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.
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Hardwood
1950s Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Plaster
Early 2000s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
2010s European Minimalist Decorative Objects
Clay, Stoneware
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Walnut, Ash
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Eggshell, Paint
2010s European Minimalist Decorative Objects
Clay, Stoneware
Late 20th Century Minimalist Decorative Objects
Glass
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Brass, Copper
Early 1900s Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
1980s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Art Glass, Blown Glass
1950s Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Aluminum, Steel
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Pottery, Stoneware
1950s Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Gold
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Early 2000s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Hardwood
2010s European Minimalist Decorative Objects
Clay, Stoneware
2010s Spanish Minimalist Decorative Objects
Marble
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Decorative Objects
Hardwood
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Art Glass
2010s Swedish Minimalist Decorative Objects
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Silver, Silver Plate, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Silver, Silver Plate, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Silver, Silver Plate, Brass
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Pottery
Early 20th Century Congolese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Murano Glass
Early 1900s Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Silver, Silver Plate, Brass
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Bentwood
Late 20th Century Philippine Minimalist Decorative Objects
Bone, Wood
2010s English Minimalist Decorative Objects
Porcelain
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Murano Glass
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
Early 20th Century Nigerian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Iron
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Metal
2010s English Minimalist Decorative Objects
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Stone
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Concrete
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Bone, Wood
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Glass, Smoked Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Stone, Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Oak
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Porcelain
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Oak
2010s Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Oak
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Decorative Objects
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Paint, Oak, Plywood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Decorative Objects
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Paint, Oak, Plywood
2010s American Minimalist Decorative Objects
Soapstone
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Decorative Objects
Brass