Minimalist Decorative Objects
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.
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Bronze
2010s Panamanian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Early 2000s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
Early 2000s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Terracotta
1970s British Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Metal
19th Century Guatemalan Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Clay
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Aluminum
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
19th Century Spanish Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Marble
20th Century Finnish Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
20th Century French Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Pottery
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Porcelain
2010s Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Porcelain
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Brass
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Brass
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Brass
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Copper
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Marble
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Porcelain
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Copper
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
17th Century Thai Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Sandstone
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic