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.
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Marble, Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Lighting
Copper, Brass, Stainless Steel
1990s Italian Minimalist Lighting
Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Plexiglass
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Lighting
Brass
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Lighting
Blown Glass
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Lighting
Stainless Steel
1950s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Brass
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Ceramic, Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Lighting
Plaster
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Lighting
Steel
20th Century French Minimalist Lighting
Metal, Chrome
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
1960s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Lighting
Elm, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Lighting
Plaster
1970s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Metal
2010s German Minimalist Lighting
Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Lighting
Brass
20th Century Italian Minimalist Lighting
Metal
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Lighting
Steel, Nickel
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Metal
2010s French Minimalist Lighting
Bronze
1960s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Metal
20th Century Minimalist Lighting
Metal
2010s French Minimalist Lighting
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Minimalist Lighting
Copper
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Lighting
Smoked Glass
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Lighting
Cork
2010s Mexican Minimalist Lighting
Marble
20th Century Danish Minimalist Lighting
Metal
2010s Oceanic Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Chrome
2010s German Minimalist Lighting
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Brass, Enamel, Nickel
1960s French Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Lighting
Ceramic
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Lighting
Pottery, Teak
2010s Greek Minimalist Lighting
Marble
2010s French Minimalist Lighting
Plaster
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Metal
1950s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Bamboo, Paper
2010s German Minimalist Lighting
Stoneware
1960s French Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Walnut
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Metal
1980s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Steel
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Lighting
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Lighting
Aluminum
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Crystal, Steel, Chrome
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Metal
20th Century Minimalist Lighting
Plastic
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Brass
2010s North Korean Minimalist Lighting
Metal
20th Century German Minimalist Lighting
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Lighting
Brass
20th Century Italian Minimalist Lighting
Alabaster
20th Century German Minimalist Lighting
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Lighting
Brass
Minimalist lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
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