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.
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Terracotta, Wool
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Stoneware
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Glass
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Velvet, Foam
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Indian Minimalist Furniture
Copper, Zinc, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
Early 2000s Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Teak, Walnut
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Early 2000s Hungarian Minimalist Furniture
Walnut, Birch
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Zinc
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Walnut
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Carrara Marble
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Cement
18th Century Nepalese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Cypress
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1970s Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Upholstery
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Linen, Ash, Wood, Acrylic, Faux Fur, Fabric, Cotton, Wool
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Limestone, Composition, Cement, Concrete, Stainless Steel
20th Century Indian Minimalist Furniture
Teak, Upholstery, Cane
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Faux Leather, Faux Fur, Ac...
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Teak
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Acrylic, Wood
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Lacquer, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Minimalist Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Limestone, Concrete, Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Stainless Steel
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Beech
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Plywood
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Stainless Steel
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Silver
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Beech, Plywood, Walnut
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Foam, Plywood, Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Plastic
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Alabaster, Brass
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Stainless Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone





