Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
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.
2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Travertine
2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Ash, Hickory, Oak
2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
2010s Belgian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Crystal, Travertine, Marble
2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Beech, Oak, Plywood
2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Birch, Oak, Plywood
2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Birch, Oak, Plywood
20th Century Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Maple
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum, Steel
1960s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Stainless Steel
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Plywood, Birch, Oak
2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Walnut
2010s Belgian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Walnut
2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Beech, Oak, Plywood
2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Stone
2010s British Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century British Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary English Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
2010s Belgian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Wood, Walnut
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Composition
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
20th Century Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Chrome
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Crystal, Aluminum
2010s British Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Bronze
2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
2010s British Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
2010s British Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Bog Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Elm
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
20th Century Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Glass
2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Bog Wood
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Steel