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.
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Brass, Aluminum
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1880s Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Iron
1980s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s South American Minimalist Furniture
Bentwood
2010s Romanian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1990s German Minimalist Furniture
Paper
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
1960s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Teak
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Brass
2010s Argentine Minimalist Furniture
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary English Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Lacquer
Early 2000s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Birch
Late 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete, Stainless Steel
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Ash
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Animal Skin
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Indian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1950s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1970s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
Early 2000s French Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Bronze
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Foam, Feathers, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Baltic Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Cotton, Linen, Acrylic, Polyester
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Minimalist Furniture
Rosewood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
2010s Canadian Minimalist Furniture
Oak
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood, Oak, Walnut
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Tourmaline, Quartz, Onyx, Carnelian, Amethyst, Agate, Stone, Brass
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Chestnut
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone