Minimalist Dining Room Sets
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.
20th Century Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Steel
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Burl, Cane, Wood
1930s German Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood, Oak
20th Century English Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Hardwood, Walnut
Early 2000s British Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Macassar, Leather
Late 20th Century Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Metal, Iron
20th Century Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Rattan
1970s Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Chrome
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
1980s French Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Travertine, Metal, Gold Plate, Brass
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Leather, Plastic, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Papercord, Wood, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Steel, Iron
1960s Finnish Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Birch
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Wool, Maple, Plywood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Ash, Plywood
20th Century Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Steel
Late 20th Century Dutch Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Copper
Early 20th Century Spanish Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Olive, Pine
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Wire
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Steel
Mid-20th Century Finnish Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Wood
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Brass