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.
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Bamboo
2010s Oceanic Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Beech, Oak, Plywood
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Maple
2010s Argentine Minimalist Furniture
Acrylic
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Plywood
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Clay
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Elm
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Walnut
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Leather
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wood
20th Century North American Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Sheepskin, Faux Fur, Velvet, Jacquard, Cotton, Bouclé, Fabric, Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Chrome
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Onyx
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Brass
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
1960s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Formica, Teak, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Iron, Nickel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
1920s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1980s Scandinavian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Sterling Silver, Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wrought Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Other
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Murano Glass
Late 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Hemp
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Fabric, Wool, Alpaca, Bouclé, Faux Leather, Acrylic, Wood, Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Linen, Foam, Wood