Minimalist Stools
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.
1950s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Stools
Metal
Mid-20th Century Minimalist Stools
Wood
1970s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Stools
Wood
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Stools
Elm
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Plastic
1970s Scandinavian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Wood
20th Century Indian Minimalist Stools
Cane, Teak, Upholstery
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Stools
Concrete
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Chrome
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1970s Finnish Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1960s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Stools
Pine
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Chrome
Late 20th Century Minimalist Stools
Wood
1990s American Minimalist Stools
Concrete
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Patent Leather
1920s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Oak
1980s Czech Vintage Minimalist Stools
Chrome, Metal, Iron
1970s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Stools
Fabric, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Stools
Cord, Hardwood
2010s French Minimalist Stools
Oak
1970s Vintage Minimalist Stools
Metal
1970s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Stools
Beech
Late 20th Century Swiss Minimalist Stools
Wood, Beech
1970s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Stools
Upholstery, Velvet, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Stools
Cord, Hardwood
1970s Vintage Minimalist Stools
Chrome
2010s Hungarian Minimalist Stools
Aluminum
1970s Vintage Minimalist Stools
Elm
1920s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Stools
Bamboo
20th Century Minimalist Stools
Oak
19th Century French Antique Minimalist Stools
Oak
1990s American Minimalist Stools
Steel
1920s Slovenian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Chestnut
20th Century Czech Minimalist Stools
Metal
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Stools
Limestone
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Stools
Steel
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Aluminum
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Iron
1970s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Stools
Oak