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 Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Chestnut
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Walnut, Bentwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Sheepskin, Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Velvet, Faux Fur, Ash
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Wood, Faux Fur, Velvet, Linen, Cotton, Fabric, Bouclé, Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Wood, Acrylic, Faux Fur, Linen, Cotton, Fabric, Bouclé, Wool
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Marble, Brass, Steel
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Sheepskin, Ash, Faux Fur, Velvet, Bouclé, Mohair, Wool, Fabric
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Hickory, Oak
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Wood, Acrylic, Velvet, Linen, Cotton, Fabric, Bouclé, Wool
Late 20th Century Unknown Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Wood, Acrylic, Velvet, Linen, Cotton, Fabric, Bouclé, Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Lucite
21st Century and Contemporary New Zealand Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Cotton, Wood, Acrylic, Faux Fur, Linen, Fabric, Bouclé, Wool
Late 20th Century Philippine Minimalist Furniture
Wicker, Rattan
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Walnut, Oak
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Alpaca, Ash, Wood, Acrylic, Faux Leather, Fabric, Leather, Bouclé, Wool
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Foam, Plywood, Feathers
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Oak
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Velvet
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1990s Danish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Marble
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Travertine
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Terracotta, Linen
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...