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.
TRAVERTINE SPHERE, Sahi Natural Stone Ball, Book Shelf and Coffee Table Decor
Located in St Petersburg, US
SAHI by Haand: 10 cm (4") travertine sphere, crafted with exceptional hand quality. This elegant decorative object seamlessly blends natural beauty with versatility, making it an ide...
Travertine, Marble
Anna Ehrner Kosta Boda Cobalt Blue Crystal Paperweight, 1990s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Anna Ehrner for Kosta Boda white crystal paperweight or votive candle holder. Kosta Boda white crystal candle holder by Anna Ehrner, 1990s A Kosta Boda votive...
Crystal
Vintage Italian Murano Glass Paperweight, Hand-Blown, Circa 1950s
Located in Round Top, TX
A breathtaking Murano glass ball paperweight, exquisitely hand-blown and adorned with mesmerizing bubbles, seemingly suspended in time. This remarkable piece, attributed to Murano’s ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Arturito Collection, Wood Paperweight Set (5 pieces)
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
ARTURITOS COLLECTION Whether in Tokyo, Denver or Moscow, printing ideas requires organization. Taking chaos out of the box and turning it into facts requires hard work, care, attent...
Wood
Verdigris Green Marble 1970s Gucci Bookend, Minimalist Design, Circa 1970s
By Gucci
Located in Round Top, TX
Minimalist green marble Gucci bookend. A carved monolithic rectangular form with surface mounted gold-plated metal letters spelling out "GUCCI" in the iconic font. The sleek green m...
Marble, Metal
Italian Design Ghidini 1961 Brass Rabbit Paperweight
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Brescia, IT
This is the latest iconic object designed by Stefano Giovannoni, for Ghidini 1961. An Italian contemporary design factory. Its designers: Campana Brothers, Mendini, Studio Job and mo...
Brass
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Modernist Mid-Century Brass Clothespin Paperweight
By Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly beautiful paperweight constructed as a clothespin in brass. Sleek with modernist essence. The luminous brass catapults this piece to sculpture. A very chic addition to you...
Brass
Ghidini 1961 Italian Brass Rabbit Him and Her with Personalized Engraved Names
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Brescia, IT
This is the latest iconic object designed by Stefano Giovannoni, for Ghidini 1961. An Italian contemporary design factory. Its designers: Campana Brothers, Mendini, Studio Job and mo...
Brass
Arturito Collection, Concrete Paperweight Set (5 pieces)
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
ARTURITOS COLLECTION Whether in Tokyo, Denver or Moscow, printing ideas requires organization. Taking chaos out of the box and turning it into facts requires hard work, care, attent...
Concrete
$340 / item
Arturito Collection, Big Wood Paperweight
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
ARTURITOS COLLECTION Whether in Tokyo, Denver or Moscow, printing ideas requires organization. Taking chaos out of the box and turning it into facts requires hard work, care, attent...
Wood
Sculptural Mid Century Wood Book End - Book Shelf
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful Mid Century Modern teak wood bookend - freestanding book shelf. Handmade and dating to around 1960's. A gorgeous, sculptural design whihc is suitable for large and small ...
Teak
Glass Ashtray, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Glass ashtray is an object realized in 1970s. Art glass, D 15 x 4 cm. Very good conditions!
Art Glass
$230Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 4.53 in W 3.94 in D 2.17 in
Ghidini 1961 Small Rabbit Figurine in Polished Brass
By Stefano Giovannoni, Ghidini 1961
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small rabbit figurine in brass.
Brass
Italian Travertine Marble Obelisk
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian travertine marble Obelisk, in the Modern style, circa 1970s, Italy. A great decorative object for a shelf, credenza, office, library, cocktail table, etc. Very go...
Travertine, Marble
$3,000
H 2.75 in W 2.75 in D 2.75 in
Enzo Mari, Rare Cube Resin with Black Ball Sphere, Sculpture/Paperweight
By Enzo Mari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice modern resin cube by the very well known designer Enzo Mari, Measures in cm 7 x 7 x 7.
Resin
$586 / item
H 8.27 in W 4.14 in D 7.09 in
Ghidini 1961 Medium Rabbit in Polished Brass by Stefano Giovannoni
By Stefano Giovannoni, Ghidini 1961
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Decorative object medium in brass "The rabbit is the latest iconic object I have designed. For Ghidini it has turned into a family of precious metal objects: salt and pepper, paper...
Brass
$450Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 8.27 in W 7.09 in D 4.14 in
Rabbit Door Stopper Designed by Stefano Giovannoni for Ghidini, 1961
By Stefano Giovannoni, Ghidini 1961
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Door stopper in casted polished brass designed by Stefano Giovannoni.
Brass
Venini Glass Paperweight
By Venini
Located in New York, NY
This egg-shaped Venini glass paperweight has a purple spiral encased in an orange spiral. It still bears the original Venini label with the Veronese va...
Glass
Gucci Vintage Black Leather Desk Set 1970s
By Gucci
Located in Munich, DE
Stunning Gucci desk set made of black leather and brass. Four pieces include: massive desktop blotter or pad, huge letter opener, envelope holder and a leather pen holder with glass ...
Brass
$730 / item
H 8.67 in W 2.76 in D 2.76 in
Constantin Bookends, Black Marble/Canaletto Walnut Minimalist Design
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Constantin 1 is a simple but charming bookend couple with a geometric shape. The body is in Marquina black marble. The top in solid Canaletto walnut. A perfect present, closed in an elegant gift box. Constantin collection owes its name to its inspirer. It is in fact the modern art of Constantin Brancusi that has guided the designer’s hand to conceive candelabra, bookends, containers and centre pieces...
Marble
$216 / item
H 7.88 in W 15.75 in D 4.73 in
Cling Shelf, Bent Metal, Grey Painted, Minimalist Modern Design
By Lorenz+Kaz
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Made of folded metal and epoxy powder coated in grey or special edition upon request in copper, gold and petroleum blue finishes. Cling is a display rack and shelf. It can be mounted on the wall, or placed on the tabletop as a contemporary interpretation of English old-fashioned “travel desk” accessory. It is the ideal storage place on the entrance wall...
Metal
$523 / item
H 8.67 in W 2.76 in D 2.76 in
Constantin Art Inspired Bookends, Black Marquina Marble and Canaletto Walnut
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Constantin 1 is a simple but charming bookend couple with a geometric shape. The body is in Marquina black marble. The top in solid Canaletto walnut. A perfect present, closed in an elegant gift box. Constantin collection owes its name to its inspirer. It is in fact the modern art of Constantin Brancusi that has guided the designer’s hand to conceive candelabra, bookends, containers and centre pieces in wood, marble and brass. Taking up Brancusi ability to represent the essence of things with a high degree of abstraction, designer Agustina Bottoni has shaped the candlesticks and bookends thinking of the columns and bases of Brancusi famous sculptures...
Marble
Sold
H 5.5 in W 1.5 in D 0.5 in
Monique Gerber French Sculptural Cast Bronze Letter Opener Art Du Bronze
Located in Chicago, IL
Monique Gerber French bronze cast letter opener in a very sculptural and minimalist form. Designed Monique Gerber. Can be used as a sculptural object or paper weight as well. Remin...
Bronze
Sold
H 5.5 in W 1.5 in D 0.5 in
Monique Gerber French Sculptural Cast Bronze Letter Opener Art du Bronze
Located in Chicago, IL
Monique Gerber French bronze cast letter opener in a very sculptural and minimalist form. Designed Monique Gerber. Can be used as a sculptural object or paper weight as well. Re...
Bronze
Cable Paperweight in Steel
Located in New York City, NY
Heavy, modernist paperweight composed of fused cables. .
Steel
Bronze Paperweight/Vide-Poche by B.W. Genis, circa 1980
Located in New York City, NY
Bronze Paperweight by B.W. Genis, France, c. 1980 Additional Information: Materials: Bronze Origin: France Period: 1980-1999 Creation Date: c. 1980 Styles / Movements: Modern...
Bronze
Sold
H 5.5 in W 1.5 in D 0.5 in
Monique Gerber French Sculptural Cast Bronze Letter Opener Art Du Bronze
Located in Chicago, IL
Monique Gerber French bronze cast letter opener in a very sculptural and minimalist form. Designed Monique Gerber. Can be used as a sculptural object or paper weight as well. Re...
Bronze
Sold
H 5.5 in W 1.5 in D 0.5 in
Monique Gerber French Sculptural Cast Bronze Letter Opener Art du Bronze and Box
Located in Chicago, IL
Monique Gerber French bronze cast letter opener in a very sculptural and minimalist form. Designed Monique Gerber. Can be used as a sculptural object or paper weight as well. Remini...
Bronze
Sold
H 8.25 in Dm 4.25 in
Oggetti Murano Signed Sommerso Italian Art Glass Obelisk Sculpture Paperweight
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso amethyst / pink Italian art glass obelisk sculpture. Signed “Oggetti Murano” and attributed to designer Alf...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
Sold
H 12 in W 5.75 in D 3 in
Cenedese 1980 Italian Vintage Green Red Copper Murano Glass Large Tree Sculpture
By Cenedese
Located in New York, NY
A unique Minimalist sculpture, as a Christmas Tree, in a very modern organic sleek design, a collectible piece, mouth-blown and entirely handcrafted in Murano Italy, in crystal clear...
Copper
Sold
H 5.5 in W 1.5 in D 0.5 in
Monique Gerber French Sculptural Cast Bronze Letter Opener Art du Bronze
Located in Chicago, IL
Monique Gerber bronze cast letter opener in a very sculptural and Minimalist form. Can be used as a sculptural object or paper weight as well. Reminiscent of a Brancusi form. Sig...
Bronze
Cenedese 1980s Italian Vintage Green and Gold Murano Glass Tree Sculpture
By Cenedese
Located in New York, NY
Christmas tree sculpture of sleek Minimalist cone design, in mouth blown Murano glass and handcrafted, a vintage creation signed by Cenedese. Worked in Sommerso crystal clear layered...
Gold, Gold Leaf
Cenedese 1980s Italian Vintage Green and Gold Murano Glass Tree Sculpture
By Cenedese
Located in New York, NY
Christmas tree sculpture of sleek Minimalist cone design, in mouth blown Murano glass and handcrafted, a vintage creation signed by Cenedese. Worked in sommerso crystal clear layered...
Gold, Gold Leaf
Pair of Solid Glass Bullet Bookends from the 1970s
Located in Wainscott, NY
Pair of solid glass bullet bookends from the 1970s.
Glass