Minimalist Boxes
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 Turkish Minimalist Boxes
Cedar
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Boxes
Glass
Late 20th Century Minimalist Boxes
Stone
1990s Philippine Minimalist Boxes
Wood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Macedonian Minimalist Boxes
Walnut
2010s English Minimalist Boxes
Brass
2010s Minimalist Boxes
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Boxes
Iron
2010s Minimalist Boxes
Ceramic, Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Boxes
Iron
2010s English Minimalist Boxes
Brass
2010s English Minimalist Boxes
Brass
2010s English Minimalist Boxes
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Boxes
Iron
2010s English Minimalist Boxes
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Boxes
Iron
20th Century Minimalist Boxes
Wood, Burl
20th Century Minimalist Boxes
Wood, Burl
20th Century Moroccan Minimalist Boxes
Wood, Burl
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Boxes
Brass
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Boxes
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Boxes
Ceramic
1990s Swedish Minimalist Boxes
Sterling Silver
1940s French Vintage Minimalist Boxes
Shell, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Boxes
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Boxes
Brass
Early 20th Century British Minimalist Boxes
Shagreen
2010s Unknown Minimalist Boxes
Malachite
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Boxes
Brass
19th Century Russian Antique Minimalist Boxes
Brass
2010s Unknown Minimalist Boxes
Malachite
20th Century Minimalist Boxes
Stone
Mid-20th Century Minimalist Boxes
Wood, Burl
Late 19th Century Antique Minimalist Boxes
Brass
1990s Japanese Minimalist Boxes
Glass
20th Century Asian Minimalist Boxes
Cast Stone, Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Boxes
Brass
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Boxes
Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Boxes
Bronze
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Boxes
Brass
20th Century European Minimalist Boxes
Wood, Burl
2010s Italian Minimalist Boxes
Marble
2010s Italian Minimalist Boxes
Oak
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Boxes
Wood, Burl
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Boxes
Marble
Late 20th Century Minimalist Boxes
Burl
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Boxes
Acrylic, Lucite