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Found ii Side Table No.4 by a Space
Located in Geneve, CH
experimentation and ultimately manifest as a functional art piece. Each object is a one-of-a-kind creation that
Category

2010s American Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Found II Side Table No.6 by A Space
Located in Geneve, CH
these functional works of art take. It consists of 10 one-of-a-kind objects that are cut from a single
Category

2010s American Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel, Gold Leaf

Found ii Side Table No.3 by a Space
Located in Geneve, CH
experimentation and ultimately manifest as a functional art piece. Each object is a one-of-a-kind creation that
Category

2010s American Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Set of 4 Rainer Daumiller Dining Chairs in Pine for Hirtshals Sawmill, Denmark
By Hirtshals Savvaerk, Rainer Daumiller
Located in Almelo, NL
pinewood chairs is a perfect example of functional art in furniture. Increasingly sought after by
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Pine

Contemporary Teak and Brass Dining Table with Glass top by Studio Melrose
By Studio Melrose
Located in Brooklyn, NY
, they are functional art in your home. If you love to host and eat beautifully, this is the one for you.
Category

2010s American Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Brass

Totemic Sculptural Candelabra ECCLESIO, Organic Bionic Design, Recycled Paper
By Pavel Vishnevsky
Located in Milano, IT
Far East, based in Milan. Pavel crafts functional art objects from recycled materials, primarily paper
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Paper

Biomorphic Voronoi Wall Sconce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Our Biomorphic Voronoi Wall Sconce is a testament to the beauty of functional art. Featuring a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sc...

Materials

Brass

ROSTOK Contemporary Floor Lamp, Black, Limited edition, Organic Bionic Design
By Pavel Vishnevsky
Located in Milano, IT
, inspired by organic structures and natural growth, merging art and functionality into a sculptural
Category

2010s Russian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Fiberglass, Paper

J. Dunklebarger Organic Modern Studio Craft Bentwood Asymmetrical Abstract Bench
Located in Deland, FL
very definition of "functional art". Featuring exquisite woodgrains throughout, painted in a
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Benches

Materials

Bentwood, Paint

Vintage Regency French Majolica Lobster Plate
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
between functional tableware and fine art sculpture. A magnificent focal point for a wall display or a
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Art Nouveau Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Mathieu Matégot Metal Black and White Bookstand for Artimeta, 1956
By Mathieu Matégot, Tomado, Artimeta
Located in DE MEERN, NL
in France, has been a pioneer in producing exquisite pieces of functional art since its inception
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Dot Dresser, Modern Bleached Oak Dresser w/ Sphere Detail Metal Plinth
By Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
masterpiece of functional art is equipped with eight touch latch/soft close drawers, ensuring smooth and
Category

2010s American Modern Cabinets

Materials

Oak

19th Century Belgian Mahogany Tilt-Top Table with Romantic Tapestry Panel
Located in Antwerp, BE
exquisite 19th-century Belgian table is a rare example of functional art, combining romantic textile work
Category

Antique 19th Century Belgian Biedermeier Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Glass, Wood

Marcel Giraud Mid-Century Modern Matte Black Double Bowl, Georges Jouve Style
By Marcel Giraud
Located in Miami, FL
artist and represents Giraud’s innovative approach to functional art objects. Its minimalist profile and
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Canaletto Walnut KG Bench with Flat Top, Made in Italy
By Miduny, Ale Preda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sculptural wood bench at the intersection of functional art and furniture. KG bench merges
Category

2010s Italian Minimalist Benches

Materials

Walnut

Rare Hand-Forged Wrought Iron 4-Light Chandelier with Sculptural Curl Detailing
Located in Lisse, NL
. This piece is not just a light fixture but a handcrafted work of functional art and ideal for castles
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Candle Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian Bronze Midcentury Table Lamps with Scrolling Motifs, on Lucite Bases
Located in Atlanta, GA
complex design effortlessly radiates opulence, turning an everyday object into a piece of functional art
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

ROSTOK Contemporary Floor Lamp, Limited edition, Organic Bionic Design, In Stock
By Pavel Vishnevsky
Located in Milano, IT
, inspired by organic structures and natural growth, merging art and functionality into a sculptural
Category

2010s Russian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Fiberglass, Paper

ROSTOK Contemporary Floor Lamp, Gray, Limited edition, Organic Bionic Design
By Pavel Vishnevsky
Located in Milano, IT
, inspired by organic structures and natural growth, merging art and functionality into a sculptural
Category

2010s Russian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Paper, Fiberglass

Modern Organic Live Edge Slab Reflect Coffee Table made from Ancient Wood
By Tréology
Located in Papanui, Christchurch
these trees and continue their journey to become a cherished piece of functional art. The trees location
Category

2010s New Zealand Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1950s Flamingo-Themed Wrought Iron Patio Set – Rare Custom Design
Located in Omaha, NE
set is both a conversation starter and a work of functional art. Charming Flamingo Motif: Table legs
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large Brutalist Welded Steel Wall Sculpture by Dan Gluck - 1970s
Located in Dallas, TX
between functional object and fine art. This sculpture is wall-mountable and generously scaled, ideal for
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Vladimir Kagan Serpantine Cloud Sofas in Ivory Boucle, A Pair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
furniture—it’s functional art. Curved, sculptural, and unmistakably iconic, each chaise is mirror-opposite
Category

1990s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Lucite

Rare Jangada Lounge Chair by Jean Gillon for Wood Art, Brazil, c. 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
'functional art'. Highly sought after by collectors and designers alike this Jangada chair features new
Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Jacaranda

Azure Tinged Amethyst Babà Sculptural Vase by Alice Crepaldi
Located in Geneve, CH
functional art, sculpture, and furniture design. The harmonious blending integration of sculptural quality
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Vases

Materials

Metal

Mid century illuminated wall panel by Angelo Brotto (1914-2002)
By Angelo Brotto
Located in London, GB
crystal elements representing a sea shell. This wonderful panel is a stunning and functional art
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Rock Crystal

PANZIR Contemporary Table Floor Lamp, Organic Design, Recycled Materials
By Pavel Vishnevsky
Located in Milano, IT
crafts functional art objects from recycled materials, primarily paper-based composites. Abstract
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Funky Vintage Pair of Solid Patinated Brass Wall Lanterns
Located in Delray Beach, FL
than just fixtures—they are pieces of functional art that tell a story of time and the elements. The
Category

20th Century American Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Pop Art Blue Plate Special Burger Fries Glass Sculpture Set John Miller, 2008
By John Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gallery, SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) exhibition in Chicago and start a number of galleries
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

John Miller Blue Plate Special Cola Straw 2008 Blown Pop Art Glass Sculpture
By John Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gallery, SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) exhibition in Chicago and start a number of galleries
Category

Early 2000s American Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass, Art Glass

Live Edge Dining Table with a Custom "Oceanic" Blue Epoxy River - New Custom
Located in İnegöl, TR
this Sculptural "Ocean" River Dining Table, a breathtaking work of functional art designed to be the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Organic Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Epoxy Resin, Olive, Wood

Large Steampunk Candelabrum Signed by the Artist
Located in Madrid, ES
aesthetics with functional art, making it a standout addition to any decor. Features: Material: Constructed
Category

1990s Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Black and White Table Desk or Nightstand Lamp
Located in Weesp, NL
, creating a sculptural presence that doubles as functional art. • Metal & Wood Fusion: The high-quality
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Iron

MARTESANA Contemporary Floor Lamp Black, Limited edition, Organic Bionic
By Pavel Vishnevsky
Located in Milano, IT
from the Russian Far East, based in Milan. Pavel crafts functional art objects from recycled materials
Category

2010s Russian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Fiberglass, Paper

Pair Of 2 Dot Stools Upholstered With Black Leather By Arne Jacobsen From 1970s
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
excellent examples of functional art that continues to be appreciated and admired for their timeless design
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Visage (A.R. 448), Pablo Picasso, Design, Ceramic, Madoura
By Pablo Picasso
Located in Geneva, CH
fine art with functional objects. Visage is a testament to Picasso’s innovative spirit and his
Category

20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Vintage Gucci Style Hand Painted Horse Bit Bucket or Trash Can
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
fusion of art and utility, transforming a mundane everyday object into a work of functional art. This
Category

20th Century American Decorative Baskets

Materials

Metal

Jens Quistgaard Slatted Rosewood Tray
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
nearly perfect functional art object. Its elegant design balances form and function, making it ideal not
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Rosewood

BETTINA Contemporary Table Floor Lamp, Organic Design, Recycled Materials
By Pavel Vishnevsky
Located in Milano, IT
crafts functional art objects from recycled materials, primarily paper-based composites. Abstract
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Matius Rare and Spectacular Midcentury "Inca" Wall Light, France, 1977
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Pop Art aesthetics with functional lighting in a way that will enhance any contemporary space.
Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Decorative Art

Materials

Resin

Modern Recliner Hanging Swing Chair
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
considered balance point. Fluid & organic, it lends itself for use as a functional art piece. Its gentle
Category

2010s South African Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Carl Auböck modern wooden chess set for Werkstätte Auböck, Austria Vienna 1960´s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Zevenaar, NL
yet highly functional art objects, including paperweights, ashtrays, corkscrews, bottle stoppers
Category

Vintage 1960s Bauhaus Games

Materials

Wood, Beech, Paint

1986 Philip Jackson ‘Scacco’ Marble Glass Coffee Table for Cattelan Italia
By Cattelan Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
provides visual interest from every angle, making it a functional art piece that anchors any sophisticated
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Live Edge Walnut Bench, Wabi-Sabi, Handmade, Carved, Log Furniture, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This sculptural bench is a one-of-a-kind work of functional art, handcrafted from a single solid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Organic Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Rustic Blackened Wood Side Table, Pedestal, Raw Form, Handmade, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This sculptural side table is a one-of-a-kind work of functional art, carved by hand from a single
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Brutalist Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Pair Mid-Century Hand Carved Acacia Wood Hand Stool/child chair
Located in Fort Washington, MD
These hand-carved stools/chairs are more than just seating; they are a form of functional art. The
Category

Early 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Fifth Avenue Manhattan New York City Panoramic Painting by Contemporary Artist
By Angela Wakefield
Located in Preston, GB
functional criteria. Whilst as art critics we discuss composition, scale and vanishing points, what is
Category

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood Panel, Panel, Varnish, Gesso, Board, Paint, Wood

Floor Lamp ROSTKI, Black, Organic Bionic Design, Recycled Paper, Handmade
By Pavel Vishnevsky
Located in Milano, IT
merges art and functionality. With a design inspired by natural growth and organic movement, this piece
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

Zebra Skin Circular Top Side Tables with Horn Bases, Two Sold Each
Located in Atlanta, GA
bases, these tables are a testament to the beauty of the natural world translated into functional art
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Side Tables

Materials

Horn, Zebra Hide

Vintage Regency Distressed Wrought Iron Urn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
industrial chic space. Don't miss this rare opportunity to acquire a unique piece of functional art that
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Urns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Brown contemporary folded ceramic wall sconce
By Asmaa Aman-Tran
Located in Attleboro, MA
, turning the sconce into a captivating piece of functional art. The wall sconce comes with a porcelain
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Ceramic

Black contemporary folded ceramic wall sconce
By Asmaa Aman-Tran
Located in Attleboro, MA
, turning the sconce into a captivating piece of functional art. The wall sconce comes with a porcelain
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Ceramic

Pair Highback Modern Dining Chairs
Located in Trenton, NJ
Highback Dining Chairs. This pair is a stunning example of modern design meeting functional art. The chairs
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair Highback Modern Dining Chairs
Pair Highback Modern Dining Chairs
$237 Sale Price / set
40% Off
A105 Leaf Bowl in solid cast brass
By David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
functional art and sculptures out of recycled materials. We work with architects, interior designers and
Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Decorative Bowls

Materials

Brass

Stylish Wing Bowl A076 in cast brass designed by David Marshall
By David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
functional art and sculptures out of recycled materials. We work with architects, interior designers and
Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Decorative Bowls

Materials

Brass

Mesh Fruit Bowl Stylish Funcional Countertop Piece Gold Coloured Sand Cast Brass
By David Marshall
Located in Benahavis, AN
functional art and sculptures out of recycled materials. We work with arquitects, interior designers and
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Brutalist Decorative Bowls

Materials

Brass

Rare Emilia Castillo Silver-Plated Pitcher with Onyx Jasper Birds, Taxco Mexic
By Emilia Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
work of functional art. This striking pitcher is crafted in solid brass, then silver plated, with a
Category

Vintage 1980s Mexican Modern Pitchers

Materials

Onyx, Silver Plate, Brass

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Functional Art For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic piece of functional art available at 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, steel and brass. Find 9 options for an antique or vintage item from our selection of functional art now, or shop our selection of 21 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the choice in our collection of functional art you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. An object in our assortment of functional art made by Art Deco designers — as well as those associated with Mid-Century Modern — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made option in this array of functional art over the years, but those crafted by Jim Rose, Lionel Jadot and JZUZ Livingelements are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Functional Art?

The average selling price for a piece of functional art at 1stDibs is $4,285, while they’re typically $75 on the low end and $34,145 for the highest priced.
Questions About Functional Art
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    There are a few potential functions of art, and the specific function of a particular piece depends on its subject matter and medium. In some cases, art tells a story from history, everyday life, mythology or religion. Other times, its purpose is to inspire people to think about or feel something about the message that it conveys. For some artists, the function of art is to express religious devotion or to memorialize the image of someone who is notable. Art also enhances the visual appeal of the spaces where it is displayed. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of fine art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    One example of functional art is pottery. The term functional art refers to items produced by artisans that have a function beyond serving as decoration. Pottery fits this definition because it can be used to store items, display flowers, serve foods and more. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of pottery.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between fine and functional art is its purpose. Functional art usually has a practical use. Ceramics, textiles and industrial design are examples of functional art. On the other hand, fine art typically exists to tell a story, convey a message or express an idea. Examples of fine art include paintings, prints and sculptures. Shop a wide variety of fine and functional art on 1stDibs.