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.
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
1770s French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Paper
1650s Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
18th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Marble
15th Century and Earlier African Antique Minimalist Furniture
Wood
15th Century and Earlier Mexican Antique Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1670s Antique Minimalist Furniture
Wood
17th Century Thai Antique Minimalist Furniture
Sandstone
20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
17th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Sandstone
Mid-20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century European Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Wood
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Travertine
18th Century Antique Minimalist Furniture
Stone
17th Century Thai Antique Minimalist Furniture
Sandstone
18th Century American Antique Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Wood