Minimalist Seating
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 Ukrainian Minimalist Seating
Cotton, Ash, Wood, Linen, Fabric, Velvet, Bouclé, Wool
2010s American Minimalist Seating
Velvet, Fiberglass
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Seating
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel
Late 20th Century Dutch Minimalist Seating
Metal
2010s Mexican Minimalist Seating
Wood, Oak
Mid-20th Century African Minimalist Seating
Wood
1950s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Seating
Leather, Pine
2010s American Minimalist Seating
Maple
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Seating
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Seating
Paint, Oak, Plywood
2010s Italian Minimalist Seating
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Minimalist Seating
Gold Leaf
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Seating
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Faux Fur, Wood, Ash
2010s Argentine Minimalist Seating
Wood
Mid-20th Century Swedish Minimalist Seating
Oak
2010s French Minimalist Seating
Oak, Leather
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Seating
Linen, Ash, Wood, Acrylic, Faux Fur, Velvet, Fabric, Cotton, Bouclé, Wool
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Seating
Pine
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Seating
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Faux Fur, Wood, Ash
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Seating
Cotton, Ash, Wood, Faux Fur, Velvet, Fabric, Bouclé, Wool
2010s Belgian Minimalist Seating
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Minimalist Seating
Rush, Pine
2010s Mexican Minimalist Seating
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Minimalist Seating
Metal
2010s Mexican Minimalist Seating
Wood, Oak
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Seating
Metal, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Seating
Aluminum
20th Century Turkish Minimalist Seating
Wool, Goat Hair
2010s Belgian Minimalist Seating
Aluminum
1970s Czech Vintage Minimalist Seating
Beech, Bentwood
2010s Belgian Minimalist Seating
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Seating
Plaster
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Minimalist Seating
Stone, Steel
2010s Asian Minimalist Seating
Oak
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Fabric, Nylon, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Seating
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Seating
Upholstery, Wood
1960s German Vintage Minimalist Seating
Stainless Steel, Chrome
2010s Mexican Minimalist Seating
Wood, Oak
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Seating
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Seating
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s American Minimalist Seating
Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Wood
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Seating
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Seating
Wool, Linen, Foam, Wood
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Seating
Steel
1920s Vintage Minimalist Seating
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
2010s Spanish Minimalist Seating
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Seating
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Seating
Velvet
2010s Italian Minimalist Seating
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Seating
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary French Minimalist Seating
Fabric
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Seating
Brass, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Seating
Rattan
Minimalist seating for sale on 1stDibs.
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