Minimalist Furniture
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 Minimalist Furniture
Jade
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
1970s Irish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Gold Leaf
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Ash, Chestnut, Fruitwood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Straw, Hardwood
1950s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Travertine, Marble
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Chrome, Metal
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Mirror, Walnut
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Pine
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Jade
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
1960s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Cement
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Stone, Limestone, Marble, Slate, Enamel, Sheet Metal, Co...
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Sterling Silver, Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Steel
2010s Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Resin
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1970s South American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Stone, Limestone, Carrara Marble, Enamel, Sheet Metal, Copper, S...
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Cherry
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Iron
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1980s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Central American Minimalist Furniture
Quartz, Brass, Silver Leaf
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Chrome
Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Minimalist Furniture
Maple
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
1990s Norwegian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Stainless Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Walnut, Ash, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Aluminum, Steel
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster, Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Birch, Plywood