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 Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s North Korean Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Mirror, Smoked Glass
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Iron, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Wood
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Plywood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Terracotta
1990s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Jute
Mid-20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Wire
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Sandstone
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Jute
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Iron
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel, Sheet Metal
2010s Romanian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Plywood
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Blown Glass, Wood
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Onyx, Quartz, Tourmaline, Brass
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Brass
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Marble
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Carrara Marble
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Early 2000s American Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Carrara Marble
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Marble
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Furniture
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool