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.
Set of 2 Glass Candle Lamp MOSCARDINO SMALL, Handcrafted, Kanz
By kanz
Located in Venezia, Veneto
Moscardino is an elegant handmade candle holder made of borosilicate glass. The structure of this decorative element appears as a dome that protects and accommodates a small candle. The faint light given by the candle fire...
Glass
Set of 2 Glass Candle Lamps MOSCARDINO BIG, Handcrafted, Kanz
By kanz
Located in Venezia, Veneto
Moscardino is an elegant candle holder handcrafted in borosilicate glass by Venetian craftsmen. The structure of this decorative element appears as a dome that protects and accommoda...
Glass
Mid-20th Century Murano Glass Candle Lamp Six Candle Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian Murano glass all-handcrafted design candle pendant six-light. This timeless candle chandelier could be the perfect lighting solution to a space that needs a special atmosphere. The spiral shaped design will make this zuid European lamp...
Metal, Brass
Burlwood Tealight Candle Holders - Set of 2
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 2 vintage burlwood tealight candle holders. Simple disk shapes with a beautiful unique grain to the wood. Each measures 3.75"Dia x 1"H Interiors are 1.5"Dia
Wood
Handcrafted Large Moroccan Clear Glass Candle Lantern
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Moroccan metal and clear glass lanterns.Hurricane candle lamp in hexagonal shape with vintage rust color metal finish.The top of the lantern is handcut with Moorish designs.The lantern has a small door to access the inside.Many of our customers place oil candles or tea lights inside the main section making a romantic and enjoyable decorative accent for entertaining friends and family.In a convenient portable size, may be suspended from loops or installed on any surface, as a sconce on a wall bracket or as a hurricane candle lantern...
Metal
$160 / set
H 2.5 in W 4.75 in D 4.75 in
Vintage Pressed Glass Candle Holders with Hobnail Edge, Set of Two
Located in Seattle, WA
This set of two vintage clear glass candle holders features a sculptural, flared silhouette with a distinctive hobnail-style edge. Each piece is formed with vertically ribbed sides t...
Glass
Bernardaud Lithophane Candle Votive, Handcrafted Porcelain, France
By Bernardaud, Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The Nativity Bernardaud Lithophane Candle Votive Candle holder, Backlit Scenes, in original box. Once this is lit up, it simply creates a warm and peaceful atmosphere in any space. A...
Porcelain
Set of 2 Classic Candle Holders in Venetian Glass
By Casarialto
Located in Milan, IT
Set of 2 classic candle holder. The large one is 29 cm high, and the medium is 22 cm high. Crystal transparent color. Gift packaging. Hand made in Venice.
Glass
Sons of Marble Candle Holder, Small
By Design By Us
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sons of Marble is a series of candleholders made of deep black marble, all with brass detailing. Sons of Marble are made to create a cosy atmosphere and can be mixed in different siz...
Marble, Brass
Opal Olive Brown Aurora Volta Big Candle Lamp
Located in San Andreas Atoto, MX
Inspired by the mysterious and fuzzy colors experienced as dawn comes to pass, this collection of candle lamps combines four different smokey tones that create subtle and atmospheric...
Stone
Neutral Gray Aurora Volta Big Candle Lamp
Located in San Andreas Atoto, MX
Inspired by the mysterious and fuzzy colors experienced as dawn comes to pass, this collection of candle lamps combines four different smokey tones that create subtle and atmospheric...
Stone
Opal White Aurora Volta Big Candle Lamp
Located in San Andreas Atoto, MX
Inspired by the mysterious and fuzzy colors experienced as dawn comes to pass, this collection of candle lamps combines four different smokey tones that create subtle and atmospheric...
Stone
Black Aurora Volta Big Candle Lamp
Located in San Andreas Atoto, MX
Inspired by the mysterious and fuzzy colors experienced as dawn comes to pass, this collection of candle lamps combines four different smokey tones that create subtle and atmospheric...
Stone
$427Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 11.42 in W 2.37 in D 2.37 in
Candle holder Murano gold glass set , Italy
By Seguso
Located in La xara, VC
Superb set of Candle holder murano in gold finish , this hand made . rare to find two size ! 21 and 23 cm
Murano Glass