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.
Chene Wood Stool in Oak, Maple or Ash
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Measures: W 13in (33cm) x D 13in (33cm) x H 17in (43cm). Available in Bleached Ash, Ebonized Ash, Natural Waxed Oak, Fumed Oak, or Oxidized Oak. Also available in Walnut upon reques...
Wood
Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Black Leather, Contemporary Style
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Brass, Steel
Contemporary Repose Ottoman Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Natural Leather Sample
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Showroom sample The Repose contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such...
Brass, Steel
Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Black Leather, Contemporary Style Sample
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Showroom sample The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details ...
Brass, Steel
Contemporary Repose Ottoman Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Repose contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turn...
Brass, Steel
Contemporary Repose Ottoman Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Natural Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Repose contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turn...
Brass, Steel
Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Navy Blue Leather, Contemporary Style
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Brass, Steel
Demilune Vanity Stool in Milled and Anodized Aluminum, Leather by Jonathan Nesci
Located in Columbus, IN
This half-octagon shaped stool is a modern take on the demilune vanity stool. Octagon-shaped legs are cnc-milled out of square aluminum solid bar, and ...
Aluminum
Whole Stool Minimalist Sculpture in Milled Anodized Aluminium by Jonathan Nesci
Located in Columbus, IN
Designed by Jonathan Nesci, whole stool is a sculptural seat made as an exercise in local production. Fabricated exclusively using material and knowledge from modernist-cradle Columb...
Aluminum
Contemporary Repose Ottoman Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Repose contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turn...
Brass, Steel
Contemporary Repose Ottoman Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Navy Blue Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Repose contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turn...
Brass, Steel
Fuji Wood Stool, Minimalist and Modern Inspiration from Brazil by Tiago Curioni
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Fuji stool was created from the intersection of modern Scandinavian bend design and Japanese minimalism. This curious source of inspiration came f...
Bentwood
Late 20th Century William and Mary Style Upholstered Footstool Ottoman
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful late 20th century walnut and Upholstered William and Mary style footstool or ottoman in very good vintage condition. Measures 19" in width, 19" in depth and 10" tall.
Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
De Sede Patchwork Black Leather Pouf
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous black leather pouf by Swiss designer De Sede with small rectangular patchwork. Perfect accent piece. Good vintage condition.
Leather
$1,058
H 12.6 in Dm 20.87 in
De Sede DS-80 Black Patchwork Leather Pouf, Ottoman, Stool, DeSede Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Unique and decorative handmade De Sede DS-80 pouf in black leather. The pouf is in very good condition. - Two identical in stock -
Leather
$600
H 19.69 in W 14.57 in D 14.57 in
Tall Stool in Oak, Reupholstered in Lambswool, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen
Located in Odense, DK
Danish modern tall stool in oak with curly legs, reupholstered seat in long haired lambswool. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in circa 1950s. A great object for the Scandinavian int...
Wool, Oak
Modern Leather Arch Base Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern leather arch base ottoman. Crafted in rich brown leather, this ottoman is accented with small brass nailhead trim. The unique open decorative arched base makes this small st...
Leather
De Sede Deep Tan Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous deep tan-colored leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina. Gorgeous accent piece. Good vintage condition. W...
Leather
Wood Tripod Heart Stool, 1950s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique heart tripod stool made in France, circa 1950s. Substantial and chunky heart shaped seat with three sturdy club legs with faceted sides. Perfe...
Wood
$765
H 13.19 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Chesterfield Brown Leather Tufted Square Footstool Vintage Biker Tan Leather
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely Tan brown leather chesterfield tufted footstool A good looking and comfortable stool, it has a nice heritage patina to it We have cleaned ...
Leather
$1,100 / item
H 19.3 in W 21.66 in D 12.6 in
Fuji Wood Stool, Minimalist and Modern Inspiration from Brazil by Tiago Curioni
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Fuji stool was created from the intersection of modern Scandinavian bend design and Japanese minimalism. This curious source of inspiration came f...
Bentwood
From $1,630 / item
+ 1 moreH 16.75 in W 19.63 in D 15.75 in
Cluster Stool in Carved, Solid Wood by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
Some of the most innovative, powerful design takes its strength from its sculptural elements. In certain cases, it is a sense of fragility that offers impact. At other times it is the imposing, muscular heft of the object that strikes a chord, a strong sense of presence. There have been many influential pieces of design from the last 100 years that have come from a utilitarian place. The Bassam Fellows...
Wood
$2,086
H 14.34 in W 14.97 in D 13.98 in
Circa 1880-1900, Antique Victorian Ebonised Lion's Hairy Paw Feet Footstool
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in England, circa 1880-1900 Ebonised footstool with elaborate hand carved Lion’s hairy paw feet...
Oak
$995 / item
H 16 in W 18 in D 14 in
Alex Outdoor Ottoman Stainless Steel Powder Coated Upholstered Sunbrella
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, the Alex Ottoman is created using a stainless steel powder coated frame and specialized outdoor foam. The design is minimal and light...
Stainless Steel
handsome Leather and Wrought iron military campaign style bench.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a hand wrought iron and Leather campaign style bench. This bench has a dark brown leather basket weave to the seating. The Bench has a hand wrought iron slick empire style frame...
Leather