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.
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Goatskin, Wood
Late 20th Century European Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Elm
1980s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Bronze
Late 20th Century Unknown Minimalist Furniture
Glass
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1990s Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century Philippine Minimalist Furniture
Wicker, Rattan
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Lucite
1990s Danish Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Plastic
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Rosewood
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Steel
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Bouclé, Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Teak
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Oak
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Chrome
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Plywood
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Chrome
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Metal
1970s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Hardwood
1980s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
1980s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Chrome
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Bronze
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
1970s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Sheet Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Felt, Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Plywood
1990s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Sterling Silver, Brass
1980s Czech Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bouclé, Upholstery, Bentwood
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Pine
Late 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1980s Scandinavian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Rush, Pine