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 Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Paint, Oak, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1930s Indian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Cotton
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1930s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
2010s Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
19th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
2010s North American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass
2010s Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass
Late 20th Century Unknown Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Terracotta
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Furniture
Marble
1960s Moroccan Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Leather
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s German Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1970s Czech Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Blown Glass