgium, 1960s
By De Puydt
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of Four Brutalist Oak Dining Chairs, Belgium, 1960s This authentic set of four solid oak dining chairs perfectly embodies the expressiv...
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
$2,500 / item
French Mirrored Hall Tree, circa 1950s
Located in San Antonio, TX
French mirrored hall tree in the style of Charles Dudouyt, circa 1950s, made of walnut. This hallway mirrored hall tree is in great overall condition. Dimensions: 31" x 9" x 76"
Walnut
1 of 2 Sunburst Crown Light Fixtures in Gilt Iron, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Sunburst crown flush mounts, gilt iron, frosted glass, Spain, 1950s. Priced individually. Beautiful hand-hammered sunburst crown shape leafed flush mount ceiling light fixtur...
Metal, Gold Leaf, Iron
French Brutalist Style Oak Stool, C. 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking example of mid-century French craftsmanship, this solid oak stool embodies the raw, sculptural appeal of the Brutalist aesthetic. Constructed from thick, substantial lumbe...
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
Scandinavian Modern Chamotte Stoneware Vase by Inger Persson for Rörstrand, 1960
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Elevate your decor with this exquisite Scandinavian modern chamotte stoneware vase crafted by the renowned ceramic artist Inger Persson for Rörstrand in the 1960s. Featuring Inger P...
Stoneware
Brutalist Bench in Solid Oak Wood - Fenestra by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rhythmic interplay of volumes and voids. The Fenestra collection is inspired by Brick Expressionism, the architectural movement visible in Amsterdam’s ‘South Plan’ area - the city ...
Oak, Walnut
Eye Catching Brutalist Style Ron Schmidt Nail Art Wall Sculpture
By Ron Schmidt
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning Brutalist style original wall sculpture signed by artist Ron Schmidt created with nails and hand forged metals to create an earthy color palette and having a midcentury mode...
Metal, Iron
Brutalist Sconce designed by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1960s, Denmark
By Holm Sørensen, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Brutalist Brass Sconce designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in the 1960s. * Wall lamp with six square slates in flame-cut brass * Designer: Svend Aage Holm Sorensen * Model: ...
Metal, Brass
Brutalist Sunburst Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron with Flower Motif, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brutalist Sunburst Light Fixture, Gilt Iron Gold leaf gilt hand-hammered iron sunburst light fixture from the Brutalist period. Spain, 1950s. Richly decorated with the hammer marks a...
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron
Attributed to Henning Kjærnulf – Danish Brutalist Oak Side Table, 1970s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
A beautiful oak side table from Denmark, dating from the 1970s and attributed to Henning Kjærnulf for EG Møbler. Showcasing the designer’s distinctive Brutalist aesthetic, this piece...
Oak
$2,850 / item
OMERO Oval Wall Sconce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An architecturally-inspired duet of dramatic veined alabaster with a textured cast bronze – a trio of simply striking silhouettes. Models in the collection are individually hand-cra...
Alabaster, Bronze
Brutalist Style Octagonal Solid Oak Coffee Table, 1970s
Located in Houston, TX
This solid wood octagonal coffee table features a bold, low-profile silhouette with beveled edges and thick, angled legs joined by a supportive "X" stretcher. Crafted from what appea...
Oak
Vintage Sculptural Brutalist Solid Oak Commode by Sergio Vulpe
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
This solid oak commode is a sculptural embodiment of brutalist design by Sergio Vulpe. Its bold, geometric form and rich wood texture make it a unique storage statement for modern or...
Oak
Danish Brutalist Oak Extendable Dining Table attr. to Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Brutalist Oak Extendable Dining Table attr. to Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern dining room table in light Nordic oak. Attributed to Danish designer H...
Oak
Large Brutalist coffee table in various kinds of stone by Paul Kingma, 1980s
By Paul Kingma
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you wilk find a stunning Brutalist table designed by Paul Kingma. The table is done in various kinds of stone, with brass accent and coins inserted in the stone, one ...
Stone, Brass
20th Century Brutalist Sunburst Mirror
Located in Hastings, GB
A 20th century hand crafted French metal sunburst mirror, in the brutalist fashion, of incredible large proportions with welded decorative flourishes, finished in an off white / gilt...
Steel, Iron
Custom Sculptural Scalloped Coffee Table in High-Gloss Walnut Root Veneer
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural coffee table is defined by a low, architectural profile and a rhythmically carved perimeter of concave arches. The faceted border creates a strong play of light and s...
Wood
Dudouyt - Dining Table - Natural Oak - 1940 - French - Brutalist
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Presenting an exquisite extendable table attributed to the renowned French furniture designer, Charles Dudouyt. This versatile table features a unique design with screw legs, allowin...
Oak
1 of the 6 Bitossi Lamps, Custom Silk Lamp Shades by R. Houben
By Bitossi
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 6 ceramic table lamps, most lamps are made by Bitossi, other ones are in the style of Bitossi. This set brings a rich visual appeal to any interior. With its beautiful shap...
Ceramic
Brutalist Ceramic Baluster Table Lamp, Red & Black 1940s-1950s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking vintage ceramic table lamp features the baluster shaped base, decorated with semi-matte complex red glaze with black accents, imitating the wood texture. The color of the re...
Ceramic, Pottery
$349 / item
4 Brutalist Oak Dining Wabi Sabi Room Chairs
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Introducing the "Wabi Sabi Oak Chairs" - a set of four robust and heavy oak chairs, inspired by the design ethos of the 70s and perfectly suited to complement the styles of renowned ...
Oak
Danish Modern Square Brutalist Coffee Table in Oregon Pine, 1970s.
By Roland Wilhelmsson, Pierre Chapo
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Square Brutalist Coffee Table in Oregon Pine, 1970s. Impressive Scandinavian coffee table in solid pinewood with large articulated finger joints and clear lacquer fini...
Pine
Decorative Box or Vase in Terracotta Africa 20th Century Brown Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Decorative Box or Vase in Terracotta Africa 20th Century Brown Color.
Terracotta, Rattan
1 of the 2 Ceramic Table Lamps by Noomi Backhausen for Soholm With Custom Shade
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table lamp by Noomi Backhausen for Soholm Pottery, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom lampshade made by Rene Houben. The warm colors of the ceramic with the cus...
Ceramic
Contemporary Brutalist Dresser in Black Oak 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Dresser / cabinet Sculpted wood (solid oak) Finish: wavy, medium SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authentic style...
Oak
Modernist Brutalist Gold Chandelier Tom Green for Feldman
By Tom Greene
Located in Hastings, GB
LA based designer and sculptor Tom Greene hand crafted this brutalist chandelier for 'Feldman Lighting Company' in the late 1960s/1970s The design features staggered tiers of torch c...
Brass
Large vintage brutalist oak sideboard, made in 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 four...
Oak
Large Gilt Lead Mid-Century Sunburst Mirror By Irena Jaworska
Located in Hastings, GB
A mid-century French gilded lead and coloured glass sunburst mirror by Irena Jaworska, circa 1960. An exceptional and highly collectible mid-20th-century French 'Miroir Soleil' (sun...
Lead
Sergio Bustamante Metal Owl Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Showcasing expressive folk-modernist character, this vintage mixed metal owl sculpture features a rotund body constructed from hundreds of individually cut and layered sheet metal fe...
Metal, Brass
Pair of mid century black oak and steel Laurel lamps
Located in Liberty, NY
Great pair of steel and black oak Laurel lamps. The measurement of 40" height is to top of harps, they measure 27.5" to top of sockets. Nice vintage condition, the harps show some o...
Steel
Sculptural Contemporary Brutalist Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural contemporary Brutalist wall mirror made up of hand welded elements. The patinated metal frame features colorful weld marks on individually cut square panels. The design...
Metal
French Brutalist Mirror, circa 1970, Forged Iron
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare French Brutalist mirror from the 1960-1970s. Very unusual sculptural design combining classical elements with expressive 'rawness'. Mirror area is 31 x 17cm or 12 x 7inches.
Wrought Iron, Iron
Walnut Coffee Table, Brutalist, Solid American Walnut - Hari by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee table balances three minimalist volumes composed of solid wooden parts. Designed b...
Oak, Walnut
Brutalist Sunburst Mirror with Double Layered Jagged Frame in Gilt Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a Kind Brutalist Sunburst Wall Mirror, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf __________________________________________________________ Double Layered Large Sunburst Mirror with Jagged Desi...
Iron, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron
Vintage Patinated Wrought Iron Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your interior with the bold, architectural presence of this vintage wrought iron wall mirror. Defined by its rhythmic structural design, the frame features linear bars punctu...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Brutalist Handmade Christ made of steel and bronze details
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Brutalist Handmade Christ made of steel and bronze details. Fantastic patina and great vintage conditions.
Brass, Iron
$20,980 / item
Contemporary Brutalist Geometric Commode in Solid Oak
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Wardrobe made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: H. 77 x 170 x 60 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authent...
Oak
Sculptural Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Black Wood, Carved, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This coffee table is a unique functional sculpture, carved from solid hardwood to ensure absolute material integrity and a monolithic presence. Its design features a thick, circular ...
Wood
Sculptural Set of Six Brutalist Dining Chairs in Solid Oak, France, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare set of dining chairs was produced in France in the late 1960s. The striking design is marked by the slightly curved backrest and and carved, rounded seat. The triangular ba...
Oak
Italian Sculptural Brutalist Wrought Iron and Glass Coffee Table or Side Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautifully hand crafted wrought iron side table with strong and thick glass top, placed on a decorative frame. The legs, greatly shaped and forged with the typical finish of hand fo...
Wrought Iron
Henning Kjærnulf Oak Sideboard for EG Møbler, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
A beautiful and substantial oak sideboard designed by Henning Kjærnulf for EG Møbler, Denmark, dating from the late 1960s. This exceptional piece showcases Kjærnulf’s signature Bruta...
Oak
Lothar Klute bronze coffee table with cast glass
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
- Lothar Klute bronze table signed Klute in the bronze and glass - spectacular shape with 8 legs - cast glass plate - excellent condition
Bronze
Large Tree Shaped Candle Holder in Hand Forged Steel 1970s
Located in Meer, VAN
Large Tree Shaped Candle Holder in Hand Forged Steel 1970s This well sized hand forged candle holder is wonderfully shaped like a tree, it origins from Europe, 1970s. It is original...
Wrought Iron
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