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 Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Paint
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery, Clay
2010s Egyptian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 2000s American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Paper
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Onyx, Quartz, Tourmaline, Brass
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Rush, Pine
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Iron
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Paper
Early 2000s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Linen
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Limestone, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Oak, Walnut
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Oak, Walnut
2010s Egyptian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Onyx, Steel
2010s Indian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Ash
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Chrome
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
1960s Turkish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Chenille
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Walnut
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Limestone, Composition
2010s Indian Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Bamboo
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Lucite
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Bakelite
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Metallic Thread
1980s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Indian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Indian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Nepalese Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Silk