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.
Rustic Brutalist Coffee Table by Anton Fortuin, 1944
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Rustic Brutalist coffee table. Design by Anton Fortuin. Striking Dutch design from the 1940s. Solid oak with hand-carved elements. This wonderful Rustic Brutalis...
Oak
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
NONO Elefante Sideboard 36, Design by Joel Escalona Craft, Wood Swirls
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Sideboard 36, Design by Joel Escalona Craft, Wood Swirls ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a ...
Hardwood
$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
Large Brutalist Solid Black Oak Brut Dining Table
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
$4,238Sale 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
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
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 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
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Solace No42 Wall Console – Organic Form, Design by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solace No42 Wall Console – Organic Form, Design by Joel Escalona ————————————————————— Solace Console Table Series Design by Joel Escalona The Solace console table series, designed ...
Hardwood
Mid Century Organic Wooden Scandinavian Wabi Sabi Coffee Table, Made in 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Outstanding unique Scandinavian organic shaped wooden coffee table / pedestal in solid stained pine. Impressive lines with an additional book shelve. This vintage piece is in great c...
Pine
Elefante Console Table 35, Design by Joel Escalona, Sculptural Base
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Console Table 35, Design by Joel Escalona, Sculptural Base ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Mod...
Hardwood
Natural Solid Light Oak Coffee Table - Hari by Mokko
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
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Solace No29 Wall Table – Subtle Curved Base in Wood, by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solace No29 Wall Table – Subtle Curved Base in Wood, by NONO ————————————————————— Solace Console Table Series Design by Joel Escalona The Solace console table series, designed by ...
Hardwood
$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
Stunning Acid Etched Brass Coffee Table "Abstraction" by Armand Jonckers
Located in Montreal, QC
Stunning acid etched brass polish and silvered coffee table by Armand Jonckers depicting an Asian inspired scroll. Resting on a beautiful acid etched brass base. Signed: Armand Jonk...
Brass
$15,588 / item
Joel Escalona Elefante Sideboard 50, Rich Textured Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona Elefante Sideboard 50, Rich Textured Wood ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touc...
Hardwood
Round Coffee Table Serie 60 – Sereno by Joel Escalona in Solid Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Round Coffee Table Serie 60 – Sereno by Joel Escalona in Solid Wood ——— Sereno Coffee Table Series – A Note from Joel Escalona What happens when structure becomes art? These are th...
Hardwood
Round Table, Solid European Oak, Handcrafted in the Netherlands, 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
$14,000
Lothar Klute Coffee Table
By Lothar Klute
Located in New York, NY
Lothar Klute coffee table. Brutalist style, wrought iron base with a molded glass top. Signature to the glass.
Wrought Iron
Vintage midcentury Brutalist steel, brass & red glass coffee table, USA 1970s
Located in Hastings, GB
Unusual Brutalist steel & brass coffee table with tomato red glass panels, USA 1970s. Good condition: some slight wear to metal, commensurate with the age of the piece. Dimensions:...
Brass, Steel
$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
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
Solace No40 Hallway Table – Sculptural Movement in Wood, by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solace No40 Hallway Table – Sculptural Movement in Wood, by NONO ————————————————————— Solace Console Table Series Design by Joel Escalona The Solace console table series, designed ...
Hardwood
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
$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
Joel Escalona's Unseen Force #49: Solid Wood Sculpture, Coffee Table Art
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Unseen Force #49: Solid Wood Sculpture, Coffee Table Art Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to the natu...
Hardwood
Alwy Visschedyk Rare Brutalist Concrete Cantilevered Dining Table or Desk 1978
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Alwy Visschedyk Vintage Brutalist Cantilevered Concrete Table. Can be a Dining Table, Desk, Game Table or an incredible Foyer/Entry table. This is a rare version that is signed o...
Concrete, Cement
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
Hand-Crafted Solid Thick Oak Round Coffee Table By NONO Fundamenta 1
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Hand-crafted Solid Thick Oak Round Coffee Table Round coffee table with 4 legs made of solid thick oak. Product made to order; some variances ...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
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
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
$19,118 / item
Solace No16 Display Table – Organic Wood Base, by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solace No16 Display Table – Organic Wood Base, by NONO ————————————————————— Solace Console Table Series Design by Joel Escalona The Solace console table series, designed by Joel E...
Hardwood
$2,457 / item
Portuguese Side Table Poppy with Travertino by Mambo
Located in Lisbon, PT
Poppy table is an emblem of nature and organic growth, behind this design lies an essence of naivety effortlessly found within natural forms. Poppy tables are a finely tuned example ...
Marble
Dark Brown European Oak Dining 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 Solid Walnut Brut Slim Dining Table
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
Monumental Alpine Solid Pine Dining Set with Two Benches, France, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Monumental Alpine dining set in solid pine with sculptural benches, France, 1970s. Ideal for hospitality, chalet, and lodge projects, offering a complete and cohesive Alpine dining ...
Pine
Maison Regain Brutalist Elm Coffee Table - France - 1970s
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
Maison Regain Brutalist Elm Coffee Table, France, 1970s Remarkable asymmetrical coffee table in solid elm, produced by Maison Regain in France during the 1970s. Known for its sculp...
Elm
$2,746 / set
Vintage brutalist dining set, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Sturdy and handcrafted dining set with a bench and three high back dining chairs. This striking design and 'rough' hand made brutalist style is really standing out. The entire set...
Oak
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
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
Wooden Brutalist Table, Bench, Wabi-Sabi, Natural, Organic, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique table with original design by Logniture. Made entirely from wood. Protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Such unique handmade design wil...
Wood, Oak
Paul Kingma attributed coffee table, 1980s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Brutalist slate and natural stone top coffee table with inlaid copper and brass. Black wooden base. The table is signed but we cant see by who. Good condition. Very much in the s...
Stone, Slate, Brass
Brutalist Kunstmeubelen De Puydt Solid Round Rustic Oak Pedestal Table, Belgium
By De Puydt
Located in DE MEERN, 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 Oak Dining Table – a captivating masterpiece from the renowned Belgian firm, Kunstmeubelen De Puydt, circa 1970. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this table seamlessly marries a round top of natural oak with an organically carved, brutalist pedestal base, creating a sharp yet organic silhouette that stands as a testament to the era's design ingenuity. Constructed from heavy, solid oak wood, this dining table exudes a robust charm that is both inviting and enduring. Its original condition speaks to the quality craftsmanship of Kunstmeubelen De Puydt, showcasing a patina that gracefully ages with time, adding character to your living space. Background on Kunstmeubelen De Puydt: Established in Belgium in the 1970s, Kunstmeubelen De Puydt gained recognition for its commitment to crafting furniture that seamlessly blended functionality with artistic expression. The natural oak dining table is a prime example of their dedication to quality materials and innovative design, embodying the essence of mid-century aesthetics. Dimensions: Diameter: 113 cm Height: 76 cm Top thicke 5.5 cm Styling Advice: Embrace Minimalism: Allow the table's distinctive design to take center stage by keeping the surrounding decor simple. Opt for minimalist chairs with clean lines to complement the table's organic silhouette. Natural Elements: Enhance the table's connection to nature by incorporating natural elements such as potted plants, wooden servingware, or woven...
Oak
Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Black European Oak - Hari by Mokko
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
Majestic Daniel Gluck Brutalist Large Coffee Table American Mid Century
Located in San Diego, CA
Brutalist steel base composed of torch-cut, intertwining steel elements that twist and swirl around one another to create a striking sculptural form. The beautifully executed base ...
Iron
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
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
NONO Elefante Sideboard 07, Robust Oak, Modernist Detail
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Sideboard 07, Robust Oak, Modernist Detail ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touc...
Hardwood
Free Form Brutalist Coffee Table, Wood, Wabi Sabi Style, Circa 1960
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Free Form Brutalist Coffee table Wabi Sabi Style - Decoration - Brutalist Measures : 81x67cm H:52cm Weight : ~8kg
Wood
$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
Solace No1 Console Table – Sculptural Wood Form, Design by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solace No1 Console Table – Sculptural Wood Form, Design by Joel Escalona ————————————————————— Solace Console Table Series Design by Joel Escalona The Solace console table series, ...
Hardwood
$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
Large Round Dining Table in Solid French 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
Sculptural Unseen Force #62: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Table, Modern Art Piece
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sculptural Unseen Force #62: Joel Escalona's Solid Wood Table, Modern Art Piece Sculptural coffee table made of solid wood with a natural water-based or carbonized finish. Due to the nature of the production process, each piece may vary in grain, texture, shape or even size. The dimensions provided refer to the table only. The dimensions and shape of the sculpture may vary. — About the Concept. Unseen Force Coffee Tables and Side Tables, design by Joel Escalona for NONO When Tables Talk Art...
Hardwood
Brutalist Kingma style coffee table, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Brutalist slate and natural stone top coffee table with inlaid copper and brass. The base is also made from the same material as the top, which is rare. Usually these tables have a ...
Stone, Slate, Brass
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
Impressive Brutalist Mosaic Coffee Table by Pia Manu for Amphora, 1960s
Beautiful handcrafted mosaic coffee table in very good condition. Designed by Pia Manu in the 1960s. Manufactured by Amphora, Belgium The table has an impressive mosaic top made o...
Stone, Slate, Metal, Chrome
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Solace No5 Console Table – Pebble-Like Legs in Wood, by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solace No5 Console Table – Pebble-Like Legs in Wood, by NONO ————————————————————— Solace Console Table Series Design by Joel Escalona The Solace console table series, designed by J...
Hardwood
$9,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Hand-Crafted Solid Thick Oak Rectangular Coffee Table by Nono Fundamenta 02
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Hand-crafted solid thick oak rectangular coffee table / bench By NONO Rectangular coffee table with 2 legs made of solid thick oak. Produ...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
$11,706 / item
NONO Elefante Buffet 03, Oak Craft, Bold Statement
$18,702 / item
Sculpted Dining Table in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size M'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authentic style. Insp...
Oak