Minimalist Sculptures
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.
1940s French Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Stone
Late 20th Century Minimalist Sculptures
Teak
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Sculptures
Ceramic
1990s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Ceramic
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Lucite
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Travertine
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Oak
2010s American Minimalist Sculptures
Concrete, Bronze
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass
Late 20th Century Philippine Minimalist Sculptures
Marble
1970s Russian Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Bronze
2010s American Minimalist Sculptures
Metal, Steel
2010s American Minimalist Sculptures
Metal, Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Sculptures
Hardwood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Ceramic
2010s American Minimalist Sculptures
Soapstone
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass
1970s Russian Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Bronze
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Travertine
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Brass
1970s British Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Ceramic
2010s American Minimalist Sculptures
Acrylic, Hardwood
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Sculptures
Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Sculptures
Hardwood
Late 20th Century Philippine Minimalist Sculptures
Marble
2010s American Minimalist Sculptures
Metal, Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Ceramic
1940s French Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Stone
1940s French Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Shell, Walnut
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Sculptures
Resin
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Aluminum
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Sculptures
Limestone
1960s Beninese Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Wood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Sculptures
Concrete, Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Sculptures
Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Murano Glass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Sculptures
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Steel
1980s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Stone, Bronze
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Marble
1970s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Marble
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Bronze
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Oak
1990s Belgian Minimalist Sculptures
Ceramic
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Sculptures
Plaster, Paper
20th Century Unknown Minimalist Sculptures
Glass
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Sculptures
Lucite
2010s German Minimalist Sculptures
Stoneware
Early 20th Century Congolese Minimalist Sculptures
Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Sculptures
Oak
Early 20th Century Minimalist Sculptures
Steel
Late 20th Century Minimalist Sculptures
Teak