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.
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Plastic
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
1920s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Bamboo
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster
Early 2000s American Minimalist Furniture
Paint
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Leather
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Cotton
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster, Brass
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Cotton, Walnut
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster
20th Century European Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wood
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Brass
Late 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Plywood
Late 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
20th Century Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1950s Finnish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
20th Century Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Plexiglass
20th Century Finnish Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Stone
20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Iron
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
20th Century Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
20th Century Scandinavian Minimalist Furniture
Upholstery
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
20th Century Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Metal
20th Century European Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Teak
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel