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.
Marz Designs "Polaris Wall Light", Small, Tumbled Brass
By Marz Designs
Located in BYRON BAY, NSW
Drawing from Brutalist architecture and the symbolism of the North Star, Polaris is a collection that embodies both origins, by fusing geometric form and celestial illumination to cr...
Aluminum, Brass
Set of 2 Brutalist Soft Gray Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Soft Gray collage tiles by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-a-kind composition. Each tile measures...
Wood
Vintage pair of Danish Brutalist Armchairs, Henning Kjærnulf style, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A pair of oak armchairs, executed in the unmistakable style of Henning Kjærnulf, commands attention with their bold brutalist aesthetic and distinctive throne-like silhouette. Inspir...
Oak
Brutalist Coffee Table Handmade and signed by Pia Manu, 1960s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1960s / Coffee Table / Pia Manu / metal, stone, chrome / Mid-century / Vintage / Brutalist Brutalist post-modern coffee table by the Belgian artist Pia Manu, handcrafted i...
Stone, Metal, Chrome
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
Black brutalist bar cabinet, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Illuminated ebonized wood bar cabinet with graphical brutalist design doors. Mirrored and illuminated bar compartment. Good condition. 1970s - Belgium Dimensions: Height: 127cm ...
Wood
1980s Austin Production "Loving Couple" Brutalist Sculpture Signed by The Artist
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Austin Production "Loving Couple" Brutalist Sculpture Signed by The Artist Features two nude figures in a tender embrace, inspired by Auguste Rodin's "The Kiss." Signed By The ...
Resin
Cast brass cabinet knob from the Earth Prints collection 5.5 x 4 cm
Located in Marrakech, MA
Cast brass cabinet knob from the Earth Prints collection: This cast brass cabinet knob is part of the Earth Prints collection, which draws inspiration from natural formations and or...
Brass
$9,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Round Top Fundamenta Table 61 Abstract Oak, Sleek Design by NONO
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Round Top Fundamenta Table 61 Abstract Oak, Sleek Design by NONO Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or black tinted finish. Due to the nature of ...
Hardwood
Set of 2 Brutalist Antique Gold Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Antique Gold collage tiles by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-a-kind ...
Wood
$4,250Sale Price|45% Off
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Brutalist Sofa Large Loveseat Settee
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Wayne, NJ
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Brutalist Sofa Couch . We have another matching sofa in a different size in our other items. The highly decorated resin surfaces are similar to Paul...
Fabric
Danish Brutalist Oak Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s. Set of 6.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Brutalist Oak Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s. Set of 6. Set of six Danish Mid-Century Modern dining chairs designed by Danish architect Henning Kjærnulf and manufac...
Velvet, Oak
1 of the 7 Georges Pelletier Ceramic Lamps, Custom Silk Shades by R. Houben
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 7 beautiful ceramic table/ floor lamps by Georges Pelletier, 2022. Custom made silk and rattan lampshades by René Houben. The brown and honey colored ceramics and the geome...
Ceramic
$8,700Sale Price|40% Off
Brutalist Aluminum Door Panel in Anodized Bronze / Copper Finish
By Billy Joe Mccarroll and David Gillespe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist cast aluminum door panel with handle in anodized bronze / copper finish made in Belgium in 1970’s. In the style of Billy Joe McCarroll and David Gillespi "Heroic Doors...
Aluminum
Set of 2 Brutalist Matte Black Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Matte Black collage tiles by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-a-kind c...
Wood
Vintage Brutalist Abstract Metal Nail Wall Art Sculpture, circa 1970
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brutalist Abstract Metal Nail Wall Art Sculpture In the Style of William Bowie, circa 1970's Artist Unknown " in very good vintage condit...
Metal
Mid-Century Brutalist Carafe Vases from Hartwig Heyne Pottery, Germany, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Carafe Vases from Hartwig Heyne Pottery, Germany, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informat...
Ceramic
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
Brutalist Oak Sideboard, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A brutalist sideboard produced in Belgium in the 1970s. The piece is constructed in oak with a warm brown tone, emphasizing the natural grain and material presence. The façade is def...
Oak
Brutalist “Staccato” Dresser by Lane Furniture, USA, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Brutalist “Staccato” Dresser by Lane Furniture, USA, 1970s Striking Brutalist dresser from the “Staccato” series by Lane Furniture, USA, 1970s. This architectural piece showcases La...
Wood, Walnut
Vintage Brutalist Bronze Candleholder from Gallo, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Brutalist Bronze Candleholder from Gallo, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Bronze...
Bronze
Low Danish Oak Sideboard, Carved Front Panels, Brutalist Style, 1960s
Located in Rødding, DK
Danish low oak sideboard from the 1960s, crafted by a skilled cabinetmaker and defined by its timeless, rectangular silhouette. The piece reflects the understated strength of Scandin...
Oak
Set of 2 Samples of Brutalist Sculptural Collage Wall Art in Upcycled Wood
Located in San Antonio, TX
Each sample measures 10" x 4.5" and is offered as a set of two. Designed by Peter Glassford, each piece is a unique Brutalist-inspired collage. No two samples are alike; every compo...
Wood
Joel Escalona's NONO Elefante Table 60, Smooth Solid Wood, Sleek Style
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's NONO Elefante Table 60, Smooth Solid Wood, Sleek Style ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Patchwork Hanging Shelf Console Table & Mirror
By Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Paul Evans studio floating shelf and mirror set circa early 1970's. It features copper, bronze and pewter cladding in a patchwork design. Console shelf measures 60 x 13 x 6.5 inches ...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
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
Brutalist Iron and Glass Console Table c. 1970/80's
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural Brutalist iron and glass console, foyer table, design reminiscent of Giacometti, circa 1970/80's. The table features a Neo Classical Roman style metal base, in f...
Metal
Floating Console In Composite Material, Stone Effect, Brutalist Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Floating Console In Composite Material, Stone Effect, Brutalist Style. Floating console in composite material with stone effect. this floating console reproduces the appearance of a...
Composition
Brutalist Handmade Ceramic Wall Sconce, U-Sconce by Streicher Goods
By Ethan Streicher, Streicher Goods
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The U-Sconce is a small, brutalist-inspired wall sconce, perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, or accent lighting in larger living spaces, created by Streicher Goods in Brooklyn, NY. Th...
Ceramic, Acrylic
Mid Century Modern Abstract Brutalist Wall Art Sculpture in Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stunning heavy wall sculpture from the 1960's. It features torch cut tubular steel thats been blackened & brass plated.
Steel
French Brutalist Sideboard with Graphic Doors in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, solid elm, France, 1970s This sideboard exemplifies exceptional woodworking, highlighted by its graphically designed doors that create a dynamic and tactile rhythm across...
Elm
$7,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante Side Table 1, Joel Escalona, Solid Walnut Wood Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's NONO Elefante Table 40, Wood Spheres, Elegant Lines ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid walnut wood. Other wood opt...
Hardwood
Peter Glassford Natural Parota Reclaimed Wood Collage, Set of 2 Brutalist tiles
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Natural Parota collage tiles by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-a-kind composition. Each tile mea...
Wood
$22,750Sale Price|30% Off
Paul Evans Brutalist Skyline Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Paul Evans brutalist "Skyline" sculpted bronze resin dining table with 48" x 96" x 3/4" thick glass top. Signed PE70 Only base is 65" x 27".
Bronze
Set of 2 Brutalist Whitewashed Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural White wash collage tiles by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-a-kind co...
Wood
$5,715 / item
ALMA Ceiling Surface Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A slab of hand cut Natural Alabaster glows in the grasp of a Brutalist-inspired cast Bronze frame. Custom Sizes Available. Models in the collection are individually hand-crafted by...
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
Sculptural Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Black Wood, Carved, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This commanding functional sculpture is hand-carved from a single, massive hardwood log. It features a substantial, thick circular top supported by heavy legs that have been hand-hew...
Wood
French Gouge-Carved Oak Side Table, C. 1960.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Solid oak table having a kidney-shaped top with bold hand-gouged carved surface, raised on three legs, exhibiting a sculptural, organic form and strong rustic character. Warm natural...
Oak
Large Brutalist Warm Brown Solid European Oak Table - Brut by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut table takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. Designed by Aad B...
Oak, Walnut
Peter Glassford Charcoal Reclaimed Wood Collage, Set of 2 Brutalist tiles
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural charcoal collage tiles by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-a-kind comp...
Wood
Pair of 1970's Scandinavian brutalist pine lounge chairs with ottoman
Located in Liberty, NY
Great pair of 1970's brutalist pine lounge chairs with ottoman - Scandinavian in style, similar to some Yngve Ekstrom designs, although I believe they are made by Herlag in Germany....
Cotton, Pine
$3,930 / item
AVRA Wall Sconce - Piccolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Buds of warm natural alabaster – glowing harbingers of Spring after a long Winter - nestle in textured, Brutalist – inspired cast bronze frames. Custom Sizes Available. Models in t...
Alabaster, Bronze
$20,298 / item
Contemporary Brutalist Cabinet in Solid Oak, Brown
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Brutalist Cabinet made of solid oak Dimensions: 180 x 80 x 45 cm Unique piece made to order. Customizable. Founded by D...
Oak
Wabi Sabi Stump Chair in Solid Birch, by a Swedish Cabinetmaker, Modern, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Charming primitive stump chair made in solid birch. Hand carved by an unknown Swedish cabinetmaker. A nice wabi sabi piece, perfectly sutied for the modern interior. This modern arm...
Birch
Studio D Italy Brutalist Chairs in Darkened Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio D Italy, side chairs, lacquered pine, 1970s This eye-catching brutalist chair captures the essence of raw design. Crafted by Studio D in Italy during the 1970s, it exemplifie...
Pine
Set of 2 Brutalist Satin Black Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Satin Black collage tiles by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-a-kind c...
Wood
Sculptural Brutalist Marble Side Table by Jonathan Christian, France.
Located in Lille, FR
Sculptural Brutalist marble side table by Jonathan Christian.
Marble, Metal
$2,089Sale Price|30% Off
Harry Bertoria 1960 square sculpture in gilt bronze and black base
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Bronze sculpture Harry Bertoia 1960.
Bronze
Contemporary Lobby Chair Sleek Design Muted by Joel Escalona No03
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contemporary Lobby Chair Sleek Design Muted by Joel Escalona No03——— Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by...
Hardwood
$8,700Sale Price|40% Off
Brutalist Aluminum Door in Antique Bronze Finish
By Billy Joe Mccarroll and David Gillespe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist cast aluminum door in antique bronze finish in the style of Billy Joe Mccarrol and David Gillespie or Paul Evans. This is just the panel that can be cut / modified to be at...
Aluminum
Peter Glassford Matte White Reclaimed Wood Collage, Set of 2 Brutalist Tiles
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Matte White collage tiles by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-a-kind c...
Wood
Vintage Sculptural Brutalist Iron & Glass Wall Candleholders by Dantoft, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Large 1970s Brutalist Wall sculptures made by Danish design company Dantoft kunstartikler (trans.: art objects). Made from black lacquered and welded iron set in a graphic formation ...
Iron
Paul Evans Dining Table Cityscape Burl & Brass
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul Evans Cityscape dining table base with burl veneer and brass plated stainless steel tiles. Base alone dimensions 28.5 x 49 x 19 Glass shown in photos for scale 72" x 40"
Brass
Round Coffee Table in Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand forged iron low table, France, 1960s. This french coffee table has a gorgeous constuction with scrolled legs and scroll detailings on the top and below the glass. It has a bea...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
NONO Sideboard Elefante 26, Design by Joel Escalona, Sculpted Silhouette
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Sideboard Elefante 26, Design by Joel Escalona, Sculpted Silhouette ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a...
Hardwood
Round Fundamenta Coffee 51 Geometric Wood, Modern Appeal by NONO
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Round Fundamenta Coffee 51 Geometric Wood, Modern Appeal by NONO Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or black tinted finish. Due to the nature of...
Hardwood
Jean-Jacques Argueyrolles Gilt Metal Sconces, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Jean-Jacques Argueyrolles (French, b. 1954) Pair of Gilt Metal Brutalist Wall Sconces. 78" H x 3.25" W x 7.25" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Metal
Contemporary Brutalist Dresser in Solid Oak 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Dresser / Cabinet Sculpted wood (solid oak) Finish: hammered, dark SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in so...
Oak
Wooden Lounge Chair, Carved From Single Piece of Wood, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique functional sculpture carved from a single piece of wood in the shape of an lounge chair. Each piece in our production is carved by artists with basic wood carving power tools....
Wood
Contemporary Brutalist Style Commode in Solid Oak 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Commode / Chest of Drawers made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) by Denis Milovanov for SOHA Concept Measures: 85 x 122 x 56 cm - Custom size on request SÓHA design studio conceives and...
Oak