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.
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Walnut
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Faux Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Palmwood, Leather
Late 20th Century Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Bakelite
1930s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Walnut
2010s German Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Teak, Wenge
2010s Romanian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s German Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1950s Moroccan Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1920s Indian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Chrome, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Glass
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1950s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bamboo, Paper
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Plastic
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Plaster
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Plastic
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Copper
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Walnut
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Goat Hair
Mid-20th Century Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Early 2000s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Maple
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s Oceanic Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Straw
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Lucite
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Beech, Oak
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Mirror, Birch
2010s German Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
2010s Russian Minimalist Furniture
Acrylic, Wood, Paper
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Other
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1960s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal