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 Italian Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
1970s Belgian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Lacquer
2010s Canadian Minimalist Furniture
Oak, Walnut
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Glass
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Earthenware
1980s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Canvas, Jute, Wood, Paint, Paper
1980s Japanese Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1930s Turkish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
2010s Korean Minimalist Furniture
Textile, Thread, Cotton
20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
1950s Finnish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Iron
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Brass
1950s Finnish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Zinc
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Walnut
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
20th Century Canadian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Wool, Sheepskin, Bouclé, Cotton, Jacquard, Velvet, Faux Fur
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Plastic
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Asian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
1980s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Early 2000s Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Steel
Early 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Marble
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Oceanic Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1960s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Mid-20th Century Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Foam, Linen, Cotton, Felt, Sheepskin, Fabric, Acrylic, Faux Fur, Ve...
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Paint
Late 20th Century Danish Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Glass





