Minimalist Desk Accessories
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 European Minimalist Desk Accessories
Travertine, Marble
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Concrete
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Concrete
15th Century and Earlier African Antique Minimalist Desk Accessories
Wood
Late 20th Century Swedish Minimalist Desk Accessories
Crystal
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Desk Accessories
Bronze
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Soapstone
Early 2000s Canadian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Wood, Willow
2010s Italian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Metal
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Soapstone
2010s Italian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Marble
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Concrete
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Soapstone
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Concrete
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Soapstone
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Hemp
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Hemp
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Hemp
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Hemp
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Desk Accessories
Brass
20th Century French Minimalist Desk Accessories
Crystal
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Hemp
Mid-20th Century British Minimalist Desk Accessories
Aluminum, Wire
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Copper
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Steel
20th Century French Minimalist Desk Accessories
Bronze
1980s American Vintage Minimalist Desk Accessories
Metal
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Desk Accessories
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Travertine
1990s Italian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Plastic, Paper
2010s Italian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Brass
2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories
Hemp
2010s Canadian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Willow, Poplar
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Steel
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Wood
2010s Canadian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Willow, Wood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Steel
Early 2000s Canadian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Wood, Willow
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Wood
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Aluminum
2010s European Minimalist Desk Accessories
Concrete
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Aluminum
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Desk Accessories
Concrete