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 South African Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut
20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Paint
Mid-20th Century Azerbaijani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Maple
Mid-20th Century Danish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Steel, Chrome
1960s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Chrome
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Bouclé
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Blown Glass
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel, Sheet Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Elm
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
20th Century North American Minimalist Furniture
Acrylic, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Maple
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Copper
20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Wood
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Danish Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Bronze, Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Jute
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Unknown Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware, Ceramic, Clay
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Copper
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Brass
1960s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Carrara Marble, Steel
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Hemp
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Jute
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Agate, Brass
Late 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Angora, Wool
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Stone
2010s German Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
1970s European Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass