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 Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Onyx, Quartz, Tourmaline, Brass
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Chrome
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Marble, Brass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Terracotta
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Bronze, Stainless Steel, Copper, Steel, Brass
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Marble, Brass, Aluminum
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Aluminum, Brass
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble
1960s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Chrome
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Chrome
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
2010s Greek Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Opaline Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Gold, Copper
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wrought Iron
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Lithuanian Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete, Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Upholstery
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer, Abalone
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ash
Mid-20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Terracotta
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Early 2000s French Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Limestone, Composition, Stainless Steel
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Foam, Beech, Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Burl, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Palmwood, Leather
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Rush, Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Earthenware
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel