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 Sculptural Chair, Carved, Solid Wood, Oak, Black, Rustic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This striking chair is a one-of-a-kind functional sculpture, carved from a single piece of wood to ensure absolute structural integrity and a monolithic presence. Its design features...
Wood, Oak
Brutalist Handmade Ceramic Wall Sconce, U-Sconce by Streicher Goods
By Streicher Goods, Ethan Streicher
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
Jacques Duval Brasseur Illuminated Gold Butterfly Coffee Table
Located in Hastings, GB
A beautiful butterfly inspired hand crafted coffee table, designed and made by the world renowned artist and sculptor Jacques Duval Brasseur in the 1970's. The stunning brass body is...
Agate, Brass
$30,784 / item
Sculpted Massive Dining Table V10 in Solid Oakwood
Located in Paris, IDF
Massive dining table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Model shown : Measures: 310 cm x 122 cm x 79 cm Warm furniture’s made by Denis Milovanov, founder of 'Soha Concept' design studio. Simplicity of shapes. Authentic material. Denis Milovanov produces wooden sculptures employing chainsaw and chisel as sole instruments of his practice. Reclaimed oak is carefully chosen, hand-processed and boiled in linseed oil in accordance with traditional Russian woodwork...
Oak
Minimalist Coffee Table Serie 58 – Sereno by Joel Escalona for Subtle Interiors
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Minimalist Coffee Table Serie 58 – Sereno by Joel Escalona for Subtle Interiors ——— Sereno Coffee Table Series – A Note from Joel Escalona What happens when structure becomes art? ...
Hardwood
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
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
Console With Realistic Stone Texture, Brutalist Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Console With Realistic Stone Texture, Brutalist Style. This console resembles an ancient monolith with bold, powerful edges and a mix of smooth and rough surfaces. At first glance, ...
Composition
Brutalist Wrought Iron Sunburst Mirror, circa 1970
Located in BELFORT, FR
Sunburst mirror made of wrought iron in the 1970's. Diameter 57 cm, diameter of the glass 19,5 cm.
Wrought Iron
Sculptural Carved Chair From Walnut Wood, Log Furniture, Organic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique chainsaw carved wooden functional sculpture usable as chair. Crafted from walnut wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Natural...
Wood, Walnut
Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Dining Table, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Dining Table, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century modern rectangular dining room table in Nordic oak. Very likely desi...
Oak
Set of 6 Olavi Hänninen Solid Wood Chairs - T chairs
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Description: Presenting a remarkable set of six chairs designed by the renowned Finnish designer Olavi Hänninen. Crafted from rich, solid wood, these chairs embody a blend of rustic...
Elm
$950Sale Price / item|48% Off
SALE David Palumbo Huge Mid Century Modern Brutalist Hand Forged Iron Menorah
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
CYNER WEEK SALE David Palombo's Very Rare and Iconic, Hand-Forged Iron, Freeform, Spired Cylindrical, Brutalist Sculptural Hanukkah Menorah. This is one of 2 David Palumbo menorahs...
Iron
Brutalist Coffee Table, Solid Black Oak, Custom Made, Hari by Mokko
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...
Walnut, 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 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
Brutalist Oak Coffee Table with Tiled Top
Located in London, London
A substantial brutalist coffee table with tiled top, dating to the 1960s–70s, notable for its weight, texture and sculptural construction. The solid timber frame is formed from thic...
Ceramic, Oak
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bench in Solid Oak ‘Dark’ and Linseed Oil
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Brutalist Bench Bench made of solid oak (+ linseed oil). Measures: 90 x 185 x 60 cm. SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak i...
Oak
Set of 3 Brutalist Modern Copper and Brass Patchwork Decorative Egg Sculptures
Located in Troy, MI
Grouping of three stylized copper egg sculptures circa 1990s Patchwork copper clad eggs of graduated sizes fastened with brass rivets Unmarked 3 - 5 inch diameter 4 - 6.25 inch hei...
Brass, Copper
$764Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist style. Turned veined alabaster table lamp, Spain, 1950s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Turned alabaster table lamp, Spain, 1950s. Made entirely of turned alabaster, which has been sculpted and worked by hand in relief, with a natural finish. It consists of 3 overlappin...
Alabaster
Small Pierre Chapo Inspired Oak Side Table or Stool, Carved Legs
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small side table or stool shows the influence of Pierre Chapo's robust approach to solid wood construction. Heavy dark-stained oak throughout demonstrates the materiality central to French design of the 1960s and 1970s. Carved legs with decorative detailing reflect the artisan tradition Chapo championed in his work. Solid oak construction achieves the structural honesty typical of French Brutalist...
Oak
Contemporary 'PATHOS' Dining Table by Eichkorn, Burnt Ash Wood, Customizable
By Eichkorn
Located in Paris, IDF
PATHOS Dining Table by German contemporary design studio Eichkorn. Material: Burnt Ash Wood Standard size: H.75 x 280 x 180 cm - Customizations are possible Made from burnt ash woo...
Ash
A Square Brass Wall Lamp by Svend Aage Holm Sorensen, 1960s, Denmark
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Holm Sørensen
Located in Værløse, DK
A classic wall lamp by the Svend Aage Holm Sørensen adding an elegant touch to any modern interior. * A square, multilayered flame-cut brass wall lamp * Designer: Svend Aage Holm Sø...
Metal, Brass
$19,831 / item
Contemporary Brutalist Cabinet in Solid Oak, Black
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Brutalist cabinet made of solid oak by Denis Milovanov for SOHA Concept Dimensions: 180 x 80 x 45 cm - Custom size on requ...
Oak
Brutalist Metal Candelabra, Black Finish, Vintage Design, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Brutalist candelabra with 5 arms. The arms finely executed are finished in black. A tripod serves as a foot. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Black Styles: Brutalist ...
Metal
$3,520Sale Price|20% Off
Adrian Pearsall Cast Resin Brutalist Dining Table, 1960's
Located in Culver City, CA
Designed by the legendary Adrian Pearsall, this brutalist dining table base was his answer to Evans’ high-end, sculptural designs—because n...
Steel
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 6 Vintage Brutalist Marbella Stools by Sergio Rodrigues 1970s
By Confonorm, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
A sculptural pair of solid wood Marbella stools attributed to the renowned brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues, reflecting the bold materiality and organic modernism associated with ...
Leather, 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
Mid Century Brutalist Modern Abstract Wall Sculpture by Finesse Originals
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fun to look at piece of 3D wall created by Finesse Originals in the 1960's. It consists of a wood frame and the sculpture part is molded resin.
Resin, Wood
$2,200 / set
Pair of Brutalist Ilana Goor attributed Chairs
By Ilana Goor
Located in New York, NY
Vintage pair of Brutalist Ilana Goor style iron and leather side chairs with beautiful patina. Red painted over black frames with each color coming through in different areas (See ph...
Iron
Joel Escalona's NONO Elefante Table 61, 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 brutalist high back chair, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Decorative brutalist side chair with 4 chunky interlocking legs and a long backrest. The chair looks great and is in very nice and sturdy condition. 1960s Belgium Height: 113cm Wi...
Oak
Pair of Wrought Iron Tall Floor Candle Holders in Brutalist Giacometti Style
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Carimate, Como
Pair of wrought iron tall floor candle holders in brutalist Giacometti style
Wrought Iron
$16,848 / item
James de Wulf Stepped Concrete Fire Pit Table
Located in Paia, HI
James de Wulf's Stepped Concrete Fire Table is the third design in a series of three different styles. Influenced by the geometry of Scarpa, the Stepped Fire Table sits in graduated ...
Concrete
Pair of Brutalist Tripod Table Lamps by Marcelo Bessa
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of Brutalist style tripod table lamps in the style of Giacometti.
Brass
$796Sale Price / set|20% Off
MCM Solid Exotic Wood Nightstands Rustic Brutalist Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More" or "View More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from 1st Dibs and they normally s...
Wood
Rustic Brutalist Mirror Bass Wood Hand Carved Brown Color France 1960 Solid Oak
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Rustic & Brutalist Mirror Bass Wood Hand Carved Brown Color France 1960
Wrought Iron
Sculpted Massive Dining Table V3 in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size'
By Sóha, Denis Milovanov
Located in Paris, IDF
Massive dining table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Warm furniture’s made by Russian designer Denis Milovanov for 'Soha Concept' design studio. Simplicity of shapes. Authentic material. Wooden items are created from oak and are boiled in oil from several days to several weeks, to achieve a natural wood coloration from a dark brown to a complete black color. Patterns are applied solely by chain saw...
Oak
Large Rustic Primitive Vintage Brutalist Mid-Century Coffee Table from Oak
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
This large, square coffee table from the 1960s is crafted in the Brutalist style and made of heavy oak. The wood displays characteristic signs of use, which give the furniture a warm...
Oak
Armchair Boltero — Monolithic Low Slung Lounge Chair w/ Dark Walnut Plinth Base
Located in New York, NY
Part of the Forma Collection by Mondo Design Studio, the Boltero Armchair is defined by soft-volume geometry, generous rounded proportions, and a low, grounded silhouette. The design...
Upholstery, Wood
Muted by NONO No08 Sculptural Lounge Chair Artistic Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Muted by NONO No08 Sculptural Lounge Chair Artistic Elegance — Dive into the world of understated elegance and architectural prowess with the Muted Lo...
Hardwood
$897Sale Price / item|40% Off
Paul Evans Style Mid Century Brutalist Bronze Cabinet Handle Pull
By Paul Evans
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Paul Evans-style bronze casted door pull with a distinct late 1960s Mid-century/Brutalist pattern across the front. This Pull is made from a solid bronze from a sand casting that has...
Bronze
Brutalist Oak Credenza, USA 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Stunning oak credenza on a black plinth with vertical slotted decor, it has five doors and multiple drawers and shelves. Very versatile design that can be used as storage or a multim...
Oak
Rare Vintage Brutalist Bauhaus Tubular Metal & Dark Leather Sofa, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This rare leather sofa was designed during the 1950s. A form referring to the design of the Bauhaus school, where the aim was to combine creative imagination, art and technology with...
Chrome
$550Sale Price|32% Off
Golden Hammered Rim Round Wall Mirror Vintage 1960s
Located in Bochum, NRW
Golden Hammered Rim Round Wall Mirror Vintage 1960s. This beautiful vintage mirror is mounted in a round brass frame with a slightly hammered surface and a naturally aged patina. It ...
Brass
Brutalist Conical Ceiling Light Fixture in Gilt Iron, Hand-Hammered, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brutalist Conical Crown Flush Mount or Ceiling Light, Gilt Iron, Frosted Glass, Gold Leaf Spain, 1950s. Eye-catching crown ceiling light fixture with conical shape and frosted glass ...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Spanish Brutalist Aluminum + Brass Jug Handled Vase Attrib to Alfonso Marquez
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Spain, this brutalist style aluminum and brass jug style vase is attributed to Alfonso Marquez and dates from the 1970s. Vase is 10-1/2” tall and has a diameter just shy of ...
Aluminum, Brass
$12,000Sale Price|52% Off
1960s Mid Century Modern Abstract Metal "Wall Jewelry" Sculpture Harry Bertoia
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT! BRUTALIST HANDWORKED SCULPTED METAL WALL ART Attributed to Harry Bertoia. INCREDIBLE WELDS, WORKMANSHIP & DESIGN! HUGE! App...
Bronze, Iron
Sculptural Contemporary Brutalist Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural contemporary Brutalist wall mirror made up of hand welded elements. The patinated metal frame features colorful weld marks on individually cut square panels. The design...
Metal
Brutalist Handmade Christ made of steel and bronze details
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Brutalist Handmade Christ made of steel and bronze details. Fantastic patina and great vintage conditions.
Brass, Iron
Sculpted Massive Bench N3 by Denis Milovanov, Solid Oak, Grey
By Denis Milovanov, Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Massive Bench 3 by Denis Milovanov, Solid Oak Dimensions: H. 45 x 300 x 40 cm / SH. 40 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative obj...
Oak
Spanish Brutalist Sunburst Mirror in Gilt Metal, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gilt metal leafed sunburst mirror, Spain, 1940s-1950s. This handcrafted Brutalist wall mirror features two layers of alternating leaves in different sizes surrounding a central roun...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
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
French 19th Century Carpenter’s Workbench
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French 19th century workbench is a fascinating relic of technology from before the assembly line, a hybrid of artisanal rusticity and industrial innovations. The top planks are ...
Iron
Coffee table with vintage yellow glass top and modern steel base
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
This brutalist-style coffee table features a modern base in rust-effect patinated steel and a thick vintage yellow glass top that we sourced ourselves. Please note that the glass sho...
Steel
Mid Century Modern Arch Top Wall Mirror with Brutalist Wood Frame
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern mirror features unique brutalist inspired wood frame with a patchwork design, original dark wood finish, arched top, and vintage mirror glass. Dimensions: 25...
Oak
Axis Architectural Bench In Macassar And Velvet By Sidani Design
Located in New York, NY
This architectural bench features a monolithic composition with a rectilinear platform and offset leg structure. The frame is constructed from engineered hardwood panels finished in ...
Velvet, Wood
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
Hammered Glass Wrought Iron Sconce by Longobard, Italy, 1970s
By Longobard
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern wall lamp light sconce amber and clear hammered glass and wrought iron, gilding gold copper patina, by the manufacture Longobard in Verona in a Brutalist style, th...
Wrought Iron