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.
Georges Pelletier Brown Ceramic Lamp, Custom Double Silk Rattan Lampshade
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table/ floor lamp by Georges Pelletier, 2022. Custom made double rattan lampshade by René Houben. The brown ceramics and the warm colored details fit perfectly wit...
Ceramic
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
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
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
$5,196Sale Price / item|20% Off
brass sideboard handmade in Italy available
Located in Guazzora, IT
Un mobile in ottone, ispirato alla luna, incanta con la sua superficie cesellata, ricca di crateri e curve che evocano il paesaggio lunare. Polished brass reflects light, creating a ...
Brass
Brutalist Bench, Black Burnt Wood, Outdoor, Indoor, Organic, Rustic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique bench with original design by Logniture. Made entirely from oak wood. Protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade design...
Wood, Oak
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
Brutalist Fibre-Cement Square Planters, Switzerland, 1970s, Willy Guhl style
By Willy Guhl
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of 55 Brutalist Fibre-Cement Square Planters, Switzerland, 1970s, in the Style of Willy Guhl A rare architectural set of 55 square fibre-cement planters from Switzerland, 1970s....
Cement
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
1960's Brutalist Art Studio Ceramics Large Square Dish by Amphora Perignem
By Perignem
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Brutalist Art Studio Ceramics Large Square Dish by Amphora Perignem. Made in Belgium 1960's. Rogier Vandeweghe / Elisabeth Vandeweghe. XL Square dish / bowl with abstract fig...
Ceramic, Pottery
$545Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist sculpture in welded and patinated copper and brass - Jarc - 1970
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Brutalist sculpture in welded and patinated copper and brass, depicting a stylized animal. Created by the artist Jarc in the 1970s, it is in excellent condition with a beautiful patina.
Brass
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
Hand-Crafted Brass Drawer Pull, Earth Prints Collection, 8 cm, Morocco
Located in Marrakech, MA
Compact form and textured surface – brass drawer pull: This brass drawer pull belongs to the Earth Prints collection, a series defined by organic surface patterns inspired by natura...
Brass
Sculptural Matte Black Ceramic Vase, Contemporary Organic Modern Design
Located in Istanbul, TR
This contemporary ceramic vase is handcrafted in stoneware and finished in a deep matte black surface that highlights its sculptural silhouette. The form features a fluid, organic pr...
Stoneware
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
Pair of Large Ceramic Table Lamps for Soholm by Haico Nietzsche, Denmark 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful ceramic table lamp by Haico Nietzsche for Soholm, Denmark 1960s. Combined with a custom lampshade. The beige ceramic base has a subtle concave shape, which is mirrored in ...
Ceramic
Sculptural Brutalist Marble Side Table by Jonathan Christian, France.
Located in Lille, FR
Sculptural Brutalist marble side table by Jonathan Christian.
Marble, Metal
$7,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Paul Evans Rare and Early Candlesticks, Set of Three, 1953
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Rare and Early Candlesticks, Set of Three, 1953 Sandblasted pewter Each: 20½ h × 3¼ dia in (52 × 8 cm) Provenance: The Artist Collection of Dorsey Reading Exhibited: Paul...
Pewter
$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
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
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
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
Door Handle with Amphora Ceramic Tile, Belgian Modernist Design, 1960s
Located in Herentals, BE
An elegant and collectible door handle by Sobinco, featuring a ceramic tile attributed to Amphora, Belgium, circa 1960. The design combines a geometric brass frame with a vibrant tur...
Aluminum
$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
Wrought iron coffee table in the style of Lothar KluteCoffee table in the style
By Lothar Klute
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Coffee table in artfully forged iron with a brown patina. Glass top specially cast and machined for this table.
Wrought Iron
James De Wulf Cue Rack, Floor Standing Concrete Billiards Cue Rack
Located in Paia, HI
Floor standing billiards concrete cue rack to accompany the James De Wulf pool table. Please select a color option when placing an order: Natural Tone, Ligh...
Concrete
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
Large Brass Sconces by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1960s, Denmark
By Holm Sørensen, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Substantial Brass Wall Lamps designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen in the 1960s. * Set (2) of flame-cut sun-shaped brass sconces * Designer: Svend Aage Holm Sorensen * Model:...
Metal, Brass
$5,800 / set
1930's Forge Iron Tripod Italian Floor Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Amazing pair of large forge iron tripod Italian floor lamps, newly rewired and ready to use with some wear and patina due to age and use. One of the lamps is 1' shorter.
Iron
Cabinet knob in cast brass : Organic shape 5 x 3 cm
Located in Marrakech, MA
Cabinet knob in cast brass : This cabinet knob in cast brass is designed for interior furniture applications, including drawers, cabinet doors, and built-in storage units. With dime...
Brass
$7,905Sale Price|20% Off
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
Knud Erik Christensen - Danish Brutalist Sculpture in Bronze, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A studio made small bronze sculpture in an abstract form. It sits loosely on a white marble base. Very tactile texture and gilded finish. Hand-signed beneath its base: KEC. Measure...
Bronze
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
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
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
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
Sculptural Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Black Wood, Carved, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
These two sculptural blocks are functional art, each carved from a single piece of wood to maintain the raw integrity of the timber. The design features a blocky, monolithic form tha...
Wood, Oak
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
$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
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
$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
Sculptural Vintage Travertine Coffee Table with Glass Top, Italy 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
Atkris Studio presents a coffee table that balances architectural clarity with organic movement. Its form feels carved rather than constructed, allowing material and silhouette to le...
Travertine
$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
$15,999Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Minimalist Brutalist Lounge Chair, Burn Oak Wood Muted D Easy Chair by NONO
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Minimalist Brutalist Lounge Chair, Burn Oak Wood Muted Easy Chair by NONO Brutalist chairs boast a strong, yet passive presence with minimalist designs that highlight the rich text...
Hardwood
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
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Extendable Floor Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron Extendable Floor Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-...
Iron
Contemporary Console Table 'LIAH' by Eichkorn, Brass and Oak, Customizable
By Eichkorn
Located in Paris, IDF
LIAH Console Table by German contemporary design studio Eichkorn. Material: Brass and Burnt Oak Wood Standard size: H.78 x 55 x 20 cm - Customizations are possible Liah Console - T...
Brass
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
Original metal Brutalist wall lamp Octopus by Salvino Marsura, Italy 1980s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Rare mid-century modern metal Brutalist wall lamp Octopus by Salvino Marsura, made in Italy in the 1980s. Salvino Marsura is an Italian artist born in Treviso in 1938. His career be...
Metal
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
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
Brutalist, Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp, T-Top Lamp by Streicher Goods
By Streicher Goods, Ethan Streicher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The T-Top lamp is a small, brutalist-inspired table lamp, perfect for bedside or accent lighting in larger living spaces, created by Streicher Goods in Brooklyn, NY. The T-top lamp...
Brass
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
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
$20,337 / 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
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
$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Sculpture 1950s 1960s Mid Century Brutalist Abstract Metal Modern Art
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Peoria, AZ
AFTER PAUL EVANS MID CENTURY MODERN MONUMENTAL BRUTALIST FINE ART DIRECT METAL SCULPTURE! MAGNIFICENT TOWER STRUCTURE! IRON, BRASS, BRONZE & WOOD BASE CIRCA 1956 Similar to Diego Giacometi Approximate Dimensions: Large 34" Tower/ 13" Wide & Deep This is the Holy Grail for Mid Century abstract...
Bronze, Iron
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
$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