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.
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1970s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Leather
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Palmwood
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
19th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Chestnut
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary New Zealand Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Upholstery
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Gold Leaf
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
Early 1900s African Antique Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Wrought Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Oak, Plywood
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Stainless Steel
1980s Scandinavian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Walnut, Oak
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Glass
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Chrome
1950s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Elm
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Philippine Minimalist Furniture
Wicker, Rattan
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Metal
Late 20th Century Unknown Minimalist Furniture
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Limestone
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Pottery
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Foam, Plywood, Feathers
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary South American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Upholstery
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Onyx
Early 2000s French Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Bronze





