Minimalist More Lighting
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.
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Acrylic, Wood, Bentwood, Organic Material
Mid-20th Century Spanish Minimalist More Lighting
Alabaster
20th Century Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Alabaster
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Steel
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Malachite, Bronze
20th Century Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Alabaster
1970s German Vintage Minimalist More Lighting
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist More Lighting
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist More Lighting
Glass, Wood, Walnut
2010s Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Metal, Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Brass, Other
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist More Lighting
Wood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist More Lighting
Wood, Birdseye Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist More Lighting
Ceramic, Porcelain, Stoneware
2010s Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Brass, Other
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Aluminum, Brass
2010s German Minimalist More Lighting
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Marble
Late 20th Century American Minimalist More Lighting
Steel, Nickel
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist More Lighting
Brass, Chrome
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist More Lighting
Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Metal, Brass
1960s Unknown Vintage Minimalist More Lighting
Brass
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Wrought Iron
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist More Lighting
Chrome, Metal
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist More Lighting
Glass
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist More Lighting
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist More Lighting
Ceramic, Porcelain, Stoneware
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Wrought Iron
20th Century Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Alabaster
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Metal, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist More Lighting
Ceramic
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Steel
1970s German Vintage Minimalist More Lighting
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist More Lighting
Glass, Birdseye Maple
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist More Lighting
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Brass
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Brass
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist More Lighting
Metal
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist More Lighting
Silver Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist More Lighting
Glass, Wood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist More Lighting
Silver Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist More Lighting
Silver Leaf
20th Century German Minimalist More Lighting
1970s Belgian Vintage Minimalist More Lighting
Plexiglass
2010s Minimalist More Lighting
Lacquer
2010s Brazilian Minimalist More Lighting
Carrara Marble, Brass
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist More Lighting
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist More Lighting
Marble
2010s American Minimalist More Lighting
Wrought Iron