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.
Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #4 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 object...
Oak
Goodesign Beam Stool – Sculptural Aluminum Minimalist Modular Seat / Side Table
Located in Hackensack, NJ
The Goodesign Beam Stool is a modular aluminum seating object designed to balance structure, versatility, and refined minimalism. Precision-cut and bent from high-quality aluminum, i...
Aluminum
Elefante Side Table 1, Joel Escalona, Solid Wood Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's NONO Elefante Table 40, Wood Spheres, Elegant Lines ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid red oak wood, available in natural or black tinted finish...
Hardwood
Jean Low Side Table with White Marble Base and Negro Marble 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. Made to order. Open since 1997 and bas...
Marble
Brutalist Solid Elm Wood Coffee Table
Located in Weesp, NL
Striking robust brutalist coffee table made of solid Elm wood. The elm has warm colors and a fantastic patina from use over decades of years. Measurements : 77 x 77 x 45cm - 30.31...
Elm
Colosse by Kalou Dubus, Ceramic table, Light sculptural
By Kalou Dubus
Located in PANTIN, -
Colosse is a sculptural illuminated side table by French artist Kalou Dubus. Composed of three interlocking elements that fit together freely, the piece combines the strong presence ...
Ceramic
$8,182 / item
Sculpted Bench or Side Table N4 in Solid Oakwood
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Bench or side table in solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authentic sty...
Oak
Brutalist copper and oak coffee or side table, 1970s
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Rustic copper coffee table with a beautiful solid wood frame. Good condition. 1970 - Germany. Dimensions: Height: 40cm, Width x Depth: 65cm.
Copper
Jean Tall Side Table with Black Marble Base and Pink Marble Top
Located in Lisbon, PT
Jean tall side table with Nero Marquina top (black marble), Nero Marquina middle part (blackmarble) and Nero Marquina (bottom). Made to Order. Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, ...
Marble
Contemporary Brutalist Style Small Table #9 in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Small table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) Measures: 45 x 73 x 40 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authenti...
Oak
Clam Small Side Table in Eclipse, handcrafted 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
Column Console Table in Raw Green, handcrafted in fiberglass by VAVA Objects
By VAVA Objects
Located in Saltsjöbaden, SE
The artisanal process of creating our Column Console Table gives each piece an individual soul and patina, as the temperature, humidity and hands at work all contribute to its distin...
Resin, Fiberglass
1970's Henning Kjærnulf Brutalist Sidetable in Oak with Søholm Tiles
By Søholm Stentøj, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Knebel, DK
1970's Henning Kjærnulf brutalist sidetable in oak with Søholm tiles Square sofa / side tables in solid oak. Designed by Henning Kjærnulf for E.G Møbler, Denmark, with Søholm Kerami...
Ceramic, Oak
Wood and wrought iron tripod Side table - 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Wood and wrought iron tripod Side table - 1960s Rustic - Wabi Sabi - Brutalist Measures : 41,5x30cm H:45cm Materials : Wood - Iron
Iron
$4,720Sale Price|20% Off
Primitive Wabi Sabi Side Table, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
19th-century primitive rural side table, a robust and authentic piece crafted from raw, solid wood. Its surface showcases the natural wood grain, celebrating the unrefined beauty of ...
Wood
$526Sale Price / item|25% Off
Authentic Vintage Brutalist Style Sculpted Side Table in Solid Oak
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Authentic Vintage Brutalist Style Sculpted Side Table in Solid Oak – Ideal for Modern Interiors Discover the perfect blend of modern elegance and raw artistry with our Authentic Vin...
Oak
Modular Side Table by Willy Guhl for Eternit AG, Switzerland, 1954
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Antwerp, BE
Willy Guhl’s modular cubic side table for Eternit AG, handmade in Switzerland in 1954. This rare piece exemplifies Guhl’s groundbreaking design approach, crafted with precision from ...
Concrete, Cement
Spectacular set of two Brass and Glass Peter Ghyczy Large Side Tables
By Peter Ghyczy
Located in Voorburg, NL
Spectacular set of two Brass and Glass side tables. Designed by Peter Ghyczy in the early 1970s in the Netherlands. Born in Budapest, Peter Ghyczy started his career as an architect ...
Brass
Angelo Mangiarotti Carrara Marble “Eros” Side Table for Skipper, 1971, Set of 2
By Skipper, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pair of “Eros” side tables, designed by Angelo Mangiarotti and manufactured by Skipper in 1972. Made of white Carrara marble. Excellent vintage condition. The Eros series by Angelo M...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Clam Medium 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
Pair of Brutalist Solid Elm Nightstands by Atelier Chauvin, 1970s
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
Pair of solid elm side tables by Atelier Chauvin, featuring a distinctive Brutalist design with the softly rounded lines characteristic of 1970s French furniture...
Elm
Handmade Brass and Iron Brutalist Side Table
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this Rare Handmade Brutalist Side Table. made in brass and solid iron plates on the table cover. Beautiful table made a piece of art
Brass, Iron
Clam Medium Side Table in Dark Coral, 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...
Resin, Fiberglass
Brutalist Colored Acrylic Bronze Side Table, France, 1980
Located in Munich, DE
Spectacular pair of Brutalist side tables made in acrylic and bronze. The hexagonal clear acrylic base is framed with a round brutalist ...
Bronze
H Blocks by Kalou Dubus, Unique Brutalist Ceramic Stools, Side Table
By Kalou Dubus
Located in PANTIN, -
H BLOCKS is a pair of sculptural ceramic pieces conceived at the intersection of furniture and primitive architecture. Built in heavily chamotted black stoneware, the forms evoke raw...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$2,471 / set
Jean Side Tables Tall and Low
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
Spiral Chain Link Drinks Table / Side Table in Gilt Iron, Brutalist, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Unique Brutalist Spiral Chain Link Drink Side Table, Gilt Wrought Iron Spain, 1950s One of a kind hand forged iron occasional table with chain link spiral design. This table is a scu...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Dutch Brutalist Oak Nesting Tables, 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of Dutch Brutalist oak nesting tables dating to the 1960s. Designed to nest seamlessly, each table features a thick, rectangular top with subtly softened edges, supported by s...
Oak
Contemporary "Sinīya" Geometric End Table in Solid Atlas Cedar by Mādda
Located in Marrakech, MA
A contemporary side table designed by Marrakech-based studio Mādda. This piece, titled "Sinīya," represents a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Moroccan tea ceremony. The f...
Wood, Cedar
$3,400Sale Price|34% Off
Round Brutalist Side Table with Metal Legs
Located in Chicago, IL
This light walnut veneer round table features an angular chromed steel base. The table is an example of brutalist "socialist mid-century modern" des...
Metal
$2,080Sale Price|60% Off
Struttura Mini Case Table in Black Maykume & Smoky Brass Drawer IN STOCK ON SALE
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brutalist and modern architecturally inspired side table or nightstand is available with a floor base or wall mountable without base. Each table is fabricated by hand and available t...
Brass
$1,184Sale Price / item|48% Off
Contemporary Handcrafted Stool in Brazilian Hardwood by Leo Strauss
Located in Atibaia, BR
Solid wood, processed in large width and thickness dimensions, and it adds life to this piece of straight and modernist shapes. In its artisan production, traditional woodworking ...
Hardwood
Clam Medium Side Table in Raw Moon, handcrafted in fiberglass by VAVA Objects
By VAVA Objects
Located in Saltsjöbaden, SE
Clam Medium in raw fiberglass, part of our ‘unearthed’ collection. Inspired by the beautiful shells of the north, our Clam side table is made of unmasked fibreglass and plays with it...
Fiberglass
Sculptural Black Walnut Side Tables by Sergio Vulpe, set of 3. In Stock
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Brutalist Sculptural Walnut Side Tables, Set of Three This collectible set of three sculptural side tables is handcrafted from solid walnut and designed as a functional composition ...
Walnut
Sculpted Authentic Brutalist Side Table by Sergio Vulpe
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
This remarkable vintage pedestal is crafted from stacked end-grain wood blocks, creating a bold architectural silhouette with sculptural depth. Each segment reveals natural cracks, t...
Oak
Carved Walnut & Cobalt Blue Glass Side Table, USA 1960's
Located in New York, NY
A solid carved walnut end table, the rough-hewn planks frame a stylized fist, its top is a thick cobalt blue glass
Art Glass, Walnut
Pair of Paul Evans Studio Argente PE-37 Cube Tables for Directional, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Paul Evans Studio Argente PE-37 Cube Tables for Directional, 1970s Exceptional and rare pair of Paul Evans Studio Argente PE-37 cube tables, produced by Directional circa 1...
Slate, Metal, Aluminum
Contemporary Brutalist Sculptural Metal Side Table – Unknown Studio Production
Located in Krefeld, DE
A striking contemporary Brutalist metal side table with a highly sculptural presence, created as an expressive studio piece by an unknown maker. The design is defined by its dynamic ...
Steel
A Pair of Vintage Spanish Style Brutalist Bedside Cabinets, 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of Vintage Spanish Style Brutalist Bedside Cabinets, 20th Century Description: Incredible original hammered iron handles. Drawer slides smoothly, inside cupboards are immacul...
Wood
"Running Gun" Accent Table Set, Iron, James Vincent Milano, Italy, 2023
Located in Milano, IT
“Running Gun” Accent Table Set, Iron, JAMES VINCENT MILANO, Italy, 2023 Pentagonal accent table with removable tripod legs. For use individually ...
Iron
Brutalist Sculpted Aluminum & Lacquered Wood Center Table by Laura Johnson Drake
By Laura Johnson Drake
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A Brutalist sculpted aluminum center table by Laura Johnson Drake. The dramatic base is cast in aluminum and hand-chased throughout with radiating abstract geometry, each of the four...
Aluminum
Brutalist Stool in Solid Black European Oak, Brutalist Style, 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
Paul Kingma Inlaid African Slate & Brass Side Table, Circa 1980
By Paul Kingma
Located in Bainbridge, NY
V. Ramburrem attributed inlaid African slate, stone, wood and brass art side table. Featuring a rounded square form with varied tones of inset Slate and Stone, rimmed in rounded Wood...
Slate, Metal
$925Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Solid Light Oak 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
Side Table, Stool in Solid Black European Oak, Brutalist Style, 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
Standing Candle Holder, Monumental, Sculptural, Solid European Oak, Taes, 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
Aluminium Etched Coffee Table by Marc D’haenens, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Square coffee table by Belgian designer Marc D'Haenens, the perfect centrepiece for your home. At the heart of this table lies a square aluminum top, meticulously etched to perfectio...
Aluminum, Steel
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Silas Seandel Brutalist Mixed Metal Side End Dynasty Coffee Glass Top Table Base
Located in Wayne, NJ
A rare part of the Designers Dynasty Collection table base. It is signed Silas Seandal . It can either be used as a base for a Side / end table or s...
Metal
Side Table - Brutalist - Sculptural - Solid Oak - Taes by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Taes side table draws inspiration from the majestic sloping-sided architectural platforms, historically used for religious, ceremonial and defensive purposes. In stacked form, th...
Oak, Walnut
Joel Escalona Elefante Side Table 17, Hefty Rounded Form, Solid Walnut Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona Elefante Side Table 17, Hefty Rounded Form————————————————————— The base product is made of solid walnut wood. Other wood options are also available, which may affect t...
Hardwood
$7,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante Side Table 18 by Joel Escalona, Solid Walnut 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 walnut. Other wood options are also available, which m...
Hardwood
Joel Escalona Elefante Side Table 14, Hefty and Artistic, Solid Walnut Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona Elefante Side Table 14, Hefty and Artistic ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid walnut wood. Other wood options are also available, which may affect ...
Hardwood
Hand-Welded Cubes Cocktail Table with Slate Top After Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul Evans style brutalist cocktail table consisting of two hand-welded and polychromed rectangular cubes connected by two slim steel bars welded to the cubes on both ends and topped...
Cut Steel
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Table
Iron
"MARTINI" unique Side Table by FABIAN FREYTAG STUDIO - Alcova Edition No. 4
Located in Berlin, DE
SIDE TABLE MARTINI - Limited Alcova Edition 1/4 No.4 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
Abecedario Collection - Side + Coffee Table N by Booboon Studio x Forma&Cemento
Located in Rome, Lazio
Coffee Table N is the latest addition to the Abecedario Collection, an exploration in cement that will create a concrete alphabet made up by tables and stools casted through a pour o...
Concrete, Cement
Joel Escalona Elefante Side Table 14, Hefty and Artistic
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona Elefante Side Table 14, Hefty and Artistic ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid red oak wood, available in natural or black tinted finishes. Other wo...
Hardwood
Pair of Brutalist solid oak side tables, France, 1950s
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A sculptural pair of French Brutalist-style side tables, crafted from solid oak and dating to the 1950s. Each table is distinguished by a striking central stem shaped like a screw. S...
Oak
$7,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante Side Table 1, Joel Escalona, Solid Wood Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's NONO Elefante Table 40, Wood Spheres, Elegant Lines ————————————————————— The base product is made of solid red oak wood, available in natural or black tinted finish...
Hardwood
Brutalistic, Monolithic sculpture /Side Table / Object
By Jan Paul
Located in Maastricht, NL
GRIP Brutalist, monolithic sculpture / side table/ object design: JAN PAUL Four shapes flow to the center to swirl, weave, and grip each other. Firmly holding on to form “GRIP” A sculptural, powerful , iconic object made out of solid bamboo using...
Bamboo