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.
1980s Postmodern Vintage Loveseat Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Absolutely love the lines of this sofa/loveseat. Keep as is or redo in your favorite fabric. Cushions in excellent condition.
Fabric
'Canela III' Mid-Century Modern Bench in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
The latest addition to the Canela family, the three seated version of the 'Canela II' bench is faithful to the original mid-century modern design albeit in a more robust and imposing...
Brass
Modern Contemporary Outdoor Minimalist White Bird Chair in Recycled Metal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bird Chair's abstracted bird profile carries connotations of flight; in side view, the biophilic outdoor loveseat resembles a bird in flight. It provides a sculptural focus point for the garden, encouraging indoor/outdoor living. This aluminum outdoor daybed comfortably holds two people on a single narrow spine or foot. The generously sized lounge chair supports the body for outdoor lounging and comfort. It is also perfect for working on the laptop or reading to your child under the shade of a tree. It is accompanied with a removable water proof round head pillow, covered with Sumbrella outdoor fabric. The bed cannot be damaged or stolen, as it is durable and embedded in its territory. The day lounger is made of 3/8" thick anodized metal or glossy powder-coated recycled metal...
Aluminum
Walnut and Corian Gallery Bench Mid-Century Modern inspired Minimal Handmade
By Figure Ground, Le Corbusier, Maarten van Severen, George Nakashima
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This bench is composed of a Corian top floating on an elegantly detailed walnut frame. It is large enough for one's imagination or a group conversation. Spanning 7' long, it commands environments while subtly disappearing like its double miter joints that waterfall into the walnut grain. The bench is sawn from long hand-selected boards, carefully milled with a miter joint detail that cascades or 'waterfalls' a continuous grain from the seat down through the legs. To further accentuate the bench's slender span, we chose a double miter cut on the edge profile that almost makes the Bench's thickness at first glance disappear. The white-to-walnut bench refines the moment of repose. Its minimalism is as seductive as its touch to the senses. This bench is versatile and can just as easily define a vestibule or gallery window as it will sit aside a matching dining table. Finished in Tung oil it maintains a natural look and feel for the locally sourced black walnut. This item is available in custom sizes or finishes upon request. Due to natural materials used, the object received will be unique in material figuring and coloration. No item assembly or installation is necessary. Care for the object is minimal and can be conditioned every 2 years to maintain the original finish. All of our pieces are originally designed and handmade in the Brooklyn, NY based Figure+Ground studio; we don't believe in the separation of design and fabrication. Each item is handcrafted, serialized, and shipped with a “Certificate of Authenticity”, documenting its place in history. Own an original Figure+Ground Piece...
Oak, Walnut
$4,900 / item
Cast Resin 'Van Dyke' Loveseat by Zachary A. Design
Located in Chicago, IL
While our classic Van Dyke appears cut from stone, this monolithic rendition has the enduring presence of a glacial deposit. Built for lounging and sharing, this Van Dyke provides a ...
Resin, Fiberglass
Kent Loveseat Handmade in Great Britain Client own Fabric option
By Master
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Kent armchair is a testament to the artistry of form and fabrication. It embodies an elegant silhouette, drawing inspiration from the iconic elements of Italian 1950s design, inc...
Chrome
Kent Loveseat Designed by Yaniv Chen for Lemon in Romo Forenza Cotton Velvet
By Master
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Kent armchair is a testament to the artistry of form and fabrication. It embodies an elegant silhouette, drawing inspiration from the iconic elements of Italian 1950s design, inc...
Chrome
'Canela II' Mid-Century Modern Bench in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
A complex yet simple piece full of subtle details which uses traditional techniques to make a modern statement. Canela II is the perfect addition to any environment, its minimalist...
Brass
Garden Patio Park Loveseat Bench of Strap Steel and Wrought Iron
By Fiske Or Mott
Located in New York, NY
Charming garden, patio, or park loveseat size bench of wrought iron and strap steel. This example is in very good estate condition, sturdy, s and solid, showing only cosmetic wear t...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Bench in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bench, walnut, faux leather, Europe, 1950s This European bench from the 1950s combines a walnut frame with black faux leather upholstery. The design is straightforward and functiona...
Faux Leather, Walnut
"Ceci" Minimalist Swing Chair Outdoor
By Samuel Lamas
Located in Brasilia, DF
Ceci Swing Chair by Samuel Lamas, 2022 Introducing the Ceci Swing Chair, a minimalist outdoor masterpiece inspired by the circular forms of floating celestial objects. This elegant ...
Stainless Steel
Milo Baughman MCM Chrome Loveseat w Jack Lenor Larsen Style Fabric
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman mid century chrome base loveseat with Jack Lenor Larsen Style Fabric. This loveseat measures: 75 wide x 38 deep x 25 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm he...
Chrome
$2,959
H 29.53 in W 68.9 in D 39.38 in
1980s Vintage Comfortable Brigantin Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset (1/2)
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Izegem, VWV
This deep seat comfortable 2-seater sofa model Brigantin was created by the famous French designer Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1981. All in foam, covered by a super soft grey/...
Cotton, Foam
1980s Poltrona Frau White Leather Sofa
Located in High Point, NC
A 1980s white leather sofa from Italian furniture makers Poltrona Frau. The brilliant white of the leather brings a crisp polish to the deep-seated...
Leather
$8,500
H 48 in W 67 in D 16 in
Handmade Italian Modern Craftsman Bench / Sofa in the Spirit of Andrea Branzi
Located in New York, NY
A dramatic, Unique Italian Modern Craftsman sculpture / sofa / bench in the spirit of Andrea Branzi's Modern Rustic / Brutalist Aesthetic as seen in "Domestic Animals". This original...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$2,850 / item
H 31.5 in W 53.15 in D 31.11 in
Minimalist Sofa for Outdoor, Contemporary Brazilian Design
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
This minimalist outdoor sofa is made in hardwood, metal and fabrics, two places sofa with arms, the multi-finish structure is combined with outdoor fabrics such as the Batyline to create an interesting outdoor solution. Bellow the full Skyfolding collection concept: Skyfolding In-outdoor collection, the collection concept is inspired by the Asian building scaffoldings, where a structure is composed by bamboo sticks crossed to create this inspiring and fascinating structures. We combined elements of this structures and also references from the ballet stretching bars that often combine metal and wood, this combo is the concept very soul. All the figurative elements are abstracted in the design process to extract the precise best of each world, and by then resulting in a collection of delicate objects, cult and curated to the minimum details, in design and engineering. The collection is composed by outdoor net, batyline or plastic, in a portion leaving room to a more soft design approach that is harmonious, this elements are combined to a structure made of wood and metal that transcends to tech and soft, a paradigm of past, present and future that invite all the viewers to contemplate and reflect in this philosophical matters in a tactile and visual way. Resulting is a essential and timeless set of objects designed for the modern lifestyle that permit infinite compositions indoors or outdoors that will participate in lives for a lifetime like a breeze full of “zen” elements and energy. Award winner of the biggest South American design...
Metal
Vintage Italian "Cloud" Loveseat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous vintage suede "Cloud" loveseat made in Italy, circa 1970s. This loveseat is wrapped by a padded edge that makes it look even more like a cloud, it h...
Suede, Wood
New Black Wrought Iron Bench with Arms and Back
Located in Miami, FL
A wonderful French wrought iron Baguès style bench with lattice seat and scrolled arms. Cushion included.
Iron
Ligne Roset Inspired 1980s Tan Leather Loveseat w/ Slanted Profile
By Ligne Roset
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking Ligne Roset inspired loveseat from the 1980s showcases the era's bold approach to leather furniture design. The slanted profile creates an eye-catching silhouette that defin...
Leather
Wrought Iron Garden Patio Poolside Settee Loveseat Bench by Salterini
By Salterini, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Chic wrought iron garden, patio, poolside loveseat, bench, sofa by Salterini. The sofa is in very good original condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent wit...
Wrought Iron
Original Charles Pfister For Knoll Minimalist Suede Loveseat, c.1970s
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Briarcliff Manor, NY
An original Charles Pfister for Knoll suede loveseat/settee in untouched condition. It was probably black when first manufactured, and it has sun-faded to a pleasing chocolate brown...
Steel
1970s Black Leather Two Seat Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1970s black leather 'Togo' two seater sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset. Original upholstery. Tags present. Moderate wear to leather. See condition notes for details. Togo ott...
Leather, Upholstery
Curved Regency Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Located in Las Vegas, NV
The perfect midcentury sofa with hints of Regency style swag. If you've been looking for that perfect sofa that can mesh into several styles this beauty will not disappoint. Her line...
Fabric
Sold
H 33.47 in W 63 in D 33.08 in
1981 Sormani White Leather Two-Seater Sofa with Black Inlays and Structure Italy
Located in Arosio, IT
Sofa entirely covered with soft leather. Black leather structure and white cushions with black inlays. Movable armrest cushions. This model by Studio Dieci...
Metal