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.
Organic Sculptural Stoneware Vessel with Volcanic Texture, Handmade Ceramic
Located in Istanbul, TR
This piece is entirely handmade in my Istanbul studio using high-temperature stoneware. The surface is created through an experimental firing and glaze interaction that produces an o...
Stoneware
Pair of Brutalist Cast Brass Hanging Hall or Porch Lanterns
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of heavy cast brass Brutalist style porch or hall lanterns. Hammered finish with amber granite back glass inserts. 10" x 4.5" x 4.5"
Brass
Large Contemporary Brutalist Sideboard, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Large Contemporary Brutalist Sideboard, Italy
Wood
Contemporary Brutalist Style Massive Bench in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil
By Denis Milovanov, Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Massive bench made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Measures: 300 x 70 x 35 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design a...
Oak
XX Century Italian Brutalist Illuminating Wall Art By Angelo Brotto
Located in Westport, CT
Modern and sculptural large blown icy clear & amber colored glass panel attached to a rectangular shaped matte nickel on brass frame. Originally the chrome back was electrified with...
Blown Glass
Portuguese Center Table Poppy with Powder and White Marble Base by Mambo
Located in Lisbon, PT
Poppy table is an emblem of nature and organic growth, behind this design lies an essence of naivety effortlessly found within natural forms. Poppy tables are a finely tuned example ...
Marble
Mid Century Brutalist Torch Cut Brass 3 Light Chandelier 1970
By Tom Greene
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular torch cut Brutalist chandelier attributed to Tom Greene. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear from age and use. A triple pendant chandelier in brass hand made...
Brass
Contemporary Counter Stool 'THARO' by Eichkorn, Burnt Wood, Customizable
By Eichkorn
Located in Paris, IDF
THARO Counter Stool by German contemporary design studio Eichkorn. Material: Burnt Ash Wood Standard size: H.65 x 35 cm - Customizations are possible Crafted from burnt ash wood - ...
Stone, Marble
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
$3,700Sale Price|26% Off
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Brutalist Drum Pod Lounge Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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
Large Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Brutalist Candle Holder handmade from steel. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Gray Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern Period: 1960s Item Type: Vintage, Antiq...
Metal
forged oval coffee table with blue aquamarin glass - Lothar Klute attributed
By Lothar Klute
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
- early 80s brutalism - hand crafted - excellent condition 130 x 82 x 50 cm
Iron
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze PE 128 "Stalagmite" Coffee Table 1971 (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
The work of Paul Evans is characterized by its seamless joining of art with functionality, the designers craftsmanship and his bold aesthetic. No where is this more evident than in t...
Bronze, Sheet Metal
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bench in Solid Oak and Wool Bouclé, Italy
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This contemporary bench embodies the raw elegance of Brutalist-inspired design. Handcrafted in Italy from solid oak, its sculptural presence is defined by bold, cylindrical legs and ...
Wood
$3,500 / item
Claro Walnut OPUS Saddle Dining Chair, in Stock
Located in Calgary, AB
The Opus - a luxurious, contemporary chair huge on comfort. A modern design that showcases both a hand-turned, solid-wood frame and bespoke upholstery. As pictured, there are 12 chairs available in a highly figured and burled California Claro...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Brutalist Verdigris Copper & Teal Ceramic Sculptural Side Table, Egg Designs
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
Egg Designs’ Boogie Nights side table is a sculptural Brutalist statement piece that merges collectible contemporary design with rich handcrafted detail. Individually glazed teal-gre...
Steel, Copper
Sculptural Soft Green Glazed “Pallini” Vase by Matteo Giampaglia, Italy 2023
Located in New York, NY
Hand-sculpted in Florence by renowned Italian artist Matteo Giampaglia, this extraordinary piece blurs the line between functional vessel and fine art sculpture. Every detail is form...
Ceramic
"NEMO" Majolica Set Designed by Aude Clément for 12 People '38 Pcs'
By Aude Clément
Located in Paris, FR
"NEMO" Service set for 12 persons in hand-painted majolica. Original NEMO set, designed by the french artist Aude Clément and produced by Au Bain Marie,...
Majolica
Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Dining Table, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Dining Table, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century modern rectangular dining room table in Nordic oak. Very likely desi...
Oak
One of Three Chandeliers Pendant Lights by Austrolux, Chrome Glass, Austria 1960
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of three Austrian light fixtures by Austrolux, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The lights are made of a ...
Chrome, Metal
Set of Antique Rajasthan Courtyard Door Dining Table with 6 Spanish Chairs
Located in Meer, VAN
Set of Antique Rajasthan Courtyard Door Dining Table with 6 Spanish Oak and Leather Chairs This is a large antique Indian dining table from the 19th...
Metal, Brass
Rustic Farmhouse Vintage Brutalist Coffee Table Solid Oak
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
This large, round coffee table from the 1960s is crafted in the Brutalist style and made of heavy, high-quality oak. The wood displays a beautiful patina and light signs of use, whic...
Oak
Hand Blown Glass Solarized Ghost Vase by Gregory Nangle, Brutalist Design
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Solarized Cleaving Ghost Vase. Hand Blown Crystal Glass and also available in Ruby transparent color, faded silvering at base. The artist blows these into M...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Silver
Spanish Starburst Sunburst Foliage Flush Mount Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, 1950s
By Ferro Art
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding spanish foliage sunburst flush mount ceiling light in gilt iron, Ferro Art, 1950s Five Lights This stunning five-light ceiling lamp features an intrincate of branches in ...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron
Spanish Foliage Sunburst Light Fixture / Chandelier in Gilt Iron, 10 Lights
By Ferro Art
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding spanish foliage sunburst flush mount ceiling light in gilt iron, Ferro Art, 1950s Extra large size ( 91cm / 35,8 inches diameter). Ten Ligh...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Rare Gold BMF Nagel Quist Variomaster Brutalist Stockable Modular Candleholder
Located in Vienna, AT
Stackable modular candleholder by BMF Quist Nagel, rare gold edition. The candleholders were designed by Ceasar Stoffi and Fritz Nagel and manufactured by BMF (Bayerische Metallwaren...
Brass, Chrome
$1,192Sale Price / set|25% Off
Set of five 1970's German brutalist oak dining chairs
By De Puydt
Located in Liberty, NY
Great set of five 1970's German oak brutalist dining chairs. Interesting design with their round shaped backs along with the widening rear legs that create a very modern profile. ...
Oak
Large Brutalist Patinated Bronze Wall Sculpture by Enrico Donati
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Brutalist bronze wall sculpture by Enrico Donati. Stunning patina. From a very small edition of 6. Signed. Strong back brackets f...
Bronze
Sculptural Solid Wood Armchair, American Brutalist Design, 1980s
Located in Houston, TX
This sculptural solid wood armchair makes a bold architectural statement with its tall, angular back and striking geometric silhouette. The pentagonal backrest and clean, linear plan...
Oak
Danish Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Pendant by Holm Sørensen
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rare Danish Mid-Century Modern Brutalist pendant by Holm Sørensen.
Brass
Organic Modern Burl Wood Bookends, Sculptural Brutalist Studio Craft, 1970s
Located in San Carlos, CA
A striking pair of sculptural bookends carved from solid burl wood, celebrating the natural beauty and irregularity of the material. Each bookend features dramatic swirling grain, kn...
Burl
1970s Brutalist Metal Wall Art Abstract Sculpture
By Stephen Chun
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1970s Wall Art Abstract Sculpture Metal in the style of Stephen Chun Hong Kong. Unmarked. Dimensions: 34.25 W x 34.25H x 1D...
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Modern brutalist Media Cabinet. Circa 1960s.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern brutalist Media Cabinet. Circa 1960s. Features a faux wood sculpted front with textured brass handles, one door and ...
Brass
Mid Century Brutalist Tripod Chair Pine Faux Leather Spain
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage authentic Spanish Brutalist tripod chair, made of solid oak, circa mid-20th century, Spain. The legs are attached with a mortise and tenon joint; the chair is crafted from t...
Wood, Faux Leather
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
$2,960Sale Price|20% Off
Wow! 50" MCM Cubist Brutalist Painted Wall Sculpture Orange Art Mid Century
Located in Peoria, AZ
GORGEOUS! MID CENTURY MODERN CUBIST/BRUTALIST PAINTED MULTI-MEDIA WALL SCULPTURE In the manner of Picasso's Synthetic Cubist Period 50" wide by 17" high by 3" deep Magnifi...
Enamel
Finnish Brutalist Copper Mirror, 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
Large Finnish Brutalist copper mirror from the 1970s. Broad (6cm/2.5″) rectangular frame covered in countless dabs of molten copper for a very ...
Copper
Brutalist Spanish Midcentury Sculptural Tripod Chair
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Introducing the Exquisite Brutalist Spanish Sculptural midcentury Tripod Chair from 1950 Looking to add a touch of unique sophistication to your interior? Look no further than the Br...
Wood
$951Sale Price|20% Off
Side Table, Pedestal, Solid Burnt Wood, Rustic, Organic, Handmade, Carved, Black
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Chainsaw carved side table. Carved from a single piece of burnt oak wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade design...
Wood, Oak
Vintage Boho Bronze Pedestal Dining Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This distinguished dining or large accent table showcases a compelling juxtaposition of materials and styles, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The sturdy pedestal base is con...
Bronze
1970's Ikebana Japanese Brutalist Ceramic Dish in Glossy Finish
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool unique Japanese ceramic dish , circa1970's great condition glossy finish in brown.
Ceramic
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Sofa, Fabric & Acrylic, USA, 1960s Design
Located in Stamford, CT
Spectacular Adrian Pearsall three cushion sofa with Brutalist "bronze" finish sculptural side panels. A highly sought after Pearsall piece. Three seat cushions, three back cushions. ...
Fabric, Acrylic
brutalist forged coffee table with aquamarin glass in style of Lothar Klute
By Lothar Klute
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
- forged iron table Lothar Klute attribute - stunning aquamarin glass - very good condition no chips or brakes - 90 cm x 51 cm height
Iron
$5,026Sale Price|35% Off
Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Natural Light Oak - Brut by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Brut coffee table by Mokko with dimensions L:135 x W:80 x H:30 cm. Made in the Netherlands out of solid European oak. The light oak is finished with a matte varnish. A custom wooden...
Oak
Large Primitive Coffee Table, France 1930's
Located in New York, NY
Large carved table in solid oak with a wrought iron stretcher
Wrought Iron
Large Brutalist Torch-Cut Chandelier by Tom Greene, 1960s
By Tom Greene
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive, monumental brutalist chandelier designed by Tom Greene for Feldman Co., circa 1960s. Made from seven tiers of hand-torched patinated brass, this is a striking statemen...
Brass
Abstract Brutalist Sculpture in Bronze & Black Horn, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual paper weight or desk sculpture fashioned from a heavy bronze disc from which a decorative piece of old black/dark brown horn from a Yak is towering (removable). Anonymously m...
Bronze
Brutalist Bench, Black Burnt Wood, Outdoor & Indoor, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This exquisite handmade charred oak bench exemplifies the perfect blend of craftsmanship and elegance. Constructed from high-quality charred oak. The...
Wood, Oak
Sculptural Coffee Table, Rustic, Burnt Black Wood, Carved, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Carved from solid hardwood, this coffee table reads more like a landscape than a piece of furniture. The surfaces spread at different heights and angles, raw and fractured where the ...
Wood, Oak
$17,815 / item
Contemporary Sculpted Cupboard/Bookcase in Solid Oak
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Cupboard made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 175 x 80 x 40 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative obj...
Oak
Set of Four Henning Kjærnulf Brutalist Oak Dining Chairs, Late 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Set of four Brutalist oak dining chairs designed by Henning Kjærnulf in the late 1960s. The chairs are structurally in excellent condition with no damage, and the original upholstery...
Oak
Shuko Kobayashi Brutalist Wall Art
By Shuko Kobayashi
Located in Fulton, CA
A Mid-Century Modern Brutalist wall sculpture by San Francisco based artist Shuko Kobayashi. Appears to be a resin casting mounted to a wood frame and backing. Signed lower left corn...
Resin, Wood
Solid Wood Bench, Log Bench, Charred, Organic, Modern Sculptural Seat, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Carved from a single solid log, this bench captures something that is rarely achievable in designed objects: the feeling that it was always going to look this way. One end is clean a...
Wood, 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
Modern Chair Solid Oak Sculptural Form Muted by Joel Escalona N01
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
Vintage Elbert Weinberg "Scroll" Bronze Brutalist Abstract Sculpture Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Elbert Weinberg "Scroll" Bronze Brutalist Abstract Judaica Sculpture Figure on Teak Wood Base, Signed "EW". Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 10.5" H x 4.25" W x 4" D. Ba...
Bronze
Concrete Chair Jonas Bohlin, 1980's
By Jonas Bohlin
Located in Uccle, BE
Iconic chair designed by Swedish designer Jonas Bohlin for Källemo. Signed by designer Provex JB. The chair was produced in 1981 and only 100 chairs were made.
Concrete, Cut Steel
Brutus Dining Chair Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldah- Sand by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Inspired by the Brutalism Architecture movement of the mid-20th century, fiber concrete has become the signature material of the 101 Copenhagen furniture...
Composition
$836Sale Price|20% Off
Stool, Side Table, Solid Burnt Wood, Rustic, Organic, Handmade, Carved, Black
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Chainsaw carved stool/side table. Carved from a single piece of burnt oak wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade ...
Wood, Oak
Large Flowers Wall Decoration Brutalism Ars Munda
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage Brutalist-style wall art, sculpture mounted on a narrow white shelf, made entirely of resin, by Ars Munda, Germany, 1960s-70s. Ars Munda was an artist collective that primar...
Resin