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.
1920s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Early 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
1920s Nepalese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Limestone, Steel
Early 20th Century Uzbek Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Early 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Limestone
Early 20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Earthenware
Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Elm
Early 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1920s Turkish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Hemp
Early 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1920s Turkish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1920s Turkish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Uzbek Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Uzbek Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1920s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Oak
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Porcelain
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Uzbek Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Mid-20th Century English Minimalist Furniture
Plaster
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Teak
Early 20th Century Thai Minimalist Furniture
Teak
Early 20th Century Hawaiian Minimalist Furniture
Stone
Mid-20th Century English Minimalist Furniture
Cut Glass, Teak
Mid-20th Century English Minimalist Furniture
Plaster
Mid-20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Jade
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Minimalist Furniture
Brass
18th Century Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Paint
1920s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Oak
1920s Nepalese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Early 1900s Indonesian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
Early 1900s French Antique Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Early 1900s Vietnamese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Marble
1920s Slovenian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chestnut
Early 1900s Central Asian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
Early 1900s Ethiopian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
Early 1900s Italian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Early 1900s Central Asian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Limestone, Steel
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Limestone