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.
1950s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1950s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1950s Gabonese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1950s Gabonese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1950s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
1950s Finnish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1950s Finnish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1950s Macedonian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1950s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Plaster, Wood
1950s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1950s Moroccan Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1950s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine, Leather
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1950s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Canvas
1950s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Iron
1950s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bamboo, Paper
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1950s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1950s Unknown Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Glass
1950s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Pine
1950s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Brass, Iron
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1950s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Canvas, Paint
1950s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
1950s Moroccan Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1950s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Blown Glass
1950s Moroccan Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1950s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Enamel
1950s Moroccan Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1950s Turkish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1950s Polish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper