Minimalist Seating
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.
2010s European Minimalist Seating
Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Seating
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Seating
Oak, Walnut, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Seating
Aluminum
2010s Mexican Minimalist Seating
Cowhide, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s European Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Seating
Fabric, Teak
Late 20th Century Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s Australian Minimalist Seating
Fiberglass
Mid-20th Century Minimalist Seating
Wood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Cane, Wood
1980s Czech Vintage Minimalist Seating
Bouclé, Upholstery, Bentwood
2010s Chinese Minimalist Seating
Leather, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Seating
Wood
20th Century Finnish Minimalist Seating
Metal
2010s British Minimalist Seating
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Seating
Beech, Cowhide
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel
1950s Vintage Minimalist Seating
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
2010s Swedish Minimalist Seating
Bronze
2010s Turkish Minimalist Seating
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Seating
Rattan
2010s Mexican Minimalist Seating
Cowhide, Beech
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Seating
Lucite
Mid-20th Century African Minimalist Seating
Wood
20th Century European Minimalist Seating
Fabric, Wood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Wood, Straw
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Seating
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Seating
Steel
1990s Dutch Minimalist Seating
Birch, Plywood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Seating
Oak
2010s Mexican Minimalist Seating
Brass, Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Seating
Patent Leather
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Brass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Seating
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Seating
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s British Minimalist Seating
Ash, Walnut
1980s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Seating
Metal, Aluminum
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Seating
Sheet Metal, Aluminum
2010s South African Minimalist Seating
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Seating
Wool, Linen, Foam, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Seating
Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Seating
Stainless Steel
1920s Vintage Minimalist Seating
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Seating
Metal
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Seating
Leather, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Seating
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel, Zinc
Early 2000s Hungarian Minimalist Seating
Birch, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s Danish Minimalist Seating
Brass
Minimalist seating for sale on 1stDibs.
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