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 European Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Furniture
Sandstone, Iron
2010s North American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Blown Glass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Lava
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Enamel
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1650s Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Formica, Wood
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Oak
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Sheet Metal, Aluminum
Early 1900s Antique Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s German Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1920s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
2010s German Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
String
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Cherry
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Laminate, Hardwood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Hemp
1980s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Beech, Oak
1980s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Granite
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Beech
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Plywood
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1970s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Walnut
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut, Wood
1950s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Brass, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel