Minimalist Textiles
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.
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Textiles
Cotton, Linen
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Textiles
Cotton, Linen
2010s American Minimalist Textiles
Textile, Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Textiles
Linen
2010s American Minimalist Textiles
Fabric, Upholstery
2010s American Minimalist Textiles
Velvet, Wool
20th Century Minimalist Textiles
Wool, Cotton, Foam
2010s American Minimalist Textiles
Fur
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Minimalist Textiles
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary North American Minimalist Textiles
Linen
2010s American Minimalist Textiles
Fur
2010s Indian Minimalist Textiles
Wool
2010s Indian Minimalist Textiles
Wool
20th Century Turkish Minimalist Textiles
Wool
2010s Italian Minimalist Textiles
Linen
2010s Mexican Minimalist Textiles
Leather
2010s Japanese Minimalist Textiles
Paper
20th Century Minimalist Textiles
Cotton, Foam, Wool
2010s American Minimalist Textiles
Fur
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Textiles
Wool, Cotton, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Textiles
Mohair, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Textiles
Wool, Cotton, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Textiles
Wool, Cotton, Foam
2010s Mexican Minimalist Textiles
Leather
2010s Mexican Minimalist Textiles
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Minimalist Textiles
Linen
2010s Mexican Minimalist Textiles
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Textiles
Wool, Cotton, Foam
20th Century Turkish Minimalist Textiles
Wool
Early 2000s Caucasian Minimalist Textiles
Wool
Mid-20th Century Persian Minimalist Textiles
Wool
2010s Minimalist Textiles
Wool, Cotton, Foam
20th Century Turkish Minimalist Textiles
Hemp, Foam
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Textiles
Wool, Cotton, Foam
20th Century Turkish Minimalist Textiles
Wool