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.
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Walnut, Oak
1950s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Pine
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Reclaimed Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
Early 2000s French Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Bronze
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Hickory, Oak
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Textile, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Ash
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Lucite
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
Late 20th Century Thai Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Travertine
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Lucite
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Bronze, Steel, Stainless Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1950s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Pine
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Sheepskin, Ash, Faux Fur, Velvet, Bouclé, Mohair, Wool, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Mid-20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Wire
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Marble
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Travertine, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Silk, Acrylic, Plaster
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Bronze
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
Late 20th Century Thai Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Foam
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel