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.
“Sun Mirror Brass” Black Marquina Marble Minimalist Mirror by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Marblelous Sun Mirror is a minimalist style mirror consisting of a treated Marquina marble base. The back part of the mirror is made of solid brass and treated with special oils ...
Marble, Brass
“Sun Mirror Brass” White Carrara Marble Minimalist Mirror by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Marblelous Sun Mirror is a minimalist style mirror consisting of a treated Carrara marble base. The back part of the mirror is made of solid brass and treated with special oils f...
Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass
"Sun Mirror Copper" Black Marquina Marble Minimalist Mirror by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
Sun mirror is a Minimalist style table mirror, made of marble and copper. It was inspired by the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean area...
Brass, Copper
“Fit Mirror” Travertine Marble and Rusty Iron Minimalist Mirror by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Fit Mirror is a minimalist style mirror consisting of three treated Travertine marble pieces as a base. The back part of the mirror is made of a rusty i...
Marble, Travertine, Iron
“Sun Mirror Copper” White Carrara Marble Minimalist Mirror by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Marblelous Sun Mirror is a minimalist style mirror consisting of a treated Carrara marble base. The back part of the mirror is made of solid copper and treated with special oils ...
Carrara Marble, Marble, Copper
Massive mirror by Charlotte Besson-Oberlin
Located in Paris, FR
Massive is a mirror like a hollowed-out raw mass, the delicate, fragile mirror housed in a raw shell and offering a strong contrast to sight and touch.The curvature, hollowed out to ...
Mirror, Cedar
The ALL U M mirror by Jord Lindelauf
Located in Paris, FR
ALL U MIRROIR MEDIUM It’s All about U. The ALL U collection was born of the theme of self-reflection. Developed from the material aluminum and its inherent reflective qualities, we s...
Stainless Steel
The ALL U S mirror by Jord Lindelauf
Located in Paris, FR
ALL U MIRROIR SMALL It’s All about U. The ALL U collection was born of the theme of self-reflection. Developed from the material aluminum and its inherent reflective qualities, we so...
Aluminum
Tenon Mirror with Mirropane and Birch by UMÉ Studio
By Julian Paul, UMÉ Studio
Located in Oakland, CA
By definition, a tenon is a simple work of joinery. Used here to create a mirror, the simple and elegant form acts as both a shelf and a support for the mirror. The tenon mirror itse...
Mirror, Birch
Vanity mirror, Carrara Marble Mirror by Aparentment "Marblelous Mirror"
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
Vanity mirror composed of two parts, a base of carrara marble and a mirror that can be placed vertically or horizontally. A golden polished leaf on the back gives it a subtle luxury ...
Marble, Brass
The ALL U S mirror by Jord Lindelauf
Located in Paris, FR
ALL U MIRROIR SMALL It’s All about U. The ALL U collection was born of the theme of self-reflection. Developed from the material aluminum and its inherent reflective qualities, we so...
Aluminum
The ALL U M mirror by Jord Lindelauf
Located in Paris, FR
ALL U MIRROIR MEDIUM It’s All about U. The ALL U collection was born of the theme of self-reflection. Developed from the material aluminum and its inherent reflective qualities, we s...
Aluminum
Minimalist Style Mirror with Frame Made of Ash and Ebony by Giordano Vigano
Located in Novedrate, IT
The frame of the mirror is composed of three elements that are progressively tilted and this particular detail gives depth to this minimalist piece made of ebony and ash. Solid ash is a light wood characterized by delicate grain that contrasts with the dark color of ebony. This frame was handcrafted using traditional woodworking techniques. A mirror, besides being a decorative object, makes the space of a room seem larger and brightens it up. A natural finish was applied to the wood so as not to cover the grain and change the color. It is a peculiar object...
Mirror, Ash, Ebony
Satin-finished Steel Table Mirror by Gaetano Missaglia, Italy 1960s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Large table mirror in satin-finished steel, designed by Gaetano Missaglia in the 1960s. Impactful decorative element, created from metal and finished to a high standard. The mirror ...
Steel
Paolo Caliari design years 70 by Linea T production Italy tilting table mirror
Located in Biella, IT
Paolo Caliari design years 70 by Linea T Italy production tilting table mirror double face
Metal, Aluminum
Slash Mirror by Arielle Assouline-Lichten
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cube base with 6" round mirror, brass edges and rubber backing. The perfect addition to your desk or vanity. The mirror is removable. Choose between three color bases -concrete, wh...
Mirror
Wise Mirror, Eze by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Wise mirror, Eze by Colé Italia with Lorenza Bozzoli Dimensions: H.57 D.15 W.19 cm Materials: High forehead mirror mask in solid beech wood wing stained ...
Metal, Brass
Italian Brass Vanity Mirror with White Marble Base, 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
An Italian vanity mirror from the 1940s, resting on a polished oval base of white marble. Scalloped glass floats within a brass frame, held aloft by slender turned supports capped in...
Brass
Brass Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large and beautiful oval mirror designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1960s. The mirror has a beautiful aged patina, the mirror is double sided and it can be flip...
Brass
$2,547 / set
H 13.78 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Three Wise Mirrors, Minimalist Ethnic Sculptures Inspired by African Masks
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Three functional mirrors for a dressing room, or wooden masks and sculptures for your living or your entrance. Three different characters, who live together in harmony despite the difference in their color, like the 3 Wise Men...
Brass
$4,125
H 18.51 in W 9.85 in D 9.06 in
Swedish Grace Adjustable Table Mirror in Marble & Brass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant Swedish Grace table mirror from the 1940s, distinguished by its poised geometry and refined materiality. The mirror rests on a sculpted marble base in warm tones of rose a...
Marble, Brass
$560Sale Price|37% Off
H 16.15 in W 15.16 in D 7.29 in
Japanese Antique Copper Table Mirror 1920s-1940s / Modern Stand Mirror
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old tabletop mirror made in Japan. The frame is made of copper and has a unique, subdued shine. It was made in the early Showa period (1920s-1940s), and is a gem that show...
Copper, Iron
$1,838Sale Price|20% Off
H 23.63 in W 16.74 in D 3.55 in
Large Adjustable Vanity Mirror in Brass with Italian Portoro Marble Base, 1960s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
This luxurious tilting vanity mirror from the 1960s combines elegance with functionality, making it a standout addition to any refined interior. Crafted with a beautifully aged brass...
Marble, Brass
$702Sale Price|20% Off
H 18.63 in W 18.51 in D 5.91 in
Mid-Century Brass Vanity Mirror on Carrara Marble Base, Italy, 1950s
Located in Catania, IT
Elegant Mid-Century Italian vanity mirror in brass on a Carrara marble base.
Brass
Tenon Mirror with Mirropane and Birch by UMÉ Studio
By Julian Paul, UMÉ Studio
Located in Oakland, CA
By definition, a tenon is a simple work of joinery. Used here to create a mirror, the simple and elegant form acts as both a shelf and a support for the mirror. The tenon mirror itse...
Mirror, Birch
Oscar Wilde Dandy's Mirror by WUU
Located in Geneve, CH
Design by WUU Measures: Table mirror W 50, D 9, H 50 cm Rectangular block in ash veneer painted metal or green marble Round ball-plated metal coated with glossy gold finish Back ...
Mirror
$1,695
H 20.48 in W 20.08 in D 4.73 in
Italian Polished Brass Table Mirror with Marble Adjustable Vanity Base, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful table mirror in brass with adjustable marble vanity base vanity. This elegant midcentury table or makeup mirror was designed and produced in Italy during the 1950s. ...
Brass
Sold
H 16.54 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Rare 70s Tabletop Lipstick Mirror in Glossy Grey - Rodolfo Bonetto Design Style
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
A rare and lovely table mirror with the timeless ‘Lipstick’ design created by Rodolfo Bonetto and produced in Italy in the 70s. This design classic is made of a round plastic struc...
Glass, Plastic
Hand-held mirror in copper by Lorenzo Burchiellaro circa 1970
Located in Monaco, MC
Lovely hand-held mirror in copper with colorated mirror glass made by the italian artist Lorenzo Burchiellaro. Italy circa 1970 Engraved Signature More information upon request
Copper
Sold
H 16.54 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Rare 70s Tabletop Lipstick Mirror in Glossy Grey - Rodolfo Bonetto Design Style
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
A rare and lovely table mirror with the timeless ‘Lipstick’ design created by Rodolfo Bonetto and produced in Italy in the 70s. This design classic is made of a round plastic struc...
Glass, Plastic
Martin Szekely, Radius, Table Mirror, Christofle, 2006
Located in Paris, FR
Martin Szekely Radius A silvered metal rectangular mirror on a half-cylinder stand. The stand stamped « Christofle » and signed « m.Szekely ». Produced by Christofle, France. Circa 2006. Martin Szekely One of the most important contemporary designers, Martin Szekely was born in 1956 in Paris from ceramist Vera Szekely...
Silver Plate
Shilling Coffee Table by Giovanni Ausenda for Ny Form, 1970s
Located in London, GB
Stainless steel coffee table with smoked mirror top by Giovanni Ausenda, produced in 1970 by Ny Form Italy Similar to a design by Willy Rizzo.
Stainless Steel
Cement Mirror Objects by Pettersen & Hein
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful pigment-dyed cement and polished steel mirror sculptures by contemporary Danish design duo Pettersen & Hein. One individual mirror objects (p...
Concrete, Steel