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.
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1960s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Oak
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Furniture
Beech
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Iron
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
1970s British Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
1960s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer, Oak
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete, Stainless Steel
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster, Brass
1960s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Wood, Walnut
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Iron
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
1960s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Walnut
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
1980s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Copper
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Wood
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Pine
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Brass, Copper, Steel, M...
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Chrome