Minimalist 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.
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Lighting
Brass
1960s French Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Walnut
Early 2000s French Minimalist Lighting
Metal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Lighting
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Lighting
Brass, Iron, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Lighting
Brass
2010s French Minimalist Lighting
Brass
2010s French Minimalist Lighting
Gold, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Minimalist Lighting
Marble, Metal
2010s French Minimalist Lighting
Bronze
Mid-19th Century Antique Minimalist Lighting
Metal
2010s French Minimalist Lighting
Bronze
2010s French Minimalist Lighting
Bronze, Gold
2010s Romanian Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
2010s Romanian Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Lighting
Metal, Chrome
2010s Romanian Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
2010s Romanian Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
2010s French Minimalist Lighting
Bronze
1960s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Metal, Aluminum
20th Century Italian Minimalist Lighting
Alabaster
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Lighting
Ceramic
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Lighting
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Lighting
Brass
2010s French Minimalist Lighting
Fabric, Plaster
2010s American Minimalist Lighting
Stainless Steel, Brass
2010s American Minimalist Lighting
Crystal
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Metal, Chrome
1960s French Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Steel, Stainless Steel
20th Century Italian Minimalist Lighting
Metal
2010s Romanian Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
2010s Romanian Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
2010s Romanian Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
Early 2000s French Minimalist Lighting
Metal, Bronze
2010s German Minimalist Lighting
Stoneware, Textile
2010s German Minimalist Lighting
Stoneware, Textile
2010s German Minimalist Lighting
Stoneware
2010s German Minimalist Lighting
Stoneware
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Lighting
Metal
Mid-20th Century Czech Minimalist Lighting
Metal, Chrome
Early 2000s French Minimalist Lighting
Metal
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Lighting
Brass, Nickel
2010s Minimalist Lighting
Copper
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Lighting
Glass, Wood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Steel
2010s German Minimalist Lighting
Stoneware
2010s German Minimalist Lighting
Stoneware
2010s German Minimalist Lighting
Stoneware
1980s Scandinavian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Steel
2010s European Minimalist Lighting
Brass
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Lighting
Marble
2010s European Minimalist Lighting
Crystal, Gold Plate
2010s Greek Minimalist Lighting
Leather, Opaline Glass
2010s Greek Minimalist Lighting
Leather, Opaline Glass
2010s Greek Minimalist Lighting
Leather, Opaline Glass
2010s European Minimalist Lighting
Brass
Minimalist lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
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