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.
$5,811 / item
Sculpted Brutalist End Table 'CT-4' 'Solid Oak'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
End table CT-4 by Denis Milovanov x Soha concept (Side table, end table, stool, pedestal...) Material: Solid oak Dimensions: H 52 x 39 x 39 cm SÓHA design studio conceives and prod...
Oak
Acid Etched Copper and Agate Coffee Table on a Black Base, Lova Creations, 1980s
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Polished acid etched brass coffee table made by the Lova Creations, Belgium, 1980s. The beautiful copper tabletop is inset with agate decorations and rests upon a black Brutalist style base.
Agate, Brass
$5,833 / item
Sculpted Bench or Side Table N6 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 sol...
Oak
Large 20th Century Coffee Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A large and impressive 20th century coffee table in maple and brass. Featuring edges faced in brass and table top with inset rock crystal also edged in brass.
Crystal, Brass
$1,750Sale Price|20% Off
Late 20th Century Brutalist Wall Console
Located in Bagshot, GB
Looking for something different? A late 20th Century Brutalist wall console, metal base with a very heavy glass top.
Metal
Clam Medium Side Table in Eclipse, 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
Pair of French 1950's Hand Forged Iron Low Coffee Tables / Lamp Tables
Located in Southampton, GB
A Pair of French 1950's Hand Forged Iron Low Tables. Decorative scrolled " ribbon " detailing; beaten by hand, with an original patina and crimped edges. Would work really well besid...
Iron
Welding Art Coffee Table in Stainless Steel and Glass
Located in Izegem, VWV
This coffee table was hand made in stainless steel and has a glass table top. It stands on four swivel castors. The surface has been treated to give it an unique look. In the center you can find a piece of abstract welding art...
Stainless Steel
1960s French Bleached Brutalist Table or Desk
Located in London, GB
A brutalist desk or small dining table constructed from mixed bleached timbers. The carved single plank top in wenge, with free form club-like legs in elm. Would also work as a conso...
Elm, Wenge
large Brutalist Table In Solid Elm Circa 1960
Located in Mouscron, WHT
large brutalist table in solid elm circa 1950/1960
Elm
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
Cast Bronze 1970s Brutalist Side Tables by Peter van Heeck
Located in BUSSUM, NH
Super chic coffee table in solid bronze with glass top designed by Peter Van Heeck. Cast Bronze, heavy and pure quality. 2 identical Tables available !
Bronze
$11,000 / item
Sculptural Cast Aluminum Cocktail Table – Ansel table
By Ansel Adams
Located in New York City, NY
The Ansel Cocktail Table is a striking, sculptural piece that captures natures landscapes—its form inspired by the wind-carved cliffs, striated rock formations, and shadow-play seen ...
Aluminum
Large brutalist table in solid elm circa 1950/1960
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Exceptional large brutalist table in solid elm circa 1950/1960 interesting gouge work, key assembly not a nail, not a dot of glue, disassembles and reassembles easily nice cabinet work
Elm
Brutalist Construction Table Base by Marc Creates / Paul Evans
By Silas Seandel, Marc Creates
Located in Chicago, IL
Brutalist Construction Table Base by Marc Creates Base is being sold "sans" top. A very structurally sound base form that can support a variety of size tops for either a large end/...
Metal
$746Sale Price / item|78% Off
Brutalist Style Solid Oak Side Table by Sergio Vulpe
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Authentic Brutalist Style Side Table in Solid Oak – Perfect for Modern Interiors Discover the perfect fusion of modern elegance and rugged artistry with our Authentic Brutalist Styl...
Oak
Clam Medium Side Table in 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 Torch Cut Brass Table Set with Glass Tops
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three piece matching end table or coffee table set with Brutalist style torch cut bases and beveled glass tops. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ).
Glass
“Running Gun” Dining Table, Iron, James Vincent Milano, Italy, 2023
Located in Milano, IT
“Running Gun” Dining Table, Iron, JAMES VINCENT MILANO, Italy, 2023 Irregular hexagonal top. Tripod pedestal legs. Set completed with “Running Gun” Accent Tables. Polished an...
Iron
"Big Iron" Chairs / "Running Gun" Table, Iron, James Vincent Milano, Italy, 2023
Located in Milano, IT
“Big Iron/Running Gun” Dining Room Set, Iron, JAMES VINCENT MILANO, Italy, 2023 “Running Gun” Dining Table, Iron, JAMES VINCENT MILANO, Italy, 2023 Irregular hexagonal top. Tr...
Iron
Mid-century Peter Ghyczy Rectangular Brass Glass Oak Coffee Table 1970
By Peter Ghyczy
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Mid-Century Peter Ghyczy Rectangular Glass Brass Coffee Table Transform your living space with the refined elegance of the Peter Ghyczy Rectangular Glass Coffee Table. With its time...
Brass
CT-1 Blackened Steel Side Table of Walnut and "Cracked" Cast Concrete
By Stefan Rurak
Located in Biddeford, ME
This simple and elegant design is composed of a hand-turned upright piece of wood that is cast into a concrete base. Shown in walnut, the concrete base is a rough "cracked" cast. The...
Cement, Steel
$3,000 / item
CT-1 Cast Concrete and Corian Side Table
By Stefan Rurak
Located in Biddeford, ME
This simple and elegant design is composed of a hand-turned upright piece of wood that is cast into a concrete base. Shown in wenge, the concrete base is either a clean cube or a rou...
Cement
RT-1 Round Dining Table with Steel Top, Solid Walnut Wood Post and Concrete Base
By Stefan Rurak
Located in Biddeford, ME
This round dining table is made of steel, solid walnut wood and cast-concrete. the base is cast to resemble a "cracked" piece of material with a solid hand-turned Walnut post protruding. This upright element captures the deceivingly thin 3/16" thick steel top with a Walnut wood cap proud of the surface, creating a stimulating tactile element. The steel is treated with Stefan Rurak Studio...
Concrete, Steel
Mid-century Peter Ghyczy Square Brass Glass Oak Coffee Table 1970
By Peter Ghyczy
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Mid-Century Peter Ghyczy Square Glass Brass Coffee Table Bring timeless sophistication to your living space with the Peter Ghyczy Square Glass Coffee Table. With its impeccable desi...
Brass
Stucco Marble console by Amandine Antunez
Located in PAU, FR
Console in stucco Marble by Amandine Antunez. The Stucco-marble is an old skill of 300 years old. Made With plaster, natural glue and natural pigment.
Stucco
$14,933Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural multifunctional Norman base by Luciano Frigerio Unique piece
By Luciano Frigerio di Desio, Luciano Frigerio
Located in Conversano, IT
An extraordinary work that transcends the concept of furniture to fully enter the realm of sculpture. This "Norman" base by Luciano Frigerio represents one of the most powerful and r...
Walnut
Large "Brutalist" Dining Table, France, circa 2000
Located in Paris, FR
Unusual dining table in solid oak entirely handworked with a gouge. The four legs are joined by a spacer. The tray is irregularly shaped.
Oak
Authentic Contemporary Brutalist Style Round Table in Solid Oak, 150cm.
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Contemporary Brutalist Round Table in Solid Oak, 150cm. Elevate your living space with our Contemporary Brutalist Round Table, crafted from premium solid oak. This striking piece se...
Oak
"Altar" Contemporary Golden Censer in Cast Brass by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Altar III Contemporary golden censer, in cast brass. Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This golden censer was meticulously handmade by master artisans one delicate piece at a time. It ...
Brass
Vintage Brutalist Style Sculpted Round Table in Aged Oak, 140cm
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Authentic Vintage Contemporary Brutalist Style Sculpted Round Table in Aged Oak – Ideal for Modern Interiors Experience the perfect fusion of contemporary design, vintage charm, and...
Oak
$523Sale 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
$532Sale Price|41% Off
Modernist oak side table by Jan Vaněk for Krásná Jizba
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Designed by duo of Czech architects Jan Vaněk and Ladislav Bartoníček for Krásná Jizba / Družstevní práce, Czechoslovakia 1947. Made of solid oak wood and oak veneer. In good origina...
Oak
Sculptural Burl Veneer Console — Handcrafted Architectural Statement
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Sculptural Burl Veneer Console — Handcrafted Architectural Statement This sculptural console is a refined balance of geometry and organic beauty. Each piece is handcrafted in our Vu...
Burl
Handcrafted Black Vintage Brutalist Coffee Table Set in Modern Design
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Black Vintage Brutalist Style Coffee Table in Wood Dimensions: First one: Height: 17.72 in (45 cm), Width: 11.82 in (30 cm), Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm). Second one: Height: 13.72 in...
Oak, Ash
Unique Heinz Lilienthal Sculptural Glass Top Coffee Table
Located in Voorburg, NL
A truly beautiful Brutalist glass top coffee table based on a 7-ribs wooden base. Designed by the German artist Heinz Lilienthal in the 197...
Glass, Wood
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 69
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Paul Evans and signed 'PE 69,' this coffee table belongs to his celebrated Stalagmite series. The welded bronze base features two concave demilune arches flanked by taper...
Bronze
Exceptional Brutalist Table In Solid Elm Circa 1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Exceptional large brutalist table in solid elm circa 1950/1960 interesting gouge work, key assembly not a nail, not a dot of glue, disassembles and reassembles easily nice cabinet work
Elm
Set of 3 Brutalist Wooden Nesting Tables, Holland 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice set of 3 Coffee or Nesting Tables, 1960's. The tables have all a different size so they fit in each other. This brutalist set is handcrafted out of oak wood.
Oak
Barrel Tripod side table or tripod Planter - Brutalist
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Barrel Tripod side table or tripod Planter - Brutalist Wear consistent with age and use Brutalist - Natural decoration - Vintage Measures : Ø 43cm H:78cm Material : Wood - iron
Hardwood
$1,936Sale Price|53% Off
Contemporary Handcrafted Center Table 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
Organic Brutalist Large Tree Root Coffee Table, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Organic Brutalist large tree root coffee table. Striking French design from the 1970s. The coffee table is formed from a substantial natural root wood slab! Beau...
Walnut
$1,199Sale Price|40% Off
Brutalist french console
Located in PAU, FR
Brutalist french console Made by a shepherd of the Pyrenees mountains on the years 50’s. Really Good patina and really stable.
Wood
Brutalist Modern Brown Lacquered Dining Table Desfase
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
The Desfase Dining Table is a bold exploration of form and rhythm, a true celebration of disruption and individuality. Its striking black lacquered surface exudes sophistication, ref...
Wood, Lacquer
Freestanding Desk in Oak by Henning Kjærnulf, Danish Mid Century Modern, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant freestanding writing desk designed by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf in the 1950s. Crafted in rich oak, the piece showcases a tactile warmth through its finely grained s...
Brass
Waveform Sun Stump Wood Carved Table by Bradley Duncan Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sun Stump Douglas Fir 24” x 27” X 27” 2018 180 LBS Waveform - Burnt with an icon of authenticity Produced by hand in Los Angeles, CA. from regional wood.
Wood
Vintage Boho Scored Travertine Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the raw, architectural beauty of this vintage travertine side table, a stunning example of Italian Postmodern design. This piece celebrates the inherent character of the sto...
Travertine
Clam Small Side Table in Raw Moon, 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
Clam Small Side Table in Coral, 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
"Brutalist" coffee table or bench in carved elm France, circa 1980
Located in Paris, FR
A very pretty Brutalist-style bench or coffee table in carved elm. Lenght: 165 cm (65 in /5.42 ft) Width: 49 cm (19.2 in) Width in the middle: 38 cm (15 in) Height: 45 cm (17.7 in)
Elm
Price Upon Request
Sculpted Steel Low Table
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans (1931–1987) was a visionary American furniture designer, sculptor, and artist celebrated for his groundbreaking role in the American Craft Movement of the 1970s. Renowned ...
Steel
Price Upon Request
Bespoke French Plaster Brutalist Console
Located in New York, NY
Bespoke French Plaster Brutalist Console by Auberlet et Laurent. The console is made exclusively for Lerebours Antiques by a venerable French plaster atelier. We currently have one i...
Plaster