Minimalist Benches
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 American Minimalist Benches
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Travertine, Marble, Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Benches
Lucite
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Fiberglass
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Walnut
2010s Italian Minimalist Benches
Birch, Plywood, Walnut
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Ash, Oak, Walnut
2010s Belgian Minimalist Benches
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s Chinese Minimalist Benches
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Benches
Steel
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Walnut
2010s Asian Minimalist Benches
Oak
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Oak, Walnut
2010s Mexican Minimalist Benches
Wood
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Benches
Travertine, Marble, Brass, Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Benches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Benches
Leather, Wood
2010s Italian Minimalist Benches
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
2010s Mexican Minimalist Benches
Wood, Oak
2010s Mexican Minimalist Benches
Wood, Oak
2010s Turkish Minimalist Benches
Wood, Oak
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Benches
Resin, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Benches
Leather, Wood
2010s Asian Minimalist Benches
Ash
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Marble, Steel
2010s Swiss Minimalist Benches
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Benches
Oak
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Benches
Pine
1960s Vintage Minimalist Benches
Pine
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Benches
Steel
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Benches
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Benches
Fiberglass, Resin
2010s European Minimalist Benches
Fiberglass
2010s Mexican Minimalist Benches
Wood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Benches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Benches
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Asian Minimalist Benches
Oak
2010s Italian Minimalist Benches
Oak, Plywood, Birch
Mid-20th Century Minimalist Benches
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Benches
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Belgian Minimalist Benches
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
20th Century Italian Minimalist Benches
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Benches
Fiberglass, Resin
2010s Italian Minimalist Benches
Birch, Plywood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Minimalist Benches
Steel
2010s British Minimalist Benches
Fiberglass
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Oak
2010s Italian Minimalist Benches
Walnut
2010s French Minimalist Benches
Metal
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Benches
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
2010s British Minimalist Benches
Fiberglass
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Benches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Minimalist Benches
Oak
Late 20th Century Minimalist Benches
Pine