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 Neo Classical Garden Patio Dining Set in the style of Giacometti
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Nice set of six architectural chairs and dining table in antique pewter finish, done in the Brutalist, Neo Classical, Antiquity style, after Giacometti. The chairs feature tubular me...
Iron
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
Vintage Mid-Century Solid Oak Desk with 6 drawers, Kjærnulf style, Denmark 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This striking freestanding executive brutalist desk, attributed to Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf, is a masterclass in mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship. Crafted in Denmark ...
Oak
Large Round Rustic Vintage Brutalist Coffee Table in Oak
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
This large, round coffee table from the 1960s is crafted in a Brutalist style from heavy, high-quality oak. The wood exhibits a beautiful patina and minor signs of wear, giving the p...
Oak
Mid-Century Brutalist Wood and Leather Safari Armchair, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
An imposing armchair with leather upholstery. A brutalist design. An imposing yet cozy standalone piece. The combination of dark-stained wood and brown leather is striking. The side...
Leather, Plywood
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
Brutalist, Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp, Double Decker Lamp by Streicher Goods
By Streicher Goods, Ethan Streicher
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
Vintage Mid-Century Lane Staccato Brutalist Walnut Highboy Dresser
Located in Chicago, IL
A true heavyweight of American midcentury design, the Lane Staccato Brutalist Walnut Highboy Dresser brings drama, texture, and serious personality. Introduced by Lane Furniture in t...
Walnut
XXL Blue Ceramic Floor Table Lamp, Custom Matching Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful XL ceramic table/floor lamp. Custom made matching lampshade by René Houben. The blue ceramics with beautiful details fit perfectly with the custom made lampshade with blue...
Ceramic
'Marbella' Bar stools by Sergio Rodrigues for Confonorm Spain 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, Confonorm
Located in Den Haag, NL
Set of 4 beathiful so called 'Marbella' Bar stools Three-legged stools in stained beechwood with circular metal footrests, the T-shaped seat features three handles. Well made, sturd...
Beech
Midcentury Italian Brutalist Spider Detailed Rare Green Glass Body Sconce
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing one light. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. Wrought iron body with detailed rare gr...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Large Grey Ceramic Table Lamps for Soholm with Silk Shade, Denmark 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of beautiful ceramic table lamps from Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a silk custom lampshade with creme silk innerschade designed door R. Houben. The off-white and dark g...
Ceramic
132 cm French Brutalist massive patinated Pine Dining Table, round, Handmade
Located in Forest, BE
A sculptural 1970s dining table crafted from solid pine, featuring a generous 132 cm diameter that comfortably seats 7 to 8 people. The design reflects the organic, expressive aesthe...
Hardwood, Pine
Brutalist Italian Chestnut Wood and Brass Bar Cabinet, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Brutalist dry bar cabinet in chestnut wood. With geometric and harmonious lines, the piece of furniture is also embellished by the brass band below.
Brass
Set of Brass Wall Lamps by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1960s, Denmark
By Holm Sørensen, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Brass Wall Lamps designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in the 1960s. An eye-catching set for an exquisite place. * Set (2) of sunflower-shaped brass wall sconces * Designer: S...
Metal, Brass
$2,200 / item
Mobichalet Brutalist Benches in Oak
By Mobichalet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mobichalet, bench, oak, beech, Belgium, 1950s. This rustic bench will come forward nicely in a relaxing atmosphere, like a patio or a studio space. The Brutalist appearance is exp...
Beech, Oak
Tom Ahlström & Hans Ehrlich Brutalist Torch Amber Murano Glass Sconces 1950
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Pair of brutalist sconces with thick amber Murano glass covering bulbs. Will be rewired with certified UL US socket for the USA and an appropriate socket for all other countries and...
Wrought Iron
$3,949Sale Price / set|20% Off
David Marshall. Brutalist aluminum and bronze wall sculptures, Spain, 1970s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Set of two brutalist wall sculptures by David Marshall, Spain, 1970s. Made of aluminum and bronze. These wall sculptures can be placed on the wall as decorative elements, or installe...
Aluminum, Bronze
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
Brutalist Wrought Iron Candle Holder, Seven Arms, Vintage 1970s, Black
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large brutalist Candle Holder. Handmade from wrought Iron. 7 arms and tripod foot.. Additional information: Material: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist Period: 1970s Item Type: V...
Metal
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
$963Sale Price / set|21% 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
Pair of Brutalist Tripod Feline Chairs C50s/60s Spain
Located in Trensacq, FR
Rare pair of Spanish Brutalist Cat tripod chairs, C1950s. A quirky duo of handcrafted gouge-work, folding feline chairs with a great naive primitive lo...
Wood
Natural Ceramic Lamp by Pelletier, Custom Made Emboidered Lampshade by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table/ floor lamp by Georges Pelletier. Custom made emboidered lampshade by René Houben. The brown ceramics with the little holes and beautiful lampshade match gre...
Ceramic
Hand-Crafted Brutalist Tripod Spanish Birthing Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Handcrafted Brutalist Tripod Spanish / Birthing Chair. Measures: 20" in width, 16" in depth and 29" H . Seat height is 14.5"
Fruitwood
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
Wabi Sabi Brutalist Style Solid Oak Coffee Table Mid 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Wab Sabi Brutalist Style Solid Oak Beam Coffee Table, Europe, 1960s-70s. This monumental Brutalist solid oak beam coffee table was made in the 1970s, in Europe. It has a modest yet ...
Oak
"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
Danish Brutalist Oak Extendable Dining Table by Henning Kjærnulf, 1970s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Brutalist Oak Extendable Dining Table by Henning Kjærnulf, 1970s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern elongated dining table with two extension leaves attributed to Henning Kjærn...
Oak
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
20th Century French Vintage Abstract Brutalist Raw Metal Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern French abstract Brutalist sculpture, décor piece made of hand crafted raw metal, in good condition. Minor fading, scratches due to age. Wear consistent w...
Metal
$2,538Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist wrought iron and glass pendant lamp by Longobard, Italy, 1970s
By Longobard
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist pendant lamp by Longobard, Italy, 1970s. Wrought iron and welded structure, in a worn gold finish, and multicolored crystals hammered in the shape of a honeycomb. Clearly B...
Wrought Iron, Iron
Brutalist Brass Pendant Lamp by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Denmark, 1960s
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Holm Sørensen
Located in Karis, Nyland
Striking Danish brutalist pendant lamp designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen and produced by Holm Sørensen & Co in the 1960s. The lamp is crafted from brass with a sculptural, layered...
Brass
Mid century 1970's Brutalist oak sling lounge arm chair - Carl Straub
By Carl Straub
Located in Liberty, NY
Great mid century 1970's Brutalist oak lounge arm chair attributed to Carl Straub, Germany, although frame is reminiscent of some Maison Regain designs, it is unlabeled. The heavy oa...
Fabric, Oak
Brutalist Handmade Ceramic Sconce, Pita Sconce by Streicher Goods
By Ethan Streicher, Streicher Goods
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pita Sconce is a medium-sized brutalist-inspired table wall down-lit sconce, perfect for bedside, hallways, or accent lighting in larger living spaces, created by Streicher Goods...
Ceramic, Acrylic
1940s Swedish Brutalist Pine Dining Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of four Swedish pine dining chairs, circa 1940s, featuring curved backrests, twin vertical splats, and tapered splayed legs. Crafted in the spirit of Scandinavian functionalism w...
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
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
Pair of Post Modern Brutalist Iron Base Glass Top Coffee Tables c. 1980/90's
By Mastercraft
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Brutalist style verdigris finish metal based, tempered glass top coffee tables, in excellent, original, clean and ready to use condition. Circa 1970's reminiscent of the work...
Iron
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
Italian Brutalist Iron And Glass Lamp By Longobard
Italian Brutalist Iron And Glass Lamp By Longobard. We present a rare and unusual Italian Brutalist table lamp with a hammered iron base and a multicolored chiseled glass shade. This...
Iron
French Brutalist Side Table, Mid-Century Modern, Solid Wood, Single Top
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Solid wood - Brutalist center or side table - Circa 1950 France. Fully handmade with amazing carved details. The top is made out of one solid tree trunk. Lovely patina and color. ...
Wood
Concrete Side Table "G" Abecedario Collection Green Color by Forma&Cemento
Located in Rome, Lazio
Coffee table G is part of the Abecedario Collection; it marks the beginning of a language in cement that will create a concrete alphabet made up by tables and ...
Concrete
Brutalist Oval Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Wrought Iron, 1950s
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
Series03 Wall Sconce, "Smoke" Patinated Sculpted Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Sculpted solid brass in a "smoke" acid patinated finish, machined and mechanically fastened. Goatskin parchment shade with accordion-folded face and hand stitched edges. Hand-dyed br...
Brass
Stunning Wooden Zodiac Wall Plaque Relief Brutalist Midcentury, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted wooden wall plaque relief depicting all zodiac signs, designed in a bold Brutalist style and produced in Germany in the 1970s. The expressive carved forms and s...
Plywood
Large Solid dark Oak Rustic Artisan Round Coffee Table, France, 1960s
By Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large Solid dark Oak Rustic Artisan Round Coffee Table, France, 1960s
Oak
Set of Six Danish Modern Henning Kjærnulf Oak Dining Chairs
Located in San Antonio, TX
Set of 6 Danish modern Henning Kjærnulf dining chairs are made of solid oak in original fabric. Henning Kjaernulf design is known for being solid oak and each piece featuring detail...
Fabric, Oak
French wrought iron table lamp from the 1940s.
Located in Antwerp, BE
A French wrought iron table lamp from the 1940s, defined by its sculptural simplicity and quiet strength. The hand-forged base reveals subtle hammer marks and an organic, almost arch...
Wrought Iron
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
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
KITA LIVING Shelf No: 1 - Oak Mist
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
An open, wall-mounted shelf designed for the storage and display of everyday objects. Crafted from raw aluminum plate and solid oak brackets, its simplistic design and utilitarian lo...
Aluminum
Rustic solid oak coffee table with a one piece top, France 1950s
By Axel Vervoordt, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
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
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
Vintage 1960s Oak Cabinet - Cupboard Style of Danish Design Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A Light Oak Storage Cabinet from the 1960s – in the Style of Henning Kjærnulf This compact cabinet, crafted in light Danish oak, features a design reminiscent of Henning Kjærnulf, b...
Brass
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
Brutalist Fiberglass Relief Wall Plaque, 1960s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Brutalist relief plaque made of fiberglass in the 1960s, featuring an abstract surface of geometric shapes and incised textures. The patinated finish in bronze-effect tones evokes th...
Fiberglass
Narrow Oak Coffee Table with Slate Insert France, 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Narrow coffee table in oak with an inset slate top. A rounded oak rim frames the dark stone surface, whose natural texture and speckled inclusions are left visible. The top sits on t...
Slate
Abecedario Collection - letter "H" Side Table in Concrete Mou Cement Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Coffee Table H is the latest addition to the Abecedario Collection presented on the occasion of the Milan Design Week 2023. A new grapheme that marks the evolution of this line and allows Forma&Cemento to continue with the drafting of a real concrete alphabet. Each coffee table is made through the extrusion of a two-dimensional shape into which the concrete is poured. Each unique and recognizable "sign" materializes in a piece of furniture full of meaning. Forma&Cemento products are handcrafted in high performance cement mortar! Our production process is completely artisanal and for this reason each piece is unique and no two are alike. To preserve the beauty of our concrete and highlight its peculiar characteristics, we use colored pigments that are poured directly into the cement mix. Any imperfections on the surface such as color variations, porosity, fine cracks and granulations of different colors are characteristics of the material and of the craftsmanship, for this reason they are not to be considered defects. Design: Studio Salaris...
Concrete
Vintage 1970s Danish Brutalist Light Oak Sideboard, Style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This stunning Danish Mid-Century Modern low sideboard, crafted from solid Nordic oak, is a true work of art that embodies the sculptural and bold qualities of the "Danish Brutalist" ...
Brass