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 European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Oak, Plywood
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Ash, Oak
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Oak, Plywood
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wood, Ash, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wood, Ash, Oak
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Ash, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wood, Ash, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Oak, Ash, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Polystyrene
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Plaster, Paper
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1960s Moroccan Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
1960s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Iron
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Chrome
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Plywood, Birch, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Plexiglass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Oak, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Quartz, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Greek Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel