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.
Bronze Mounted Brutalist Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze mounted abstract sculpture. The sculpture showcases an interlocking narrow bronze sculpture on a Douglas fir base. Dimensions 6.75" width x 3.25" depth x 13.25" height. Cond...
Bronze
$610Sale Price|58% Off
brutalist coffee table
Located in TARBES, FR
Elevate your living space with this striking rectangular coffee table, showcasing the bold and raw aesthetic of Brutalist design. Crafted from solid oak, this piece is not just a fun...
Oak
Gold Gilt Sun Burst Sconce Made in Italy c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Italian sun burst candle sconce in original gold gilt finish. The sconce features repeating wrought iron rays, which radiate from the domed metal center. A single candle...
Wrought Iron
$956Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Italian Gilt Concave Metal Brutalist Wall Medallion Sculptures, C. 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Italian Gilt Concave Metal Brutalist Wall Medallion Sculptures, C. 1970s Italy, Circa 1970s A captivating Pair of Italian Gilt Concave Metal Brutalist Wall Medallion Sculptur...
Metal
Pr. Brutalist Table Lamps with Original Silver Finish Shades after James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Incredible pair of Brutalist, mid century, Hollywood Regency, table lamps, with original silver and blue decorated shades. The lamps depict a stylized city scene with columns, towers...
Ceramic, Paper
$12,500 / set
Pair of Brutalist Tripod Lamps by Marcelo Bessa
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of antiqued brass, brutalist style tripod lamps by Marcelo Bessa for Spark Interior in the style of Giacometti.
Brass
Asian Stoneware Dish or Vide Poche, Brown Color, Korean, circa 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is a Stoneware dish or Vide poche, brown and Black Color color, made circa 1950 in Korea.
Pottery, Stoneware
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
4 Brutalist Torch Cut Copper Cylinder Pendant Table Lamp Fixtures att. Tom Geene
By Tom Greene
Located in New York, NY
4 Brutalist cylindrical torch cut copper light fixtures, attributed to Tom Greene, circa 1970's. These fixtures are cleverly designed to function either as hanging pendant lights,...
Copper, Iron
Brutalist Style Bench with Solid Oak Pyramid Bases and Ivory Bouclé Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
Contemporary Italian bench in a striking Brutalist style, featuring sculptural, architectural lines. The piece consists of two truncated pyramid-shaped bases in solid oak supporting ...
Bouclé, Wood, Oak
Sculptural Set of Six Winged-Back Dining Chairs in Solid Oak, France, 1950s
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptional set of six dining chairs was produced in France during the 1950s. With their sculptural silhouette and artisanal craftsmanship, they perfectly bridge the elegance of...
Metal, Steel
Set of Four Belgian Brutalist Chairs in Heavy Oak, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This set of four dining chairs emerged from the hands of skilled craftsmen in 1970s Belgium. Made from the dense and unyielding embrace of heavy oak, these brutalist chairs stand as ...
Wood, Oak
French Sunburst Leafed Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Terrific handcrafted gold gilt wrought iron sunburst leafed flush mount ceiling light. France, 1950s. This stunning ceiling light fixure has a foliate su...
Gold Leaf, Iron, Wrought Iron
French Brutalist Stool, Carved Elm Burl, Organic Edge, 1960s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
French Brutalist Stool, Carved Elm Burl, Organic Edge, 1960s. This stool is carved from a solid block of burl wood with a swirling, figured grain that runs across the seat and down ...
Wood
European Studio Art Chair in Carved Wood In the Manner of Jean Touret
Located in North Miami, FL
This carved wood Studio Chair is in the Manner of Jean Touret, Poland 1970s. Architecturally exquisite and perfect for high design spaces.
Wood
Elefante Console Table 35, Design by Joel Escalona, Sculptural Base
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Console Table 35, Design by Joel Escalona, Sculptural Base ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Mod...
Hardwood
Brutalist Mid Century Modern Dining Table by Adrian Pearsall c. 1970
Located in Saint Louis, MO
For collectors and aficionados of high art furniture that inspires, this 1970s Brutalist Dining Table by Adrian Pearsall hits all the marks. Resin over wood is etched and finished in...
Bronze
'Argos' Model Sculptural Blue Glass Vase by César Baldaccini, Daum, France
By César Baldaccini, Daum
Located in London, GB
This fabulous deep blue coloured glass vase was made by Daum in Nancy, France in the 1970s. It looks very much like a piece of sculpture - no surprise given it's designer was César ...
Glass
$11,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern Accent Table Serie 68 – Sereno by Joel Escalona for Living Rooms
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Accent Table Serie 68 – Sereno by Joel Escalona for Living Rooms ——— Sereno Coffee Table Series – A Note from Joel Escalona What happens when structure becomes art? These...
Hardwood
Slate Stone Brutalist Nesting Tables, 1970s, France
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Brutalist set of Three nesting tables. Wrought iron comes with a Slate stone top. Very good condition. 1970s.
Slate
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
Brancusi Inspired Abstract Male Torso Bronze Sculpture on Marble Base
By Brancusi, Rene Brancusi
Located in Houston, TX
Large Brutalist male torso abstract bronze sculpture on a marble base in the manner of Brancusi. This midcentury figural male torso sculpture is finely detailed and dates to the mid-...
Marble, Bronze
Brutalist Copper Pendant by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handmade Danish Mid Century Modern Brutalist copper pendants by the versatile and acclaimed Danish designer Svend Aage Holm Sorensen. Manufact...
Copper, Metal
BMF Nagel Quist Variomaster Brutalist Stockable Modular Candleholder
Located in Vienna, AT
Stackable modular candleholder by BMF Quist Nagel, the candleholders were designed by Ceasar Stoffi and Fritz Nagel and manufactured by BMF (Bayerische Metal...
Brass, Chrome
Hammered Forged Bronze Fireplace Tool Set
By Paul Evans
Located in San Diego, CA
Hammered forged bronze fireplace tool set. A nice mix of mid century modern, antique and brutalism. Set includes a shovel, poker and log grabber.
Brass, Bronze
Italian Brutalist Commode in Ash Wood and Brass, 1980s Design
Located in New York, NY
An Italian Brutalist style chest of drawers in ash wood and brass. With fantastic geometric embellishments which serve as the drawer pulls for each of the six drawers; with harmoniou...
Brass
$4,320Sale Price|20% Off
Mosaic Coffee Table in the Style of Raf Verjans, Belgium, 1970s
By Raf Verjans
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cocktail table in the style of Belgian sculptor Raf Verjans, showcasing an exquisite aluminium mosaic. The geometric patterned mosaic is embedded within a lustrous resin surface and ...
Aluminum, Steel
Varco Concrete Stool by Ernesto Messineo in White Shade for Forma&Cemento
Located in Rome, Lazio
Two identical hollow pieces joined together through a slight contact. The "cut" is brought to the limit of the visible giving the perception of instability. The light that enters ins...
Concrete, Cement
Pair of Constructivist Distressed Wrought Iron Andirons - France 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Graphic constructivist wrought iron andirons with tappered end. In fair vintage condition. Can be partially polished or fully sanded (at extra charge). These andirons will ship from ...
Wrought Iron
Important Brutalist Metal and Slate Coffee Table by Michael Ficalora c. 1982
By Albert Paley
Located in New York, NY
Important Brutalist coffee table constructed of iron, brass and slate. The table features a swirled metal base, which supports the hand sculpted palette form slate surface. This piec...
Slate, Brass, Iron
Large brutalist wall sculpture, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Architectural brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 90cm Width: 175cm Ref.: 2508120403 *All images are always pa...
Metal
Black & Gold Modern Brutalist Abstract in Vintage 60s Frame by Machado Arte
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A really beautiful brutalist inspired gold leaf, acrylics and oils painting on board by designer/artist George Machado. Titled “Faith & Hope”. This painting has a great linen and han...
Wood
$1,115 / set
Vnitage brutalist bar stools, 1960s - set of 4
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful hand made mid century tripod bar made in spain. Good original condition. 1960s - Spain Dimensions: Height: 85cm Width: 55cm Depth: 45cm Seat height: 82cm Ref.: 2508040...
Oak
set of 6 round drink mats C030 handmade in cast brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
The round coasters were created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop...
Aluminum, Brass
Foliage Table Lamp, Silver Patinated Iron and Green Glass, Spain 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Silver patinated leafed iron table lamp with green glass lamphade. Spain, 1950s. Rare find. This gorgeous table lamp is entirely made by hand. This lamp features a bouquet of iron le...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Hand-Carved Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Solid Hardwood, Organic Design
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This graceful, organic bowl is a one of a kind piece, hand carved from a single block of figured solid hardwood. Its fluid, free-form shape is defined by a gently undulating rim that...
Wood
Cruciform Base Round Edges Solid Wood Round Table By NONO Fundamenta 08
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Round coffee table with cross legs made of solid oak. Product made to order; some variances may apply to the final piece. —— NONO is a Mexican design brand with more than 10 years...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
$19,999 / item
Design by Joel Escalona Elefante Round Table
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Design by Joel Escalona Elefante Console Table 27, Rich Wood Contours ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Mo...
Hardwood
Design by Joel Escalona Elefante Console Table 27, Rosa Morada Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Design by Joel Escalona Elefante Console Table 27, Rich Wood Contours ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Mo...
Hardwood
Joel Escalona's Elefante Table 24, NONO Solid Wood, Unique Form
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Elefante Table 24, NONO Solid Wood, Unique Form ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernis...
Hardwood
Pair of Lamps Sun by Pierre Casenove for Fondica, France, 1990s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Rare pair of table or bedside Sun lamps in gilt gilding metal, bronze style and white porcelain ceramic terracotta by Pierre Casenove for Fondica. Sign Casenove and stamp Fondica on ...
Metal
Elefante Console Table 21 Soft Shapes, 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
$3,800 / set
1980s Signed Brutalist Bronze Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of 1980s solid bronze Brutalist style table lamps with chrome shades. The lamps are well made and very heavy "signed and dated 1987".
Brass, Bronze, Chrome
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
Spanish Large Brutalist Floral Sunburst Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind Brutalist Six-Light Floral Foliage Sunburst Light Fixture, Gilt Iron, Gold Leaf Spain, 1950s Large size. 5 lights at the flowers + another central light A gorgeous Brut...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
$5,870 / item
Brutalist Minimal Solid Walnut Dining Table Presente
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
The now. The real. The instant where everything unfolds. Presente is a tribute to presence itself—raw, honest, and unadorned. Crafted from solid walnut wood, it carries a natural war...
Wood, Walnut
1970's Vintage Sculptural Chest, Dresser Or Cabinet In White Lacquered Wood
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing sculptural Brutalist meets organic modern meets modern vintage cabinet, gentlemen's chest or dry bar was at one time 8 years ago wi...
Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Sculptural Brutalist Floor Lamps in Hand-Forged Steel, France, 1970s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
This exceptional pair of unique sculptural floor lamps was handcrafted in France during the 1970s by an anonymous artist. More than functional lighting, these one-of-a-kind pieces ar...
Steel
James de Wulf Fibonacci Ping Pong Table - Standard Colors
Located in Paia, HI
James de Wulf custom concrete Ping-Pong table, decorated with the flow of Fibonacci. Regulation size with demarcated center line and carbon fiber reinforcement. Remove the netting, a...
Concrete, Cement
$1,691Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rustic Brutalist Design Oak Slat Back Dining Chair set, Belgium 1960's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Rustic / Brutalist in Design Oak Slat Back Dining Chair set of 6. Made in Belgium, 1950's / 60's period. Solid oak constructed chairs with woven rush seats. The slats in the ...
Rush, Oak
Chain Link Floor Ashtray Drinks Table / Side Table in Wrought Iron and Brass
Located in Barcelona, ES
French chain design drinks side table / floor ashtray, wrought iron, brass France 1950s-1960s. This brutalist floor ashtray, side table or stand features an sculptural construction w...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Brass, Metal
Chunk of Turquoise Sculptural Concrete Coffee Table by Dylan Myers
Located in Elkridge, MD
Chunk of Turquoise is a sculptural turquoise concrete coffee table designed by Dylan Myers and hand-cast and finished by The Concrete Anomaly in Maryland, USA. Its low, monolithic fo...
Cast Stone, Concrete
Brutalist Solid Walnut Fenestra Console
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
French Mid-Century Modern Stylized Fish Sculpture, France, 1950s
By Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne, Jean Touret
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A striking French Mid-Century Modern sculptural fish, handcrafted in formed and welded metal during the 1950s. This expressive artist’s work captures the essence of the animal throug...
Metal
$1,221Sale Price|20% Off
Fracted Resin Table Lamp style to Pierre Giraudon
By Pierre Gilardeau
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
very rare shape and color, with original shade and patina brass from 1960, never touched, the basement is 30x30x12 cm, perfect condiion
Brass
$8,400 / item
Vintage Italian Chest of Drawers in Cherry Wood
Located in Houston, TX
Unusual vintage chest of drawers from Italy made out of Cherry wood. Very unique design presented on top of the doors. Many wood squares combined together at the different angle to s...
Chrome
"Sino Meio" Contemporary Outdoor Wall Light in Cast Brass by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This outdoor wall light was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite di...
Brass
Mid Century Brutalist Lamp by Bijan of California for Laurel Lamp “Setterah”
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Redding, CT
Torch cut Brutalist Lamp by Bijan of California for Laurel Lamp called “Settarah”. In the Style of Curtis Jere where Industrial meets atomic. This sculptural beauty is timeless and c...
Metal
Pair of Soholm Ceramic Table Lamps with Silk Shade Backhausen, Denmark 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful pair of ceramic table lamps by Noomi Backhausen for Soholm, model Erika. Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom made lampshade by R. Houben. The green and brown ceramics an...
Ceramic
Sculptural Gilded Lamp by Nicolas De Waël for Fondica, France, 1990s.
By Nicolas de Waël, Pierre Casenove, Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Fondica
Located in Lille, FR
Sculptural Gilt Cast Aluminum Table Lamp by Nicolas de Waël for Fondica, France, 1990s French object designer and painter Nicolas de Waël (born in Reims in 1970) developed a multidi...
Metal