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Minimalist Clocks

MINIMALIST STYLE

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.

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Style: Minimalist
Danish Minimalist Model Norm Tumbler Alarm Clock by Norm Architects for Menu
Danish Minimalist Model Norm Tumbler Alarm Clock by Norm Architects for Menu

Danish Minimalist Model Norm Tumbler Alarm Clock by Norm Architects for Menu

Located in Hamburg, DE

Minimalist alarm clock. To turn off the alarm, simply turn it upside down. This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Metal, Plastic Color: Gray Style: M...

Category

20th Century German Minimalist Clocks

Materials

Metal

Large Charred Cedar Wood "Water Tower Clock"
Large Charred Cedar Wood "Water Tower Clock"

Large Charred Cedar Wood "Water Tower Clock"

By Stefan Rurak

Located in Biddeford, ME

This impressive clock is made from historic decommissioned NYC water tower wood. The piece is torched and then sealed with oil to achieve its beautifu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Clocks

Materials

Aluminum

Large Patinated Steel Wall Clock with Artist's Hand Etched Numerals
Large Patinated Steel Wall Clock with Artist's Hand Etched Numerals

Large Patinated Steel Wall Clock with Artist's Hand Etched Numerals

By Stefan Rurak

Located in Biddeford, ME

This impressive wall clock is made from steel which is cut and then spot heated with a blowtorch and painted with different black oxides to evoke a warm, vibrating depth to a commonl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Clocks

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

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Original 1970s table clock and alarm clock COMFORTIME 3 by Krups
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Original 1970s Krups table clock and alarm clock. Krups Type 672. Made in Germany. The 1970s Pop Art classic in typical red and orange. Clock and alarm functions are working. Quiet a...

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Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s
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Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s

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Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark.

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Beautiful Large Bauhaus Wall Clock
Beautiful Large Bauhaus Wall Clock

Beautiful Large Bauhaus Wall Clock

$1,490

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 2.76 in

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Travel Alarm Clock by Junghans, circa 1960s
Travel Alarm Clock by Junghans, circa 1960s

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H 3.15 in W 2.76 in D 3.15 in

Travel Alarm Clock by Junghans, circa 1960s

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Located in Wien, AT

Travel alarm clock by Junghans, circa 1960s Original condition Brass with green faux leather cover Still working Measures: Open height 8cm, wide 7cm, deep 8cm Closed height 3cm,...

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Vintage trade s mark Japanese Tokyo wall clock
Vintage trade s mark Japanese Tokyo wall clock

Vintage trade s mark Japanese Tokyo wall clock

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Located in Debenham, Suffolk

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Travel alarm clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Swiss, 1950s
Travel alarm clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Swiss, 1950s

Travel alarm clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Swiss, 1950s

By Jaeger-LeCoultre

Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI

2-day travel alarm clock by famous Swiss watch factory Jaeger-LeCoultre made in Swiss in the 1950s. Swiss manual winding movement. The lid folds down, allowing the alarm clock to be...

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Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Clocks

Materials

Metal

Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s
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H 20.87 in W 20.87 in D 5.12 in

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This wooden wall clock by Aichi was produced in Japan in the 1920s. With its round, black wooden frame and easy-to-read dial, the clock hung in stations, schools, and government buil...

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Travel alarm clock "Europa", 1950s
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1980s Postmodern Chrome Rocking Desk Clock
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H 4.5 in W 2.5 in D 5.5 in

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Located in Brooklyn, NY

A fantastic postmodern vintage desk, mantel, or shelf clock in the style of Shohei Mihara’s designs for Wakita. With a black face, red, white and yellow hands, and chrome rocking b...

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Previously Available Items
Joe Colombo Design Clock 02/R Optic for Alessi, Minimalist Italian Design
Joe Colombo Design Clock 02/R Optic for Alessi, Minimalist Italian Design

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By Joe Colombo, Alessi

Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT

Discover a rare piece of design history with this Alessi 02/R Optic alarm clock, an iconic reissue of Joe Colombo's visionary 1970s design. First produced by Ritz Italora, this strik...

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1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Clocks

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Minimalist clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Minimalist clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with aluminum, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Minimalist clocks made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original clocks, popular names associated with this style include Shiro Kuramata, Stefan Rurak , and Peter Pepper Products. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,500 and tops out at $3,000 while the average work can sell for $2,250.