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.
$12,470Sale Price / item|20% Off
Socle No32 Hallway Table, Design by Joel Escalona
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Socle No32 Hallway Table, Design by Joel Escalona ————————————————————— The Socle Console Series by NONO reinterprets the plinth as a family of sculptural consoles in solid wood. Un...
Hardwood
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
$11,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sereno Coffee Table Serie 17 by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Calm Interiors
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sereno Coffee Table Serie 17 by Joel Escalona – Perfect for Calm Interiors——— Sereno Coffee Table Series – A Note from Joel Escalona What happens when structure becomes art? These...
Hardwood
Coffee Table with Bronze Base, Late 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Round coffee table featuring a clear glass top and an intertwined bronze base. The base showcases an irregular, textured surface with a distinctly Brutalist aesthetic.
Bronze
Brutalist Craftsman Oak & Iron Coffee Table, France, 1970-1979
Located in High Point, NC
This oak and iron piece dates to 1970-1979 and originates from France. Its form as a brutalist craftsman oak & iron coffee table reflects both a clear practical purpose and the v...
Iron
21st Century Varco Concrete Stool Designed by Ernesto Messineo for Forma&Cemento
Located in Rome, Lazio
Two identical hollow pieces joined together through a slight contact. The "cut" is brought to the limit of the visible giving the perception of instability. The light that enters ins...
Concrete, Cement
Costa Antique Reclaimed Fir Dining Table with Trestle Style Base Solid Wood 86"
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
The Costa Dining Table is crafted from solid reclaimed fir & pine and finished in a weathered walunut finish, this oval dining table draws inspiration from traditional European w...
Fir, Reclaimed Wood
French Studio Coffee Table, Faceted Pine Marquetry Top, 1970s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
French Studio Coffee Table, Faceted Pine Marquetry Top, 1970s. This handmade low table is built from solid pine arranged in a faceted geometric pattern, with triangular and polygona...
Wood, Pine
$9,374 / item
Sculpted Low Table in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Low table made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Made to order - Custom size SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid ...
Oak
$15,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Joel Escalona's Elefante Console Table 33, Layered Wood, Dynamic Shape
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Elefante Console Table 33, Layered Wood, Dynamic Shape ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a ...
Hardwood
bronze leaf coffee table attributed to Jacques Duval - 1980s
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
- rare bronze coffee table with a leaf and branches - very good condition with slight signs of use. No chips in the glass. - 105 x70 x 45 cm the item will be crated for transport an...
Bronze
Brutalist Square Coffee Table in Warm Wood Veneer, Podio by NONO
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Brutalist square coffee table in red oak wood Veneer, Podio by NONO The NONO design team presents a coffee table that exudes elegance and modernity. The foundation of this piece is ...
Plywood
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
Unique Giandomenico Belotti Architectural Table in Chrome and Stone, Italy 1960
Located in Milan, IT
Unique, Sculptural, Piece of Art, Giandomenico Belotti Monumental table made for his wife in the 1960s The pure essence of Italian architectural modernism. Structure, lightness, ...
Stone, Steel, Chrome
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
Brutalist Wrought Iron & Slate End Table, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist slate top table banded in riveted wrought iron on solid wrought iron “bat” legs. Pair available. Sold individually.
Slate, Wrought Iron
$9,364Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elefante by NONO Buffet 10, Sturdy Oak, Architectural Allure
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante by NONO Buffet 10, Sturdy Oak, Architectural Allure ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist ...
Hardwood
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
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
$15,294Sale Price / item|20% Off
Solace No36 Wall Table – Abstract Solid Wood, Design by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solace No36 Wall Table – Abstract Solid Wood, Design by Joel Escalona ————————————————————— Solace Console Table Series Design by Joel Escalona The Solace console table series, des...
Hardwood
Brutalist Extendable Round Dining Table, 1960s
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
Vintage Brutalist Extendable Round Dining Table, 1960s–70s, crafted from solid elm with a walnut-toned finish. The sculpted tabletop showcases striking grain patterns and softly cur...
Elm
Large Round Coffee Table, Brutalist, Custom Made, Solid Walnut, 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 Coffee Table...
Oak, Walnut
Solid Walnut Minimalist Hari Coffee Table
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
Brutalist Wrought Iron and Slate Coffee Table or Cocktail Table, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Brutalist coffee table or cocktail table. Striking Dutch design from the 1970s. Patinated wrought iron frame and legs with original multi-colored slate top. This...
Slate, Wrought Iron
Concrete Side Table "D" Abecedario Collection Aubergine Color by Forma&Cemento
Located in Rome, Lazio
Coffee table D is part of the Abecedario Collection; it marks the beginning of a language in cement that will create a concrete alphabet made up ...
Concrete
A MID-CENTURY-MODERN BRUTALIST MODERNIST Ceramic COFFEE SIDE TABLE, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
A rigorous coffee table or low tripod pedestal table, bedside or end table, Modernist, rigorous black wrought iron structure, circular top in enameled lava stone with superb glowing decoration on a black background of volcanic inspiration, made in 4 quarter circle assembled into a tray, in the spirit of Jean and Robert Cloutier...
Lava, Wrought Iron
Verdigris Bronze Finish Metal Console Table Brutalist Midcentury Design 60"w
Located in Atlanta, GA
Verdigris Bronze Finish Metal Console Table, American, circa 1980s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a console or sofa table, media or TV table, or bar. It measures 60" widt...
Metal
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
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
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
Large Brutalist Coffee Table in Solid Natural Light 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
Solid Wooden Coffee Table, 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 Coffee Table...
Oak, Walnut
James de Wulf Industrial Console Table, Concrete and Brushed Stainless Steel
Located in Paia, HI
Contemporary console table with brushed stainless steel and two shelves. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Concrete available in Natural Tone, Light Grey, Dark Grey, White and ...
Concrete, Stainless Steel
Oval Dining Table - Solid Dark Brown European Oak - Aperta Capsule DB 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
NONO Sideboard 54, Elefante, Bold Lines, Solid Wood Elegance
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Sideboard 54, Elefante, Bold Lines, Solid Wood Elegance ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist...
Hardwood
"Grip" Console-Table / Display / Sculptural Object in Solid Bamboo
Located in Maastricht, NL
"Grip" console-table / display / sculptural object in solid bamboo Four square shapes flow to the center to swirl, weave, and grip eachother. Firmly holding on to form “Grip” A sculptural, powerful , iconic object made out of solid bamboo using...
Bamboo
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
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
Large Solid Walnut Coffee Table by Mokko, Custom Design, 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
Southern French Brutalist Oak Dining Trestle Table with Terracotta Inset Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Southern French Brutalist solid oak dining room trestle table with hand-made terracotta bricks inset top. This Southern French Brutalist solid oak dining room trestle table from th...
Terracotta, Oak
Concrete Side Table "E" Abecedario Collection Honey Color by Forma & Cemento
Located in Rome, Lazio
Coffee table E is part of the Abecedario Collection; it marks the beginning of a language in cement that will create a concrete alphabet made up ...
Concrete
Brutalist Coffee Table by Paul Evans, Patinated Metal & Slate, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Queens, NY
Brutalist American Modern 1970s patinated patchwork metal coffee table with riveted copper, brass, and pewter sheeting with slate top (attr: P...
Slate, Copper, Pewter
Contemporary 'JULIUS' Secretary by Eichkorn, Black Bronze, Customizable
By Eichkorn
Located in Paris, IDF
JULIUS Console Table by German contemporary design studio Eichkorn. Material: Cast Bronze with Black Patina Standard size: H.75 x 163 x 70 cm - Customizations are possible Our „JUL...
Bronze
$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
Mid-Century Scandinavian Coffee Table in Solid Elm Wood, Wabi-Sabi Style, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful mid-20th century Scandinavian coffee table / side table / bench, crafted from a single slab of solid wood. The piece retains the natural, irregular edge of the timber, co...
Wood, Elm
Large Coffee Table in Solid Natural Light 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
$870Sale 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
Large Minimalist Solid Oak Dark Brown 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
Brutalist Oak Desk Attributed to Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Oak desk attributed to Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf, crafted in Denmark during the 1960s. Designed in a distinctive Brutalist style, the piece features beautifully carved details...
Oak
1970s U-Shaped Fiberglass Coffee Table in the style of André Cazenave
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An exceptional French sculptural coffee table dating from the 1970s, executed in fiberglass coated with marble powder and conceived in the spirit of André Cazenave’s celebrated miner...
Fiberglass
Portuguese Center Table Poppy in Beige Natural Travertino Stone 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
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
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
Sereno Coffee Table Serie 1 by Joel Escalona – Solid Wood for Modern Interiors
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Sereno Coffee Table Serie 1 by Joel Escalona – Solid Wood for Modern Interiors ——— Sereno Coffee Table Series – A Note from Joel Escalona What happens when structure becomes art? ...
Hardwood
$13,593Sale Price / set|20% Off
Round Post Modern Brutalist MCM Beech Dining Table + 6 Chairs, 9 Pcs Set
Located in Basel, BS
Absolutely incredible, and very stylish Brutalist dining table with an additional extendable leaf, and 6 chairs set made of solid beech wood. When the table is without the leaf it se...
Beech
Officina Rivadossi Oak Dining Table with Botticino Marble Inlay, Italy 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
Furniture by Officina Rivadossi is known for its honest use of materials and traditional woodworking techniques. This dining table combines solid oak with a polished Botticino Marble...
Marble
Modern Brutalist Sculptural Sunburst Torch Cut Cocktail Table
By Silas Seandel, Paul Evans, Curtis Jeré
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Very rare Brutalist glass and metal cocktail table in the style of Paul Evans and Silas Seandel. A stunning torch-cut mixed-metal sculptural sunburst with brass, copper and steel tones, rests upon the unique three legged metal...
Metal
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
Modernist Console in Solid Warm Brown Oak, Brutalist Design, Fenestra by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rhythmic interplay of volumes and voids. The Fenestra collection is inspired by Brick Expressionism, the architectural movement visible in Amsterdam’s ‘South Plan’ area - the city...
Oak, Walnut