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.
$319Sale Price|25% Off
KITA LIVING Shelf No: 1 - Oak Mist
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
An open, wall-mounted shelf designed for the storage and display of everyday objects. Crafted from raw aluminum plate and solid oak brackets, its simplistic design and utilitarian lo...
Aluminum
Brutalist Bibliothèque - Book Shelves - Solid French Oak - Galea by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Galea Bibliothèque is influenced by modernist and brutalist architecture. Combining raw materiality with subdued forms. A mysterious geometric rhythm is created by the shadows ca...
Oak, Walnut
$319Sale Price|25% Off
KITA LIVING Shelf No: 2 - Oak Mist
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
An open, wall-mounted shelf designed for the storage and display of everyday objects. Crafted from thick raw aluminium plate and solid oak brackets, its form references early 20th ce...
Aluminum
Brutalist Bibliothèque, Book Shelves, Solid French Light Oak, Galea by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Galea Bibliothèque is influenced by modernist and brutalist architecture. Combining raw materiality with subdued forms. A mysterious geometric rhythm is created by the shadows ca...
Oak, Walnut
Brutalist Oak Wooden Shelving Unit Brut Bibliothèque by Mokko Amsterdam
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut collection takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. Designed b...
Oak, Walnut
Sculptural Solid Oak Wooden Brut Bibliothèque Wall Cabinet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut Bibliothèque takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. Designed by Aad Bos and crafted in the Netherlands. Mokko is an Amsterdam based design studio with...
Oak, Walnut
$341Sale Price|20% Off
KITA LIVING Shelf No: 2 - Charcoal Black
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
An open, wall-mounted shelf designed for the storage and display of everyday objects. Crafted from thick raw aluminium plate and breech wood brackets with water-based charcoal black ...
Aluminum
Brutalist Solid Oak Wooden Shelving - Brut Bibliothèque by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut collection takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. Designed b...
Oak, Walnut
$319Sale Price|25% Off
KITA LIVING Shelf No: 1 - Charcoal Black
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
An open, wall-mounted shelf designed for the storage and display of everyday objects. Crafted from raw aluminum plate and breech wood brackets with water-based charcoal black wood st...
Aluminum
Wooden Shelving, Brut Bibliothèque, Solid Light Brown Oak, Mokko by Aad Bos
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut collection takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. Designed b...
Oak, Walnut
Brutalist Solid Oak Bibliothèque - Brut by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut collection takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. Designed b...
Oak, Walnut
Shelving, Brut Bibliothèque, Solid Natural Light Oak, Brut by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut collection takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. Designed b...
Oak, Walnut
Monumental Solid Oak Bookcase Shelf - Brut Bibliothèque by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut collection takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. Designed b...
Oak, Walnut
Modernist Bookshelf in Oak - Galea Bibliothèque by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Galea Bibliothèque is influenced by modernist and brutalist architecture. Combining raw materiality with subdued forms. A mysterious geometric rhythm is created by the shadows ca...
Oak, Walnut
Brutalist Solid Oak Bibliothèque - Brut by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Brut collection takes cues from Brutalism and Amsterdam School architecture. A balance of raw materiality and subdued forms with geometrically expressive detailing. Designed b...
Oak, Walnut
Brutalist Bibliothèque - Galea by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Galea Bibliothèque is influenced by modernist and brutalist architecture. Combining raw materiality with subdued forms. A mysterious geometric rhythm is created by the shadows ca...
Oak, Walnut
$8,460Sale Price|35% Off
Brutalist Bookshelf in Solid Black Oak - Galea Bibliothèque by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This is a showroom model of the Galea Bibliothèque in solid European oak, stained in black. The price includes a custom wooden crate for international shipping. The Galea Bibliothè...
Oak, Walnut
Sculptural Solid Oak Wooden Galea Bibliothèque Wall Cabinet Shelves
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Galea Bibliothèque is influenced by modernist and brutalist architecture. Combining raw materiality with subdued forms. A mysterious geometric rhythm is created by the shadows ca...
Oak, Walnut
Dark Brown Oak Bookcase - Galea Bibliothèque by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Galea Bibliothèque is influenced by modernist and brutalist architecture. Combining raw materiality with subdued forms. A mysterious geometric rhythm is created by the shadows ca...
Oak, Walnut
Brutalist Solid Oak Wooden Wall Cabinet - Galea Bibliothèque by Mokko
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Galea Bibliothèque is influenced by modernist and brutalist architecture. Combining raw materiality with subdued forms. A mysterious geometric rhythm is created by the shadows ca...
Oak, Walnut
Large Wall Hanging Shelving Unit in Solid Walnut by Elliott Marks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid walnut shelving unit that hangs from wall. Hand selected premium hardwood finished in durable natural hard wax/ oil finish. The vertical frames attach to the wall and have slot...
Maple
Antique French Miniature Oak Brittany Cabinet
Located in Charleston, SC
Charming antique French miniature oak Brittany cabinet with richly hand-carved details. Brittany, France
Oak
$1,387
H 20.08 in W 15.75 in D 8.47 in
Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Wall Cabinet / Small Cabinet Carved Oak
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Lovely antique 19th century Neoclassical wall cabinet / small cabinet Germany 1880. This German Grunderzeit cabinet is made from hand carved oak & is richly decorated. A true display of craftsmanship & quality. This cabinet has 2 doors and comes with a working lock & key. Its interior has 2 oak shelves. The cabinet has a very nice old restoration to the right side dating from the 1940s. A piece of furniture history with the right antique charm...
Brass
$1,817Sale Price|24% Off
H 30 in W 46 in D 10 in
Large Wall Hanging Shelving Unit in Solid Maple by Elliott Marks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid maple shelving unit that hangs from wall and ready to ship. The vertical frames attach to the wall and have slots that precisely hold the deep shelves in place. Rounded edges ...
Maple
$525
H 46.75 in W 31.5 in D 12.75 in
Mid-Century Oak & Teak Wall Mount Coat Rack w/ Hat Shelf & Black Enamel Hooks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wall-mounted coat rack from the Mid-Century era combines white oak with functional black enameled metal hooks. The design features a practical upper hat shelf supported by vertical m...
Metal, Enamel
Pair of Carved Wooden Wall Sconces
Located in Annville, PA
These stylish and elegant, hand sculpted, Pair of Carved Wooden Wall Sconces bring a classic look to any home decor setting. It’s the perfect...
Wood
$2,300
H 37.5 in W 33.5 in D 11 in
Antique English Plate Rack Wall Shelf Hanging Wall Decor Carved Oak 19th C
Located in Tyler, TX
CHARMING Antique English Oak Hanging Wall Shelf Plate Rack~~19th Century The perfect decorative accent piece for displaying your favorite Imari, Majolica, Staffordshire or other an...
Oak
$2,500
H 36 in W 18.5 in D 8 in
Antique English Pair Bookcases Plate Racks Wall Shelves Hanging Wall Oak 1920-30
Located in Tyler, TX
CHARMING Antique English Pair of Oak Hanging Bookcases or Plate Racks~~ The perfect decorative accent piece for displaying your favorite Books, Imari, Majolica, Staffordshire or ot...
Oak
$3,278
H 35.5 in W 18.5 in D 9.3 in
Architectural Gothic Revival Oak Wall Cabinet with Heraldic Carving
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and top quality carved Gothic cabinet from the late 1800s. An exceptionally refined wall-mounted cabinet in richly patinated oak, executed in a late 19th-century Gothic Rev...
Brass
$1,171 / item
H 15.75 in W 48.82 in D 7.88 in
Libra Shelf 120, Minimalist Round Shaped Wall Shelf in oak and black metal
Located in Milan, Lombardy
A Minimalist shape with a strong aesthetic. Made of solid oak oiled and supported by a iron stirrup. Inside the wooden shelf, a metal flat bar fixed to the support structure is hidde...
Metal
$2,790
H 71.46 in W 31.5 in D 12.8 in
Late 19th Century French Empire Style Walnut Four Shelves Etagere
Located in Miami, FL
This tall late nineteenth century French Empire style walnut console table features columns at the front corners and four shelves.
Wood
Wall Hanging Shelving Unit in Solid White Oak by Elliott Marks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid white oak shelving unit that hangs from wall. Item pictured is available and ready to ship. Hand selected premium hardwood finished in durable natural matte hard wax/ oil finis...
Oak
Sold
H 78.5 in W 54 in D 15 in
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, First Year of Production
Located in Dallas, TX
Paul Evans 'Sculpted Bronze Series' wall unit acquired from the original owner who acquired it from the Directional showroom in NYC. This unit is signed PE and is dated from the very first year of production, 1969. It is in very good original condition with bronze glass shelves...
Bronze
Charles Dudouyt Art Deco Wall-Entrance Wardrobe / Coat Rack
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Brutalist oak hall hat and coat stand by Charles Dudouyt, 1940. Features a shaped top cornice with handcarved details, four brass coats hooks, a central mirror, a tablet with a sing...
Mirror, Oak
Brutalist Wrought Iron Wall Shelf, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage metal work wall shelf. Design of sculpted twisting metal branches which support a single shelf, painted black. Dimensions:105 W x 67 H x 40...
Wrought Iron
Disc Bar by Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
Wall mount disc bar by Adrian Pearsall. Sculpted resin over wood.
Resin, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Wall Bar Cabinet
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Southampton, NJ
Incredible and sought after Adrian Pearsall Brutalist wall bar cabinet in beautiful condition. No chips or broken pieces anywhere to the decorative...
Plaster
Silas Seandel Wall-Mounted Sculptural Console
Located in New York, NY
Wavy-front hanging shelf or console with brass finish on top, and copper with brass application on the apron. By New York City artist Silas Seandel. Made circa 1980 for a Long Island...
Metal, Brass, Copper
Sold
H 48.5 in W 48 in D 13.25 in
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Wall Bar Cabinet Mid-Century Modern, Craft Associates
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely vintage wall bar cabinet by Adrian Pearsall. Great Brutalist piece! Circular doors open up with shelves inside.
Sold
H 6 in W 60.5 in D 13.5 in
Sculpted Bronze Wall Mounted Console Shelf with Slate Top by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Peabody, MA
Wall-mounted sculpted bronze console shelf with slate top by Paul Evans, dated 1974. Shown with Paul Evans single seat bench for scale only.
Slate
Paul Evans "Patchwork" Floating Console
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Wall-mounted console fashioned of welded and patinated metals over wood frame. Original cleft slate top rests on raised wood frame. Slate has "Paul Evans" signed on underside in chal...
Slate, Metal
Disc Bar by Adrian Pearsall
By Paul Evans, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
Wall mount disc bar by Adrian Pearsall. Sculpted resin over wood.
Resin, Wood