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
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Sterling Silver
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Paper
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Wood
2010s Korean Minimalist Furniture
Metal
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Oak
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Maple
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Pewter
19th Century English Antique Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Furniture
Eggshell
Late 20th Century Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Enamel
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Pine
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Linen, Ash, Wood, Velvet, Fabric, Cotton, Bouclé, Wool
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Wood
2010s Korean Minimalist Furniture
Textile, Cotton, Thread
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Sandstone
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Sheepskin, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Faux Leather, Faux Fur, Acrylic
2010s Indian Minimalist Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Sheepskin, Wool, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Faux Fur, Acrylic, Faux Leather
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Sheepskin, Wool, Mohair, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Faux Fur, Acrylic
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Spanish Minimalist Furniture
Marble
2010s Korean Minimalist Furniture
Textile, Cotton, Thread
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Ash
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Sheepskin, Wool, Mohair, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Faux Fur, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Steel
18th Century Antique Minimalist Furniture
Stone
20th Century Danish Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Mirror
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century Danish Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Steel
1960s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome





