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 French Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Paper
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Fur, Synthetic, Hardwood
1950s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel, Wrought Iron
1950s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Beech
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Teak, Wenge
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Slate, Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass, Steel, Metal, Br...
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Teak
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Canvas, Wood, Paint
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Laminate, Teak
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Other
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Plexiglass
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1940s Turkish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Brass
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Finnish Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Acrylic, Wood, Ash
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Tulipwood
Mid-20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Ziricote
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Mirror, Plaster
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Crystal, Aluminum
2010s Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Pine
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Teak
Mid-20th Century European Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1960s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Enamel
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Ash
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Plaster
2010s Indonesian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Pottery
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Nickel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Canvas