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.
Abecedario Collection, Letter "I" Side Table in Concrete Cherry Cement Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Coffee Table "I" is the latest addition to the Abecedario Collection presented on the occasion of the Milan Design Week 2023. A new grapheme that...
Concrete
The Brut Sculptural Side Table by Morgan Clayhall, Steel and Marble Design
Located in Toronto, ON
Handcrafted in Toronto, The Brut by Morgan Clayhall is a sculptural side table that channels the raw expressiveness of Brutalist design while achieving a strikingly refined presence....
Marble, Steel
$701Sale Price|20% Off
Wabi Sabi Brutalist Design Low Display Side Table
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Wabi Sabi Brutalist Design Handcrafted Low Display Table. Made in Belgium by Atelier Andre Smalle, 1960's period. Stamped on the bottom. Solid oak slab on 4 square cone carved shaped...
Oak
Hand-Carved, Wabi Sabi, Solid Wood, Sculptural, Log Stool, Side Table, Walnut
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique chainsaw carved wooden functional sculpture usable as a multifunctional piece such as a stool, side table, pedestal, night table or many more. Carved from a single piece of wa...
Wood, Walnut
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
Nesting Tables in Oak, Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker, Mid Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A refined and decorative set of three oak nesting tables, crafted in the 1960s in the style of Danish designer Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf. These tables display the hallmarks of Danish ...
Oak
NONO Elefante Side Table 15, Solid Walnut Wood, Bold Organic Forms
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Side Table 15, Solid Wood, Bold Organic Forms ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid walnut. Other wood options are also available, which may affect th...
Hardwood
SIDE TABLE Jean-Paul Barray & Kim Moltzer
By Jean-Paul Barray, Kim Moltzer
Located in Forest, BE
Jean-Paul Barray and Kim Moltzer, renowned French furniture designers, are particularly noted for their collaboration on the «Penta Chair.» Barray was a versatile designer, painter, ...
Metal
"MARTINI" unique Side Table by FABIAN FREYTAG STUDIO - Alcova Edition No. 2
Located in Berlin, DE
SIDE TABLE MARTINI - Limited Alcova Edition 1/4 No.2 As displayed at the MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2023 Alcova Milano each piece is absolutely unique and one of. The side table by Fabian F...
Limestone, Marble, Stainless Steel
Sculptural Stool / Side Table in Dark Brown European Oak - Cadence by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Cadence stool 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
Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #2 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 60 x 122 x 45 cm. SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authen...
Oak
Sculptural Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Black Wood, Carved, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
These two sculptural blocks are functional art, each carved from a single piece of wood to maintain the raw integrity of the timber. The design features a blocky, monolithic form tha...
Wood, Oak
The Cadence Stool - Brutalist Stool / Side Table in European Oak by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Cadence stool 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
Large Spanish Butcher Block Table / Wabi Sabi Rustic Tripod Table
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Butcher Block Side Table / Brutalist Wabi Sabi Rustic Tripod Side Table, 1930s- 1940s Originally used as butcher's table.To be used as side table or stand to display sculptures or decorative objects. The Murano glass squirrel...
Iron
Solid Wood, Sculptural Side Table, Contemporary Design, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique functional sculpture carved from a single piece of wood in the shape of a side table, stool, night table or even pedestal. Each piece in our production is carved by artists wi...
Wood
Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #3 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil). Measures: 50 x 107 x 45 cm. SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authe...
Oak
Mid Century Torch Cut Sculptural Brutalist Side Table by Silas Seandel, c1970
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Just in, a striking vintage Mid Century Modern Brutalist side table by Silas Seandel, circa 1970s. This sculptural accent table features a thick round glass top resting on a substant...
Iron
Contemporary Side Table 'TAVO' by Eichkorn, Stone and Oak, Customizable
By Eichkorn
Located in Paris, IDF
TAVO Side Table by German contemporary design studio Eichkorn. Material: Nero Asoluto stone and Burnt Oak Wood Standard size: H.52 x 35 cm - Customizations are possible * Visible p...
Stone, Marble
Brutalist Rustic Wabi Sabi Side Table, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Brutalist Rustic Wabi Sabi side table. Striking Dutch design from the 1970s. Original solid oak top on four original solid legs....
Oak
Round Pair of Hand-Welded Steel Rod Brutalist Tables, Set of Two, Tripod Legs
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of steel rod welded tables. An organized sleek Brutalism is the overall effect. Perfect as night stands, or to flank a sofa. We love them as drink tables at comfortable lounge c...
Steel
James de Wulf Concrete Round Side Table, Premium Colors
Located in Paia, HI
This simple, elegant side table is constructed of one solid piece of concrete. Its low center of gravity offers grounding and stability. This table lends a high level of sophisticati...
Concrete
French Olive Wood Rustic / Wabi Sabi Accent Side Table / Stool, Early 20th C.
Located in Valencia, VC
Early 20th Century French Olive Wood Rustic Tripod Stool / Side Table A striking and highly decorative early 20th-century French rustic tripod stool, handcrafted from solid olive wo...
Wood, Olive
Solid Burnt Wood, Side Table, Coffee Table, Wabi Sabi, Chainsaw Carved, Handmade
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Chainsaw carved coffee table in organic shape. Carved from a single piece of burnt wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique ...
Wood
Sculptural Side Table, End Table, Burnt Black Wood Tall Table, Carved, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Chainsaw carved side table. Carved from a single piece of burnt wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade design wil...
Wood, Oak
$7,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
NONO Elefante Side Table 19, Sculptural Walnut Wood Shapes
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Side Table 19, Sculptural Wood Shapes————————————————————— The base product is made of solid walnut wood. Other wood options are also available, which may affect the fi...
Hardwood
$867Sale Price|25% Off
Solid Black Oak Brutalist Cadence Side Table
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Form follows rhythm. The Cadence side tables are inspired by the simplicity and power of the rhythmic stepped brickwork visible in the architecture of Amsterdam's 'South Plan' area; ...
Oak, Walnut
Paul Evans Patchwork Cube Side Table, Mixed Metals, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Hamburg, PA
Paul Evans patchwork cube side table in mixed metals. Open cube form with a lower shelf, clad in hammered and studded plates of copper, brass, and pewter-toned metal. Nail-head faste...
Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Steel, Pewter
Joel Escalona Elefante Side Table 6, Weighty Design, Elegant Rounds
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona Elefante Side Table 6, Weighty Design, Elegant Rounds ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid red oak wood, available in natural or black tinted finish...
Hardwood
Vintage French Brutalist Side Table, Solid Wood, Circa 1950-1960
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, vintage Mid-Century modern French coffee or side table made of hand crafted solid wood, in good condition. The thick top of Brutalist corner table is mounted on three round ...
Wood
Limestone Bowl - Sculpture - Brutalist - Sculptural - Solid Oak - Taes by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Taes collection draws inspiration from the majestic sloping-sided architectural platforms, historically used for religious, ceremonial and defensive purposes. In stacked form, th...
Oak, Walnut
Sculptural Stool / Side Table in Warm Brown European Oak - Cadence by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Cadence stool 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
$7,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Joel Escalona's Elefante Side Table 12, Rounded Silhouette, Walnut Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Elefante Side Table 12, Rounded Silhouette, Decorative Craft ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid walnut wood. Other wood...
Hardwood
Cast Glass Blocks Side / End Table
By Imperial Imagineering
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Cast glass blocks side / end table by Imperial Imagineering. Glass top shown is 33" by 33" and not included.
Glass
Sculptural Side Table, Rustic, Burnt Black Wood, Carved, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Hand-carved from a single solid hardwood log, this tall side table possesses a striking architectural presence and a functional, sculptural form. Its design is defined by a heavy, ci...
Wood
Low Side Table Jean with White Marble base and Black Marble Nero Marquina Top
Located in Lisbon, PT
Jean side tables are unique in their conception. The combination of three different marbles make them a sign of unconformity and originality. The combination in the picture is in Est...
Marble
Percival Lafer Brutalist Parquet Rosewood Side Tables, Brazil, 1970s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli, Percival Lafer, Paul Evans
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A pair of exceptional Brazilian Modern side tables by Percival Lafer, one of Brazil's most influential postwar furniture designers. Trained as an architect at São Paulo's Universidad...
Glass, Rosewood, Walnut
$7,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
NONO Elefante Side Table 7, Solid Wood, Sculptural Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Side Table 7, Solid Wood, Sculptural Elegance ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid red oak wood, available in natural or black tinted finishes. Othe...
Hardwood
Sculptural Side Table, Stool, Rustic, Burnt Wood, Black, Carved, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Chainsaw carved side table. Carved from a single piece of burnt wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade design wil...
Wood
Brutalist Style Black Lacquer and Gold Leaf Nightstands
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Brutualist influenced sidecabinets with a high gloss black lacquer case and 22-carat gold leaf front panels. The gold panels resemble some wor...
Lacquer
$9,000 / item
NONO Elefante Side Table 19, Sculptural Wood Shapes
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Side Table 19, Sculptural Wood Shapes————————————————————— The base product is made of solid red oak wood, available in natural or black tinted finishes. Other wood opt...
Hardwood
$7,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante Side Table 18 by Joel Escalona, Solid Wood, Decorative Spheres
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Side Table 18 by Joel Escalona, Solid Wood, Decorative Spheres ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid red oak wood, available in natural or black tinted fin...
Hardwood
Brutalist Slate Tile Side or Cocktail Table, Belgium, 1970's
Located in Austin, TX
Brutalist side or cocktail table with slate style top and brass and copper inlay in asymmetric pattern. Belgium, 1970's
Slate
Sculptural Side Table, Solid Wood, Black, Rustic, Oak, Pedestal, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Chainsaw carved side table/pedestal. Carved from a single piece of burnt oak wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handma...
Wood, Oak
Joel Escalona's Elefante Side Table 8, Hefty Organic Look
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Elefante Side Table 8, Hefty Organic Look ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid red oak wood, available in natural or black tinted finishes. Other w...
Hardwood
Vintage French Brutalist Wrought Iron Side Table by Raymond Subes
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
Impressive and elegant brutalist side table in wrought iron of outstanding production quality. Attributed to Raymond Subes, France circa 1945-1950.
Iron
Argente cube side table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul Evans model PE – 37 cube side table. Welded aluminum construction with etched patterns on oxidized and painted panels.. with an inset black slate top. Manufactured by Paul Evans...
Slate, Aluminum
Brutalist Stool in European Oak - Cadence by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Cadence stool 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
$1,781Sale Price|40% Off
Pair of Brutalist Side Tables in Black Solid Oak - Cadence by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
These solid oak Cadence side tables are showroom models in excellent condition. - Dimensions per side table: L:34 x W:22 x H:30 cm. - The price includes a custom wooden shipping cr...
Oak
$7,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
NONO Elefante Side Table 7, Solid Walnut Wood, Sculptural Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Side Table 7, Solid Wood, Sculptural Elegance ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid walnut wood. Other wood options are also available, which may aff...
Hardwood
Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #1 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil). Measures: 50 x 112 x 45 cm. SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authe...
Oak
Side Table, Solid Burnt Wood, Oak, Wine Table, Chainsaw Carved, Rustic
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Chainsaw carved side table/wine table/pedestal. Carved from a single piece of burnt oak wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such un...
Wood, Oak
$7,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Joel Escalona Elefante Side Table 2, Rounded Organic Form
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona Elefante Side Table 2, Rounded Organic Form ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid red oak wood, available in natural or black tinted finishes. Other ...
Hardwood
Brutalist Solid Elm Side Tables, Set of 2, France, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Exceptional set of two Brutalist side or coffee tables crafted from solid elm wood, originating from France, circa 1960s. Each table is hand-carved from a single solid elm slab, sho...
Elm
$8,182 / item
Sculpted Bench or Side Table N7 in Solid Oak Wood
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Bench or side table of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative object...
Oak
19th Century Handcrafted Vintage Wooden Sideboard, Country Style
Located in Kangasala, FI
A very rugged and brutalist side table from the 1950's. Unique item for someone who isn't afraid of making bold statements in their interior design. The side table is made out of so...
Teak
Brutalist Oak Side Table, The Netherlands ca 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the thriving design landscape of the 1960s, the emergence of Brutalist furniture left an indelible mark on design, and this oak side table epitomises the era's aesthetic medley. C...
Oak
Rectangual Wabi Sabi Coffee Table, Brutalist, Rustic, 1940's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Coffee table in rectangle shape, with charismatic patina inspired by the great principles of wabi-sabi. A timeless design that fits in any interior that likes to play with the narrative of brutalist...
Wood
Paul Evans Studio Argente PE-37 Cube Tables – Exceptionally Clean Pair - 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
Paul Evans Studio Argente PE-37 Cube Tables – Pair Commanding in form and masterful in execution, this rare pair of Paul Evans Studio Argente series cube tables (Model PE-37) exempli...
Slate, Aluminum
Clam Small Side Table in Raw Green, handcrafted in fiberglass by VAVA Objects
By VAVA Objects
Located in Saltsjöbaden, SE
The artisanal process of creating our Clam Side Table gives each piece an individual soul and patina, as the temperature, humidity and hands at work all contribute to its distinctive...
Fiberglass
Vintage etched brass side table 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Square side table with an etched brass top and brown stained wooden frame. Cool brutalist style motive in the brass. 1970s - Germany Good condition Dimensions Height: 45cm Width ...
Brass