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.
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Nickel
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Minimalist Furniture
Rosewood
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Crystal, Travertine, Marble
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Mid-19th Century Antique Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Glass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Wood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Steel
19th Century Antique Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Cotton, Linen, Acrylic, Polyester
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Maple
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Acrylic
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Lava
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Brass
20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Hemp
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Bakelite
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer, Oak
Mid-20th Century Persian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s North Korean Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Glass, Oak