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Functional Art

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Unique Low Danish Sofa Table from 1960´s, Decorated by Bjørn Wiinblad
By Bjørn Wiinblad, Poul Cadovius
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A truly unique piece of functional art. A low decorative sofa table more or less untraceable in
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Materials

Metal

one leaf by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
develops with the concept of "functional ART that is close to life". Quilt brand. After working as a
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

Murano Art Glass Soft Pink Mushroom Lamp
By Vintage Murano Gallery
Located in Toronto, ON
shape and size is a rare find with. This functional art piece was made from one piece of glass using a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Art Glass

Lumière Ⅰ by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
one, and develops with the concept of "functional ART that is close to life". Quilt brand. After
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

Suiren by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
," "Disconnect," "Sew," and "Stab" one by one, and develops with the concept of "functional ART that is close to
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

19th Century Indonesian Organic Burled Teak Bowl
Located in Middleburg, VA
modern design as a functional art piece. Indonesia, circa 1880. Measures: 4” H, 9” Dm.   
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Indonesian Organic Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Teak, Wood, Burl

Sawtooth by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
develops with the concept of "functional ART that is close to life". Quilt brand. After working as a
Category

2010s Asian Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
craftsmanship and eclectic style. Perfect for adding a touch of organic beauty and functional art to your home
Category

Late 20th Century American Decorative Bowls

Materials

Pottery

Unusual Pop Modernist Painted "wavey" 3-panel Bamboo Screen / Divider
Located in Buffalo, NY
, Functional Art.. Hand delivery avail to nEW yORK cITY OR ANYWHERE EN ROUTE FROM bUFFALO ny
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Organic Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal

Pair ART DECO Muller Frères sconces with peacock motif wall applique lamps 30s
By Muller Frères
Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP
motif are characterised by their simple and functional Art Deco design. The motif is not only found on
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Leaf Ⅰ by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
concept of "functional ART that is close to life". Quilt brand. After working as a collection team
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

The sky visible at Honmonji Temple Ⅲ by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
"Imagine," "Dyed," "Disconnect," "Sew," and "Stab" one by one, and develops with the concept of "functional
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

Landscape Ⅲ by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
develops with the concept of "functional ART that is close to life". Quilt brand. After working as a
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

Monolith Coffee Table – A Bold Fusion of Art Functionality
Located in Gurugram, IN
brings both functionality and artistic sophistication to modern interiors. The thoughtful layering of
Category

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Art Deco Wrought Iron Coat Rack, Hall Tree, Umbrella Stand, 1930
Located in Lisbon, PT
This 1930 French Art Deco coat rack is an exceptional piece of functional art, crafted from wrought
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Wrought Iron

Alison Berger Glassworks Art Glass Console Table For Holly Hunt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
itself uses no molds or form constraints to shape the piece. Each fixture is a unique piece of functional
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Console Tables

Materials

Steel

Gemstone faceted taper candle candelabra – creamy stone
Located in Pacasmayo, PE
Functional art: faceted soapstone candelabra that turns light into an aesthetic experience. Our
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Peruvian Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone, Soapstone

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Fluted Walnut Table Lamps by Zina Lamp Co.
By Raymond Pfennig, Zina Lamp Co.
Located in Lafayette, IN
handmade, functional art from the Mid Century era!
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Ceramic Protea Jewelry Box , hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
associated with transformation and renewal, adds a layer of meaning to this functional art piece. Crafted by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Art Deco Porcelain Ballerina Jewelry or Powder Box, Germany, 1930s, Gift Idea
Located in Lisbon, PT
graceful ballerina figurine poised in delicate elegance. A charming example of functional art, this piece
Category

20th Century German Art Deco Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Pennsylvania Amish “Indian Hatchet” Patchwork Youth Quilt
Located in Barrington, IL
creating functional art from repurposed materials available in the home. This quilt is both a testament to
Category

Mid-20th Century American Quilts

Materials

Cotton

Vintage Boho Italian Art Glass Bowl After Murano
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
of functional art. Measuring 17.75 inches in diameter and 7 inches tall, this bowl is in excellent
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Murano Glass

"Rosewood" Cabinet by Schimmel Schweikle, Netherlands, 2020
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Rosewood Cabinet (2020) by design duo Schimmel & Schweikle is a sculptural piece of functional
Category

2010s Dutch Other Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Contemporary Ceramic Console Table by Agnès Debizet, France
Located in London, GB
Year: 2023 Created with the purpose of pushing the boundaries of what functional art can be, Agnès
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Organic Modern Console Tables

Materials

Porcelain, Stoneware

Tree by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
develops with the concept of "functional ART that is close to life". Quilt brand. After working as a
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

Antique Wooden Lounge Chair
Located in Jacksonville Beach, FL
Solid wood is reclaimed and repurposed into an organic work of functional art. This chair features
Category

Late 20th Century American Other Chairs

Materials

Teak

Wood Sculpted Table with a Pyrite Top Inspired by Zaha Hadid
By Zaha Hadid
Located in New York City, NY
"Functional Art" would be the ideal way to describe this end table, The base is made of solid wood
Category

Early 2000s Organic Modern Tables

Materials

Pyrite

Komorebi(Ohara, Kyoto) by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
"Stab" one by one, and develops with the concept of "functional ART that is close to life". Quilt brand
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

Lumière douce (à Paris) by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
"Imagine," "Dyed," "Disconnect," "Sew," and "Stab" one by one, and develops with the concept of "functional
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

The sky visible at Honmonji Temple Ⅱ by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
concept of "functional ART that is close to life". Quilt brand. After working as a collection team
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

Rinne by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
," "Disconnect," "Sew," and "Stab" one by one, and develops with the concept of "functional ART that is close to
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

Coffee Table Plane L Minimalist Table in Steel for Artful Contemporary Interiors
By Kateryna Sokolova
Located in Kyiv, UA
Plane Coffee Table by Kateryna Sokolova – Functional Art for Modern Interiors The Plane Coffee
Category

2010s Ukrainian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Designer Coffee Table in Steel – Foam L by WOO, Sculptural Furniture for Office
By Kateryna Sokolova
Located in Kyiv, UA
Plane Coffee Table by Kateryna Sokolova – Functional Art for Modern Interiors The Plane Coffee
Category

2010s Ukrainian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Rare Jay Spectre "Perceptive" Drop Front Desk
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
secretaire into functional art. The perfect desk or secretaire for a smaller apartment or office. A highly
Category

Late 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Paul Evans for Directional Model PE-14 Coffee Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and oxidized raised areas over the Metal structure. Very Solid and Sturdy. Functional Art for
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Cast Glass Sculpture, Geologic Screen Series , 2024
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
breakthrough in architectural cast glass. Here he created functional art. This allows the individual to feature
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Art Nouveau Perfume Bottle with Ornate Sterling Overlay c. 1890 s
Located in Louisville, KY
This beautiful piece of functional art is a gorgeous reflection of the Art Nouveau era from which
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Bottles

Materials

Sterling Silver

French art deco iron, illuminated hall tree/coat rack w/console, Umbrella Stand
Located in Long Island City, NY
This French Art Deco coat rack is an exceptional piece of functional art, crafted from hand made
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

Postmodern Pink Tessellated Stone Swivel Top Coffee Table w/ Extension Inlay
Located in Delray Beach, FL
—functional art for your living space. One crack on the pull out shelf which has no affect on the
Category

1990s Philippine Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Lith Side Table with Leather Top, by Lynnea Jean. In-stock
By Lynnea Jean
Located in Aitkin, MN
space as a functional art piece—perfect as a side table, accent table, or minimalist statement. *Fully
Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Lith Side Table with Leather Top, by Lynnea Jean
By Lynnea Jean
Located in Aitkin, MN
space as a functional art piece—perfect as a side table, accent table, or minimalist statement. *Fully
Category

2010s American Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak, Leather

Danger Truck
By Kenjiro Kitade
Located in New York, NY
Functional Art) in Chicago, Miami and New York. Living and working in New York City, he participates in
Category

2010s Contemporary Still-life Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Glaze

Pair of Fratina chairs designed by Mario Ceroli for Poltronova, Italy 1972
By Poltronova, Mario Ceroli
Located in Piacenza, Italy
approach to furniture as functional art. The chairs feature striking, geometric lines and a robust
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Pine

Large Square American Mid-Century Butcher Block
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
undulated surface make this piece a work of functional art for any chef. A perfect addition to a kitchen or
Category

Vintage 1950s American Industrial Butcher Blocks

Materials

Maple

Eclectic Perspex Table Lamp, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ø 36 cm. Would fit well in a contemporary functional art inspired interior Check out our Goldwood
Category

20th Century Unknown Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Fabric, Plastic, Acrylic

An old couple (in Venice) by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
concept of "functional ART that is close to life". Quilt brand. After working as a collection team
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

sky color bird by Blue Tip Atelier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
concept of "functional ART that is close to life". Quilt brand. After working as a collection team
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Textiles

Materials

Linen

Contemporary Cast Glass Sculpture, Yulupa, 2023 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
. Here he created functional art. This allows the individual to feature vibrant sculpture within their
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Frederick Weinberg 1950’s Midcentury Bar + Stool Set
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Kensington, MD
Lounge or Space Age Bachelor Pad! - Simple and striking the Barstools act as functional art for seating
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Wrought Iron

1930s style Dome lamps Classic Art Deco style by Sam Rush
By Sam Rush
Located in Bristol, GB
work of Sam Rush, these lamps should be viewed as functional art . So whether in daylight or at night
Category

2010s British Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Italian Art Glass Empoli Decanter Ewer Cruet Vase Bottle w Stopper Ruby Red
By Empoli
Located in Palm Beach, FL
of decorative and functional art glass produced in the Empoli region of Tuscany, Italy, known for its
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Ceramic Giraffe teapot , hand made in South Africa
By Love Art Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
. Elevate your tea experience with this enchanting piece that combines functionality, art, and the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Jars

Materials

Ceramic

Art Deco Pewter Pair of Candle Holders by JL Hultman, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1933
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Bochum, NRW
. Perfect as statement pieces in a curated interior, or as functional art in a refined tablescape.
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Candlesticks

Materials

Pewter

Pair of Art Deco Glass Step Form Candlestick Holders by Wilber Orme for the MET
By Wilber L. Orme
Located in New York, NY
and geometry into captivating works of functional art. The luminous glass construction enhances their
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Candlesticks

Materials

Glass

Isabella Costantini, Italy, Duilio Drink Cabinet with Casters
By Isabella Costantini
Located in Ascoli Piceno, IT
. This drink cabinet is a functional art piect that will complete any decor with sophistication. Finish
Category

2010s Italian Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique Indian Patinated Bronze Oil Lamp 19th Century South India
Located in Forney, TX
wonderful example of functional art or an interesting objet d'art, whether used once again to burn oil for
Category

Antique 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Bone, Antler, Wood, Horn Mirror, 1970s
By Anthony Redmile London
Located in San Francisco, CA
Anthony Redmile Furniture is renowned for creating unique, one-of-a-kind works of functional art
Category

Vintage 1970s British Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Bone, Antler, Horn, Wood

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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.