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.
David Marshall Brutalist Brass and Wood Cutting Board, 1970s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This sculptural cutting board was designed by David Marshall in Spain during the 1970s, showcasing the artist's focus on organic materials and foundry craft. The piece is constructed...
Brass
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Konge-Tinn Pewter Flatware from Norway
By Fjord Fiesta
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of 4, original-boxed, serving and entertaining flatware from Konge-Tinn. This “Royal Pewter” set includes the well cataloged pattern on utensi...
Pewter
Large Brutalist Aluminum + Brass Serving Tray or Bowl by Leopold of Spain
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Spain, this brutalist style aluminum and brass tray is marked by Leopold of Seville, Spain and dates from the 1970s. Tray is 19.5” long and is 10.38” at widest point and fea...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Celtic Tray A097 Solid Sand Cast Aluminum and Brass Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The small tray 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 ...
Aluminum, Brass
Octagonal Place Mat C042 Cast Aluminum Silver coloured, Cast Brass Gold coloured
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Place Mat 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...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Brutalist Studio Pottery Cake Plate, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Studio Pottery Cake Plate, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Blue Styles: Brutalist, Mid-...
Ceramic
Sculptural Aluminum Casserole Pan by Don Drumm
By Don Drumm
Located in New York, NY
This round casserole pan was crafted by the artist and designer Don Drumm. Recalling the raw, crude forms of Brutalism, this pan is a sculpted aluminum. Drumm is known for using cast...
Aluminum
Brutalist Leaf form metalwork cake server by Don Drumm, 20th century
By Don Drumm
Located in View Park, CA
A NEW LEAF: a brutalist cake server in aluminum by Donald Drumm, signed, 20th century. Immaculate. Pick up in LA or we ship worldwide. 11.25” x 4.8” x 1.75”
Aluminum
Lothar Klute Bronze Sculptural Tray, Germany, 1989
By Lothar Klute
Located in Krefeld, DE
Lothar Klute bronze bowl, 1989. Sculptural hand-forged object with dark patina, made in Schmallenberg (Waldemai studio). This expressive bronze bowl by German artist Lothar Klute exe...
Bronze
Vintage Original Studio Pottery Platter With Vases
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This unique vintage studio pottery centerpiece is a masterclass in organic form and functional art. Hand-thrown with a series of rhythmic concentric rings, the circular tray base sup...
Pottery
$1,047 / set
Set of 8 round drink mats
Located in Benahavis, AN
The " Coaster " was created by DM, from sand cast aluminium and brass. All our pieces are handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain. It is certified authen...
Brass
Gold Celtic Drink Mat Brass Coaster C059 Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Celtic Coaster was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful Wedding or Compan...
Brass
Bottle Mat Ring C052 Made from Sand Cast Aluminum, Brass Handcrafted Lacquered
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Coaster 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 ...
Aluminum, Brass
Serving Dish in Crystal by Walther Glas, Germany, 1960-1970
Located in Herentals, BE
This remarkable serving dish has handles on both sides and is made of crystal with a granular, transparent structure and an orange-brown motif. The bottom of the serving dish is smooth. The serving bowl fits in with the brutalist movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The Walther Glas...
Crystal
Drink Mat Brass Gold Coaster Bottle Mat Barware C019 Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Ethnic Coaster was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Makes a beautiful Wedding or Company Gift. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry a...
Brass
Huge Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cast Brass Pedestal Fruit Bowl or Dish
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Large, monumental Midcentury Modern Brutalist round bowl, dish or stand made in Europe, circa 1970s - we believe it was made in Germany but it could have been made in Italy or Spain....
Brass
Brutalist Mid Century Handmade Complete 3 Piece Sauce Boat Set, Portugal, 1970s
Located in London, GB
A striking and very stylish Brutalist Mid-Century brass and aluminium complete 3-piece gravy boat, sauce boat or saucière on plate with ladle, hand made in Portugal in the 1970s. Th...
Aluminum, Brass
Brutalist Wooden Platter from Mali, 20th Century, Warm Brown Finish
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th century Brutalist serving piece from Mali is worked in warm brown wood. Its design carries the Brutalist idiom through in its proportions and detailing. As a serving piece,...
Wood
Brutalist Wooden Platter from Mali, 20th Century, Warm Brown Finish
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th century Brutalist serving piece from Mali is worked in warm brown wood. Its design carries the Brutalist idiom through in its proportions and detailing. As a serving piece,...
Wood
Vintage Original Slab Built Pottery Platter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking studio pottery platter is a masterwork of organic form and textural exploration, prominently signed by the artist "Salman." Meticulously slab-built, the piece features ...
Pottery
Tray Rectangular E002 cast Brass and Aluminium Silver and Gold coloured Handmade
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative 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 Spain from rec...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Original Crimped Edge Serving Platter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage studio pottery serving platter is a masterclass in organic modernism and tactile craftsmanship. Hand-formed with a distinctive crimped rim, the vessel features ...
Stoneware
C026 Medieval bottle mat by David Marshall in brass & aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
David Marshall - Handmade Medieval Bottle Mat in Brass and Aluminium- Models C026 This striking bottle coaster is a fine example of the work of renowned designer and artist **David ...
Aluminum, Brass
CO52 C011 C009 drinkmats designed by David Marshall in cast brass and aluminium
Located in Benahavis, AN
David Marshall – Set of 3 Handmade Coasters in Brass and Aluminium – Models C052, C011, C009 Discover a unique trio of sculptural coasters designed and handmade by renowned artist D...
Aluminum, Brass
Ethnic Drink Mat Gold Coaster Bottle Mat Barware C019 Handmade in Spain
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Ethnic Coaster was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast brass. Makes a beautiful Wedding or Company Gift. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry a...
Brass
$219 / item
H 1.6 in W 15.75 in D 23.5 in
Two-sided Maple Wood Cutting Board and Serving Plate, Rettangolo, Made in Italy
Beauty meets function. This two-sided cutting board is made with European maple butcher block and carved at the corners with an ergonomic shape for easy handling. It’s a dinner party staple accommodating your laborious food preparation on the broad, flat side of the board while your appetizer compositions can take shape on the distinctly scalloped side. Designed in Brooklyn by Italian-born architect Ale Preda for Miduny, this artisanal product is made in Italy by master craftsmen. This board design comes in two versions. Rettangolo, the rectangular version featured in this listing, measures 23.5" x 15.75" x 1.6" thick. It feels large, heavy, and professional. Food safe finish. Maple from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified mill. You’ll be confident to show off those German knife...
Maple
Carl Auböck Model #3431 'Knopferl' Brass Tray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3431 'Knopferl' Brass Tray Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese tray is executed in patinated and p...
Brass
Contemporary Carved Walnut Cutting Board with Brass Accent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Contemporary natural cutting board by Vincent Pocsik. Carved walnut cutting board with natural finish. Natural food safe oil and wax finish. Vincent Pocsik finds the balance bet...
Walnut
Mid Century Green Decorative Glass Flower Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative green flower glass plate from Italy. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Original glass. Beautiful piece for every interior! Only one unique piece.
Ceramic, Glass
Jens H. Quistgaard Teak Serving Tray by Dansk
Located in New York, NY
A divided teak wood tray with an end-grain teak cutting surface and a recessed section, designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk. Branded "Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ...
Wood, Teak
$1,250
H 16.75 in W 20.63 in D 1.75 in
Large Antique Stubbs 'Fruit & Flowers' Blue Transferware Platter or Serving Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very large, antique blue transfer Staffordshire serving tray. By Stubbs & Kent. In the 'Fruits & Flowers' pattern. Measuring approx. 20 5/8 in. by 16 3/4 in. Simply a wonderful...
Porcelain, Pottery
Midcentury Teak Serving Tray or Platter
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury teak serving tray or platter from Denmark, circa 1960s. The platter is 12" in diameter and .5" high. The piece is in very good...
Teak
$1,186Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.78 in W 11.42 in D 11.42 in
Antique Octagonal Serving Plate, Japanese, Ceramic, Decor, Charger, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique octagonal serving plate. A Japanese, ceramic decorative charger, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Vibrant and charming, with a wonderful decorative appeal Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order White ceramic with an octagonal rim and sash edge Colourfully accentuated with a striking palette of hues Character mark present to the reverse This is a wonderful antique octagonal serving plate, with traditional Japanese decor...
Ceramic
Handmade White Carrara Marble Cutting Board
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
White Carrara marble cutting board and hole on the handle to hang it. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and ...
Marble
$425 / item
H 1.5 in W 12 in D 21 in
Contemporary Carved Walnut Ebonized Cutting Board with Brass Accent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Contemporary ebonized cutting board by Vincent Pocsik Carved walnut cutting board with ebonized finish. Natural food safe oil and wax finish. Vincent Pocsik finds the balan...
Walnut
$105Sale Price / item|25% Off
H 19.5 in W 15.5 in D 0.63 in
Large "Hexagon Pebble" Maple Wood Cutting Board
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by smoothed over, water-worn rocks, Noah Spencer's pebble cutting boards are a study in organic form. Whether hung on a wall in multiples to create a mosaic or piled on a co...
Hardwood, Maple
"Egg Pebble" Maple Wood Cutting Board
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by smoothed over, water-worn rocks, Noah Spencer's pebble cutting boards are a study in organic form. Whether hung on a wall in multiples to create a mosaic or piled on a co...
Hardwood, Maple
"Hexagon Pebble" Maple Wood Cutting Board
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by smoothed over, water-worn rocks, Noah Spencer's pebble cutting boards are a study in organic form. Whether hung on a wall in multiples to create a mosaic or piled on a co...
Hardwood, Maple
Serving Tray, 19th Century English in Papier Mâché
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century English papier mâché serving tray with an exquisitely hand painted scene of a stylized bird, floral bouquet and rococo bordering with lacquered finish. Perfect for servi...
Paper
$1,500
H 0.79 in W 14.18 in D 17.33 in
Don Shoemaker Large Serving Tray /Cutting Board Made with Different Woods
Located in Mexico City, MX
This is a Mexican wood tray, cutting board or serving platter made in 1960s in Michoacan, Mexico by Don Shoemaker. It is in excelllent condition and...
Hardwood
Brutalist design tray by David Marshall, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare brutalist design tray by David Marshall made from brass and aluminum. Very decorative piece. Good condition with the right patina. 1970s - Spain Dimensions: Height: 10cm Wid...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Brueghel Ceramic Plate
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage ceramic plate, sourced from the renowned Pieter Breughel gallery in Amsterdam, is a quintessential example of mid-century European studio pottery. The piece ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 2 in W 11.8 in D 18.9 in L 2 in
Silver and Bronze Brutalist Signed Tray by David Marshall, Spain 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
One of kind Brutalist mixed metals silver and bronze tray by David Marshall, signed, Spain 1970s. Features a David Marshall seal on one of the corners. Beautiful riveted bronze handl...
Silver, Bronze
Sold
H 1.25 in W 15.63 in D 7.5 in
Brutalist Style Aluminum and Brass Tray or Platter Attrib to David Marshall
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Spain, this brutalist style aluminum and brass tray is attributed to David Marshall and dates from the 1970s. Tray is just over 15-1/2” long and is 7-1/2” at widest point. S...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 0.4 in W 10.83 in D 15.16 in
David Marshall Service Tray Aluminium Brass Ant Leather Brutalist Art, 1970
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Brutalist tray by Artist David Marshall in cast aluminium and brass with leather back. Heavy and textural, it would make great table centre piece. This piece was cast in a manner tha...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 11.03 in W 15.75 in D 0.4 in
Rare Cast Aluminum and Brass Brutalist Tray by David Marshall, Spain, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Heavy and wonderfully crafted with the maker's mark impressed on the aluminum surface Brass inclusion Faux bamboo rim This piece is in fair vintage condition with characterful mar...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 3.15 in W 23.04 in D 11.82 in
Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Style Tray by David Marshall (1970s) - Large
Located in London, GB
Aluminium and brass brutalist tray by David Marshall. This piece is large, elegantly rugged, beautifully trodden and irregularly formed. It looks like it has had a rough life and the...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 0.79 in W 17.92 in D 12.21 in
Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Style Serving Tray by David Marshall, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This aluminium and brass Brutalist style serving tray (circa 1970s) by David Marshall is weighty and wonderfully tactile with the maker's mark impressed on the brass surface. There a...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 2.76 in W 27.17 in D 13 in
Large Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Style Tray by David Marshall, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Very large aluminium and brass Brutalist tray by David Marshall. This piece is elegantly rugged, beautifully trodden and irregularly formed. It looks like it's had a rough life and t...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 1.38 in W 14.18 in D 7.29 in
Aluminium and Brass Tray Attributed to David Marshall, circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
Aluminium and brass brutalist tray attributed to David Marshall. This piece is elegantly rugged, beautifully trodden and irregularly formed. It's had a rough life and therein lies it...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 0.79 in W 17.33 in D 10.24 in
Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Style Tray by David Marshall, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Aluminium and brass brutalist style tray by David Marshall, circa 1970s. This tray is different than many of Marshall's works in that it is symmetrical overall rather than organicall...
Aluminum, Brass
Paul Evans Handcrafted "Patchwork" Ice Bucket, 1970s
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Patchwork" ice bucket in copper, brass and pewter with plastic insert with wood base by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, American, 1970s.
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Sold
H 2.5 in W 15 in D 10 in
Black Marble Serving Tray with Brutalist Bronze Cat Handles by Michael Aram
By Michael Aram
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Very cool serving tray for cheese and crackers or bread. Black marble base with two "kool cat" brutalist bronze handles. Designed by American a...
Norwegian Pewter Brutalist Serving Set
Located in San Diego, CA
Four-piece Norwegian brutalist style heavy pewter handmade serving set. Large platter measures 17.5" in diameter and weighs just over 11 pounds. All pi...
Pewter