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.
“Fit Candle Three” Travertine Marble Minimalist Candle Holder by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Fit Candle Three is a minimalist style candle holder made of treated Travertine marble. This candle holder is composed by three marble pieces and three solid brass pieces, all of...
Marble, Travertine, Brass
$626Sale Price|16% Off
Ronan Bouroullec, Baton Candle Holder, Steel, Spain, Minimalist
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Baton collection started with a simple feature: a handle. The single line becomes a gesture that is the common thread between a family of pieces that range from a candleholder to...
Steel
Ronan Bouroullec Baton Tall Candle Holder in Steel, Spain, Minimalist
Located in Barcelona, ES
BD is proud to announce its first collaboration with Ronan Bouroullec. The Baton Collection is an example of Ronan’s design aesthetic. His creative mind stands strong in the Baton’s ...
Steel
1970's Geometric Brass Wall Candle Holders - Minimalist Reliefs
Located in London, GB
Three geometric minimal wall mounted sculptures that function as candle holders. The surface patina is part of the composition. They can be placed in any preferred order, easily moun...
Brass
“Fit Candle One” Travertine Marble Minimalist Candle Holder by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Fit Candle One is a minimalist style candle holder made of treated Travertine marble. This candle holder is composed by three marble pieces and a solid brass piece, all of them a...
Marble, Travertine, Brass
$1,917
H 31.7 in W 8.67 in D 7.88 in
Spanish Medieval Hand Forged Iron Candle Stand / Floor Candle Holder
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous handwrought torchère candle holder, Spain, 1940s This medieval style floor candleholder stands up on three legs tripod base. It has a terrific aged patina. It has a clean de...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Brass Candelabra - 7-Branch Menorah - Judaica Candle Holder, 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Brass Candelabra - 7-Branch Menorah - Judaica Candle Holder, 1970s Elegant 7-branch menorah crafted in solid brass, with an elegant and modern design. ...
Metal, Brass
Sons of Marble Candle Holder, Large
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
$128 / item
H 7.09 in W 2.37 in D 2.37 in
LEVE – Minimalist Sculptural Pillar Candle Holder in Limestone
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
LEVE candleholders, a creation by the renowned designer Birgitte Due Madsen, are inspired not only by her former work centered around geometry and abstract sculptural fragments, but also the old Italian masters like Tobia Scarpa, futuristic architecture and brutalism. The designer scaled her sculptures to smaller pieces and gave them direct function and purpose, seeing them as fragments that can be pulled apart. LEVE candleholders are available in three sizes – for tealights, pillar candles...
Marble
$191Sale Price|42% Off
H 1.58 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
White Carrara Italian Marble Candle Holder Contemporary Minimalist Design Gift
By Meddel
Located in VALVERDE DEL MAJANO, CL
White Carrara Italian Marble Candle Holder Contemporary Minimalist Design Gift. This White Carrara marble candle holder features a refine...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Set of 3 Danish Brass Wall Candle Holders, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four wall candelabras in brass and glass. Made in Sweden 1950s. A rare set of three wall-mounted candle holders in solid brass, crafted in Denmark in the mid-20th century. Th...
Brass
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
Pair of Modernist Cut Steel Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of Modernist cut steel candle holders, circa 1970s. The set is in very good vintage condition and measures 5"D x 4"H and holds a 1"D candle. Very attractive set! #3359
Cut Steel
Modernist Black Steel Candle Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Modernist black steel candle holder, circa 1980s. The piece measures 6.25"D x 6.5"H and holds a 4"D candle. #3361
Steel
$231 / item
H 8.08 in W 5.91 in D 1.97 in
“Marblelous Stairs” White Carrara Marble Minimalist Candle Holder by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
Our Candle Holder is composed of a rectangular prism of polished marble where one of its sides is replaced by a staircase and at the end of which, a ...
Marble
Sons of Marble Candle Holder, Double
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
$171 / item
H 3.55 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
LEVE – Minimalist Sculptural Tealight Candle Holder in Limestone
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
LEVE candleholders, a creation by the renowned designer Birgitte Due Madsen, are inspired not only by her former work centered around geometry and abstract sculptural fragments...
Marble
Geometric Brass Wall Candle Holders and Wall Geometric Relief
Located in London, GB
Three geometric minimal wall mounted sculptures that function as candle holders. The surface patina is part of the composition. They can be placed in any preferred order, easily moun...
Brass
Geometric Brass Wall Candle Holders and Wall Geometric Relief
Located in London, GB
Three geometric minimal wall mounted sculptures that function as candle holders. The surface patina is part of the composition. They can be placed in any preferred order, easily moun...
Brass