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 Dark Oak Pedestal Table with Wavy Legs, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced in the Netherlands in the 1970s, this round pedestal table is built entirely from solid oak finished in a deep dark stain. The circular top displays pronounced, open grain a...
Oak
Pierre Chapo Style Brutalist Solid Oak Trestle Table, France, 1970s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid oak trestle table in the manner of Pierre Chapo, France, 1970s. The thick rectangular plank top displays open, pronounced grain with softly rounded edges and a hand-waxed matte...
Oak
Rotunda Dining Table Featuring Upholstered Pedestal Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Rotunda Dining Table explores the relationship between planar clarity and sculptural mass. A circular top, defined by its restrained thickness and precise edge profile, rests in ...
Upholstery, Wood
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
1970s Brutalist Oak Dining Table, Roger Capron Style Inset Ceramic Tile
By Roger Capron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist dining table draws inspiration from Roger Capron's ceramic artistry, combining massive oak construction with an inset grid of terra cotta ceramic tiles. The trestle base em...
Ceramic, Oak
Vintage Danish Modern Oak Round Table, H. Kjærnulf style, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This vintage oak table captures the essence of Henning Kjærnulf's design philosophy, blending a bold brutalist aesthetic with refined craftsmanship. Originating from Denmark in the 1...
Oak
Vintage Oval Danish Oak Dining Room Table, H. Kjærnulf style, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A sculptural expression of Danish mid-century modernism, this brutalist oval oak table embodies the bold yet reverent craftsmanship associated with Henning Kjærnulf. Hewn from solid ...
Oak
132 cm French Brutalist massive patinated Pine Dining Table, round, Handmade
Located in Forest, BE
A sculptural 1970s dining table crafted from solid pine, featuring a generous 132 cm diameter that comfortably seats 7 to 8 people. The design reflects the organic, expressive aesthe...
Hardwood, Pine
Danish Brutalist Oak Extendable Dining Table by Henning Kjærnulf, 1970s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Brutalist Oak Extendable Dining Table by Henning Kjærnulf, 1970s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern elongated dining table with two extension leaves attributed to Henning Kjærn...
Oak
Concrete Circular Dining Table Atlante Ultra High Perfomance Cement Mortar
Located in Rome, Lazio
Atlante is a round dining table with essential lines and a strong inspiration. Completely fashioned in UHPC concrete mortar by a team of expert artisans, this table perfeclty emodie...
Concrete
Danish Modern Brutalist Dining Table in Pine, Hans Jørgen Frydendal, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
A large rectangular dining table designed by Hans Jørgen Frydendal as part of the iconic “Christian IV” series, produced in Denmark during the 1970s. Crafted in solid patinated pomer...
Pine
Freestanding Desk in Oak, Danish Mid Century Modern, Henning Kjærnulf, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant freestanding writing desk designed by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf in the 1950s. Crafted in rich oak, the piece showcases a tactile warmth through its finely grained s...
Brass
Oak Dining Table, Square top, Solid Dark Brown European Oak - Aperta by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Inspired by light breaking through narrow voids in architectural structures, Aperta features a precise slit, creating a sense of lightness to its solid form. The Aperta Square Tabl...
Oak, Walnut
Large Oval Dining Table - Solid European Oak - Aperta Capsule
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
Brutalist Trestle Table by De Puydt, Solid Oak, Belgium, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
De Puydt's trestle table is built from solid oak with a thick, heavy plank top and an ornately carved trestle base. Each side support is shaped into scrolled, curvilinear silhouettes...
Oak
In Stock - STOR Dining Table Stained Solid Ash - 123"x49"
Located in Calgary, AB
Oversized turned legs and exposed joinery make a bold statement. The exposed end-grain joint is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, a detail that visibly confirms solid wood ...
Ash
De Puydt Heavy Brutalist Oak Trestle Table or Desk in Dark Stained Oak
By De Puydt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, Belgian manufacturer De Puydt attributed, stunning Brutalist dining table or desk with trestle base. Beautiful, solid dark oak with striking, carved, grooved, textural t...
Oak
$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
Sculpted Massive Dining Table in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size'
By Denis Milovanov, Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Massive dining table of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Warm furniture’s made by Russian designer Denis Milovanov from "Soha" 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...
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
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
James de Wulf Special Edition Solid Base Ping Pong Table - Standard
Located in Paia, HI
A special re-edition of the classic James de Wulf Ping Pong table, this one features a pair of solid concrete legs with a raw edge detail...
Concrete, Cement
Sculpted Massive Dining Table V2 in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size'
By Sóha, Denis Milovanov
Located in Paris, IDF
Massive dining table of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Warm furniture’s made by Russian designer Denis Milovanov from "Soha" 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...
Oak
$4,960Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist 1970's French Primitive Round Dining Table, Wood W/ Solid Slate Inlay
By Ettore Sottsass, Mario Botta
Located in Basel, BS
Stunning French Solid wood and Slate Dining table. Very beautiful work of design. Measures: 50" diameter 29" Height 1.5" Table op thickness
Oak, Walnut
Sculpted Massive Dining Table V3 in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size'
By Denis Milovanov, Sóha
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
1990s Brutalist-Style Glass and Bronze Dining Table by Barilone for Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Maurice Barilone
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
A hard-to-find Brutalist-style tempered, beveled, and smoked glass top and bronze base dining table by Maurice Barilone for Roche Bobois. The 1990's oval glass table top sits upon a ...
Bronze
French Brutalist Elm Dining Table Or Center Table By Atelier Marolles
Located in Houston, TX
French Brutalist Elm Dining Table Or Center Table By Atelier Marolles. Outstanding large French Brutalist table by Atelier Marolles. This large table can be used as a dining table, c...
Elm
$31,025 / 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
M_018 Dining Table by Anya Antropova for Monolith
By Monolith
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With its timeless silhouette and grounded presence, the M_018 Tuye Dining Table anchors any space, inviting communal gatherings and intimate conversations alike. Carved from earthy t...
Travertine
1970s French Brutalist Solid Oak Dining Table, Trestle Design
Located in High Point, NC
This striking 1970s French Brutalist oak dining table embodies the era’s emphasis on honesty of materials and bold, architectural form. Crafted from solid oak, the table features a t...
Oak
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
Large Sculptural Solid Oak Wooden Dining Table - Fenestra by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rhythmic interplay of volumes and voids. The Fenestra table is inspired by Brick Expressionism, the architectural movement visible in Amsterdam’s ‘South Plan’ area - the city devel...
Oak, Walnut
Paul Evans Cityscape Dining Table Base, Burl & Brass, 1975
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul Evans Cityscape dining table base with burl veneer and brass plated stainless steel tiles. Base alone dimensions 28.5 x 49 x 19 Glass shown in photos for scale 72" x 40" Beautif...
Brass
Brut Dining Table in Solid French Oak
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
$22,800Sale Price|20% Off
Jacques Duval-Brasseur Gilt Bronze Tree Form Dining Table, France, 1970s, Signed
By Jacques Duval Brasseur, Jacques Duval-Brasseur 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and monumental gilt bronze tree-form dining or center table by French designer and sculptor Jacques Duval-Brasseur, executed circa 1970. While Duval-Brasseur is widely known f...
Bronze
1960s Belgian Oak Brutalist Dining Table
Located in London, London
Dining table Oak Brutalist Belgian 1960s
Oak
$17,752 / item
James de Wulf Concrete Split Locking Dining Table, 72"
Located in Paia, HI
The James de Wulf Classic split locking dining table features a split radius in the tabletop. The table consists of two pieces: table top and base, which...
Concrete
Dudouyt - Dining Table - Natural Oak - 1940 - French - Brutalist
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Presenting an exquisite extendable table attributed to the renowned French furniture designer, Charles Dudouyt. This versatile table features a unique design with screw legs, allowin...
Oak
In Stock - Bastogne Walnut Single Slab FIJN Dining Table
Located in Calgary, AB
A single slab of California exhibition-grade Bastogne walnut set atop oversized legs set in a brutalist stance. Handcrafted from one of our "unicorn"...
Steel
Brutalist Solid Oak Dining Table by Henning Kjærnulf, 1970s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Dining table in solid, lye-treated oak, designed by Henning Kjærnulf in the 1970s. The table features a bold Brutalist expression and comes with two extension leaves, allowing seatin...
Oak
Danish Brutalist Oak Extendable Dining Table attr. to Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Brutalist Oak Extendable Dining Table attr. to Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern dining room table in light Nordic oak. Attributed to Danish designer H...
Oak
Giulio Lazzotti "Stonehenge" Dining Table, 1970s
Located in Raleigh, NC
A powerful and striking piece. Hand carved and chiseled of solid diorite. This piece date to the 1970s from Italy. A simple yet stunning form by Giulio Lazzotti. Legs are indiv...
Stone
Customizable Sculpted Massive Dining Table in Solid Oak Wood, V8
By Sóha, Denis Milovanov
Located in Paris, IDF
Massive Dining Table in Solid Oakwood by Denis Milovanov Dimensions: H. 76 x W. 300 x D. 100 cm Customizable Materials: Solid oak (+ linseed oil) Hand sculpted by the artist Wa...
Oak
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
Mobichalet Brutalist Table in Oak
By Mobichalet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mobichalet, dining table, oak, Belgium, 1950s This rustic table will come forward nicely in a relaxing atmosphere, like a patio or a studio space. The brutalist appearance is expre...
Oak
Sculpted Massive Dining Table V2 in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size'
By Sóha, Denis Milovanov
Located in Paris, IDF
Massive dining table of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Warm furniture’s made by Russian designer Denis Milovanov from "Soha" 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...
Oak
$2,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Cleo Baldon Style Iron Dining Table In Pink / Marble Granite
By Cleo Baldon
Located in Round Top, TX
Iron and pink granite/marble for indoor/outdoor dining. The perfect table for two to four people...truly lovely. The tones range from salmon pink to rusty sienna with veining in ivor...
Granite, Iron
Round Table, Solid European Oak, Handcrafted in Europe, Sculptural, Aperta Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Inspired by light breaking through narrow voids in architectural structures, Aperta features a precise slit, creating a sense of lightness to its solid form. The Aperta Round Table...
Oak, Walnut
$81,601Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist dining table by Nerone Giovanni Ceccarelli co-founder Gruppo NP2
Located in Highclere, Newbury
Vintage brutalist Italian hand carved wooden and glass dining table by Nerone, (Giovanni Ceccarelli), co-founder of Gruppo NP2, Nerone & Patuzzi. Supplied with certificate of authent...
Glass, Walnut
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
1960s Brutal Unicorn Horse Head Bases with Original Glass Top Dining Table
Located in Monrovia, CA
2 - Pair of unique brutal fiberglass unicorn horse head bases, with original glass top. 2 large fiberglass horse heads with faux bronze and patina ...
Glass, Fiberglass
Sculptural Brutalist Round Table in Solid Oak by Sergio Vulpe, 90cm
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Sculptural Brutalist Round Table in Solid Oak – Custom Made by Sergio Vulpe This sculptural round table, handcrafted from solid oak, embodies a raw yet minimal Brutalist aesthetic. ...
Oak
Sculpted Dining Table 'Hammered' in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size L'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining dining table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Made to order - Custom size SÓHA design studio conceives and produces fur...
Oak
French Brutalist Dining Table in Solid Wood
By Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
This striking French Brutalist dining table, crafted in the 1950s, is a masterful study of form and function. The monolithic construction and bold architectural lines are enhanced by...
Mahogany
Witco Style Dining Table William Westenhaver
By Witco, William Westenhaver / Witco
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Brutalist carved wood Elvis Jungle Room style dining table. In the manner of William Westenhaver/Witco. Item features shield and lion carved pedestal base, solid wood construction, d...
Wood
Sapo Dining Table by Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
By Saporiti, Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti
Located in Antwerp, BE
Model Sapo dining table by Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti, crafted for Saporiti, Italy in 1972. This architectural masterpiece marries brutalist aesthetics with minimalist sensibilities...
Concrete, Metal
Olavi Hanninen - Dining Table - Elm - Live Edge - 1950
By Olavi Hanninen, Mikko Nupponen
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Gorgeous live edge elm dining table with trestle and wood pegs. Lightly refinished with an impressive grain. A unique blend of Rustic and Brutalist Moder...
Elm
Architectural Dining Table - 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
Danish Modern Round Pine Dining Table with Extension Leaves, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
A charming Danish Modern round dining table crafted in solid pine, produced in Denmark during the 1970s. The table features a clean and functional design with warm natural tones and ...
Pine
Brutalist Dining Table in Solid Oak - 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