Minimalist Footstools
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 American Minimalist Footstools
Bentwood
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Footstools
Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Brass, Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Footstools
Steel, Brass
2010s American Minimalist Footstools
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Footstools
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Footstools
Aluminum
1960s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Footstools
Brass
1960s French Vintage Minimalist Footstools
Leather, Wood
1880s English Antique Minimalist Footstools
Upholstery
20th Century English Minimalist Footstools
Leather
20th Century English Minimalist Footstools
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Footstools
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s German Minimalist Footstools
Aluminum, Cut Steel
1860s English Antique Minimalist Footstools
Leather, Mahogany
1860s English Antique Minimalist Footstools
Leather, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Footstools
Wood
1980s English Vintage Minimalist Footstools
Fabric, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
1990s American Minimalist Footstools
Leather
2010s Italian Minimalist Footstools
Iron