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.
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Murano Glass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Mahogany
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer, Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Cotton, Ash, Wood, Acrylic, Velvet, Linen, Fabric, Bouclé, Wool
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Burl, Poplar, Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Poplar, Burl
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Sheepskin, Velvet, Faux Fur, Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Elm
1980s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Burl, Poplar
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Walnut, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Hickory, Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Ash, Wood, Acrylic, Faux Leather, Bouclé, Alpaca, Wool, Fabric
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak
1950s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Ash, Wood, Acrylic, Faux Leather, Bouclé, Alpaca, Wool, Fabric
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Leather, Faux Leather, Acrylic, Wood, Ash
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel, Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Ash
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
1980s English Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Poplar, Burl
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Plywood
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Poplar, Burl
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Faux Fur, Sheepskin, Fabric, Bouclé, Wool
1980s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Bronze
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Teak
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Plywood
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash





