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.
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Granite, Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Jute
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Plaster
2010s Greek Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Japanese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Composition, Stainless Steel
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Cowhide, Oak
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Stone
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Animal Skin
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Cotton, Linen, Acrylic, Polyester
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1990s Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Plywood
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Paper
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Early 2000s German Minimalist Furniture
Birch, Plywood
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Reclaimed Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1960s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool, Foam, Wenge
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Beech
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Walnut
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Blown Glass
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1960s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Felt, Synthetic, Cord, Wood
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Furniture
Jute
Early 2000s American Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Walnut, Wood
2010s Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Oak
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Late 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Textile, Wool, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Paint
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Walnut





