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.
Mid-19th Century Thai Antique Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Terracotta, Wool
1950s Gabonese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Aluminum, Brass
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Baltic Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Oak, Pine
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Wood
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Limestone, Composition, Cement
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Wood
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Tulipwood
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Pine
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Minimalist Furniture
Paint
1920s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Acrylic
2010s Indian Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Danish Minimalist Furniture
Teak
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Wood
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Bouclé, Wood
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Wood
1970s European Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Bouclé, Wood
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Wood
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Bouclé
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Wood
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Wood
1970s European Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Nickel, Iron
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Hemp
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Limestone, Composition
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1950s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal