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.
Nesting Oak Tables, Coffee Tables, Danish Design and Craft, Sculptural Furniture
By René Theis
Located in Fredensborg, DK
Nesting and coffee tables. Sculptural Oak Tables, Contemporary Danish Design and Craft, Sculptural Furniture. Nordic minimalism and Wabi-sabi inspired design. Easy to move around. ...
Oak
1960s, Mid-Century Modern Crystal and Chrome Nesting Tables Milo Baughman Style
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1960s, pair of chromed steel nesting tables with polished wire crystals Measures cm: Table 1: H 41, W 55, D 39 Table 2: H 36, W 45, D 34.
Crystal, Steel
Contemporary Cream Lacquer Corner Nesting Side Table by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Corner nesting tables - Set of 2 Cream Lacquer Wood base Hand made Limited edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyn...
Wood, Lacquer
Cintura Nesting Tables (Set of 2) in Brass and Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cintura Nesting Tables with Copper (Set of 2) Brass Copper Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-h...
Brass, Copper
$1,106Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Postmodern Brass, Steel and Glass Nesting Tables by Romeo Rega, Italy
By Romeo Rega
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. These three tables feature a brass and steel frame with glass tops. They are vintage, therefore they might show slight traces of use, but they can be considere...
Brass, Steel
$2,560Sale Price / set|74% Off
Rare Set Of Max Sauze 'isocele' Nesting Tables, 1970
By Max Sauze
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Rare complete set of three nesting tables designed by French artist Max Sauze and produced by Groupe S.A France,circa 1970. The structure is made of chromed steel rod and all tabl...
Chrome, Steel
Isabelle Azema Belles de Nuit Table in Enameled Sandstone and Forged Iron
Located in Paris, FR
A pair of minimalist style tables "Belles de nuit" by Isabelle Azema. The sandstone stands have a wavy form with enameled finishings standing on...
Sandstone, Iron
Poul Kjaerholm PK71 Nesting Tables for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1957
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Echt, NL
Beautiful set of PK71 nesting tables in very good condition Designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1957. These particular tables are manufactured by E. Kold Christensen and are marked ‘Den...
Metal, Steel
Trio of Maison Jansen French Round Brass Nesting Tables
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Trio (3) of rounds shaped brass nesting tables with beveled edged glass tops, attributed to Maison Jansen. The solid brass is expertly crafted with refined yet elegant detailing incl...
Brass
$1,861 / set
H 16.74 in W 22.25 in D 13.78 in
ViNTAGE MID CENTURY MODERN MILO BAUGHMAN CHROME & SMOKED GLASS NEST OF TABLES
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning Mid Century Modern nest of Smoked glass and Chrome tables after Milo Baughman Please note the...
Chrome
$1,443Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 46.5 in W 60.5 in D 35.5 in
Midcentury Italian Brass and Glass Set of 3 Nesting Tables
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
A glamorous set of Nesting Tables made in Italy during the 1970s, composed of 3 tables in three different sizes. the measurements of the biggest are: Height 46.5 cm Width 60.5 cm ...
Brass
Danish Rosewood Nesting Tables
Located in Geneva, CH
Set of three rosewood nesting tables. Very good condition. Legs are easily dismountable for shipping.
Rosewood
$5,125 / item
H 15.75 in W 20.48 in D 27.56 in
Peacock Nesting Coffee Table in Cream Shagreen and Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The peacock nesting coffee table...
Brass
Nesting Table Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This side table is an example of Danish design from the 1960s, made of teak wood, which radiates warmth and elegance. With its simple and functional design, this table fits perfectl...
Teak
Aldo Tura Lacquered Goatskin Nesting Tables
By Aldo Tura
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Three Chic Lacquered Goatskin Nesting Tables, designed by Aldo Tura, Italy, circa 1930s.
Goatskin, Wood
Set of 3 French Black Glass and Brass Nesting Tables
Located in Buchanan, NY
This set of three French nesting tables is a beautiful blend of black glass and brass, reflecting the distinctive style of Maison Jansen. Dating back to the 1940s, these tables featu...
Brass
$8,500 / set
H 17.5 in W 60 in D 32 in
Parchment Modern Sculptural Nesting Coffee Tables by Costantini, Cadenza
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Cadenza Parchment Modern Sculptural Nesting Coffee Tables. The Cadenza Nesting tables are handcrafted out of wood wrapped with geniune Argentine Goatskin, shown here in a natural fi...
Goatskin, Wood
Set of Four French Art Nouveau Nesting Tables
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set off four French Art Nouveau nesting tables,late 19th or early 20th century. Dimensions; 56 x 39 x 74 cm. 49 x 36 x 72 cm. 42 x 32 x 70 cm. 36 x 29 x 68 cm.
Wood
$1,500 / set
H 22 in W 20 in D 27 in
Mid-Century Modern Design Institute of America Chrome and Glass Nesting Tables
By Milo Baughman, Design Institute America
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A set of 3 chrome and glass nesting tables by Design Institute of America. Clean and flowing design that looks good stacked together or spread out. Would make a great multi tiered coffee table...
Steel, Chrome
$9,485 / set
H 23.63 in W 13.78 in D 23.63 in
Melting Nesting Side Table Set of 3 in Shagreen Lemurian & Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The melting nesting side table...
Onyx, Brass
Pair of Teak Stacking Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of rectangular teak side tables. These stackable side tables are a versatile addition to any space. The tables showcase a beautiful wood gra...
Teak
Sold
H 16.5 in W 17.75 in D 17.75 in
Set of Three Max Sauze 'Isocele' Black Framed Nesting Tables for Atrow
Mid-Century minimalist wire framed cube nesting tables, designed by Max Sauze in France for Atrow, 1970s. The tables feature thin black enameled frames and inset glass tops. They are...
Wire
Pair Of French Modernist Occasional Nesting Tables
Located in Hudson, NY
This is a very clean modernist pair of occasional tables that happen to also be nesting tables . The iron is hand wrought and pieced together to create these frames . Retaining the original small rubber stoppers on the bottom of the feet. Smaller table 18.25 x 11.75 x 11.75 Larger table. 20 x 14.75 x 14.75 Please be sure to contact me with your address...
Wrought Iron
Trio of Dark Green Onyx Nesting Tables by Muller of Mexico
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fun dark green onyx tables. Imported from Mexico in the late 1970's. These have seen little use, and still have their ""Hecho in Mexico" paper stickers attached. No missing piec...
Onyx
Sold
H 23.25 in W 27 in D 18 in
Two Elegant Nesting Tables by Michael Kirkpatrick for Decca Bolier Collection
By Decca
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The tables features panel Santos Rosewood tops set in frames of polished stainless steel. A very elegant design by Michael Kirkpatrick who is known...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 16.75 in Dm 24 in
1970s Italian Minimalist Set of Three Brass Smoked Glass Round Nesting Tables
By Banci
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Mid-Century Modern set of very functional nesting side tables attributed to Banci, hand crafted with very clean and modern design, original smoked grey glass, the hand made g...
Brass
Set of Nesting Tables “Isocele” by Max Sauze
By Max Sauze
Located in Vienna, AT
A striking set of minimalistic nesting tables by French artist Max Sauze. Very sculptural, yet unobtrusive presence. Black enameled steel wire frame with glass tops.
Steel