Less is more

Meaning

Simplicity can be better than excess.

Usage

Used when advocating restraint.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Robert Browning used it in 'Andrea del Sarto' (1855); the architect Mies van der Rohe later made it famous.

Mies popularised it in the 20th century.