Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
A revival in the popularity of authentic Minimalist furniture is rooted in history while reflecting the needs and tastes of the 21st century. Designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s aphorism that “less is more” influenced the evolution of 20th-century interiors with an emphasis on function and order. This was a shift from the 19th century, with its lavish Victorian decorating, and was spread around the world through design styles including Bauhaus and brutalism.
Yet Minimalism was present in furniture design long before the clean lines of modernism, such as in the simple and elegant utility of Shaker furniture. Although the Minimalist art movement of the 1960s and ’70s had little crossover with furniture design, artist Donald Judd was inspired by the Shakers in creating his own spare daybeds and tables from sturdy wood. (Judd, whose advocacy of symmetry also informed his architectural projects, furnished his Manhattan loft with unassuming but poetic works by iconic modernist designers such as Gerrit Rietveld and Alvar Aalto.)
Understatement rather than ornamentation and open space instead of clutter are central themes for a Minimalist living room and bedroom. As opposed to Maximalism, the focus for Minimalist furniture and decor is on simplicity and considering the design and purpose of every object.
Furnishings are usually made in neutral or monochrome colors and pared down to their essentials — think nesting coffee tables, sectional sofas and accent pieces such as ottomans. And Minimalist ceramics can help achieve a decor that is both timeless and of the moment. The organic textures and personalization of handmade craftsmanship associated with these works have served as a sort of anti-Internet to screen-weary decorators. That said, while the thoughtful ergonomics of Scandinavian modern furniture, with its handcrafted teak frames, are at home in Minimalist spaces, so are the quietly striking pieces by Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa that employ industrial materials like stainless steel, aluminum and plastic.
Minimalist furniture is not for making flashy statements; it boasts subdued appeal and excels at harmonizing with any room. And, as it encompasses many different movements and eras of design, it also never goes out of style, owing to its tasteful refinement.
Find a collection of Minimalist tables, seating, lighting and more furniture on 1stDibs.
1980s British Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
1980s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble, Carrara Marble
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1990s Norwegian Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
2010s English Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold
2010s American Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Lucite
2010s North American Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Lucite
2010s American Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Concrete, Bronze
1990s German Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Mid-20th Century Czech Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron, Wire
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Glass
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Plastic, Wood, Paper
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
1980s Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Copper
20th Century English Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1970s Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
1950s German Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Plastic, Wood
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
2010s Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
2010s Italian Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Plastic, Wood, Paper
2010s Italian Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Mirror, Blown Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Mirror, Murano Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Mirror, Murano Glass
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Clay
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal, Aluminum, Enamel
2010s American Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Acrylic, Lucite
2010s American Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Lucite
2010s French Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
2010s Italian Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Mirror, Murano Glass
1960s British Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper