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 Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Eggshell
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Crystal, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Eggshell
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
1960s Beninese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Mohair, Foam
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Maple
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Oak
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Limestone, Composition, Cement
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Cotton, Linen, Acrylic, Polyester
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Walnut, Ash, Oak
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Stone
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Bronze
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Steel
Mid-20th Century Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Nickel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Mid-19th Century Antique Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Chrome
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
Early 2000s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Gold Leaf
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wire
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
Mid-20th Century Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Beech, Oak, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Rattan, Glass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal