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 Central American Minimalist Furniture
Cut Glass, Mahogany
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Limestone, Composition, Cement, Concrete, Stainless Steel
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Marble, Brass, Steel
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Burl, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Foam, Plywood, Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Foam, Plywood, Feathers
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete, Stainless Steel
18th Century Belgian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Reclaimed Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
1960s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Oak, Walnut
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Early 2000s American Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
1950s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Limestone, Composition, Cement, Concrete, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Burl, Poplar
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s African Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Mahogany
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Iron
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Lucite
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Pine
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Plywood
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Stone
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Pine
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete, Stainless Steel
2010s Romanian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Rush, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Ash
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wrought Iron
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
1960s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Velvet