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.
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
1970s Russian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer, Oak
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Ash, Walnut
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster, Brass
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Stone, Limestone, Marble, Slate, Enamel, Sheet Metal, Co...
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Glass
Early 2000s Canadian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Willow
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Metal
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Plaster
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster, Stainless Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Stone
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1950s Finnish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
1950s Indonesian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Teak
Early 20th Century Congolese Minimalist Furniture
Iron
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
1960s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Bronze, Steel, Metal, B...
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Iron, Metal
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Marble