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.
Italian Brutalist Hand-Carved Oak Wood Sideboard with Sculptural Studded Doors
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Brutalist-style sideboard handcrafted in oak wood. The two doors feature a striking geometric composition of hand-carved rounded elements, creating a sculptural surface that ...
Wood
Large Round Table, Brutalist, Solid European Oak, Acer by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Acer table features a round table top resting on a circle of Acer legs, bringing lightness and elegance to the object. The light pointing legs with semi arched voids balance the ...
Oak, Walnut
Sculptural Dining Table, Monumental, Solid Warm Brown Oak, Brut Slim by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut Slim table takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. Designed by ...
Oak, Walnut
Elefante Console Table 31 by NONO, Fluid Wood Design, Design by Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Console Table 31 by NONO, Fluid Wood Design, Design by Escalona ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with ...
Hardwood
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Organic Floor Lamp in Burned Wood, Wabi Sabi, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful organic shaped table lamp in burned pine wood. Handcrafted by a Swedish Carpenter in the 1950s. The overall impression of this mid century table lamp is really good. It ...
Textile, Pine
forged bronze tables with cast glass by Lothar Klute
By Lothar Klute
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
- stunning coffee table set by Lothar Klute - forged bronze & cast glass - thick glass, remarkable quality - 1980s made in Germany - very good condition with beautiful patina co...
Bronze
Italian Brutalist Carved Wood Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning carved wood bench from Italy, 1950s. Brutalist design with plank wood seat, lovely carved wood beam back and angled tapered legs. Original wood finish shows nice age and pat...
Wood
Set of 9 Brutalist Patinated Metal Mounted Olive Green Cordial Shot Glasses
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A striking set of nine Mid-Century Modern Brutalist cordial or shooter glasses featuring olive green glass enclosed within sculptural patinated metal mounts. The geometric sleeves ar...
Brass
Rustic Vintage Brutalist Mid-Century Coffee Table from Oak
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
A robust Brutalist coffee table, crafted from thick solid oak and constructed using traditional mortise-and-tenon joints. The tabletop shows slight weathering, consistent with the pi...
Oak
Cereus Lamp Raffia Shade (Small) by Nani Goods Contemporary Ceramic Cactus Lamp
By Nani Goods, Steven Lancaster
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Inspired by the organic, undulating shapes of desert night blooming cacti, the Cereus Lamp balances minimalist design with playful natural form. Hand‑built from a dark, rusty‑brown c...
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 part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled i...
Wood
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
Walnut Dining Table, Solid American Walnut Wood, Aperta by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Aperta is inspired by the mystery and attraction of light and space breaking through narrow voids in architectural structures. The objects feature a precise slit, creating a sense of...
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
$2,367Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage 1960s set of Low & High Back Lounge Chair Oak, Style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A beautiful set of design chairs, resembling the style of Henning Henry Kjærnulf, forms a rare sculptural find. This set is crafted from oak and retaining their original savak wool u...
Fabric, Oak
Sunburst Foliage Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron with Flower Detail, 8 Lights
By Ferro Art
Located in Barcelona, ES
Huge Foliage Sunburst Flush Mount Ceiling Light in Gilt Iron, Ferro Art, 1950s Extra large size ( 37 inches diameter ) 8 Lights. This stunning 8 light ceiling lamp features an intri...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Pair of Brutalist Armchairs Woven Strap Leatherette Wood Frames, Circa 1960s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome pair of 1960s chairs in the American Brutalist style. Each chair features heavy woven leatherette straps, mounted to a geometric form stained wood frame, supporting origin...
Faux Leather, Wood
Mid Century Iron and Glass Console Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Brutalist Style Black Iron and Glass Console or Sofa Table, circa 1970s, in the style reminiscent of Giacometti. Brutalist furniture, popularized from the 1950s through the 1970s, em...
Iron
Handcrafted Brass Pull Handle, 30 cm, Brutalist Style from Morocco
Located in Marrakech, MA
Brass pull handle – Earth Prints collection – Ø 30 cm: This brass pull handle with a 30 cm diameter is part of the Earth Prints collection, which explores material depth and organic...
Brass
Ceramic Brutalist Vase from Michael Andersen, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unique ceramic vase displaying exceptional techniques in glazes, Brutalist styling and shape. We have not been able to find any references of this design number/series. Besides the c...
Ceramic
Peter Glassford Natural Parota Reclaimed Wood Collage, Set of 2 Brutalist tiles
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Natural Parota collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one...
Wood
Jean Blazy Sculptural Etched Brass Mirror, France, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
Sculptural wall mirror by French decorator Jean Blazy, dating from the 1970s. The rectangular frame is composed of individual brass panels, engraved with restrained geometric motifs ...
Brass
$1,371Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set Brutalist Copper Lamps by Koch & Söhne Germany 1970s
Located in Hannover, DE
Rare set of three brutalist pendant lights. These three master-crafted copper lights are something special. The lampshade is made in the shape of a funnel, decorations were burned in...
Brass, Copper
Sculptural Brutalist Bronze Table Lamp by Richard Barr for Laurel
By Harry Balmer, Richard Barr, Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Large scale Sculptural Brutalist Bronze Table Lamp by Richard Barr for Laurel Lamp Company. Comprised of torch cut bronze on a square base. Lamp is a very unique statement piece. Bru...
Bronze
Contemporary Brutalist Dresser in Solid Oak 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Dresser / cabinet Sculpted wood (solid oak) Finish: wavy, medium Warm furniture’s made by Russian designers from "Soha Concept" studio lead by the artist Denis Milovanov. Simpli...
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
Sculptural Brutalist Tree of Life Hand-Forged Candelabra Candle Holder, 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Brutalist tree candle holder / candlestick from the 1970s. Hand-forged from blackened wrought iron and wonderfully shaped like a tree, featuring a base designed as roots,...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Elefante Console Table 51 by NONO, Solid Wood, Elegant Curves
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Console Table 51 by NONO, Solid Wood, Elegant Curves ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernis...
Hardwood
$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
Pair of Mid-Century Spanish Brutalist Cognac Leather Arm Chairs
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of mid-century Spanish Brutalist club chairs, constructed with substantial dark oak frames and vintage cognac saddle leather. Contrasting stitching and oversized nail head trim ...
Leather, Oak
Contemporary Brutalist Style Coffee Table in Solid Oak, 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Coffe table Sculpted wood (solid oak) Finish: hammered, medium [Suitable for outdoor use] SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid...
Oak
Wood turned rush armchair in the stye of Charles Dudouyt, France 1950s
Located in Zaandam, NL
"Brutalist" French oak rush armchair in the manner of Charles Dudouyt, ca 1950s. This chair in in a lovely patinated condition with some light fading on the rush seat and backrest, l...
Oak
$12,705Sale Price / item|20% Off
Custom Coffee Table Serie 86 – Sereno by Joel Escalona with Organic Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Custom Coffee Table Serie 86 – Sereno by Joel Escalona with Organic Design ——— Sereno Coffee Table Series – A Note from Joel Escalona What happens when structure becomes art? Th...
Hardwood
Set of Four Sculptural Awa Solid Oak Side Tables by Radboud Dittmann for Dittman
By Henning Kjærnulf, AWA Holland, Le Corbusier, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brussels, Brussels
An exceptional and increasingly rare set of four Awa side tables designed by Radboud Dittmann and manufactured by Dittmann & Co. in the Netherlands during the 1970s. Executed entire...
Oak
Eye Catching Brutalist Style Ron Schmidt Nail Art Wall Sculpture
By Ron Schmidt
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning Brutalist style original wall sculpture signed by artist Ron Schmidt created with nails and hand forged metals to create an earthy color palette and having a midcentury mode...
Metal, Iron
Maurice Chalvignac Ceramic Pendant, circa 1960s–1970s
Located in Montréal, CA
Striking 1960’s vintage ceramic pendant attributed to Maurice Chalvignac, featuring an organic, sculptural form with a richly textured brown glaze and numerous perforations throughou...
Ceramic
Large Brass Sconces by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1960s, Denmark
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, 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
Brutalist mid-century round wall mirror. France c.1950
Located in Bristol, GB
Brutalist round wall mirror from the mid 20th century, sourced from France. Hand made hammered metal frame with original mirrored glass. Great original condition with patina. Dime...
Metal
Brutalist Nightstand Tables, Walnut, Canada, Vintage Design, 1975
Located in Montréal, CA
Pair of brutalist bedside tables from summer of last June 1975. Clean design with solid construction. Both pieces are versatile and can be used as bedside tables, a small bar, or a v...
Walnut
1 of 3 Brutalist Sculptiral Chairs done in pine, attr. to Gilbert Marklund
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find 3 pieces of the very rare Brutalist dining chairs done in solid pine. These sculptural chairs have striking design attr. to Gilbert Marklund. Combining ...
Pine
Brutalist Carved Oak Cabinet, Spain, 1890s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
J.A.D.A Galerie presents: A four door cabinet in solid oak, made in Spain in the late nineteenth century in the Castilian tradition of carved and studded case furniture. The front ...
Oak
Modern Coffee Table Serie 80 – Sereno by Joel Escalona with Minimalist Appeal
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Modern Coffee Table Serie 80 – Sereno by Joel Escalona with Minimalist Appeal ——— Sereno Coffee Table Series – A Note from Joel Escalona What happens when structure becomes art? ...
Hardwood
$164Sale Price|30% Off
Swiss Brutalist wrought iron Candle Holder
Located in Bern, BE
Swiss Brutalist wrought iron candle holder dating from the 1960's. Made by W. Müller Metalfabrik, Ersigen, Switzerland. With placement for two candle holders. Original makers label ...
Metal
1970s U-Shaped Fiberglass Coffee Table in the style of André Cazenave
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An exceptional French sculptural coffee table dating from the 1970s, executed in fiberglass coated with marble powder and conceived in the spirit of André Cazenave’s celebrated miner...
Fiberglass
Pair of 1970's German Brutalist oak and leather lounge chairs - Carl Straub
By Carl Straub
Located in Liberty, NY
Fantastic pair of mid century 1970's German Brutalist oak and leather lounge chairs. The large tan - cognac leather upholstered cushions are supported by sling straps attached to the...
Leather, Oak
Sculptural Coffee Table with hand-forged Iron Base and Slate Top, Germany, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Low rectangular coffee table with a dark slate top and hand-forged iron base. The softly rounded corners of the stone surface contrast with the expressive, almost sculptural quality ...
Slate, Wrought Iron
1980s Vintage Forged Brutalist Abstract Stainless Sculpture, Style of Leo Amino
By Leo Amino
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Vintage Forged Brutalist Abstract Stainless Sculpture, Style of Leo Amino Offered for sale is a 1980s vintage Brutalist abstract sculpture created with substantial stainless-...
Marble, Stainless Steel
Large Elm and Iron Coffee Table, France 1960's
By Pierre Lebe
Located in New York, NY
Solid Elm trapeze top set on steel canted legs, the table has design elements found in Chapo and Lebbe production
Iron
Oak Buffet Hand-carved, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
J.A.D.A Galerie presents: Oak Buffet with Concentric Roundel Doors and Iron Ring Pulls, France, 1940s This buffet was made in France in the 1940s, in the vernacular tradition of th...
Oak
Sculptural Solid Wood 'Mammut' Chair by Mobius Objects
Located in Calgary, AB
Complex yet functional joinery transcends trends making this piece a timeless addition to any interior decor. Alone as an accent chair or as part of a set, suiting both casual and ...
Wood, Walnut
Brutalist Hand Crafted Carved Oak Coffee Table, Belgium 1960's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Brutalist Hand Crafted Carved Oak Coffee Table. Made in Belgium, 1960's period. Solid heavy oak carved table top slab and bat shaped legs. This comes in good, all original co...
Oak
Large Sunburst Crown Chandelier Flush Mount in Gilt Metal with Leaves Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Crown Chandelier Foliage Ceiling Light Fixture, Gilt Iron, Gold Leaf, Frosted Glass ____________________________________________________________ Stunning Gilt iron and bronze sunburs...
Metal, Gold Leaf, Iron
$1,450 / item
Mid-Century Modern Sconces, Italy, circa 1960
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Brutalist style sconces in clear and orange Murano glass There are one in "clear" glass and one in orange-clear galss combination available at ...
Murano Glass
Vintage travertine coffee table, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage travertine coffee table or side table from the 1970s. Nicely shaped 'rough' travertine table top The table is in good condition Timeless piece that fits almost any living...
Travertine
Brutalist Coffee Table, Sculptural, Solid Light Brown European Oak, Taes, Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Taes coffee table draws inspiration from the majestic sloping-sided architectural platforms, historically used for religious, ceremonial and defensive purposes. In stacked form, ...
Oak, Walnut
Small Brutalist Studio Pottery Vessel with Turquoise Drip Glaze
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hand-thrown studio ceramic vessel featuring a richly textured surface with layered turquoise and lavender-toned drip glazes over earthy brown clay. Its sculptural form and tactile fi...
Ceramic
Solid Wood Chair Minimalist Design Muted by Joel Escalona No15
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solid Wood Stool Minimalist Design Muted by Joel Escalona No15 — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lounge Chairs Collection by N...
Hardwood
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
French Brutalist Oak Cabinet, C. 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Striking French Brutalist oak cabinet dating to circa 1960, featuring a clean architectural form and robust construction. The case is fitted with three paneled doors composed of vert...
Iron
Vintage French Brutalist Candle Holders, Hand Forged Iron, Circa 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage French pair of handsome brutalist iron candleholders hand forged and hammered with their original painted finish. These elegant and simple pair of candle sticks have perfec...
Metal, Wrought Iron