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.
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Wood
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel, Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Glass
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Copper
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Beech, Lacquer
1950s Moroccan Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Romanian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1960s Swiss Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Teak
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Iron
Late 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Angora, Wool
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Gold Leaf
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Hemp
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s Lithuanian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Marble
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1980s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Crystal, Rock Crystal
Mid-20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Wire, Aluminum
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Steel
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s North Korean Minimalist Furniture
Textile, Cotton, Thread
2010s North Korean Minimalist Furniture
Textile, Cotton, Thread
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1930s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Romanian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Granite
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Upholstery
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Cotton, Wool
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Cedar
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Steel