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.
Sentry Bench in Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel for Foyer by Jonathan Nesci
Located in Columbus, IN
The Sentry bench, originally commissioned by New York interior designer Charlie Ferrer, makes a perfect entryway sculptural seat. Made of laser-cut and ...
Steel
Our Full-Circle Circular Sofa in Leather - Available as Half Circle Also
Located in London, GB
As both furniture makers and dealers we span a cross section of works. Our circular sofa when together makes a perfect circle and can be built in dimensions, fabrics or leathers to ...
Leather
Swedish Leather Samsas Round Sofa by Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
This is an absolutely stunning and iconic design. It’s the Swedish Leather Samsas Round Sofa designed by Carl Malmsten in the 1920’s. This model was made in Sweden in the late 20th c...
Leather, Wood
$10,795
H 27.56 in W 68.51 in D 32.88 in
Small Restored Chesterfield Victorian Whisky Brown Leather Sofa
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restored Victorian circa 1880 hand dyed Chesterfield two-seat sofa with fully but...
Leather, Mahogany
$7,500
H 29 in W 66 in D 27 in
Angel Pazmino Rosewood & Leather, Three-Seat Sofa, Made in Equador, 1960's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Angel Isaac Pazmino for Muebles de Estilo Solid Rosewood and Russet Leather Sofa. Featuring rugged handcrafted Rosewood peg construction, comfortable heavy strapped Leather with cris...
Leather, Rosewood
De Sede 'DS-47' Two Seat Sofa in Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, 'DS-47' sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1970s. Highly comfortable DS47 sofa in a patinated cognac brown leather by De Sede. The design is simplistic, yet very modern. This desi...
Leather
$6,500 / item
H 17.5 in W 72 in D 24 in
6-foot Bench in White Ash with Wool Upholstered Cushion by Hinterland Design
Located in Vancouver, BC
Like logs washed up and resting along the shoreline, the soft corners of this pillow-top solid wood bench will be at peace anywhere. With side tables and an upholstered seat for two, this is a useful addition to any modern setting. Whether you see it as an assortment of driftwood blocks, pillows, or marshmallows, the Pillowy Bench provides a gentle place to land. Made out of solid Canadian white ash with a powder coated steel frame and 100% wool upholstered cushion seat, the Pillowy Bench can be customized to a variety of lengths and fabric colors. Shown in the main image is the 6-foot bench with dark green wool fabric and an upholstered seat length of 36". The subsequent images are a 7-foot bench ($6500) with a pale pink wool fabric and an upholstered seat length of 48". All benches...
Steel
$7,475 / item
H 17.5 in W 84 in D 24 in
7-foot Bench in White Ash with Wool Upholstered Cushion by Hinterland Design
Located in Vancouver, BC
Like logs washed up and resting along the shoreline, the soft corners of this pillow-top solid wood bench will be at peace anywhere. With side tables and an upholstered seat for two, this is a useful addition to any modern setting. Whether you see it as an assortment of driftwood blocks, pillows, or marshmallows, the Pillowy Bench provides a gentle place to land. Made out of solid Canadian white ash with a powder coated steel frame and 100% wool upholstered cushion seat, the Pillowy Bench can be customized to a variety of lengths and fabric colors. Shown in the main image is the 7-foot bench with dark green wool fabric and an upholstered seat length of 48". The bench is also available as a 6-foot long ($5650) with pale pink wool version with an upholstered seat length of 36". All benches...
Steel
Guillerme & Chambron Sofa in Teal Upholstery
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron, sofa, oak, fabric, France, 1960s Beautiful two-seat settee by Guillerme & Chambron, in solid oak. The back of the seat has been beautifully finished with woode...
Fabric, Oak
Georgian Walnut Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Georgian walnut two seater salon style settee with caned back and neutrally upholstered drop-in cushion, sweeping back rail and arms and with simple bl...
Wood
$3,550 / item
H 16.15 in W 61.03 in D 13 in
Contemporary Bench in Brazilian Hardwood by Ricardo Graham Ferreira
Located in Nova Friburgo, RJ
Tropical Brazilian hardwood bench, hand crafted in a contemporary style made with angled dovetail and spindle joints. The beauty of tropica...
Hardwood
$4,850 / item
H 33.5 in W 63 in D 20.5 in
Rustic Modern Sydney Bench in Tanned Oak by Martin & Brockett
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Martin & Brockett’s Sydney Bench 63” features a wood frame with finial details on the bench back and arm, as well as an upholstered seat and back. H 33.5 i...
Upholstery, Oak
Branda Leather Bench by Enrico Tonucci
Located in Milan, IT
The origins of this product are as old as time, and most likely this was once a travel bed. This bench is made of solid black hickory, with a seat in full-g...
Leather, Hickory
Danish Two Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s Wonderful Danish two seat sofa. The brown leather shows a light patina and is in good condition, showin...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 78.35 in L 28.75 in
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Black Leather 3-Seater Sofa with Metal Legs, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modernist, three-seater sofa was made in Denmark during the 1960s. It was upholstered with black natural leather. It has loose, wide cushions for the seat and backrest. The seem...
Metal
1980s Postmodern Minimalist Chaise Lounge
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Super cool shape and incredibly comfortable. There isn’t label but the underneath metal pieces are the same I’ve seen used by Directional so am guessing this was quite high end. Need...
Metal
Caned Oak Settee Bench with Bentwood Arms
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century beautifully grained oak settee, bench or loveseat with bentwood arms and caned back and seat. Seat, 18"H. Minimal wear to the wood frame from gentle use, no breaks in can...
Cane, Oak
Sold
H 28.35 in W 75.6 in D 27.56 in
Vintage Retro Gijs Van Der Sluis Streamline Sleeper Sofa Daybed, 1960s
Located in Highclere, Newbury
A Classic Minimalist daybed designed by Gijs Van Der Sluis in the 1950s and manufactured in the Netherlands by Gispen. This sofa’s sleek, minimalists lines has been a favourite of In...
Steel
Velin Wood & Leather Bench by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in New York, NY
A Velin bench / settee by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. Featurs en espresso-finished wood frame with pale blue leather upholstery. France, circa 2010. Dimensions (in Inches): ...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Classic Minimalist Milo Baughman Settees
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic pair of signed Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin settees, circa 1970s. Original white vinyl upholstery, simple boxy, rectangular shapes, with small plinth legs for a slightl...
Upholstery