Minimalist Armchairs
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.
2010s Turkish Minimalist Armchairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood
2010s British Minimalist Armchairs
Chrome
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Armchairs
Stainless Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Armchairs
Linen, Wood, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Armchairs
Glass, Walnut
2010s British Minimalist Armchairs
Fabric, Foam, Beech, Feathers
2010s British Minimalist Armchairs
Fabric, Foam, Feathers, Beech
2010s Turkish Minimalist Armchairs
Fabric, Hardwood, Foam, Upholstery, Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Cane, Wood
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Armchairs
Chrome
2010s South African Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
2010s Turkish Minimalist Armchairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Fur, Hardwood, Synthetic
1960s Danish Vintage Minimalist Armchairs
Metal, Chrome
1960s German Vintage Minimalist Armchairs
Metal, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Armchairs
Brass
2010s Israeli Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Armchairs
Aluminum
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Armchairs
Leather, Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Armchairs
Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Armchairs
Resin
2010s South African Minimalist Armchairs
Leather, Ash, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
2010s Minimalist Armchairs
Metal
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Armchairs
Sheet Metal, Aluminum
2010s South African Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
1950s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Armchairs
Leather, Pine
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
2010s Chinese Minimalist Armchairs
Velvet
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Armchairs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Armchairs
Stone, Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
2010s Turkish Minimalist Armchairs
Fabric, Hardwood, Foam, Upholstery, Bouclé
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Fur, Synthetic, Hardwood
2010s British Minimalist Armchairs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Armchairs
Fabric, Foam, Ash, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Armchairs
Steel