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 British Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Cane, Wood
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Beech, Plywood, Walnut
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s English Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Mahogany, Rope
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Paint, Oak, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Acrylic
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Mirror, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Brass, Copper, Steel, M...
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Bog Wood
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster
1950s Gabonese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Gold Leaf
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel, Brass, Copper
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Canadian Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Bronze, Steel, Stainless Steel
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Metal
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Silver Plate
2010s Oceanic Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Late 20th Century Danish Minimalist Furniture
Horn
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
1950s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass