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Minimalist decor style takes its inspiration from art and architecture. The founders of minimalism were artists – their movement, De Stijl, had simplicity at its core. And the term was later made popular in the 1960s, being used to describe a prominent sculptural style. Now, it refers to one of design’s most popular interior choices – characterised by functional, open-plan spaces. Minimalist homes are pared-back, from their colour palette to the type and volume of furniture used in the space. And even the shapes seen in minimalist homes head back-to-basics: the clean lines of squares, rectangles and geometric patterns are favoured over fancier florals and flowing forms. Minimalist decor is used to create a calming, quiet environment – and this harmony comes courtesy of boundaryless rooms that flow into each other. These open spaces are kept free from clutter – in minimalism, less is definitely more. If you’re looking to create your own zen, minimalist home, the living room’s an easy place to start. And our best tips on how to create a minimalist living room are below, to help you get started.
If you’re choosing a minimal living room chair, get your minimal decor inspiration from the look’s structured approach. Think basic shapes like squares and rectangles, and go for styles that follow the format. This designer armchairhas an angular design, in powder-coated metal and leather. A mid-century chair with metal details is another great option. Or, if you’re looking to add colour to your otherwise muted space, go for an accent chair in one block colour, like this two-part yellow lounge chair. when it comes to filling your living room: less is more. Pick one investment accent chair instead of a few smaller ones – you’ll get a chair that makes a bigger style statement, and it’ll give your other furniture more room to breathe.
To achieve a minimalist living room, accessories should have a purpose: go for functional, and not just fun, like a designer alarm clock. They make your room more practical, adding to the space’s calm energy without making it feel busy. A few well-chosen accessories can also be a great way to incorporate minimalist decor style’s metallic accents and geometric shapes – especially if you’re not ready to invest in more expensive, statement pieces. This hammered gold vase is simple and standout, without detracting from the rest of your room. And you’ll need somewhere to display it – avoid cluttering up surfaces of furniture and invest in a minimal shelf. This marble shelf will make your room feel more intentionally put together, another tenet of minimalist decor style.
When it comes to tables – like coffee tables or side tables – take minimalist decor inspiration from the functional origins of this interior style, and consider concrete and marble pieces. Choosing working materials will add to your living room’s minimal look – they’re functional forms. And they come in minimal monochrome shades, like this round, white marble table. If you’re planning to create a reading corner, or just need subtle extra seating, choose a clean-lined, slim dining chair, placed next to a simple black marble side table.
Take a quick look at Pinterest for minimalist living room inspiration and you’ll see that this space is often open-plan – it’s more functional and makes for a harmonious and peaceful room. If your living room is open-plan, a basic white rug can help create natural separation between the room’s areas without distracting the eye – or disrupting the line of the room. But a minimalist living room doesn’t have to feel or look cold – a simple monochrome throw or black and white cushion, or textiles in block primary shades like a blue throw, help cosy up leather armchairs or structured sofas. Just avoid anything too patterned to make sure your look remains pared-back.
To achieve maximal minimalism, let ample light into your space. In architecture, minimal homes are traditionally designed with large windows to let in lots of natural light. Recreate this look in your minimalist living room by adding statement lighting – either a white glass table lamp placed on an otherwise uncluttered side table. Or something more dramatic, like a large industrial lamp with a metallic shade. But be careful: make this your room’s main statement piece to avoid taking it from minimal to all-out industrial.
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