Embracing Raw Elegance: The Brutalist Furniture Style of the 1950s-60s

The 1950s and 60s witnessed the rise of Brutalist architecture and design, a style characterized by its raw, unpretentious aesthetic and robust construction. While Brutalism is often associated with large concrete structures, its influence extended into the realm of furniture design, where it found unique expression. This blog post delves into the essence of Brutalist furniture, exploring its socio-political roots, materials, defining aspects, and the contributions of designers Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron.

Understanding Brutalism Furniture Style

The Socio-Political Context

Brutalism emerged in the post-World War II era, marked by reconstruction and a desire for honesty in design and materials. The term “Brutalism” is derived from the French word “béton brut,” meaning raw concrete, and was popularized by architects like Le Corbusier. The movement was a reaction against the decorative and ornate styles of the past, embracing functionality, simplicity, and a no-frills approach.

The socio-political landscape of the time influenced the Brutalist aesthetic. The post-war period demanded efficient, affordable housing and public buildings, leading to the use of readily available and inexpensive materials. Further, this pragmatic approach extended to furniture design, where the emphasis was on utility, durability, and an unembellished look.

Materials and Techniques

Brutalist furniture often features materials that reflect the movement’s architectural roots. Common materials include:

• Wood: Often in its most natural and rugged form, showcasing the wood’s grain and imperfections.
• Metal: Used for structural elements and accents, providing a stark, industrial feel.
• Concrete: Occasionally used in smaller pieces, echoing the architectural Brutalism.
• Stone: Employed for its textural quality and durability.

The construction techniques favored in Brutalist furniture emphasized craftsmanship and the integrity of materials. Thus, pieces were often hand-made, with visible joinery and a focus on the natural beauty of the materials.

Defining Aspects of Brutalist Furniture

Raw Aesthetics

The defining feature of Brutalist furniture is its raw, unpolished appearance. This style values the inherent qualities of materials, allowing them to take center stage. For example, wood might be roughly hewn, metal left to patinate, and joinery exposed, celebrating the process of construction.

This striking set of ten Brutalist-style chairs showcase a unique blend of natural oak and beech.  They are available today on Styylish. Crafted in Belgium during the 1960s, Each chair features a distinctive rectangular shape with a compass-shaped base, embodying the raw, geometric aesthetics of Brutalism. 

Strong, Geometric Forms

Brutalist furniture is characterized by its bold, geometric shapes and solid forms. The design tends to be monolithic, with an emphasis on mass and volume. Moreover, this results in pieces that are both visually striking and functional.

This Brutalist style table or desk on Styylish is rectangular in shape and embodies the rugged and raw aesthetics typical of the Brutalist movement.  It is crafted from solid and weathered beech. RRealized in France around 1900, it showcases the enduring beauty of natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship.  

Function Over Form

In line with its architectural roots, Brutalist furniture prioritizes function over form. Thus, thee designs are utilitarian, often featuring built-in storage and multi-functional elements. Comfort and practicality are key considerations, even within the constraints of the raw aesthetic.

Experience the rugged elegance of the Maison Chevalier brutalist armchair in gouged wood, a distinctive piece from the 1960s. Crafted by Maison Chevalier, and available now on Styylish, this one-of-a-kind piece is a true testament to brutalist design. It features free-form gouged wood that exudes raw and sculptural beauty. Additionally, the organic, irregular shapes add a unique and captivating dimension to the chair, making it a standout piece of art and furniture.

Minimal Ornamentation

Ornamentation is minimal in Brutalist furniture. Therefore, any decorative elements are typically a natural extension of the materials or construction techniques used. This minimalist approach reinforces the honesty and simplicity central to the Brutalist ethos.

 This brutalist-style armchair from Styylish is crafted in solid natural blond elm. The unornamented seat and back, swathed in goatskin, not only provide comfort but also add a rustic touch. The chair stands out with its distinctive three spacer bars, enhancing its Brutalist character. With its unique blend of organic materials and robust structure, this armchair is a statement piece that brings character to any space

Guillerme and Chambron: Pioneers of Brutalist Furniture

French designers Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron were instrumental in bringing Brutalist aesthetics into the realm of furniture design. The duo’s work is characterized by its innovative use of materials, robust construction, and a distinctive blend of raw and refined elements. The two had met in 1940 while imprisoned by the Germans in East Prussia and bonded over, among other more obvious things, their shared passion for design. After the war in 1949 the pair discovered Émile Dariosecq, a master cabinet maker who had a shop in the city, and who was willing to produce their designs.

Robert Guillerme

An architect by training, Guillerme brought a structural and architectural sensibility to furniture design. His pieces often feature bold lines, geometric forms, and an emphasis on functionality. Guillerme’s approach to design was deeply influenced by the Brutalist movement, with a focus on the integrity of materials and the honesty of construction.

Jacques Chambron

Chambron, a talented painter and designer, complemented Guillerme’s architectural approach with a keen eye for detail and texture. His contributions to their collaborative designs often use rich, tactile materials and thoughtful finishing touches. These enhanced the raw beauty of the pieces.

Their Collaborative Work

Together, Guillerme and Chambron created furniture that exemplified the Brutalist style while remaining accessible and functional for everyday use. Their designs often featured solid oak, exposed joinery, and a blend of rugged and refined elements. In fact, the duo’s work has become highly collectible, celebrated for its unique interpretation of Brutalist principles in a domestic context.

Styling Brutalist Furniture in Today’s Home

Incorporating Brutalist furniture into modern interiors can create a striking and harmonious balance between ruggedness and sophistication. To style Brutalist pieces effectively, start by embracing the raw, unpolished look that defines the style. For example, pair a Brutalist side table or chair with softer elements, such as plush rugs or upholstered seating, to create a contrast that highlights the unique textures and forms of the Brutalist pieces. Additionally, keep the color palette neutral and earthy, allowing the natural materials to stand out.

Further, try to incorporate complementary modern elements, like minimalist lighting or abstract art, to enhance the architectural feel of the furniture. Therefore to maintain a cohesive look, use Brutalist furniture as statement pieces, ensuring they remain the focal point in the room. By balancing Brutalist furniture with contemporary decor, you can achieve a sophisticated and visually engaging space that celebrates both history and modernity.

Finding Harmony in the Raw and Refined Decor of Brutalism

The Brutalist furniture style of the 1950s and 60s is a testament to the power of raw materials and honest design. Born out of a socio-political landscape that valued functionality and simplicity, Brutalist furniture eschews ornamentation in favor of bold, geometric forms and a celebration of the natural qualities of materials. Further, contributions of designers like Guillerme and Chambron highlight the lasting appeal of this aesthetic.Thus, embracing Brutalist furniture is not just about adding a piece of history to your home; it’s about appreciating the beauty in simplicity and the artistry in functionality.