Functional Art
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François-Xavier Lalanne and Kazuhide Takahama "Rhinocéros" Room Divider, 1971
By Kazuhide Takahama, Gavina, François-Xavier Lalanne
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
elements, it embodies Lalanne’s fusion of conceptual art and functional design. A linear rhinoceros drawing
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Wood
Modular bench composition Vondom And by Fabio Novembre – Lacquered
By Fabio Novembre, Vondom
Located in Alcamo, IT
Vondom is a large-scale sculptural seating solution that combines art, design, and functionality. The set
Category
2010s Spanish Benches
Materials
Plastic
Late 19th Century Tibetan Saddle Rug
Located in Sultanahmet, 34
the simple yet powerful aesthetic of Tibetan weaving. Saddle rugs are functional works of art
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Central Asian Central Asian Rugs
Materials
Wool
1980s Modernist Ice Lucite and Silver plated Italian Tray by Ulderico Cavinato
By Guzzini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
design principles to create a visually stunning and functional work of art, it exemplifies the sleek and
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Barware
Materials
Silver Plate
Large-Scale SHELL-FORM GLASS BOWL
Located in Hawthorne, CA
stunning glass bowl is not only a functional work of art but also a striking decorative piece that captures
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Art Glass
1980s Modernist Red Sommerso Murano Glass Tall Vase by Seguso
By Seguso
Located in Aci Castello, IT
, vase it's in perfect condition. This Tall Vase by Seguso it's a beautiful and collectible piece of art
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Vases
Materials
Murano Glass
Fine Quality French Louis XVI Marble Top Three Tier Pedestal Plantstand Table
By Henri Picard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
decorative art and functionality, making it a rare and distinguished addition to any refined living space
Category
Vintage 1930s French Louis XVI Pedestals
Materials
Marble, Bronze
1980s Vintage in the Manner of Maitland Smith Biomorphic Tessellated Stone Coffe
By Maitland Smith
Located in Chicago, IL
functional work of art that serves as both a visual focal point and a testament to high-end craftsmanship in
Category
Vintage 1980s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Stone
Driade Hidalgo Lacquered – Storage unit by Driadelab - Gradient yellow/black
By Driade
Located in Alcamo, IT
storage unit that transforms functionality into art. With its unusual and sculptural design, Hidalgo
Category
2010s Italian Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Driade Hidalgo Lacquered – Storage unit by Driadelab - Gradient brick blue
By Driade
Located in Alcamo, IT
storage unit that transforms functionality into art. With its unusual and sculptural design, Hidalgo
Category
2010s Italian Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Vintage Coaster Metal Smiley-Face Shape for Hot Drinks and Pots, Italy, 1980s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
functionality with a fun pop-art inspired aesthetic, capturing the cheerful spirit of its time. Its metal
Category
20th Century Italian Tableware
Materials
Metal
Warren Platner Chrome Rod Lounge Chair, Red
By Warren Platner
Located in Napa, CA
interiors
Perfect balance of art object and functional seating
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Chrome
1970s Modernist Amber and Brown Ceramic Italian Vase by Giovanni Bertoncello
By Bertoncello
Located in Aci Castello, IT
mid-century modern appeal, making it both a functional vase and a statement art piece. Giovanni
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Talete Side Table in Corno Italiano And Chromed Brass, Mod. 6061
By Arcahorn Srl.
Located in Recanati, Macerata
Striking the balance between art and functionality, the Talete side table will enhance any luxury
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Side Tables
Materials
Metal
Vondom LAVA Bench – Designed by Karim Rashid - Matt
By Karim Rashid, Vondom
Located in Alcamo, IT
piece that fuses art, design, and functionality in a single flowing form. Crafted from polyethylene
Category
2010s Spanish Benches
Materials
Plastic
$2,277 / item
Vondom LAVA Bench – Designed by Karim Rashid - Lacquered
By Karim Rashid, Vondom
Located in Alcamo, IT
piece that fuses art, design, and functionality in a single flowing form. Crafted from polyethylene
Category
2010s Spanish Benches
Materials
Plastic
Sculptural Elegance Inspired by Egyptian Sun God Aten Lacquered Beech Armchair
By Shewekar Elgharably
Located in Cairo, EG
and impeccable attention to detail, the Aten Chair is both a functional seat and an art piece. Its
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Egyptian Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Upholstery
Set of 8 1960s Christmas Holiday Theme "Noel" Hi-Ball Drink Glasses By Gay Fad
By Georges Briard
Located in St. Louis, MO
Depression, Fran used her talent to explore how every day functional items could make art more accessible
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Glass
1970s Vintage Flower Dining Table
Located in North Hollywood, CA
dining and conversation areas, this table effortlessly blends art and functionality, making it an ideal
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Metal
$1,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Sculptural Bench in Copper, Zinc and Stained Glass by Cor de Ree, The Netherland
By Cor de Ree a
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
This striking sculptural bench by Dutch artist Cor de Ree blurs the boundary between functional
Category
1990s Dutch Other Benches
Materials
Copper, Zinc
Pair of 19th Century Nero Portoro Black Marble Corbels Turned into Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
functional works of art. The exquisite craftsmanship highlights the luxurious texture and natural beauty of
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Table Lamps
Materials
Marble, Steel
Salvador Dali Leda Armchair, Sculpture
By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
has three legs and that the chair is heavy, it being made of solid brass, is more a work of art than a
Category
2010s Spanish Post-Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
$45,095 / item
Vintage Boho Branch Corkscrew
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This unique vintage corkscrew is a marvelous example of functional folk art, celebrating the rugged
Category
Late 20th Century American Industrial Barware
Materials
Metal
Vintage Boho Puzzle Wood Low Stools - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
(width and depth) and standing 22 inches tall, this table is a compelling piece of functional natural art.
Category
Late 20th Century American Minimalist Stools
Materials
Teak
$2,750 / set
Sculptural Pair of Black Ash Wood Stools with Dedar Milano Bouclé Ivory by FORME
Located in Brescia, Brescia
art and functional seating—ideal for interiors that value refined texture, material honesty and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Hardwood, Ash
Ecuadorian Leather and Wood Rocking Chair by Muebles De Estilo / Angel Pazmino
By Muebles De Estilo
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
craftsmanship and modernist sensibility. A functional work of art—comfortable, bold, and timeless.
Category
Vintage 1960s Ecuadorean Tribal Rocking Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Handmade Indonesian Terracotta Lidded Jar with Beaded Raffia Accents
Located in Seattle, WA
embellishments.
A unique combination of folk art and functional pottery, this vessel is ideal as a decorative
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Jars
Materials
Ceramic
Driade Hidalgo Lacquered – Storage unit by Driadelab - Lacquered white
By Driade
Located in Alcamo, IT
vertical storage unit that transforms functionality into art. With its unusual and sculptural design
Category
2010s Italian Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Driade Hidalgo Lacquered – Storage unit by Driadelab - Lacquered green
By Driade
Located in Alcamo, IT
vertical storage unit that transforms functionality into art. With its unusual and sculptural design
Category
2010s Italian Cabinets
Materials
Steel
1970s Modernist Faceted Clear Murano Glass Ashtray by Formia
By Formia Murano
Located in Aci Castello, IT
traditional craftsmanship and innovative design results in a piece that is both functional and a work of art
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Ashtrays
Materials
Murano Glass
Poul Kjærholm PK4 first edition 1952 made by Svend Holscher
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Egå, DK
: a masterful fusion of art, minimalism and functionality. With its modern, relaxed silhouette, the
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Corner Chairs
Materials
Steel
Large and impressive French 19th Century Boulle display cabinet.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
time but also serves as a functional work of art.
Batch 85 49486 LEKZZ
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Vitrines
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Wabi-sabi Tripod Stool 20th Century Solid Natural Wood Hand-Carved
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
line between functional furniture and primitive art object. Its tripod base ensures stability, while
Category
Vintage 1950s French Rustic Stools
Materials
Elm
$485 Sale Price
30% Off
Vintage Castello Pipe, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
smoking pipe from a utilitarian object to a functional work of art, combining durability, aesthetic
Category
Mid-20th Century European Tobacco Accessories
Materials
Wood
Three-doors Sideboard from Les Arcs by Charlotte Perriand
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
functional work of art.
The cabinet's top showcases a green laminate surface bordered by a sturdy solid pine
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Pine
Secessionist, Bechstein Model VI Grand Piano with an Inlaid, Mahogany Case
Located in Leeds, GB
create functional, aesthetically pleasing objects and art that rejected academic tradition. Inspired by
Category
Early 20th Century German Arts and Crafts Musical Instruments
Materials
Copper
Italian Mirrored Bar Cabinet by Justfurnituress
Located in Guazzora, IT
, hotel
In the world of interior design, where art meets functionality, a masterpiece emerges that
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Driade Hidalgo Lacquered – Storage unit by Driadelab - Lacquered blue
By Driade
Located in Alcamo, IT
vertical storage unit that transforms functionality into art. With its unusual and sculptural design
Category
2010s Italian Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Driade Hidalgo Lacquered – Storage unit by Driadelab - Lacquered orange
By Driade
Located in Alcamo, IT
vertical storage unit that transforms functionality into art. With its unusual and sculptural design
Category
2010s Italian Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Olive Forest Epoxy Resin Table
Located in İnegöl, TR
a preserved natural ecosystem within a functional piece of art. The table is crafted from solid
Category
2010s Turkish Arts and Crafts Dining Room Tables
Materials
Epoxy Resin, Wood
$5,200 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Rare Mid Century French Modern AR180 Desk by Alain Richard 1970s
By Alain Richard
Located in Detroit, MI
combine art with functionality. Richard’s designs in furniture and lighting have consistently pushed the
Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Rare 1970s
Nore
Dining Table in Solid Victorian Ash by Norman Archibald
Located in TORQUAY, AU
table is a masterful study in materiality. The expansive surface is not merely functional; it is a
Category
Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Ash
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Credenza, 1970s
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Raleigh, NC
this piece into a functional work of art that commands attention in any interior space.
The credenza
Category
Vintage 1970s Hollywood Regency Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Surrealist Floor Lamp
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
This floor lamp is a striking example of outsider or studio art, combining functional lighting with
Category
Vintage 1980s American Floor Lamps
Materials
Plaster
$1,200
Finnish mid-century modern Bridal bouquet brass chandelier
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
decorative details in brass add a touch of sophistication to any room, blending art and functionality
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Hollywood Regency Gilt Iron Scroll Knocker Rippled Glass Top Coffee Table
By Arthur Court
Located in Chattanooga, TN
embellishments. Outstanding craftsmanship with steadfast construction. A functional work of art sure to capture
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal, Iron
$1,317 Sale Price
56% Off
Vintage a Boho Arched Pencil Rattan Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
wide, 18.5 inches deep, and a soaring 75.5 inches tall, this functional work of art is a sophisticated
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Rattan, Glass
Limited Edition Sculptural Octopus Console Table-Wavy Resin Top. U.S.A. 21st C.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
functional furniture with artistic expression. The base features a life-like octopus rendered in a cream high
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Console Tables
Materials
Bronze
A rare Venini Murano "Filigrana a Retice" glass and brass frame by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in London, GB
intricate glass pieces from functional glass objects to decorative art pieces. Carlo Scarpa revived the
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Picture Frames
Materials
Brass
Artist Made Hand Dyed Concrete Boomerang Coffee Table, 2025
Located in Los Angeles, CA
compounds with pure powder pigments giving rise to these organic displays of color. A piece of functional
Category
2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Concrete, Steel
Pierre Jeanneret Easy Chair, 1950s Chandigarh
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
designated for. Rare to come by and a functional piece of art that will last a lifetime.
Last 4 pictures
Category
Vintage 1950s Indian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Teak
$13,500 / item
English William and Mary Style Oyster Veneer Writing Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
serves as both functional furniture and sculptural art, offering a quiet sophistication to any space
Category
Antique 19th Century English William and Mary Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Lightsculpture by Adalbert Gans
Located in Diest, BE
A stunning work by artist Adalbert Gans, where art and functionality flow seamlessly into one
Category
2010s Belgian Organic Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Plastic, Acrylic, Polyester
Doris Leslie Blau Midcentury Indian Dhurrie Blue Handmade Cotton Rug
Located in New York, NY
highly durable and reversible—making it a functional piece of textile art. Measuring 20 feet by 13 feet
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Indian Rugs
Materials
Cotton
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Table Lamps w/ Sculptural Metal Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
piece is in excellent condition, making it a functional work of art. A true statement piece, it captures
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Set of Four Oak Dining Chairs by Guillerme et Chambron, France 1960s
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Utrecht, NL
character - resulting in solid, functional, and captivating works of art. The oak, with its natural grains
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Orange Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp by Phil-Mar
By Phil-Mar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
piece is in excellent condition, making it a functional work of art. A true statement piece, it captures
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic, Linen, 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
- What are the functions of art?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024There 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, 2024One 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, 2024The 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.
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