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.
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Ash, Cherry, Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary German Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood
Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Fiberglass
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Chrome, Metal
18th Century Belgian Antique Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Belgian Minimalist Furniture
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary British Minimalist Furniture
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist Furniture
Concrete
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Furniture
Elm
1990s Italian Minimalist Furniture
Stoneware
2010s Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s Moroccan Minimalist Furniture
Wool
1980s Danish Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Hardwood
1970s Italian Vintage Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Chrome
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Oak
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Minimalist Furniture
Walnut
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s European Minimalist Furniture
Crystal, Brass, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Travertine, Marble
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Furniture
Marble, Brass
2010s British Minimalist Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Sheet Metal, Brass, Bro...
2010s Mexican Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Teak
Late 20th Century Indian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Furniture
Elm
Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Furniture
Silver Plate
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Ash
2010s French Minimalist Furniture
Fabric, Plaster
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Oak
Late 20th Century German Minimalist Furniture
Brass, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Poplar, Burl
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary New Zealand Minimalist Furniture
Bronze
2010s Swedish Minimalist Furniture
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Minimalist Furniture
Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Wood, Burl, Poplar
2010s American Minimalist Furniture
Crystal
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Poplar, Burl
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Furniture
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Lacquer
2010s South African Minimalist Furniture
Burl, Poplar, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Furniture
Steel