For those who do not like houses that are particularly rich in objects and decorations, minimalist furniture is definitely an aesthetic style to consider.
It is characterized by a presence of elements reduced to the essential minimum, the simple lines of the forms and the soft, neutral colors. All these aspects linked together offer elegant, practical and functional environments.
The style of minimalist furniture
The first minimalist furniture design solutions made their debut in the 1960s. In this period, a hotbed of cultural and aesthetic revolutions, interior design also began to come up with new styles, in line with modern tastes and influenced by new trends.
The compositional options proposed by minimalist design remove the superfluous and leave room for a more pragmatic use of rooms. Excess and extravagance are banished and the home becomes contemporary and practical, with large, bright spaces and essential furnishings.
So let’s see in detail what are the characterizing features of the minimalist furniture ( click here to see some examples).
Order and space
The elements that make up minimal furniture are few and basic. Each object has its own function and precise position in the room, and participates in the minimal stylistic composition of the house.
The whole is made harmonious by a design with simple, understated lines. The overall dimensions are minimized and functional for practical use.
No sideboards or improbably shaped furniture, in the minimal style there is no room for exhibitionism and extravagance. Everything is reduced to the bare essentials: hanging furniture, walk-in closets, built-in beds, etc.
The result is larger spaces and a neat, clean-looking home.
Colours
In the minimal style, neutral colors are what give the room personality, as they highlight each piece of furniture, making it stand out.
White, taupe, pearl gray, brown, dark gray or black are the most popular colors; along with the natural colors of wood or stone.
Alternating light and dark colors can further enhance the harmony of the whole. For example, matching a dark gray table and light gray chairs, or vice versa.
The rooms feel cozy and warm, conveying comfort and a pleasant sense of relaxation.
Materials
All the distinguishing features of the minimalist style seen so far are also reflected in the choice of materials.
Popular products and effects include wood with a natural finish, resins, and concrete. Also popular is glass or crystal for tables, side tables and shelves, perhaps with some metal inserts.
And again: lacquered surfaces for doors and wardrobes, cotton fabrics for upholstery and curtains.
The walls of the living and sleeping area have a matte mural paint finish.
For flooring, continuous porcelain tile surfaces (wood effect, concrete, resin) are very popular.
While, for the bathroom and the kitchen, the floor and wall covering are often made of the same material.
The colors are those indicated above: neutral, not gaudy and with natural satin finishes.
Lighting
As we have said, in a minimalist environment, brightness is very important, as are the furniture elements. Already the choice of light colors amplifies natural light and makes the room brighter and more welcoming during the day.
Whereas, for the nighttime hours, in a minimalist décor, light points are represented by light bodies dedicated to specific areas. This creates a more intimate and comfortable atmosphere (the mall effect is also avoided).
For example, near the sofa we can place a long-stemmed lamp in natural wood or metal, elegant and simple in form. In other areas we can resort to recessed spotlights, such as the table, the cooktop, or the entrance. Led bars are also very popular, capable of illuminating portions of furniture elements (tops, bookcases, shelves, headboard bed, etc.) and further enhancing them.
Decorations
The motto less is more also finds its practical application when it comes to decorating a minimalist style home. That is, few elements but of good quality.
Decorations are superfluous by definition, so let us carefully select the elements we are going to introduce into the minimal setting, starting with the indispensable ones.
- Quads and posters. They are perhaps the objects that most represent our way of being and our personal tastes. A house without pictures looks uninhabited and does not convey the right warmth and coziness typical of a home environment. To maintain the minimal style, simply direct your choice toward objects with reduced or absent frames (e.g., open pictures), sober contents and neutral hues (e.g., black and white photos). If we have abounded with neutral colors for other items, it is not bad to experiment with a contrast with a Pop Art print.
- The clock. How can we do without a beautiful wall clock? Again, taste suggests large, elegant shapes, perhaps with a satin metal frame.
- Green. A house must have its green share, otherwise it would not be welcoming and pleasant to live in. An Anthurium plant is elegant and does not require too much care, as well as Kentia, Orchid, Ficus Benjamin and Spathiphyllum. As cut flowers, tulips and calla lilies are to be preferred.
- Drapes. To allow daylight to illuminate the entire room, it is best to opt for a natural light fabric (cotton, linen) and one tone darker or lighter than the color scheme chosen for the walls.
The advantages of minimalist furniture
We have seen what the characteristics of minimal furniture are and some ideas on how to achieve it.
To conclude, let’s see what are the advantages of minimal furniture.
Space and freedom of movement. With furniture reduced to a minimum and not bulky, we have more satiety available to move and relax.
Order and cleanliness. A more organized environment with few elements is also easier to keep tidy and clean.
Comfortable. As a result of the points just seen, the house will seem more welcoming, pleasant to see and live in, in every aspect.
If you are fascinated by minimalist and essential furniture, you might also be interested in the. scandinavian furniture .
