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.
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
20th Century Danish Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary South African Minimalist Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass, Resin
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Canvas, Jute, Wood, Paint, Paper
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Marble
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Animal Skin, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Korean Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1950s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s South American Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble, Steel
1970s Unknown Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Stainless Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Acrylic, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Stone
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Mid-20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Angora
2010s Greek Minimalist Furniture
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Iron
2010s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Other
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Minimalist Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Chrome
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Blown Glass
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Other
Early 2000s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Birch
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Iron
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic, Glass
Late 20th Century British Minimalist Furniture
Birch
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Wood, Paper
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Steel
20th Century Danish Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Cement, Limestone, Stainless Steel, Steel
Late 20th Century Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Oak





