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 Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1970s Czech Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Beech, Bentwood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Oak, Walnut
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Teak
1980s North American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster, Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Poplar, Burl
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Wood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Foam
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Steel
2010s Romanian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Murano Glass
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Chrome
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Oak
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Foam, Plywood, Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Granite
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel, Brass
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Marble
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Marble
2010s Romanian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Lacquer
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Lithuanian Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s Oceanic Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Paint
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
20th Century North American Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
20th Century Japanese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Limestone, Composition, Cement, Concrete, Stainless Steel
2010s Argentine Minimalist Furniture
Acrylic
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Beech, Oak
1960s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Gold Leaf
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete
1990s Danish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel