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.
Brutalist Iron & Gilt Fruit Bowl, Mid-Century Spanish Decorative Centerpiece
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Brutalist Iron & Gilt Fruit Bowl, Mid-Century Spanish Decorative Centerpiece Spanish brutalist centerpiece bowl - Circa 1950s. Centerpiece or fruit bowl entirely made by hand i...
Metal, Iron, Cast Iron
Vintage Brutalist Torch-Cut Steel Vessel / Bowl by Brother Mel Meyer, 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
A powerful and sculptural Brutalist bowl or ashtray by Brother Mel Meyer, executed in heavily worked welded steel with a warm bronze-toned patinated finish. The piece features an arc...
Cut Steel, Iron
Brutalist Decorative Bronze Bowl, Kaj Blomqvist, Finland 1970s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking brutalist decorative bowl by Finnish designer Kaj Blomqvist, executed in solid cast bronze during the 1970s. Visually powerful, the bowl is characterised by its richly tex...
Bronze
Large Brutalist Decorative Bronze Bowl, Kaj Blomqvist, Finland 1970s
Located in Helsinki, FI
An impressive and substantial brutalist decorative bowl by Finnish artist Kaj Blomqvist, crafted in solid cast bronze during the 1970s. Considerably larger and heavier than the more ...
Bronze
Paul Evans Studio Collection of Three Freeform Bowls, 1965
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio Collection of Three Freeform Bowls, 1965 Unique and rare set of cast and patinated bronze, bronze composite, and aluminum examples. Two examples: 3½ h × 11 dia in (...
Aluminum, Bronze, Pewter
Brutalist Ethnic Sweet Bowl Handmade in Spain Aluminium Brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Sweet Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled materials. Certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall with his signature. The Artist is inspired by nature and land scape...
Aluminum, Brass
Large Brutalist German Studio Pottery Bowl by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Brutalist German Studio Pottery Bowl by Gerhard Liebenthron, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer r...
Ceramic
$594Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Stoneware Ceramic Bowl or Bonsai Planter with Crackle Glaze
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A striking mid-century modern stoneware bowl or bonsai planter with a distinct Brutalist aesthetic. Raised on four sturdy legs, this sculptural piece features a rough-textured exteri...
Stoneware, Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Ceramic Bowl, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Ceramic Bowl, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Ce...
Ceramic
Massive Matte Black Brutalist Hammered Metal Noir Lily Pad Centerpiece Bowl 18"
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning modernist centerpiece bowl in matte black. Made of metal with a hammered surface and pleated details along the edge. Measures 18" diameter and is in excellent condition.
Metal
$623Sale Price|77% Off
Hand-Carved Tourmaline Quartz Bowl, Organic Modern Design, 1960s
Located in Glasgow, GB
Hand-carved from a single piece of tourmaline quartz, this sculptural bowl merges organic mineral formation with refined craftsmanship. The raw exterior preserves the natural matrix ...
Quartz, Tourmaline
Brutalist Wood bowl in the spirit of Alexandre Noll - 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Brutalist Wood bowl in the spirit of Alexandre Noll Wabi Sabi decoration - Brutalist - Decoration Measures : 24cmx22.5cm H:7.5cm Material : Wood Wear consistent with age and use.
Wood
Brutalist wrought iron fruit bowl or candle holder, Netherlands 1950s
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in ECHT, NL
Brutalist style fruit bowl or candle holder. Hand crafted from wrought iron. The piece show quality craftsmanship in all its details. The curled legs are riveted to the bowl and the ...
Wrought Iron
1970's Ikebana Japanese Brutalist Ceramic Dish in Glossy Finish
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool unique Japanese ceramic dish , circa1970's great condition glossy finish in brown.
Ceramic
$2,400Sale Price|65% Off
Giant Concrete Bowl, Charcoal & Ash
Located in Camp Meeker, CA
This bowl was made using charcoal and ash from the artist's property in northern California. Every year, fuel reduction in the forest provides fuel for heating his old cabin. The ash...
Concrete
$2,421Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Brutalist Sunburst Centerpieces / Fruit Bowls in Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair if Sculptural Spanish Brutalist Centerpiece Bowls Spain, 1950s. These spanish revival centerpieces or fruit bowls were entirely made by hand in wrought iron. They have brutalist...
Iron
Midcentury German Brutalist Bronze Bowl
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A very decorative round German mid-century brutalist bowl made of bronze. Dimensions Height: 11 cm / 4.33 inch. Diameter: 20 cm / 7.87 inch. Weight: 3,68 kg
Bronze
$514 / item
Mesh Fruit Bowl A050 Solid Brass Sand Cast
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Brass Fruit Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled mater...
Brass
Brutalist Shallow Bowl Cast Alumium and Brass Reference A024 by David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
The shallow small bowl was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium. We use recycled materials all our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain. It is certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall. He is insipired by nature and the landscaps making useful art with cast brass and alumium materials. We also make bespoke designs for clients, like signage for condominums, private homes, Hotels & Restaurants, awards for Charity...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Original Hand Painted Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking studio pottery vessel makes a bold statement with its substantial scale and primitive, tribal-inspired aesthetic. Hand-crafted with a robust, bulbous form, the bowl fea...
Pottery
Striking Contemporary Art Bowl with Screw Decor, 21st Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
One-of-a-kind unusual ceramic art piece with large rustic screws fitted along the smooth edge of the sand colored bowl. Three screws sit loosely in their separate holes, the other sc...
Metal
brutalist forged bronze and cast glass bowl - 1980s Lothar Klute attributed
By Lothar Klute
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Handcrafted sculptural bowl combining individually shaped cast glass with beautifully forged bronze. The irregular, organic contours and the interplay of translucent glass, rich bron...
Bronze
A105 Leaf Bowl in solid cast brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative tray was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled materials. Certi...
Brass
$255Sale Price|19% Off
Løvemose Keramik Volcanic Lava Glaze Ceramic Bowl — Mid-Century
By Løvemose
Located in Rødekro, DK
A rare and striking ceramic bowl by Løvemose Keramik, one of Denmark's most celebrated studios for artistic studio pottery. Heavy, tactile and utterly singular, this piece exemplifie...
Ceramic
Vintage Brass and Pewter Walnut Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This captivating vintage bowl is a masterclass in bi-metal artistry, realistically rendered in the form of a halved walnut shell. A sophisticated example of the 1970s Brutalist movem...
Brass, Pewter
Vintage Boho Cast Lizard Ceramic Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage cast ceramic bowl is a masterful exploration of Organic Modernism and bold animalia. Hand-sculpted with a raw, stone-like texture, the vessel features intricate...
Ceramic
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Hanging Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage studio pottery bowl is a masterwork of textural exploration and artisanal craftsmanship. Its robust, hand-thrown form features deeply incised carvings and geometric moti...
Pottery
Sculptural Aluminium Leaf Centerpiece bowl by David Marshall with Gilded Stem
Located in Benahavis, AN
Designed by David Marshall, this sculptural aluminum centerpiece takes inspiration from the organic form of a leaf, a recurring theme in the artist’s work. The piece stands out for i...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate the art of the handmade with this charming vintage studio pottery bowl. Hand-thrown from gritty stoneware clay, this piece perfectly embodies the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic, findi...
Pottery
$886Sale Price|20% Off
Large antique wooden tray, brutalist style, Sweden, 1800's
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very large baking trough. Handmade i Sweden and signed 1889. Hand carved from a single piece of pine tree trunk Good condition. Consisting with age. Only flaw is an older repair t...
Wood
Vintage Wooden Mortar Handcarved Brutalist Form, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage wooden mortar from the 1970s is a striking handcarved piece in a bold Brutalist form, attributed to Piero de Buren. Its rough, sculptural shape emphasizes the natural gr...
Wood
Large Basket Bowl A016 Solid Cast Brass Aluminum Handmade Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Basket Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain f...
Aluminum, Brass
Oval Bowl Decorative Center Countertop Piece Silver and Gold Coloured Cast Metal
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Oval Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from...
Aluminum, Brass
Canoa A059 Dish Handmade Silver and Gold coloured Bowl
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Canoa Dish was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain fro...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Small Metal Bowl A018 Solid Cast Aluminium & Brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The small Basket bowl was created by David Marshall, from sand cast aluminium and brass. All our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in out foundry and workshop in Spain. It ...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Bowl from WGP West German Pottery, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Fat Lava Bowl from WGP West German Pottery, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materia...
Ceramic
Black Brutalist Stoneware Bowl with Shark Teeth Pattern
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A brutalist stylized stoneware bowl decorated with black glaze and shark teeth/fin decor around its perimeter. It's a unique piece by an unidentified Scandinavian ceramist. Its dated...
Stoneware
Studio Textured Sculptural Vessel by Ceramic Artist Ani Kasten
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Contemporary Studio Textured Sculptural Art Vessel by Ceramic Artist Ani Kasten impressed "A" monogram on the underside "Blade Runner meets Mad Max" very good condition ( last coup...
Ceramic, Pottery
M. Cohen Cherry Wood "Live Edge"Turned Bowls
Located in Sharon, CT
Two brutalist hand turned bowls. Each signed on bottom by hand 'MCohen Cherry Burl' 10"diameter x 3 1/4" ht. and 9"diameter x 3 3/4"height.
Cherry
Small Canoa Dish A060 cast brass (gold colour) and aluminium (silver colour)
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Dish was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful Weddi...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Scandinavian Stoneware Black and Blue Bowl, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Striking handmade Scandinavian modern brutalist stoneware bowl produced in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Shiny black glaze on the inside. Geometric hand-carved shapes around the edge w...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Vintage British Brutalist Bowl in Ceramic from Tremar UK
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage British Brutalist Bowl in Ceramic from Tremar UK, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Ceram...
Ceramic
Teak Bowl by DMK Daniela Mola & Ingo Knuth, 1980s Brutalist Design
By Ingo Knuth
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A teak bowl made by the DMK - Daniela Mola & Ingo Knuth manufacture from the 1980s. The large bowl serves as a fruit bowl or for a centerpiece. Their workmanship under all handma...
Wood, Teak
Mesh Fruit Bowl Stylish Funcional Countertop Piece Gold Coloured Sand Cast Brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Mesh Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled materials. C...
Brass
West German Brutalist Pottery Bowl from WGP, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
West German Brutalist Pottery Bowl from WGP, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Black Styles: Brutalist, Mid-Ce...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s
By Lehmann
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Lehmann Pottery, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materi...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Studio Pottery Bowl Sculpture from Bjørn, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Danish Studio Pottery Bowl Sculpture from Bjørn, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informati...
Ceramic
Handcrafted Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Carved Brutalist Design
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Elevate your home decor with our stunning carved wooden bowl, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship. This bowl features a gracefully curved shape, making it not only a practica...
Wood
$327Sale Price|40% Off
Aluminium and Bass Brutalist Style Vide-Poche by Alfonso Marquez, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Aluminium and brass Brutalist style vide-poche by Alfonso Marquez (in the style of David Marshall). Weighty and wonderfully tactile, this bowl is decor...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Brutalist Iron Bowl with Fine Original Age Patina
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Vintage hand fashioned Iron Bowl in the Brutalist Style. With good size and weight the Bowl is fashioned from hand-riveted sections and Is in original condition with a particularly...
Iron
Brutalist Wood Bowl, Large, in a Brown Patina, India, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vide poche has been made in India circa 19th century. It is a Brutalist style bowl. In a brown color.
Wood
Brutalist Wood Bowl, Large, in a Brown Patina, France, circa 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vide poche has been made in France circa 1960. It is a Brutalist Style bowl, with a free form. In a Brown color.
Wood
Large Brutalist Wood Bowl Large Vide Poche in a Brown Patina, France, circa 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vide poche has been made in France circa 1960. It is a Brutalist Style bowl, with a free form. In a Brown color.
Wood
Brutalist Wood Bowl, Large, in a Brown Patina, France circa 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vide poche has been made in France circa 1960. It is a Brutalist Style bowl, with a free form. In a Brown color.
Wood
1960s Hand-Hammered Iron Sunburst Centerpiece Bowl with Gilt Finish
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a kind hand-hammered iron Brutalist sunburst centerpiece bowl with gold leaf finish, Spain, 1960s. Rare find. Its design is sculptural and highly decorative. This centerpiece...
Gold Leaf, Iron, Wrought Iron
Bowl round A070 cast solid Brass and Aluminium Silver and Gold coloured handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful Wed...
Aluminum, Brass
Mesh Fruit Tray A009 Solid Cast Brass Aluminum Handmade Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Mesh Fruit Tray was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spa...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Monumental Original Slab Built Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This monumental studio pottery bowl is a masterclass in Brutalist ceramic art, offering a raw and commanding presence. Hand-crafted using a complex slab-built technique, the piece fe...
Pottery
Handcrafted Wooden Bowl by Logniture, Brutalist Design, 36x42 CM
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Elevate your home decor with our stunning carved wooden bowl, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship. This bowl features a gracefully curved shape, making it not only a practica...
Wood