Minimalist Wall Decorations
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 Dutch Minimalist Wall Decorations
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Canvas, Wood, Paint
2010s Mexican Minimalist Wall Decorations
Tourmaline, Quartz, Onyx, Carnelian, Amethyst, Agate, Stone, Brass
20th Century American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Wall Decorations
Concrete
2010s Italian Minimalist Wall Decorations
Concrete
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Canvas, Paint
1990s French Minimalist Wall Decorations
Paper
1960s American Vintage Minimalist Wall Decorations
Metal
1960s North American Vintage Minimalist Wall Decorations
Acrylic, Paper
2010s French Minimalist Wall Decorations
Concrete
1770s French Antique Minimalist Wall Decorations
Paper
2010s Mexican Minimalist Wall Decorations
Stone, Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Onyx, Quartz, Tourmaline, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Latvian Minimalist Wall Decorations
Marble, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Wall Decorations
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Canvas, Paint
2010s Mexican Minimalist Wall Decorations
Tourmaline, Quartz, Onyx, Carnelian, Amethyst, Agate, Stone, Brass
2010s American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Wood
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Wall Decorations
Paint, Paper
Mid-19th Century French Antique Minimalist Wall Decorations
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Minimalist Wall Decorations
Steel
2010s French Minimalist Wall Decorations
Concrete, Gold Leaf
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Wall Decorations
Paint, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Cement, Concrete, Metal, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Wall Decorations
Concrete
1960s British Vintage Minimalist Wall Decorations
Acrylic
Early 2000s American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Canvas, Acrylic
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Wall Decorations
Paper
2010s American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Glass, Acrylic, Wood, Paint, Paper
2010s French Minimalist Wall Decorations
Concrete
2010s French Minimalist Wall Decorations
Metal
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Wall Decorations
Hardwood
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Wall Decorations
Paper
1980s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Wall Decorations
Canvas, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Cement, Concrete, Metal, Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Wall Decorations
Tourmaline, Quartz, Onyx, Carnelian, Amethyst, Agate, Stone, Brass
Late 19th Century American Antique Minimalist Wall Decorations
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Wall Decorations
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Wall Decorations
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Concrete, Cement, Metal, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Cement, Concrete, Metal, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Cement, Concrete, Metal, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Cement, Concrete, Metal, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Cement, Concrete, Metal, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Wall Decorations
Stainless Steel
2010s Swedish Minimalist Wall Decorations
Carrara Marble, Cut Steel
Mid-20th Century North American Minimalist Wall Decorations
Glass, Paper
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Wall Decorations
Brass
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Wall Decorations
Brass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Wall Decorations
Stone, Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Onyx, Quartz, Tourmaline, Brass
1950s German Vintage Minimalist Wall Decorations
Canvas
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Wall Decorations
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Wall Decorations
Stainless Steel
1950s Vintage Minimalist Wall Decorations
Canvas, Paint
Mid-19th Century French Antique Minimalist Wall Decorations
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Minimalist Wall Decorations
Stainless Steel