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 South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Brass, Copper, Steel, M...
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Textile, Rattan
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Oak
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
1670s Antique Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Wood, Walnut
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1960s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Elm, Plywood
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Iron
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Linen, Foam, Wood
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Paper
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Elm
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Furniture
Leather
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Burl, Wood
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
1960s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Upholstery
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Acrylic, Hardwood
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood, Maple, Oak, Walnut
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Plastic, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Oak, Plywood
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
Early 2000s French Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Bronze
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Smoked Glass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Early 2000s Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Rattan
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror