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 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
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
$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
Brutalist Country Style Solid Wooden Chairs Hand Crafted 19th Century Auvergne
Located in Antwerp, BE
Really nice sculptural and authentic set of 2 side chairs in solid oak reflects the brutalist country style of the France Auvergne area each chair with unique character and a warm pa...
Wood
$543Sale 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
3-Legged Brutalist Rustic Modern Sculptured Chair, 1960s France
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Brutalist rustic modern sculptured chair. As you can see in the last two photos, we have many different interesting wooden chairs and other home furniture.
Cowhide, 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
Vintage Rustic Farmhouse Mid-Century Brutalist Oak Dining Table
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Vintage Brutalist dining table made of solid oak, crafted in an authentic manner. Robust and characterful design with a timeless appearance. The heavy quality and artisanal finish ma...
Oak
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
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
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
$4,647
Zebra coffee table
Located in Paris, FR
VINCENT COLLIN (born 1963) Zebra wrought iron coffee table Hammered and patinated wrought iron, frosted glass top
Iron
KITA LIVING Shelf No: 1 - Oak Mist
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
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
Brutalist Mid-century Oak Dining Table, Belgium 1960s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1960 / dining table / oak / Brutalist / Mid-century An impressive Brutalist dining table crafted in Belgium circa 1960. This piece exemplifies the bold geometry and raw ma...
Oak
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 Primitive Coffee Table, France 1930's
Located in New York, NY
Large carved table in solid oak with a wrought iron stretcher
Wrought Iron
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
Henning Kjærnulf, Set of 8 Chairs in Oak & Hessian, Danish Mid Century, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, EG Kvaliteet
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural set of eight Danish Mid-Century Modern dining chairs designed by architect Henning Kjærnulf and produced by EG Kvalitetsmøbel in Denmark during the 1960s. Kjærnulf combi...
Oak, Fabric, Textile, Burlap
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
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
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
Sculptural Stool / Side Table in Warm Brown European Oak - Cadence by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Cadence stool is inspired by the simplicity and power of the rhythmic stepped brickwork visible in the architecture of Amsterdam's 'South Plan' area; the city development plan de...
Oak
$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
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
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
Sculptural Side Table in Giacometti Style, Cast Metal & Glass, 1970s
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Bronze Finish End or Side Table After Giacometti, USA 1970s Sculptural end table in the manner of Diego Giacometti, crafted in the 1970s from cast aluminum with a rich patinated faux...
Iron
Vintage Brutalist Swedish Pine Couch Table by Yngve Ekström for Swedese, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist coffee table from Swedish manufacturer Swedese designed by Yngve Ekström.A rustic design and striking solitaire in a minimalist … Read more Brutalist coffee table from Swed...
Pine
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
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
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
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
$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
$1,668Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Pair of Nightstands Side Cabinets Bedside Depth 18 in
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of oak nightstands "Pyrénées" signed by Sébastien Lamarre. This french side cabinets were made by Sébastien Lamarre for Maison Marie Anne. To stay in a brutalist style he has m...
Oak
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
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
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
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
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
Vintage 1960s Danish Brutalist Ladderback Light Oak Chairs style of Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This set of four carved light oak ladder-back chairs, familiar to the "Razorblade" model, designed by Henning Kjærnulf. Crafted with solid oak frames, these chairs are both elegant a...
Fabric, Oak
$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
$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
$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
Panarea capsule collection, Basiluzzo coffee table in UHPC cement mortar
By Forma & Cemento, Paolo Cappello
Located in Rome, Lazio
Basiluzzo is a UHPC concrete coffee table designed by Paolo Cappello for Forma&Cemento and belongs to the Panarea Capsule Collection. It takes shape from sharp volumes and inclined s...
Concrete
$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
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
Aluminum and Brass Firewood Holder by David Marshall, Spain, 1980s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
A sculptural vintage firewood holder designed by David Marshall, manufactured in Spain during the 1980s. The piece is constructed from cast aluminum forming a robust, gracefully curv...
Aluminum, Brass
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
Pair of Luciano Frigerio Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather and Stained Walnut 1970
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Luciano Frigerio Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather and Stained Walnut, Italy, 1970s Step into the embrace of timeless Italian sophistication with this exceptional pair of scul...
Leather, Walnut
Cereus Lamp by Nani Goods Contemporary Ceramic Cactus Lamp
By Steven Lancaster, Nani Goods
Located in South Pasadena, CA
The Cereus Table Lamp is inspired by the organic, undulating forms of desert cacti, striking a balance between minimalist design and playful natural shapes. Each lamp is hand-built u...
Brass
$20,259 / 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 “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
$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
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
Contemporary Brutalist Dresser in Solid Oak 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Brutalist dresser in solid oak 'Custom Size' Dimensions: Depth 51 cm x Width 167 cm x Height 84 cm Dresser / cabinet Scul...
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
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
Solid Walnut Brutalist Hari Coffee Table
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Japanese architectural timber structures. The low coffee table balances three minimalist volumes composed of solid wooden parts. Designed b...
Oak, Walnut
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
$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