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 Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Beech, Oak, Plywood
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Bog Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Mirror, Walnut
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass, Resin
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass, Resin
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass, Resin
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Canadian Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
21st Century and Contemporary Latvian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1950s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Canvas
Late 20th Century Austrian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
Late 20th Century Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Bakelite
Early 2000s Hungarian Minimalist Furniture
Walnut, Birch
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1990s German Minimalist Furniture
Paper
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Stainless Steel
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Granite
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Wrought Iron
2010s English Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Mirror, Oak
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
2010s Nepalese Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Silk
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Beech, Oak, Plywood
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
1960s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Lacquer
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Granite