Despite what most people think, you can have minimalist home decor that is not sterile, but modern and cozy. In our minimalist space, minimalist decor helps us feel less anxious and less overwhelmed. Our minimalist decor makes the things we truly love the focal point of our home.
People will shun the thought of a minimalistic home decor approach, but when surveyed, 59% of people prefer a clean and minimal design that’s calm, simple, and purposeful.
Minimalist style is often thought of as bare essentials: white walls, empty space, and no personal style. On the contrary. A minimalist room can be just the items you need, but then a coffee table that is functional and that you love.
There really isn’t anything better than a statement piece. Sometimes the statement pieces are throw pillows. We’ll get into that.
We truly believe that our transition to our minimalist lifestyle has enabled us a much better quality of life. Whether you are working with small spaces, a one-bedroom apartment, or a coastal bungalow like ours, we have plenty of ideas for you to give your home sanctuary a minimalist look, and a sense of calm.
You can read more about our journey to minimalism here.
45 Minimalist Home Decor Ideas
A minimalist design is often referred to by interior designers as an open floor plan, lots of natural light, and a monochromatic color palette. Minimalist interiors focus on omitting unnecessary details, focusing on white space and simple design. We like to think of it as living with less so we can focus on what is important in life.
Here are 45 minimalist home decor ideas that you can implement into your minimalist interior design yourself.
1. Declutter
Start by getting rid of items you don’t use, that are not functional, or that you do not love. Try our free 30-day declutter challenge to get started.
2. Multi-functional furniture
Invest in pieces that serve more than one purpose. A popular example is a bench that you can sit on and store items in. By purchasing items that have dual purposes, you save money and space.
//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js3. Neutral color palette
Stick to whites, grays, and earth tones for a calm atmosphere. Our bungalow is painted in the lightest shade of a coastal blue. It presents a calming environment, while also allowing a light airy feel.
4. Houseplants
Bring nature indoors with low-maintenance plants. Plants are a great way to decorate your space and bring benefits to you in your sanctuary. We made sure to be mindful of the coastal plants that would be perfect for our minimalist home.
5. Natural light
Keep window treatments minimal to let in as much light as possible. If you have window treatments, open them first thing in the morning to allow the natural light to lift your mood.
6. Open shelving
Display essentials neatly and avoid cluttered cabinets. Clutter hides in closed areas.
7. Baskets and bins
Use these to corral items like blankets, toys, and magazines.
8. Wall-mounted storage
Maximize floor space with shelves or hooks for hats, bags, and keys. When we first downsized and lived in a 500-square-foot tiny home, everything was wall-mounted or was stored that way. We needed to utilize as much space as we could.
9. Simple cozy bedding
Opt for clean lines and natural materials and fabrics for a serene bedroom. We have our crisp white Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets and Duvet Cover. It allows us to have a sustainable and serene environment. A minimalist bedroom allows for better sleep, too. You can read more on How to Create a Cozy Minimalist Bedroom on a Budget.
If you are interested in sustainable bedding for your home, you can shop at Cozy Earth and use code: CE-ARNER to save 30% off of your purchase.
10. Area rugs
Define spaces and add warmth without overwhelming the room. We used to boycott rugs until we found Ruggable. They have beautiful and fun colors, but the best part of Ruggable? They are washable! The Rainbow Rug is our fave, and it also makes a statement.
11. Statement piece
Choose one focal point to pop. It could be the Rainbow Ruggable, but it could also be your large plant in your room, like our Francois, the Fiddle Leaf Fig. It can also be fun throw pillows.
12. Task lighting
One of the things Interior Designer Alvin Wayne told us as a helpful hint for small spaces is to use task lighting. Simple designs keep the focus on the space you need to the light, without being overbearing.
13. Foldable furniture
Ideal for small spaces, these pieces can be tucked away when not in use. We use these that serve as end tables for our drinks, laptop stands, or whatever we want them for. The tray part on top can be used for our outdoor nosh for when Gerry makes his famous charcuterie boards.
14. Texture is good
Add textured cushions, throws, and rugs for a cozy and comfortable feel.
15. Personalized Art
Create your own minimalist artwork with simple shapes or patterns, or have a piece commissioned. We love the watercolor art of our sweet Betty White who passed. It was a gift and lovingly complements our space.
16. Monochrome gallery wall
Display black and white photos or artwork for a cohesive look.
Embrace clean lines, light woods, and cozy textiles.
18. Curtain alternatives
Consider using blinds or sheer panels for privacy without bulk. Our large paneled blinds are easy to push up and pull down at night.
19. Clear surfaces
Keep countertops and tabletops clutter-free for a calming effect.
20. Less furniture
Resist the urge to overcrowd rooms with unnecessary pieces.
21. Modular storage
Customize storage solutions to fit your space and needs. Our IKEA stackable shoe storage provides the perfect, sleek storage for our clothes.
22. Floor cushions
Provide extra seating without adding bulky chairs. We have these jute poufs that we use as footstools but also serve as extra seating.
//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js23. Natural Clean Scents
Create a soothing atmosphere with natural scents by using 100% natural soy candles from Southern Oak Artisan. We use these year-round, alternating scents based on our mood for the season. Use code: ADVENTURE to save 10% on your Southern Oak Artisan order.
24. Minimalist Dinnerware
Stick to a simple, coordinated set that you need. You don’t need a place setting for 6 if you only have 2 people in your home.
25. Digital decluttering
Streamline your technology and hide cords for a cleaner look. We learned this tip from Caroline Roberts, a Certified Kon Mari Consultant, and professional organizer from The Simplified Island. She was on our podcast if you want to check out that conversation.
26. Marie Kondo-inspired organization
Speaking of the Kon Mari Method, keep only items that spark joy and find a designated place for each one. Our pup, Betty White’s ashes are in a white rainbow piece of artwork that also homes a bromeliad. It allows us to feel her with us while providing joy to our space.
27. Use sustainable materials
Opt for eco-friendly furniture and decor whenever possible. It just brings good vibes to your environment.
28. Minimalist kitchenware
Invest in high-quality basics that serve multiple purposes. You don’t need the ice cream scoop if you use it once/year. A large spoon will work just fine. A large glass measuring bowl of ours often serves as a storage or mixing bowl.
29. Multipurpose Appliances
We’ve talked for years about how we use our toaster oven for most of our cooking. Well, we have invested in a toaster oven that not only bakes, is a toaster, but also an air fryer. When you have one item that does all of that, you don’t need multiple appliances.
//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js30. Foldable dining table
Perfect for small spaces, these tables can be expanded when needed. For the longest time, we used our foldable ping pong table as our dining table. We just put a white tablecloth on it.
31. Negative space
Allow areas of your home to remain empty for visual rest. You don’t have to put something in a space just because it is empty. Open spaces are aesthetically pleasing and calming.
32. Sliding doors
Save space and add privacy with sliding barn doors or pocket doors.
33. Minimalist desk setup
Keep your workspace clutter-free with only the essentials. Check out the Top 10 Best Desk Chairs for Small Spaces. Having a workspace you love doesn’t mean taking up a ton of room.
34. Repurpose a keepsake item
If you have an item that brings your heart joy but doesn’t serve the purpose it once had, consider using it for something else. For example, we have a treat jar that we had for our dogs who have passed. We removed the lid and it now stores our kitchen utensils. You could use something like this as a planter.
Keep items that bring a smile to your face, but consider them being used in your everyday life.
35. Reconsider your bedside table
You don’t have to have a bedside table. Did you know that our bedside table accumulates more dust and bacteria than just about anything else in your home? It sits beside your head and you breathe that in. Rid of the table. Bring your book and readers to bed then put them up before going to sleep.
36. Table for Coffee?
Speaking of things we think we have to have, you don’t need your coffee table. If you have a dog or children, you may want to think about getting rid of yours. We haven’t had one since we downsized and haven’t missed it. We love having the clean, open space. Again, no rules to your household. You don’t have to have anything,
37. Do as the Danish Do
Embracing hygge does not mean you need a bunch of cozy items in your home, but the Danes know how to have a happy lifestyle that is functional and cozy. The hygge lifestyle is all about keeping only the things that are meaningful, serve a purpose, and have a welcoming nature.
38. Large Mirror
Mirrors offer a ton of illusions to your small space. When you place a floor mirror, or another large mirror in a space, it also uses natural light to illuminate the area. Our large mirror makes our small living room look much better. Plus, it serves a dual purpose when we actually need a large mirror to see ourselves.
39. Wall mount that TV
That may seem obvious, but we’ve seen a lot of televisions that are sitting on large media consoles. Buy a wall-mounting kit and DIY it, or if you are uncomfortable with that, hire someone to do it. When you mount your TV, you can get rid of the console that only takes up room.
40. Use streaming for music and your fireplace.
Many of us don’t have an actual fireplace, but we love the sound it makes. Use your TV to stream a fireplace. Use it for streaming music, too, so you don’t need to have a separate stereo system, or Bluetooth device, other than your tv.
41. Develop habits and systems
While this may not seem like a minimalist decor idea, it is. Make a habit of removing cups, laptops, or whatever else is in a room it shouldn’t be in when you are finished using it. Do you use your living room as a yoga space? Fabulous! Put the yoga mat up when you are done. You can use a basket in the room to roll it up and store it. Coffee cups, mail, or other items do not lend to a calm minimalist design.
42. Extend the design approach to your outdoor space
Sure, this is a blog post on minimalist home decor, but that is also your outdoor space. Having a minimalist approach, using many of the ideas we’ve mentioned, is a great way to enjoy your front porch, back patio, or even your balcony.
When you have a minimal interior design, you will probably find yourself spending more time outside, anyway.
43. Use your environment as your inspiration
Before we moved to the coast, we didn’t have a coastal design at all. We used Surf Shack: Laid Back Living by the Water as our inspiration. The entire book showcases people, mainly surfers, who have small spaces by the water. Their interior reflects what they love about their coastal environment.
You can do that with your area. Reflect on what you love about your community and showcase that in your design.
44. Keep it clean
Just because there aren’t a lot of things, or clutter, doesn’t mean it’s clean. Be sure to clean your space. It provides a healthier home space where you will find joy.
45. Have a decluttering schedule
Items will trickle in. We promise. Make a habit of regularly going through your items and either sell, donate, or gift to someone who would want them. We have our Declutter 365 which has a task every day for you to keep the clutter out of your home.
Rules of Thumb in Minimalist Home Decor
We don’t like to say there are rules when it comes to a minimalist lifestyle. We certainly don’t want to put restrictions on your home sanctuary. However, if you are looking to follow the design of a minimalist-designed space, you should always consider the following rules of thumb.
- Maximize storage
- Embrace clean lines
- Invest in quality not quantity
- Create a neutral base
- Play with texture
Minimalism is Not Sterile
We learned early on that our minimalist lifestyle is not defined. We have our cozy minimalist areas and appreciate items that bring us joy. The concept of minimalism is not to have a sterile space. The simple way to embrace it is to be able to walk into your living space and breathe easily. It includes clutter-free living, and not having unnecessary items.
You may be interested in learning more about how to create a Hygge Environment in Your Minimalist Home.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
We’d like to think that this entire blog post showed you that you can do almost all of it on a budget. We recommend investing in quality over quality, but many of these ideas are free, or low cost.
Minimalist decor can be easily mixed with other styles to create a personalized look that you love. Whether you choose Scandinavian, industrial, or bohemian styles, there are no rules. It’s mainly about maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
Yes! You can use these same ideas for your office. If it is in your home, create a minimal work-from-home space. If you go to an office, you can implement the colors, furniture, plants, etc. into that environment. A minimalist approach to your workspace helps with creativity and productivity.
