Minimalist Shelves
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 Swedish Minimalist Shelves
Ash
2010s Swedish Minimalist Shelves
Ash, Oak
2010s Swedish Minimalist Shelves
Oak, Ash
2010s Swedish Minimalist Shelves
Ash, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s German Minimalist Shelves
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s Swedish Minimalist Shelves
Oak, Ash
2010s Swedish Minimalist Shelves
Oak, Ash
1980s Italian Vintage Minimalist Shelves
Wood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s Swedish Minimalist Shelves
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
1960s Italian Vintage Minimalist Shelves
Brass, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary North American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Wood, Cherry, Maple, Walnut
2010s American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Shelves
Lacquer, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Shelves
Steel
1970s American Vintage Minimalist Shelves
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Shelves
Steel
20th Century Minimalist Shelves
Plexiglass
1970s French Vintage Minimalist Shelves
Steel, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Shelves
Steel, Zinc
2010s American Minimalist Shelves
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Shelves
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Shelves
Stainless Steel
2010s American Minimalist Shelves
Aluminum
2010s Swedish Minimalist Shelves
Ash, Oak
2010s Swedish Minimalist Shelves
Ash, Oak
2010s French Minimalist Shelves
Oak, Lacquer
1990s American Minimalist Shelves
Steel
2010s British Minimalist Shelves
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Sheet Metal, Brass, Bro...
2010s British Minimalist Shelves
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
2010s British Minimalist Shelves
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Shelves
Wood