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.
Mid-19th Century Thai Antique Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
19th Century Dutch Antique Minimalist Furniture
Oak
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Elm
1880s Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century American Antique Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1880s American Antique Minimalist Furniture
Sterling Silver
19th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Majolica
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Elm
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
Mid-19th Century Thai Antique Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century Belgian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
19th Century Turkish Antique Minimalist Furniture
Organic Material, Cotton, Wool
Mid-19th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Paper
Mid-19th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Paper
Mid-19th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Paper
Mid-19th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Paper
Mid-19th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Paper
19th Century Guatemalan Antique Minimalist Furniture
Clay
19th Century Indian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Wool
19th Century Spanish Antique Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Early 1900s English Antique Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Minimalist Furniture
Pine, Paint
Mid-20th Century European Minimalist Furniture
Wood
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Elm
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Elm
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Elm
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Glass
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
19th Century Antique Minimalist Furniture
Elm, Reclaimed Wood
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Glass
19th Century Spanish Antique Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 19th Century Slovenian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Oak
19th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Oak
19th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Oak
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
19th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Marble
19th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
19th Century French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Pine
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Elm