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Functional Art

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Handmade Burl Wood Table Lamp with Wicker Shade, Finland, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
both modern and eclectic interiors. Its mix of folk art character and functionality makes it an object
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Folk Art Table Lamps

Materials

Wood, Burl

Murano Glass Goblet with Gold Inclusions, circa 1960s
Located in Villaverla, IT
display or as a functional work of art.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Glass

Materials

Gold, Gold Leaf

Large Mid-Century Hand-Carved Burlwood Bowl, Finland
Located in Karis, Nyland
, where artisans transformed local materials into functional works of art. Each curve and crevice follows
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Folk Art Decorative Bowls

Materials

Wood, Burl

Jacques Adnet Leather and Iron Umbrella Stand, 1950s France
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beauty to the piece. Functional piece of art and collectible item of Adnet design.  Perfect for an
Category

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Umbrella Stands

Materials

Iron

Asymmetric Murano Sommerso Red Blue Faceted Block Dish by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli, Seguso
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
polished surfaces and angular cuts create a jewel-like presence, suitable both as a functional catchall or
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso

Large White Ceramic Fish Serving Platters - A Pair Olfaire Portugal
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
between functionality and art, seamlessly complementing modern minimalist aesthetics, farmhouse decor, or
Category

20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Late 20th Century Hand-Carved Wooden Cobra Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
any space. Likely made as a folk art decorative or functional object, it captures both craftsmanship
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Bowls

Materials

Wood

Luxury Crystal Wood Decorative Armchair – Modern Accent Statement Chair
By DAINTE INC
Located in Monroe, NY
unique piece that doubles as a functional chair and a modern art statement, guaranteed to impress guests
Category

2010s American Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Unique Hand-Blown Glass Jug Signed by 20th Century Artisan, Vibrant Blue
Located in Benalmadena, ES
, perfectly blending functionality with decorative art. Undoubtedly, an intriguing addition for glass
Category

20th Century European Glass

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass

Dated 1990- Vintage Rosemaling Wall Hanging Cabinet, Hand-Painted, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
Elevate your space with this stunning Norwegian Folk Art wall-hanging Cabinet / Cupboard
Category

Late 20th Century Norwegian Folk Art Cabinets

Materials

Wrought Iron

Branched Crystal - Acrylic Armchair with Wooden Accents – Luxury Clear Modern
By DAINTE INC
Located in Monroe, NY
Art Meets Functionality – More than just seating, this crystal arm chair is a museum-quality
Category

2010s American Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Bronze Business Card Holder with Antoni Gaudí Design
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Benalmadena, ES
emphasizing the interplay between light and texture. A piece that seamlessly blends functionality and art
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Swarovski Faceted Crystal Black Pitcher by Orfeo Quagliata
By Orfeo Quagliata
Located in Naucalpan, Edo de Mex
functional object of art created with the highest quality.
Category

2010s Mexican Pitchers

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Pair Murano Glass Bedside Tables with Brass Trim, 1950s Style Justfurnituress
Located in Guazzora, IT
just functional but also works of art capable of enhancing the aesthetic of any modern bedroom. Their
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Night Stands

Materials

Brass

19th Century Italian Barbotine Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
, making this piece not only functional but a work of art in its own right. Perfect for adding a touch of
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Art Nouveau Table Mirrors

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Karl Hansen Reistrup for Kähler. Ceramic bowl with fish in relief. 1890s
Located in København, Copenhagen
monuments, and was one of the first Danish artists to successfully merge fine art and functional ceramics in
Category

Antique 1890s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Carlo Scarpa Floor lamp for Venini, Murano, 1930s. Design n.502
By Paolo Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Italy’s most prestigious glassmakers, this lamp seamlessly combines art, innovation, and functionality
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Stunning Mid-Century Fume Floral Six Arm Murano Glass Chandelier
By Oy Stockmann AB, Vintage Murano Gallery
Located in Helsinki, FI
original condition, a beautiful and functional piece of art. In terms of updates, the copper wire
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Baroque Revival Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

French asparagus plates, set of 4, St Clément, Aesthetic Movement, 19th century
By Saint-Clément
Located in Paris, FR
& Guérin, St. Clément, circa 1890–1900, in the Art Nouveau style. This exquisite plate features a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica

Antique Burgundy Kilim Rug, 1900s Wool Flatweave Tribal Carpet 161x143 cm
Located in Wembley, GB
cultural heritage, making this rug a functional work of art as much as a floor covering.
Category

Antique Early 1900s Armenian Art Nouveau Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Rare Large Jean Perzel Model N°359 Ceiling Lamp — Icon of French Modernism
By Atelier Jean Perzel
Located in Dronten, NL
are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. A true statement piece—functional sculpture
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Flush Mount

Materials

Steel

"Orchidea" Sculpture by Timo Sarpaneva for Littala
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Soquel, CA
, Sarpaneva's designs are functional works of art, merging a modern aesthetic with a utilitarian philosophy. His
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Rare Georg Jensen Sterling Silver “Rose” Tureen 337C
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
striking but also functional. Overall, this rare Art Nouveau vintage sterling silver Georg Jensen tureen
Category

20th Century Art Nouveau Centerpieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Custom Italian White Black Blue Yellow Geometric Postmodern Cabinet/Sideboard
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
handmade in Italy, with the purpose of anchoring individuality through Art in a functional piece
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Custom Italian White Black Blue Yellow Geometric Postmodern Cabinet/Sideboard
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
handmade in Italy, with the purpose of anchoring individuality through Art in a functional piece
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Rare Daum Nancy “Dutch Scene” vase 1896 France Opalescent Enameled Acid etched
By Daum
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
exquisite example of late 19th-century French Art Nouveau glassmaking, this rare Daum Nancy vase captures
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Enamel

Burl Wood Cube Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
contemporary interiors. Its sculptural presence and timeless materials make it a functional piece of art
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Art Deco End Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Regency Brass Butterfly Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
library, or even a stunning vertical plant display. This isn't just a shelving unit; it's a functional
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Shelves

Materials

Brass, Iron

Bespoke Italian Mondrian Style Blue Green White Brown Modern Brass Dresser/Chest
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
modern brass splayed legs. This design is ideal to add fun and functionality combined with Art, to a
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Hand Crafted / Mouth Blown Blue Venetian Murano Glass Six Arm Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
assured, this chandelier is not just a work of art but a functional masterpiece, in excellent working
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Modern Italian Pink Purple Glass Geometric Postmodern Brass Cabinet Sideboard
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
handmade in Italy, with the purpose of anchoring individuality through Art in a functional piece
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Buffets

Materials

Brass

Set of 4 Thonet dining chairs model 17
By Thonet
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
credited with transforming furniture into functional works of art. This set, produced probably beetwen the
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Bentwood, Straw, Beech

Set of 4 Thonet dining chairs model 17
Set of 4 Thonet dining chairs model 17
$1,675 Sale Price / set
37% Off
Modern Box in Black Shagreen with Polished Stainless Steel by R&Y Augousti
By R Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
elegant design into a functional work of art. The top of the box is meticulously crafted from black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rizo Drappery Glass Centre Table
By RIZO
Located in Mumbai, IN
a functional table that doubles as a work of art, this fabric-draped glass center table is sure to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Center Tables

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Modern Italian Ivory Gray Teal Blue Geometric Postmodern Brass Cabinet Sideboard
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
handmade in Italy, with the purpose of anchoring individuality through Art in a functional piece
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Bespoke Italian Mondrian Style Blue Green White Brown Modern Brass Dresser/Chest
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
modern brass splayed legs. This design is ideal to add fun and functionality combined with Art, to a
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Italian Minimalist Design Green Glass Mirror with Brass Accents
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
handmade in Italy, with the purpose of bringing individuality through Art in a functional piece. This
Category

2010s Italian Organic Modern Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Italian Geometric Pair Postmodern Yellow Green Cream Gray Glass Brass Chests
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
handmade in Italy, with the purpose of anchoring individuality through Art in a functional piece
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Florero en forma de bolso de vidrio Murano Seguso Venini
By Venini
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
combines art and functionality, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any space.
Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Modern Italian Ivory Gray Teal Blue Geometric Postmodern Brass Cabinet Sideboard
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
handmade in Italy, with the purpose of anchoring individuality through Art in a functional piece
Category

2010s Italian Organic Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Italian Geometric Pair Postmodern Yellow Green Cream Gray Glass Brass Chests
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
handmade in Italy, with the purpose of anchoring individuality through Art in a functional piece
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Deco Hollywood Regency Murano Glass Pink Pineapple Lighter Gold Aventurine Brass
Located in Palm Beach, FL
combines glass art and functional design. A standout feature of this tropical-inspired piece is the
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass, Gold

Old English Sheffield Silver Plate / Lion Head Side Handle Tea Caddy
By Sheffield Silver Co.
Located in Tarry Town, NY
exquisite handles serve as both functional accent and works of art, adding a touch of grandeur to your tea
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Art Deco Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of Burl Wood Cube Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
contemporary interiors. Its sculptural presence and timeless materials make it a functional piece of art
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Art Deco End Tables

Materials

Brass

Light Burl Wood Cube Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
contemporary interiors. Its sculptural presence and timeless materials make it a functional piece of art
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Art Deco End Tables

Materials

Brass

Important gilded bronze and blown glass chandelier, Muller Frères, France, 1920
By Muller Fres Luneville, Muller Frères
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
balanced proportions, artisanal work, and unique lighting make it a functional work of art that can elevate
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze

Bespoke Italian Green Yellow Brown Gray Blue Modern Brass 6-Drawer Dresser/Chest
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
modern brass splayed tapering legs. This design is ideal to add fun and functionality combined with Art
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair of Solid Exotic Wood Nesting Tables from Costantini, Dorena, in Stock
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
West Chelsea Arts Building where his works blur the lines between art and functional design. The team
Category

2010s Argentine Art Deco Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Wood

Modern Italian Pink Purple Glass Geometric Postmodern Brass Cabinet Sideboard
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
handmade in Italy, with the purpose of anchoring individuality through Art in a functional piece
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Armchair in Stained Oak, reupholstered in Bouclé.
Located in København K, 84
Elegant 19th century Scandinavian Art Nouveau armchair in solid stained oak upholstered in premium
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Bespoke Italian Ivory Yellow Green Blue Geometric Postmodern Cabinet/Sideboard
By Cosulich Interiors Antiques
Located in New York, NY
handmade in Italy, with the purpose of anchoring individuality through Art in a functional piece
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Large pair of Vintage Hammered Copper Lanterns, Stunning Architectural Style 38”
Located in Delray Beach, FL
. Crafted from genuine, hand-hammered copper, and art glass ,these lanterns boast a rich, warm patina that
Category

20th Century Unknown Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Copper

Vintage Boho Italian Glass Bowl After Murano
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
seamlessly blends artistic expression with functional elegance. This beautiful art glass bowl is in great
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Art Glass

Robert Wynne Colorful Studio Glass Vase, 1994
Located in New York, NY
functional items to stunning art installations, reflecting both his skill and artistic vision. He has made
Category

1990s Australian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Modern Box in White Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
elegant design into a functional work of art. The top of the box is meticulously crafted from white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Bring your space to life with the Gio Ponti-inspired dry bar by Justfurnituress
By Gio Ponti
Located in Guazzora, IT
apart in the interior design landscape, making each piece a true work of art. The functionality of the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Vintage Shell-Encrusted Bud Vase – Coastal Grandmillennial Décor
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
sculptural, three-dimensional quality that makes this piece both a work of art and a functional vessel. 🏡
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Vases

Materials

Shell, Clay

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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.