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.
Spanish Brutalist Wall Sculptures in Painted Metal, circa 1970
Located in Valencia, VC
Pair of Monumental Spanish Brutalist Wall Sculptures in Painted Iron, circa 1970 A monumental pair of Spanish Brutalist wall sculptures dating from the late 1960s to early 1970s. Ex...
Metal, Iron, Sheet Metal
Mármol y Plomo Prints by Eduardo Chillida, Framed, Post-Modern, 1990s
Located in Valencia, VC
Two Prints of Eduardo Chillida’s "Mármol y Plomo" We are offering two prints of Eduardo Chillida’s art works "Mármol y Plomo," created during the 1980s as part of a special edition ...
Paper
Curtis Jere Raindrops Wall Sculpture 1965c.
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Chicago, IL
Curtis Jere Raindrops Wall Sculpture 1965c. An iconic mid-century wall sculpture by Curtis Jere, composed of patinated brass and copper discs arranged in an expressive, rhythmic comp...
Metal, Copper
Stunning Wooden Zodiac Wall Plaque Relief Brutalist Midcentury, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted wooden wall plaque relief depicting all zodiac signs, designed in a bold Brutalist style and produced in Germany in the 1970s. The expressive carved forms and s...
Plywood
KITA LIVING Shelf No: 1 - 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 raw aluminum plate and solid oak brackets, its simplistic design and utilitarian lo...
Aluminum
Carlos Marinas Rubio XL Hammered Copper Brutalist Sculpture, 1975
By Carlos Marinas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A monumental work of art, this extra-large Brutalist wall sculpture by Carlos Marinas Rubio hails from Spain, crafted in 1975. Executed in hammered copper, brass, and steel, this pow...
Brass, Copper, Steel
1960s Mid-Century Modern William Bowie Brutalist Nail Geometric Wall Sculpture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Sculptor William Bowie (1926-1994, Large 1960s Mid-Century Modern brutalist or geometric nail wall sculpture. Can hung any way you want, there is no designated top or bottom. Unsigne...
Steel
Set of 2 Brutalist Soft Gray Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Soft Gray collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-a...
Wood
Set of 2 Samples of Brutalist Sculptural Collage Wall Art in Upcycled Wood
Located in San Antonio, TX
Each sample measures 10" x 4.5" and is offered as a set of two. Designed by Peter Glassford, each piece is a unique Brutalist-inspired collage. No two samples are alike; every compo...
Wood
Brutalist Wrought Iron Wall Sculpture, Handmade in Spain, 1970s
Located in Valencia, VC
Brutalist Wrought Iron Wall Sculpture, Spain, c. 1970s Brutalist wall sculpture in wrought iron featuring five domed circular forms mounted on an iron structure. Handmade in Spain c...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
$1,650Sale Price|40% Off
Hendrik Horst Brutalist Welded Iron Wall Sculpture Art, 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage brutalist wall sculpture by renowned Danish sculptor Henrik Horst. Known for his impressive, Brutalist welded iron wall sculptures Henrik Horst began his career in Denmark in...
Metal, Iron
Set of 2 Brutalist Antique Gold Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Antique Gold collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled i...
Wood
Peter Glassford Natural Parota Reclaimed Wood Collage, Set of 2 Brutalist tiles
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Natural Parota collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one...
Wood
Set of 2 Brutalist Matte Black Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Matte Black collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled in...
Wood
Set of 2 Brutalist Whitewashed Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural White wash collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled int...
Wood
Peter Glassford Matte White Reclaimed Wood Collage, Set of 2 Brutalist Tiles
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Matte White collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled in...
Wood
Peter Glassford Charcoal Reclaimed Wood Collage, Set of 2 Brutalist tiles
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural charcoal collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into ...
Wood
Set of 2 Brutalist Satin Black Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Satin Black collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled in...
Wood
French Brutalist Mirror, circa 1970, Forged Iron
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare French Brutalist mirror from the 1960-1970s. Very unusual sculptural design combining classical elements with expressive 'rawness'. Mirror area is 31 x 17cm or 12 x 7inches.
Wrought Iron, Iron
Vintage Brutalist Wood Wall Sculpture Asembledge #I
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Brutalist Wood Wall Sculpture Assemblage #I Offered for sale is one in a series of 3 vintage wall sculpture wood assemblages. They are rus...
Wood, Plywood, Paint
Artist Signed Brutalist Metal Wall Mirror
Located in Miami, FL
Torched steel Brutalist wall mirror, Israel 1970s.
Steel
Oversized Vintage Brutalist Cut Nail Wall Sculpture, C. Jere Style
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Miami, FL
Oversized Vintage Brutalist Cut Nail Wall Sculpture, C. Jere Style Offered for sale is a large Brutalist oversized vintage cut steel nail wall sculpture in the style of Curtis Jere...
Brass, Steel
Big Size Surreal Brutalist Sun Sculpture in Brass and Bronze by Emaus
By Emaus
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this surreal brutalist sun sculpture in brass and bronze by Emaus Benedictine Monks, circa 1970. Emaus the name of the workshop of the Benedicti...
Brass
Pair of Large Sculptural Iron and Glass Wall Flush Mounts Sconces, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful and large pair of sculptural iron and textured Murano glass wall lights/sconces, 1960s Lamp sockets: 1x E27 (US E26).
Iron
Brutalist Brass Wall Sculpture
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this Brutalist brass wall sculpture.
Brass
Brutalist Brass Wall Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist patinated brass wall sculpture in the style of Jean Claude Dresse.
Brass
$1,120Sale Price|30% Off
Richard Faralla Constructionist Assembled Wood Wall Sculpture
Located in Fulton, CA
A wood wall sculpture by documented California artist Richard Faralla. Exhibited and works held San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Acquired from a personal friend and student of Far...
Wood
Set of Five Ray Berger Brutalist Wall Sculptures D. 1979-1981
By Ray Berger
Located in Peabody, MA
An assemblage of five architectural metalwork wall sculptures by the noted Baltimore, MD artist Raymond Herbert Berger (1929-2017). They can be arranged vertically (as shown) or hori...
Metal
1970s Brutalist Brass Sun Face Wall Sculpture by Emaus, Mexico
By Emaus
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A monumental 1970s Brutalist sun face wall sculpture by Emaus, crafted in Mexico by the Benedictine Monks of Cuernavaca under Talleres Monásticos. The work features an expressive cen...
Brass, Bronze
$8,555Sale 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
$3,250 / item
Curtis Jere Sea Urchin or Dandelions Wall Sculpture
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Chicago, IL
A lovely sea urchin wall sculpture by C. Jeré (Curtis Jere Artisan House) . Signed and dated 1979. Although this piece is most often referred to as the sea urchin sculpture, it was ...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Abstract Brutalist Wall Art Sculpture in Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stunning heavy wall sculpture from the 1960's. It features torch cut tubular steel thats been blackened & brass plated.
Steel
XX Century Italian Brutalist Illuminating Wall Art By Angelo Brotto
Located in Westport, CT
Modern and sculptural large blown icy clear & amber colored glass panel attached to a rectangular shaped matte nickel on brass frame. Originally the chrome back was electrified with...
Blown Glass
Vintage Torch Cut Brass and Copper Tree Wall Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage wall sculpture captures the raw, industrial energy of the mid-century Brutalist movement. Hand-crafted using torch-cut techniques, the piece features a "Tree of...
Brass, Copper
Vintage Boho Original Abstract Oil on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This captivating original abstract oil painting is a masterful display of late mid-century expressionism, bringing a visceral and organic energy to any interior space. The compositio...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
MCM Brutalist Geometric Distressed Steel Wall Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking MCM Brutalist geometric distressed steel wall sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in distressed vintage condition and measures 32.5"W x 1.75"D and 32"H; The sculpture has...
Steel
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
Large Brutalist Patinated Bronze Wall Sculpture by Enrico Donati
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Brutalist bronze wall sculpture by Enrico Donati. Stunning patina. From a very small edition of 6. Signed. Strong back brackets f...
Bronze
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Silas Seandel Signed 1974 Mixed Metal Welded Wall Sculpture.
Located in Chicago, IL
Extremely rare, important and large mixed metal wall hanging by metal artist and furniture designer, Silas Seandel. Torched Copper and Brass Curved Elements. Brutalist Modern Design....
Brass, Copper, Iron
$3,562Sale Price|25% Off
Brutalist Cast Aluminum Wall Sculpture / Decor
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Belgian brutalist cast aluminum wall sculpture / decor.
Aluminum
Abstract Vintage Brutalist Cast Metal Wall Sculptures, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Abstract Vintage Brutalist Cast Metal Wall Sculptures, Pair Offered for sale is a pair of substantial cast metal vintage Brutalist wall sculptures. We believe they look great as a p...
Metal
Artist J.B. Thompson MCM Brutalist 1969 Bronze Art Wall Sculpture Tablet # 5/15
By J. B. Thompson, Arnaldo Pomodoro
Located in St. Louis, MO
Artist J.B. Thompson (1932–1984) Texas, California. Brutalist Mid-Century Modern bronze art wall sculpture or tablet. This reminds me of a ancient tablet with a futuristic Alien like...
Bronze
Surreal Brutalist Sun and Moon Sculpture in Brass and Bronze by Emaus
By Emaus
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this surreal brutalist sun sculpture in brass and bronze by Emaus Benedictine Monks, circa 1970. Emaus the name of the workshop of the Benedicti...
Brass
Wooden Zodiac Libra Wall Plaque Relief Brutalist Midcentury, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wooden wall plaque relief sign, made in the Brutalist style in Germany in the 1970s. This is a wonderful Zodiac sign. This can be used as a Wall decoration or as a decorati...
Wood
Wooden Zodiac Scorpio Wall Plaque Relief Brutalist Midcentury, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wooden wall plaque relief sign, made in the Brutalist style in Germany in the 1970s. This is a wonderful Zodiac sign. This can be used as a Wall decoration or as a decorati...
Wood
Large Scale Brutalist Collage Wall Sculpture
Located in La Mesa, CA
This striking wooden wall sculpture is a one-of-a-kind statement piece that embodies the bold aesthetics of brutalist design. Meticulously constructed from reclaimed wood, the comp...
Wood
HERMAN TALVIK - Surrealist Engraving - Signed - Estonia/Sweden - Circa 1950's
Located in Chatham, ON
HERMAN TALVIK (1906-1984) - Vintage Surrealist engraving - signed lower right - untitled - finished with a single bevel edged matte board under glass - vintage painted wood frame wit...
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Rare Metal and Glass Illuminated Wall Sculpture
By Poliarte
Located in New York, NY
Rare aluminum and glass illuminated wall sculpture "Rottura Spazilae" designed by Akikaze for Poliarte.
Aluminum
Brutalist Provocative Towel Hanger by Swedish Artist Erik Höglund (Hoglund)
By Erik Höglund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Te iron clothes hook was forged by Erik Höglund, (1932-1998), in his Studio during 1960s. The hanger was intended as a studio piece. Erik Höglund's work has been exhibited around th...
Iron
1970s Bernhard Rohne Original Acid Etched Brass Abstract Geometric Plaque
Located in Monrovia, CA
1970s Original Bernhard Rohne Etched Brass Geometric Abstract Plaque For METALLIC DESIGN STUDIO, 1970. Bernard Rohne Has Become Quite Famous For His Work With Mastercraft, But Als...
Metal, Brass
Wooden Zodiac Aries Ram Wall Plaque Relief Brutalist Midcentury, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wooden wall plaque relief sign, made in the Brutalist style in Germany in the 1970s. This is a wonderful Zodiac sign. This can be used as a Wall decoration or as a decorati...
Wood
Vintage metal Brutalist wall decor by Salvino Marsura, Italy 1960s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Rare mid-century modern metal Brutalist wall decor by Salvino Marsura, made in Italy in the 1960s. Salvino Marsura is an Italian artist born in Treviso in 1938. His career began in ...
Iron
Lunar Surface Ceramic Wall Art, Textured Moon Inspired Wall Sculpture
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lunar Surface – Ceramic Wall Sculpture Inspired by the quiet, cratered landscapes of the moon, Lunar Surface captures the raw beauty of natural erosion and time-worn textures. Each ...
Stoneware
Brutalist Sculptural Collage Artwork Solid Walnut, Abstract Geometric Wall Art
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Brutalist Sculptural Collage Artwork Solid Walnut, Abstract Geometric Wall Art This sculptural wall panel is crafted entirely from solid walnut, composed of individually shaped wood...
Walnut
Attributed to Sadanand K. Bakre, Indian Artist, Venetian Cityscape, 1950s
By Sadanand K. Bakre 1
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Abstract oil painting on canvas of a Venetian cityscape. Unframed. No signature. It is attributed to Sadanand k. Bakre. In muted colors consistent with his early work in Europe. ...
Canvas
Mid-Century Abstract Metal Brutalist Door Panel, Raw, Geometric, and Carved
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large-scale vertical panel composed of stacked, interlocking rectangular and square forms with open geometric cutouts throughout. The surface carries dense hand-carved or cast reli...
Metal
Vintage Boho 1980 Silas Seandel Brutalist Wall Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a bold artistic statement with this Vintage Boho Silas Seandel Brutalist Wall Sculpture. Crafted by renowned artist Silas Seandel, this striking piece showcases the rugged, abst...
Metal
Brutalist Wall Art Sunburst Attributed Billy Joe McCarroll David Gillespe MCM
By David Cressey, Billy Joe Mccarroll and David Gillespe, Forms and Surfaces, Paul Evans
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a brutalist wall art: "SUNBURST" attributed in style to Billy Joe McCarroll + David Gillespe. Stoneware pottery on masonite board with walnut frame. Unsigned. ...
Stoneware, Walnut, Masonite
Natural Sculptural Collage Wall Tile Set in Upcycled Leather by Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
Part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford these Natural Leather Collage Tiles are produced in modular formats and combine two sizes: 6....
Plywood, Leather
$944Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Wall Sculpture/Light, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare brutalist wall sculpture/light from the 1960s. Made of lacquered multi-layer torch-cut sheet metal this has a wonderful abstract organic structure...
Sheet Metal