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.
1960s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Furniture
Textile, Silk, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Indian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Early 20th Century Congolese Minimalist Furniture
Iron
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Oak
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Cotton, Linen, Acrylic, Polyester
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak
2010s Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Oak, Walnut
2010s Lithuanian Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Rattan
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Cotton, Linen, Acrylic, Polyester
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Angora
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Metal, Brass, Bronze, Copper, ...
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Maple
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Eggshell
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Oak
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wrought Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Baltic Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
1950s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood, Oak
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain, Stoneware
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Other
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Marble