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.
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Decorative Objects
Resin
20th Century Minimalist Decorative Objects
Burl, Wood
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Blown Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Glass
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Decorative Objects
Silver Plate
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Murano Glass
1970s Russian Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Bronze
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Concrete
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Travertine
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Concrete
15th Century and Earlier African Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1970s British Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Decorative Objects
Travertine, Marble
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
2010s European Minimalist Decorative Objects
Clay, Stoneware
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Stoneware
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Acrylic, Hardwood
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Decorative Objects
Travertine, Marble
2010s European Minimalist Decorative Objects
Clay, Stoneware
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Pottery
1950s Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Limestone
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Silver Plate
2010s Lithuanian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Decorative Objects
Marble, Travertine, Brass
1950s Indonesian Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Bamboo, Wood, Rattan
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Decorative Objects
Birch
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
2010s Mexican Minimalist Decorative Objects
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Eggshell
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Burmese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Eggshell
Late 20th Century Philippine Minimalist Decorative Objects
Marble
2010s Mexican Minimalist Decorative Objects
Blown Glass
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Bronze
Late 20th Century Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Metal, Steel
Early 20th Century Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Metal, Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
2010s British Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood, Walnut, Bentwood
Late 20th Century Danish Minimalist Decorative Objects
Aluminum
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1990s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1940s French Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Stone
1940s French Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Shell, Walnut
2010s French Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood, Ash
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Decorative Objects
Resin
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Brass, Copper
Late 20th Century Minimalist Decorative Objects
Stone
2010s Spanish Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Murano Glass
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Aluminum
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Murano Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Limestone
2010s Mexican Minimalist Decorative Objects
Marble
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
2010s European Minimalist Decorative Objects
Clay, Stoneware
1960s Beninese Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood
2010s European Minimalist Decorative Objects
Clay, Stoneware