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.
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
Early 2000s American Minimalist Furniture
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Crystal, Travertine, Marble
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
1970s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bouclé, Elm
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Cotton
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete, Stainless Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
1980s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Chrome
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Smoked Glass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Copper
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Copper
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Onyx, Quartz, Tourmaline, Brass
1960s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Acrylic, Wood, Ash
2010s Afghan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Velvet
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Furniture
Fabric
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Maple, Burl
2010s North Korean Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s North Korean Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s North Korean Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Carrara Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Limestone
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Oak, Plywood
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Rattan
1960s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Elm
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel, Sheet Metal
Early 2000s French Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1970s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Sheet Metal