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 German Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s Greek Minimalist Furniture
Beech
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Philippine Minimalist Furniture
Marble
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Hardwood
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Steel
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Goat Hair
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Stone
1960s Beninese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Breccia Marble
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Bronze, Steel
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s North Korean Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Canadian Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1940s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1960s Mexican Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Zinc
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1920s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1950s Moroccan Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass, Resin
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Linen, Foam, Wood
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Zinc
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Art Glass, Clay
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete