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.
Freestanding Desk in Oak by Henning Kjærnulf, Danish Mid Century Modern, 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
Handcrafted Dining Table in Solid Warm Brown European Oak, 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
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
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
Warm Brown Oak Brutalist 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
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
German Brutalist Oak Dining Table with Butterfly Leaf
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Oak Brutalist Dining Table circa 1970’s, in the style of Guillerme et Chambron, Maker Unknown. Purchased by original owner in Mainz-Kastel Germany in the 1970’s during his de...
Oak
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
Architectural Solid Oak Fenestra Dining Table
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
Rainer Daumiller, Extendable Round Dining Table in Pine, Danish Modern, 1970s
By Rainer Daumiller, Hirtshals Savvaerk
Located in Odense, DK
A large round dining table in solid pine with beautiful structure and wood grains. Designed by Rainer Daumiller for Hirtshals Sawmill in 1970s, Denmark. This table has been refinishe...
Pine
Danish Baroque-Inspired Oak Desk / Dining Table with Barley Twist Legs, 1900s
By Philip Arctander, Pierre Chapo
Located in Odense, DK
This charming table blends rustic craftsmanship with decorative elegance. Made from solid oak, it features beautifully turned barley twist legs – a detail that became popular during ...
Oak
Large Sculptural 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
Mid-20th Century, Freestanding Oak Desk by Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural freestanding oak executive desk by Henning Kjærnulf, crafted in Denmark circa 1960s. The design showcases the expressive wood craftsmanship and sculpted contours charact...
Oak
Sculptural Solid Oak Wooden Acer Round Dining Table
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Bringing lightness and elegance to its heavy materials and shapes. The Acer Table is a balancing act between its heavy solid volumes and light pointing legs featuring semi arched voi...
Oak, Walnut
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
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
Large Brut Slim Dining Table by Mokko in Solid French Oak
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
$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
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
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
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
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
Large dining room table made of elm, designed by Olavi Hänninen, Finland 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Large dining room table made of elm, designed by Olavi Hänninen for Mikko Nupponen, Finland, 1958. This stunning live-edge elm dining room table features a trestle design and wood p...
Elm
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
Paul Evans Dining Table Cityscape Burl & Brass
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"
Brass
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
Sculpted Massive Dining Table 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
$31,746 / 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
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
$18,037 / item
Sculpted Dining Table in Solid Oakwood
By Denis Milovanov, Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
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 materia...
Oak
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
Vintage Boho Bronze Pedestal Dining Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This distinguished dining or large accent table showcases a compelling juxtaposition of materials and styles, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The sturdy pedestal base is con...
Bronze
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
$82,465Sale 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
French Brutalist Dining Table by Georges Robert
Located in Houston, TX
French Brutalist Dining Table By Georges Robert. Our handsome French Brutalist table, dining table, library table, trestle table or console table is constructed of solid pine and fe...
Pine
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
$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
Vintage Brutalist Paul Evans Style Hammered Copper and Glass Dining Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Hammered Copper Pedestal Dining Table with Glass Top in the style of Paul Evans. Maker unknown, hammered and stamped copper dimensional pedestal base. Center cross design wit...
Brass, Copper
Large Brutalist Table in Solid Dark Brown French Oak - Cadence by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Cadence table 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, Walnut
Dining Table - Light Oak - Handcrafted in the Netherlands - 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
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
Large Yellow Architectural ZigZag Dining Table - Customisable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
The ZigZag dining table is a bold and elegant statement piece made with bright yellow powder coated, solid steel zigzag legs with a contrasting yellow lacquered table top. The table ...
Steel
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
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
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
Architectural Oak Dining Table with Parquet Top, France, 1950s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Architectural Oak Dining Table with Parquet Top, France, 1950s Form distilled to mass and rhythm — a collector’s piece of sculptural restraint. This commanding French oak dining tab...
Oak
Large Brutalist Table - Solid European Oak - Cadence by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Cadence table 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, Walnut
French Brutalist Oak Dining Table, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
"Architecture is not about space but about time." — Vito Acconci A commanding expression of French Brutalist design, this solid oak dining table embraces monolithic proportions an...
Oak
Round Table in Solid Natural Light Oak - Acer by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Bringing lightness and elegance to its heavy materials and shapes. The Acer Table is a balancing act between its heavy solid volumes and light pointing legs featuring semi arched voi...
Oak, Walnut
Brutalist oak wooden dining table by de Puydt, Belgium 1970s
By De Puydt
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Introducing the Mid-century De Puydt Natural Oak Dining Table: A Timeless Blend of Elegance and Brutalist Charm Immerse yourself in the allure of the Mid-century De Puydt Natural Oa...
Oak
Sculptural Authentic Solid Oak Dining Table in Brutalist Style by Sergio Vulpe
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Sculptural Brutalist Dining Table in Charred Solid Oak by Sergio Vulpe This handcrafted dining table is an original creation by Sergio Vulpe — a Moldovan artist and designer shaped ...
Oak
Nerone Ceccarelli for Gruppo NP2 — Sculptural Round Dining Table, Italy, 1982
Located in Almelo, NL
Nerone Ceccarelli for Gruppo NP2 — Sculptural Round Dining Table, Italy, 1982 A powerful and architectural table designed by Nerone Ceccarelli for the avant-garde collective Gruppo ...
Wood, Glass
$4,208 / item
Brutalist Sculptural Oak Table Made to Order 90 cm
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Sculptural Brutalist Round Table in Solid Oak – Custom Made by VulpeConcept This sculptural round table, handcrafted from solid oak, embodies a raw yet minimal Brutalist aesthetic. ...
Oak
$4,329Sale Price|77% Off
Brutalist Dining Table, The Lane Co, Altavista, USA 1960s
Located in Greding, DE
Large dining table carved from wood with extendable table top in brutalist design. Label on the underside, numbered 61901.
Wood
Large Monumental Dark Brown 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
Sculptural Round Acer Round Dining Table Solid Wood
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Bringing lightness and elegance to its heavy materials and shapes. The Acer Table is a balancing act between its heavy solid volumes and light pointing legs featuring semi arched voi...
Oak, Walnut
$5,286Sale Price|20% Off
Round Post Modern Brutalist MCM Beech Extendable Dining Table + Leaf
Located in Basel, BS
Absolutely incredible, and very stylish Brutalist dining table with an additional extendable leaf. Extreme attention to detail on these masterfully made chairs and table--Sculptur...
Beech
Oval Dining Table - Aperta Capsule by Mokko - Handcrafted in The Netherlands
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
Concrete Circular Dining Table Atlante Ultra High Perfomance Gloss Cement
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
$12,992 / item
James de Wulf Concrete Split Locking Dining Table, 60"
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