Minimalist Furniture
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 American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Romanian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Poplar, Burl
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Plaster
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Romanian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Crystal, Travertine, Marble
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Copper
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
2010s Indian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Elm
Late 20th Century Unknown Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Burl, Poplar
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Hickory, Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Organic Material, Wool, Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1990s French Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Beech, Lacquer
1970s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Oak
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Paper
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Crystal