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.
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Wood
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Pottery
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Wood
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Paint
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1980s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Canvas, Acrylic
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Art Glass
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Pottery, Teak
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Plaster
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Glass, Wood, Paper
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Carrara Marble
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Chrome
1970s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century Turkish Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Iron
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Nickel
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Pottery
Late 20th Century Tibetan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1970s Spanish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
1980s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Pottery
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel, Chrome
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Pottery
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Velvet
1970s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Laminate, Teak
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Minimalist Furniture
Glass
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Formica, Pine
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Paper
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Paper
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal, Brass
1970s Scandinavian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Pine
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass
1970s German Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century Dutch Minimalist Furniture
Wood
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Paper
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Beech
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Metal
1990s American Minimalist Furniture
Steel
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Furniture
Granite, Steel
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Ceramic





