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.
Stag T Side Table by Rick Owen, Circa 2000, France
By Rick Owens
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Stag T Side Table by Rick Owen, Circa 2000, France. This object is the Stag T Stool (also referred to as a side table), designed by the avant-garde fashion designer and...
Antler, Wood
Brutalist Sculptural Armchair, Solid Burnt Oak Wood, Organic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
There are very few objects that can genuinely be called both a chair and a sculpture. This is one of them. Carved from a single solid log, the entire structure grows organically from...
Wood, Oak
Large Hammered Glass Wrought Iron Lamp by Longobard, Italy, 1970s
By Longobard
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Large Mid-Century Modern lamp hammered glass and wrought iron, by the manufacture Longobard in Verona in a Brutalist style, the concurrent of Biancardi Jordan Arte and Poliarte durin...
Wrought Iron
Portuguese Center Table Poppy with Jade Top 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 Modern Sculptural Artisan Crafted Iron & Glass Ètagerè or Bookshelf
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of a kind vintage iron and glass, artisan crafted, ètagerè or bookcase in the Brutalist style. Item features a heavy solid iron scrolling frame with remarkable sculptural form. T...
Copper, Iron
Ceramic sculpture in bronze glazing, Dutch, 1970s
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A striking example of 1970s ceramic artistry, this sculptural piece embodies the raw elegance of the Brutalist movement, paired with the sensual, organic lines reminiscent of mid-cen...
Ceramic
Brutalist Solid Elm Wood Coffee Table
Located in Weesp, NL
Striking robust brutalist coffee table made of solid Elm wood. The elm has warm colors and a fantastic patina from use over decades of years. Measurements : 77 x 77 x 45cm - 30.31...
Elm
$3,109 / set
pair of brutalist ceramic sconces
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of 20th-century French Brutalist wall sconces by Pellizon. Entirely ceramic half-spheres, crafted in a rough manner with a very mineral finish and color similar to stone. Beauti...
Ceramic
Set of 4 Brutalist Fishbone Chairs Spanish Oak Boucle
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
These chairs have a distinct design that appears to be inspired by the organic forms of fish bones, which is an innovative and artistic approach to furniture design. This kind of ins...
Bouclé, Oak
$1,301Sale Price / set|20% Off
Knud Friis & Elmar Moltke Nielsen (Friis & Moltke) pine brutalist chairs Getama
By Knud Friis & Elmar Moltke Nielsen
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Set of two very rare comfort Solid Wood Chairs by Brutalist architects Knud Friis and Elmar Moltke Nielsen. Denmark 1970s. Handmade bent...
Pine, Plywood
Vintage Brutalist coffee table / Side table in solid wood - 1960s
By Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage Brutalist coffee table / Side table in solid wood - 1960s Wear consistent with age and use. organic style - natural decoration - Wabi-Sabi Measures : 98cmX48cm H:46.5 Mater...
Wood
Pair of Solid Cedar Coffee Tables Sculpted from Tree Trunk For Indoor/Outdoor
By Riva 1920
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This coffee table celebrates the natural beauty and history of wood. Crafted from a single section of a scented cedar tree trunk, it showcases the tree's life story through its promi...
Cedar
Mid century leather and wood folding armchair, 1950s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mid century leather and wood folding armchair, 1950s Wear consistent with age and use Scandinavian Mid-Century - lounge chair Børge Mogensen Model 2225 style Measures : 62cmx59cm ...
Leather, Hardwood
RT-1 Round Dining Table with Steel Top, Solid Walnut Wood Post and Concrete Base
By Stefan Rurak
Located in Biddeford, ME
This round dining table is made of steel, solid walnut wood and cast-concrete. the base is cast to resemble a "cracked" piece of material with a solid hand-turned Walnut post protruding. This upright element captures the deceivingly thin 3/16" thick steel top with a Walnut wood cap proud of the surface, creating a stimulating tactile element. The steel is treated with Stefan Rurak Studio...
Concrete, Steel
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Carved from a single piece of wood, this tall abstract sculpture is a masterwork of organic fluidity. Its design features an undulating, vertical silhouette that flows with a sense o...
Walnut
$9,882 / item
Muted by NONO No22 Outdoor Chair Durable Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No22 Outdoor Chair Durable Elegance — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by NONO. This seri...
Hardwood
Brutalist Axis Cube Sculpture, Cut Steel, Marc Weinstein
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by his father's scrap yard, Marc Weinstein launched Marc Creates Inc. in 1967. He and later his sons went on to create countless metal sculptures, furniture, and wall assemb...
Cut Steel
Pair of 1950s French Side Chairs in the Style of Charles Dudouyt
Located in London, London
Pair of side chairs Oak and rush Seat height 47cm In the style of Charles Dudouyt France 1950s A pair of French side chairs with a classic and rustic design, characteristic of t...
Rush, Oak
$1,148Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of low straw chairs by Charles Dudouyt, France, circa 1940
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Pair of low chairs by Charles Dudouyt. Dudouyt began his career as a cabinetmaker and worked for important cabinetmakers, such as Dominique, and for private clients. He quickly deve...
Straw, Wood, Beech
Brutalist pendant lights by Marcello Fantoni, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Striking brutalist pendant lights designed by renowned designer and artist Marcello Fantoni and produced in Italy. Beautiful sculptured torch cut steel tubes with amber tinted glas...
Metal
1970's Scarnicci Travertine Table Lamp
By Emanuele Scarnicci
Located in LYON, FR
Travertine and Chrome lamp attributed to Italian sculpter Emanuele Scarnicci. A very pleasing contrast of materials with a freshly made shade. Ple...
Travertine
Set of solid oak and wicker chairs, carved Savina Joseph style
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Set of two Scandinavian armchairs and four chairs from the 1950s in the style of Joseph Savina's work. Solid oak structure carved on the top of the backs. Wicker straw seats (period)...
Wicker, Oak
Mid century brutalist bar stools, 1960s - set of 7
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Solid wooden brutalist bar stools with a thick round seat and black steel footrests. Cool conical design, memphis style. 1960s - Germany Good original condition Dimensions: Heigh...
Metal
Console Jean in Estremoz white Marble with Nero Marquina Top
Located in Lisbon, PT
Jean console is unique in its conception. The combination of three different marbles makes it a sign of unconformity and originality. The combination in the picture is in Terrazzo to...
Marble
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Studio Pottery Bull Sculpture in Green Glaze Signed
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This unusual mid-century modern studio pottery sculpture depicts a stylised bull rendered in a bold, abstract form. Handcrafted in ceramic, the piece features a beautifully mottled g...
Ceramic, Pottery
Large burtalist wal sculpture, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Architectural brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. - Cat tail shaped. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 200cm Width: 95cm Ref.: 2508120402 *All i...
Metal
Wooden Zodiac Capricorn Wall Plaque Relief Brutalist Midcentury, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wooden wall plaque relief sign, made in the Brutalist style in Germany in the 1970s. This is a wonderful Zodiac sign. This can be used as a Wall decoration or as a decorati...
Wood
Brutalist Wall Sconces, Metal and Murano Glass, Italy, 1960, Hardwired
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of sconces made of metal and Murano glass. The metal structures feature tubed metal covered with Murano glass elements. We love the brutalist details of this pair. They have bee...
Metal
Brutalist Wood bowl in the spirit of Alexandre Noll - 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Brutalist Wood bowl in the spirit of Alexandre Noll Wabi Sabi decoration - Brutalist - Decoration Measures : 24cmx22.5cm H:7.5cm Material : Wood Wear consistent with age and use.
Wood
Design Drink Mat, Posavaso Diseño, Cast Aluminium and Brass Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Coaster was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful ...
Aluminum, Brass
Contemporary Modular Walnut & Steel Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handcrafted contemporary modular coffee table made in Los Angeles by Joseph Santiago-Dieppa, featuring a solid walnut grid top paired with a welded steel base. This custom, architect...
Steel
Brutalist Brass Pendant Lights by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1960s, Denmark
By Holm Sørensen, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Substantial Brutalist Brass Pendant Lights designed Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in the 1960s. * Set (2) of onion-shaped pendant light with layered flame-cut brass slates and s...
Brass
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Ceramic Pendant from Judi Kunst
By Judi Kunst
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist studio ceramic pendant lamp by Judi Kunst from Denmark. A functional lamp and at the same time an imposing object. The design language seems organic. The shade shows a sim...
Ceramic
Copper and Glas Brutalist Wall Lamp, Germany, 1970s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking Brutalist wall lamp from the 1970s is a bold example of the raw, industrial aesthetic that defines the Brutalist movement. Crafted from copper, the lamp features a rugg...
Metal, Copper
Set of Three Vintage Italian Brutalist Wooden Stools, 1960s
Located in Catania, CT
Set of three vintage Brutalist stools crafted in solid wood, made in Italy during the 1960s. These sculptural pieces feature a raw, organic aesthetic typical of the Brutalist movemen...
Wood
Narcissi Wall Mirror in Eclipse, handcrafted in Sweden by VAVA Objects
By VAVA Objects
Located in Saltsjöbaden, SE
The artisanal process of creating our Narcissi Wall Mirror gives each piece an individual soul and patina, as the temperature, humidity and hands at work all contribute to its distin...
Fiberglass
$21,538Sale Price|20% Off
Table De Conférence De Rainer Daumiller Pour Hirtshals Savværk Møbler, 1980
Located in SAINT-SEVER, FR
Important pine conference table by Rainer Daumiller for Hirtshals Savværk møbler in the 1980s. The table consists of 2 rectangular tables and 2 half-moon consoles. The table comes fr...
Pine
1960s French Brutalist Tripod Stool
Located in London, GB
1960s French brutalist tripod stool. Superb primitive oak stool with bobbin legs and carved seat retaining original bark base. In very good solid condition with light and attractive...
Oak
Pair of Brutalist Sconces in hammered glass by Longobard, Italy 1970s
By Longobard
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of spectacular Brutalist sconces designed by Longobard, the main competitor of Poliarte in Italy in the 1970s. They feature hammered glass in am...
Steel
Vintage Brutalist Hand Forged Double Vase
Located in Charleston, SC
Excellent vintage 20th Century hand forged metal vase. It has a very thin profile and two necks, one being much taller than the other. The vase is signed but after extensive research...
Metal
Mid-Century Original Brutalist Wall Art by Jean Olds
Located in Raleigh, NC
Original sculptural wall art by artist Jean Olds. Brutalist in style and construction against a burlap background. Mixed media, combining various wooden elements and nails. The compo...
Metal
Enzo Mari, Travertine desk organizer, Fratelli Mannelli Italy 1970s
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Firenze, IT
Travertine desk organizer Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s. H 10 cm - 13 × 14.5 cm. Conditions: good condition consistent with age and use. Defects.
Travertine
"Sino" Contemporary Golden Ceiling Light in Cast Brass & Illuminated Raw Crystal
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Contemporary golden ceiling light in cast brass and illuminated raw crystal. Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This ceiling light was meticulously handmade by master artisans one delic...
Brass
Portuguese Side Table Poppy with Pink Top 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
Tom Greene Torch Cut Brutalist Brass Pendant Light for Feldman
By Tom Greene, Feldman Lighting Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Tom Greene Torch Cut Brass Flush Mount , Pendant Light for Feldman Partial labels un underside of canopy This fixture is suppose to take a simple glass / or plastic disc on the bot...
Brass
Sculptural 'Labyrinth' Floor Lamp by Bronka Stern
By Bronka Stern
Located in Toronto, CA
Carved sculptural floor lamp by Polish-American sculptor Bronka Stern (1909-2002, one of the few women sculptors working in NYC in the 1960s. Newly wired and fitted with a new coppe...
Copper
$9,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Hand-Crafted Solid Thick Oak Rectangular Coffee Table by Nono Fundamenta 20
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Hand-crafted solid thick oak rectangular coffee table / bench By NONO Rectangular coffee table with 2 legs made of solid thick oak. Product made to order; some variances may apply t...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Set of 2 Safari lounge chairs, 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 67cm W, 62cm D, 35cm H seat, 72cm H total Material: Leather, wood Color : Brown Period: 1970’s
Leather, Wood
Monastery wood Table, Spain, Andorra, 17th Century.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Monastery table, Clear lines in the style of Jean-Michel Frank, Natural wood, one drawer in the front, Wonderful natural patina, slight accidents and losses, Andorra, 18th Centur...
Wood
1970s Brutalist Travertine and Glass Coffee Table by Willy Ballez, Belgium
Located in Brussel, BE
Elegant travertine and glass coffee table by Belgian designer Willy Ballez, created in the 1970s. This sculptural piece features an architectural travertine base composed of interloc...
Travertine
New Contemporary Black Organic Brutalist Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
80707 New Contemporary Moroccan Rug with Tribal Style 09'05 x 12'09. Showcasing an expressive tribal design, incredible detail and texture, this hand knotted wool contemporary Moro...
Wool
Lead Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1968
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Table top consisted of an embossed lead foil stretched over a wooden frame fixed on 4 tubular oak legs. An exceptional cooperation with Jean Derval for this atypical hand crafted wo...
Lead
In Burned Oak, a Dark Biomorphic Sculpture of Elegance Emerges, Still Stand No97
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
In Burned Oak, a Dark Biomorphic Sculpture of Elegance Emerges, Still Stand No97 _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is ...
Hardwood
Clock perforated D018 Cast Brass, Gold coloured, Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Perforated Clock was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled materi...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Bronze Horse Sculpture on Base
Located in San Diego, CA
Powerful Brutalist bronze sculpture depicting an abstracted horse, characterized by bold massing, angular reduction, and expressive surface modeling, circa 1970s. The elongated equin...
Bronze
$7,415 / item
brutalist forged table in the style of Lothar Klute
By Lothar Klute
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
- stunning forged coffee table with cast glass - perfect condition - 120 x 73 x 52 cm
Iron
Industrial Modern, Steel, Brass, Brutalist Rectangular Wall Mirrors, 21st c.
Located in Stamford, CT
Industrial Modern, Steel, Brass, Brutalist Rectangular Wall Mirrors, 21st c. Pair of rectangular wall mirrors having a steel and brass frame with clean lines and rectangular propor...
Brass, Steel
Vintage 1960s Oak Fold Down Secretary Bureau in style of Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A striking example of early 20th-century historicist design, this substantial secretary bureau captures the architectural grandeur of the late Baroque period while benefiting from th...
Brass
18 Large Modernist Textured Ice Glass Flush Mounts or Wall Lights with Brass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Almelo, NL
Gorgeous large ice glass flush mounts or wall lights on a brass frame manufactured in Germany in the 1960s. The lamp takes 2 large bulbs. The lights are beautifully decorated thanks ...
Brass
Vintage 1970s Brass Coil Choker Necklace and Cuff Bracelet
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage brass coil choker necklace and cuff bracelet in wonderful vintage condition. We have left these pieces with their original patinated finish for you; however, you may decide to polish, circa 1970s. We are absolutely in love with these pieces of circa 1970s jewelry...
Brass