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.
1960s Roger Capron Style Brutalist Oak Coffee Table, Red Ceramic Tiles
By Roger Capron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oak frame construction supports a grid of red-glazed ceramic tiles in varying hues. Chunky rectangular legs provide architectural support beneath the low-profile form. The tile surfa...
Ceramic, Oak
Brutalist Pierre Chapo Style Round Oak Coffee Table, Carved Top, Tripod Base
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round coffee table in the Brutalist manner of Pierre Chapo features a carved textured top in solid oak with a sculptural tripod trestle base. The surface treatment showcases the orga...
Oak
Large Mid-Century Brutalist Modern Paul Evans Rectangular Cocktail Table Brass
By Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Paul Evans mixed metal rectangular coffee table circa early 1960's in New Hope PA. It features copper, bronze and pewter cladding design work with a thick black slate top. In ...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Paul Evans brutalist welded metal patchwork PE-11 zig zag coffee table
By Paul Evans
Located in Liberty, NY
Beautiful 1960's Paul Evans brutalist zig zag design coffee table with glass top, created as part of his "Sculptured Metal" collection for Directional. Fabricated with artisan welde...
Metal
A Beautiful Slate and Oak Coffee Table by Carl Straub, Circa 1960’s
By Carl Straub
Located in Hastings, GB
A Beautiful Slate and Oak Coffee Table by Carl Straub, Circa 1960’s This beautiful oak and slate contrasting table, not only has an elegance but also a playful use of weight and bal...
Slate
Japanese Antique Rustic Coffee Table 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old rustic style coffee table made in Japan. This piece dates to the Meiji period (1860s–1900s) and is carved from a massive single block of zelkova wood, a material long prized...
Wood
Pair of Post Modern Brutalist Iron Base Glass Top Coffee Tables c. 1980/90's
By Mastercraft
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Brutalist style verdigris finish metal based, tempered glass top coffee tables, in excellent, original, clean and ready to use condition. Circa 1970's reminiscent of the work...
Iron
Free Form Organic Designer Coffee Table In Aged Plaster Finish
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A contemporary addition to your living space, this piece radiates the beauty of nature and serves a practical purpose. The coffee table features a captivating organic shape that draw...
Marble
Wabi Sabi Brutalist Style Solid Oak Coffee Table Mid 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Wab Sabi Brutalist Style Solid Oak Beam Coffee Table, Europe, 1960s-70s. This monumental Brutalist solid oak beam coffee table was made in the 1970s, in Europe. It has a modest yet ...
Oak
Brutalist solid Oak Coffee Table by De Puydt Belgium, 1970s
By De Puydt
Located in Berlin, DE
Brutalist solid Oak coffe table by De Puydt. De Puydt was a Belgian furniture manufacturer known for producing high-quality, modern designs during the mid-20th century, particularly ...
Steel
Rustic solid oak coffee table with a one piece top, France 1950s
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Axel Vervoordt
Located in ECHT, NL
Rustic wabi sabi coffee table. Made in France in the 1950s. Made from solid oak. What makes this table special is that the top is a single slab of natural shaped oak. It has an amazi...
Oak
Large Solid dark Oak Rustic Artisan Round Coffee Table, France, 1960s
By Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large Solid dark Oak Rustic Artisan Round Coffee Table, France, 1960s
Oak
Concrete Side Table "G" Abecedario Collection Green Color by Forma&Cemento
Located in Rome, Lazio
Coffee table G is part of the Abecedario Collection; it marks the beginning of a language in cement that will create a concrete alphabet made up by tables and ...
Concrete
Coffee Table in Hand Forged Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand wrought 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
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
Brutalist Mid-Century Coffee Table
Located in London, England
Brutalist mid-century glass top coffee table on solid teak base. Re-finished and new toughened smoked glass. France circa 1970.
Glass, Teak
Oak Frame Coffee Table with Slate Inset, France 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
This brutalist coffee table combines a circular slate inset with a solid wood frame, creating a striking contrast between textured stone and warm wood. Its clear geometry and careful...
Slate
Brutalist Coffee Table with Slate top France, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Round coffee table with dark slate stone top and oak frame. The stone has a natural textured surface, contrasting with the warm oak wood. The table stands on four sturdy square legs ...
Slate
1960s Brutalist Cocktail Table by Don Drumm, Cast Aluminum & Glass
By Don Drumm
Located in Portland, OR
Fabulous one of a kind cocktail table by Don Drumm. The sculptural element is cast aluminum in a brutalist-style sun motif. Square glass top, (3/4” thickness) floats above the sculpt...
Aluminum, Steel
James de Wulf Concrete Backgammon Coffee Table
Located in Paia, HI
Concrete Backgammon Game Table by James de Wulf. Each table is made custom for indoor and outdoor living areas. The table is sealed and waxed for a unique luster. Table will devel...
Concrete
Rustic Sculptural Coffee Table, Burnt Black Wood, Carved, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This sculptural coffee table is a one-of-a-kind work of functional art, carved by hand from a single hardwood log and charred using the traditional shou sugi ban technique. Its organ...
Wood
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
Lothar Klute, sign. Coffee Table for Atelier Lothar Klute, 1994
By Lothar Klute
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
A special bronze alloy made it possible for the artist Lothar Klute to forge the bronze. The glass was produced using a specific melting process and specially adapted for the table. ...
Bronze
Brutalist Faux Verdigris Finish Glass Top Coffee Table c. 1970/1980's
Located in New York, NY
Voguish Brutalist coffee table in rich faux Verdigris paint finish, made in the USA c 1970-1980's. The table features a metal base in original dark green and black finish, with a gl...
Metal
James de Wulf Straight Split Locking Concrete Coffee Table
Located in Paia, HI
A stylish update to the classic Split Locking table, the straight split locking concrete coffee table features a parallel split radius in the tabletop. C...
Concrete
James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Coffee Table
Located in Paia, HI
A play on balance, this table is constructed entirely of two concrete pieces. The tabletop is singly supported by the leg, while the two merge with gravity to lock into place. Their balance is a sight to behold. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Color shown in natural tone A perfect complement to the James de Wulf concrete...
Concrete, Cement
Paul Evans Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 72
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Paul Evans Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 72. Bronzed Resin Over Steel. This piece is located at our Pasadena, California location. Dimensions: Including The Glass: 41.75" Dia...
Bronze
1960s Lane Furniture Brutalist Oak Parquetry and Iron Coffee Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1960s Lane Furniture Oak Parquetry Coffee Table with scroll forged iron base painted black. Measurs 56" in width, 21" in depth and stands 15.25" t...
Iron
“Vestiges Side Table” Marble Stone Brutalist Minimalist Coffee Table
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
Vestiges side table is a pure brutalist table finished by hand and made entirely of exclusive marble from southern Spain. This four-legged side table, p...
Marble
Solid Wood Coffee Table Serie 3 – Sereno by Joel Escalona for Elegant Spaces
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solid Wood Coffee Table Serie 3 – Sereno by Joel Escalona for Elegant Spaces ——— Sereno Coffee Table Series – A Note from Joel Escalona What happens when structure becomes art? Th...
Hardwood
Wrought iron coffee table in the style of Lothar Klute Coffee table in the style
By Lothar Klute
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Coffee table in artfully forged iron with a bronze patina. Glass top specially cast and machined for this table.
Wrought Iron
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
Luciano Frigerio 1928-1999 Brutalist Bronze Round Coffee Table circa 1975
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Luciano Frigerio 1928-1999 Brutalist Bronze Round Coffee Table circa 1975 Sculptural winged bronze round table with clear cut glass top The table base is made of three bronze butter...
Bronze, Copper
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
Octagonal Pedestal Table with round Slate Top France 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Octagonal pedestal table with a round slate top. The thick stone surface has a rough, naturally mottled texture, set on a hollow wooden base made from eight vertical panels with arch...
Slate
Oak Mid-Century Modern Rustic Brutalist Round Coffee Table, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Rustic Brutalist round coffee table. Striking Dutch design from the 1960s. Solid oak top on four solid oak legs. This wonderful Mid-century Modern Rustic ...
Oak
Brutalist Stone & Brass Coffee Table by Marcus Kingma, Netherlands 1986
Located in Berlin, DE
This sculptural coffee table by Marcus Kingma treats furniture as a composed surface rather than a neutral object. The square top is built from irregular fragments of natural stone s...
Stone
Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Natural Light Oak - Brut by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Brut coffee table by Mokko with dimensions L:135 x W:80 x H:30 cm. Made in the Netherlands out of solid European oak. The light oak is finished with a matte varnish. A custom wooden...
Oak
Brutalist Cathedral Coffee Table by Silas Seandel
Located in New York, NY
Impressive brutalist cathedral coffee table by Silas Seandel, circa 1970s. The table features a thick (.75 in.) round plate glass top (shows inc...
Brass, Bronze
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
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
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
Brutalist oak square coffee table with copper top, Netherlands 1950s
By Peter Ghyczy, Paul Kingma, Jean Touret
Located in ECHT, NL
Mid century Brutalist style coffee table. Made from oak. The sides of the table are decorated with copper strips embossed with hieroglyph style symbols. The top is made from wood wit...
Copper
Pair of Hand Forged Brutalist Side or Drink Tables in Iron, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of Two Spanish Brutalist Drink Tables in wrought iron Rare find. These eye-catching tables were handcrafted in wrought iron and show a gorgeous blacksmith's design combininig ind...
Iron, Wrought 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
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
Solid Oak Wooden 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
Customizable Modular Resin Coffee Table in Matte Bronze Finish
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Introducing the innovative Modular Resin Coffee Table, a versatile and handcrafted centerpiece for any modern living space. This unique coffee table comprises three distinct pieces, ...
Resin, Fiberglass
Paul Evans Coffee Table Brutalist Zig Zag ca' 1960's
By Paul Evans
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic brutalist coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional, ca' 1960's. Great example of brutalist style-torch welded steel with patinated finish. Zig zag jazzy form.
Steel
Paul Evans for Directional Brutalist Glass and Resin Coffee Table signed PE70
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Brutalist coffee table designed by Paul Evans for Directional, signed PE 70 ( model 132 ). The table features a zig zag form base constructed of tinted sculpted resin ov...
Glass, Epoxy Resin
Brutalist Primitive Round Coffee Table, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
This 19th century French coffee table is an example of primitive craftsmanship, defined by its robust construction and sculptural simplicity. Resting on low, block-form supports, the...
Oak
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
Pair of Drink Tables / Side Tables / Martini Tables with Handles in Gilt Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair Spanish Brutalist Drink Tables, wrought iron Gilt patinated brutalist Martini tables with squared top and handle, Spain, 1950s Wrought iron ...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
1970s French Brutalist Oak Round Coffee Table
Located in High Point, NC
This striking 1970s French Brutalist round coffee table showcases the bold simplicity and material honesty emblematic of the Brutalist movement. Crafted from solid oak, the table fea...
Oak
Cruciform Base Round Edges Solid Wood Round Table By NONO Fundamenta 08
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Round coffee table with cross legs made of solid oak. Product made to order; some variances may apply to the final piece. —— NONO is a Mexican design brand with more than 10 years...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
1980's Mid Century Modern Diego Giacometti Paul Brutalist Patinaed Coffee Table
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Wayne, NJ
Mid Century Modern Diego Giacometti Paul Evans style Brutalist Patina Coffee Table. Has Patina throughout. Great for Machine Age decors also
Metal
Sculptural Coffee Table, Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Wood, Black, Oak Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Chainsaw carved coffee table. Carved from a single piece of burnt oak wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade desi...
Wood, Oak
Chic Black Tinted Round Coffee Table - Urban Fundamenta 27 by NONO
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Chic Black Tinted Round Coffee Table - Urban Fundamenta 27 by NONO Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or black tinted finish. Due to the nature of...
Hardwood
Danish Modern Round Coffee Table in Solid Pine, Rainer Daumiller Style, 1970s
By Hirtshals Savvaerk, Rainer Daumiller
Located in Odense, DK
A fine Danish Modern round coffee table in solid pine, made in the style of Rainer Daumiller in the 1970s by a Danish Cabinetmaker. This sculptural coffee / side table will complem...
Pine
Turned wood coffee table. French work by Charles Dudouyt. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice coffee table is made of solid turned wood. This is a French work by famous designer Charles Dudouyt. Circa 1950
Wood