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.
1960s Moroccan Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Late 20th Century Unknown Minimalist Furniture
Art Glass, Blown Glass
1980s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Minimalist Furniture
Composition
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Plastic
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Enamel, Nickel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1920s Indian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
Early 2000s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Bronze, Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1970s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Sterling Silver
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Canvas, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Rattan
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Early 1900s Antique Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
20th Century North American Minimalist Furniture
Acrylic, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
20th Century English Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Velvet
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Teak
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Ash
2010s German Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1970s Unknown Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bamboo
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Plywood
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Mirror, Hardwood, Walnut
1970s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Lacquer
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Bronze, Steel, Zinc
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Cherry
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Pottery
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Plaster
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Glass
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Plaster
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Sheepskin, Fabric, Textile, Wool, Bouclé, Velvet, Faux Fur, Ash
Early 2000s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel