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 Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Blown Glass
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Jute
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Brass
20th Century Japanese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wood
2010s Afghan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Oak
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Copper
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Beech
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Wood, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Rattan
Mid-20th Century Danish Minimalist Furniture
Teak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
1960s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
1980s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1950s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Terracotta
2010s Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Nickel