Minimalist Chairs
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 French Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Metal, Chrome
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Metal, Chrome
20th Century Swedish Minimalist Chairs
Leather
20th Century Dutch Minimalist Chairs
20th Century German Minimalist Chairs
Metal
20th Century Scandinavian Minimalist Chairs
Upholstery
20th Century Dutch Minimalist Chairs
Metal
20th Century Finnish Minimalist Chairs
Metal
20th Century Finnish Minimalist Chairs
Metal
1980s French Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Metal, Chrome
1950s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Pine, Leather
1980s French Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Metal
1980s British Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Aluminum
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Chairs
Plastic
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Metal
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Chairs
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Rattan, Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Chairs
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Wicker, Wood, Birch
1980s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Metal, Aluminum
1980s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Metal, Aluminum
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Chrome
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Steel, Chrome
1950s Unknown Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Aluminum
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Beech
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Chrome
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Beech
1990s Dutch Minimalist Chairs
Birch, Plywood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Brass, Nickel
1950s Italian Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Steel
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Beech
1980s Czech Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Bouclé, Upholstery, Bentwood
1980s Vintage Minimalist Chairs
Acrylic