Minimalist Sofas
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.
2010s British Minimalist Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Plywood, Feathers
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Fabric, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Sofas
Leather
2010s British Minimalist Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Plywood, Feathers
1960s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Metal
1980s French Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Bronze
2010s American Minimalist Sofas
Wool, Wood, Textile
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Sofas
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Minimalist Sofas
Wool, Linen, Foam, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Minimalist Sofas
Bronze
1970s Swedish Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Fabric, Pine
20th Century Minimalist Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Sofas
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Sofas
Iron
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century German Minimalist Sofas
Leather
2010s French Minimalist Sofas
Velvet, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Down
1950s Dutch Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Sofas
Palmwood, Leather
1960s German Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Steel
2010s Belgian Minimalist Sofas
Aluminum
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Steel, Chrome
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Sofas
Fabric, Nylon, Wood
2010s Belgian Minimalist Sofas
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Minimalist Sofas
Steel
2010s Canadian Minimalist Sofas
Upholstery
2010s South African Minimalist Sofas
Brass
Late 20th Century Minimalist Sofas
Steel
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Leather, Fabric
2010s American Minimalist Sofas
Wood
20th Century Minimalist Sofas
Leather
2010s South African Minimalist Sofas
Stainless Steel
1980s German Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Steel, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Minimalist Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Sofas
Chrome
2010s South African Minimalist Sofas
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Sofas
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Sofas
Wood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Sofas
Steel