Minimalist Models and Miniatures
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.
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Gold
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Murano Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century German Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Blown Glass
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Wood
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Brass, Bronze
2010s American Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Multi-gemstone, Quartz
19th Century French Antique Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Rock Crystal, Silver
18th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Rock Crystal, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Gold Leaf
20th Century South African Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Fur
1950s Italian Vintage Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Coral
1990s Italian Minimalist Models and Miniatures
Gold