Functional Art
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Set of Four Oak Dining Chairs by Guillerme et Chambron, France 1960s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
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
Barman Bar Cart, Outdoor Aluminum and Natural Stone with Teak Accessories
Located in Porto, PT
that elevates the art of entertaining. Functionality was the starting point of its design: unlike
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Marble, Aluminum
19th Century Pair of Ornate Silvered Bronze Candlestick Lamps
Located in Locust Valley, NY
, architectural presence. These baroque candlestick table lamps merge decorative art with functional lighting
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Baroque Table Lamps
Materials
Bronze
Modernist Silver-Plated Sculptural Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
dynamic visual effect. Ideal as a statement decorative piece, it blends functionality with contemporary
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Vases
Materials
Silver Plate
Doris Leslie Blau Midcentury Swedish Runner by Gitt Granssjo-Carlsson
GG
Located in New York, NY
interiors. As with many works by Grönsjö-Carlsson, the rug exemplifies the union of functionality and fine
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavia...
Materials
Wool
A black Cerused Oak Room Divider in the style of Eileen Gray
Located in Pasadena, CA
as both a functional partition and an architectural art installation.
Category
Early 2000s American Post-Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Oak
Ettore Sottsass model "Califfo" sofa for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Skokie, IL
enduring legacy of Ettore Sottsass' design philosophy—where functionality meets art in unexpected and
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Piero Fornasetti Ashtray of a Bill of Sale from the Weikel
Smith, Philadelphia
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
blurred the lines between high art and functional design, and this piece embodies that spirit completely
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Materials
Ceramic
Floor lamp Ingo Maurer Yoruba Rose Floor
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Alcamo, IT
unique, turning the lamp into a functional work of art that interacts with its surroundings.
The
Category
2010s German Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal, Steel
$2,046 / item
Contemporary Pink and Green Resin Vase from the Fish Collection by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Ibiza, Spain
functional design and contemporary art.
Suitable as a decorative vessel —for dried flowers or as a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vases
Materials
Resin
Large Swedish Painted Secretary from Värmland, Dated 1854
Located in Atlanta, GA
practicality of Swedish rural design during the mid-1800s. A functional work of art with undeniable historic
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Pine
Counter and Bar Stool with Upholstered Seat - Balance
By Dmitriy Kozinenko
Located in Kyiv, UA
home bar, or luxury restaurant, the Balance Counter Stool stands out as a piece of functional design
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Max Sauze Cassiopé chandelier France 1969
By Max Sauze
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
chandelier is a timeless work of art, seamlessly blending functionality with artistic brilliance. The piece
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 Monogramouflage Murakami Verde
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
comes with a keyless lock. Produced in 2008, it is in good condition. A collector's item combining art
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
Modern red Armchair
Vero
by Palo Nero
By Oleksandr Babenko
Located in Valencia, ES
the first time.
The Vero armchair is on the verge of art and functionality. Simplicity of form
Category
2010s Ukrainian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
$8,951 / item
Modern Armchair
Vero
by Palo Nero
By Oleksandr Babenko
Located in Valencia, ES
the first time.
The Vero armchair is on the verge of art and functionality. Simplicity of form
Category
2010s Ukrainian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
$8,736 / item
Set of 4 Glass Cups Designed by George Sowden for Bodum 1980s
By George Sowden, Bodum
Located in Debrecen, HU
combination of industrial materials with playful, geometric patterns makes them both functional items and
Category
Vintage 1980s Modern Glass
Materials
Steel
$75 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Ichabod Lounge Table by Richard Von Saal
Located in Napa, CA
fissures and wind-carved texture, finished in satin to highlight its golden warmth. A functional work of
Category
2010s American Tables
Materials
Pine
19th Century French Wooden Bird Lure On Metal Stand
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th-century French bird lure is a rare example of functional folk art turned sculptural
Category
Antique 19th Century French Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
1970s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Silver Plated Italian Ice Bucket
By Romeo Rega
Located in Aci Castello, IT
functional object of art, perfect for adding a touch of Hollywood Regency or Studio 54 glamour to a modern
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Metal, Brass
Movado Ladies and Enamel Pocket Watch, circa 1925, All In 18ct Gold
By Movado
Located in London, GB
functionality with timeless Art Deco elegance.
Total Weight: 34.11g
Case size: 29.5mm
Chain: 22"
TSMS10302
Category
Early 20th Century Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Pietro Chiesa Crystal ashtray for Fontana Arte, Italy 1940
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Conversano, IT
redefined the relationship between functionality and art. Today, Fontana Arte remains an international point
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Materials
Crystal
Set of 4 Modernist Pale Jade Hand-blown Murano Glass Sconces W/ Brass Fitting
Located in New York, NY
sconces are not just lighting fixtures; they are pieces of art that combine functionality with stylish
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Conversation seat ONE 2 ONE, by Reda Amalou
By REDA AMALOU DESIGN
Located in Paris, FR
furniture into a functional work of art. The One 2 One is not just a seat: it’s a sensory experience, a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canapes
Materials
Fabric, Chenille, Walnut
Vintage Judaica Sheffield Steel and Silver Challah Knife
By Sheffield Silver Co.
Located in New York, NY
challah knives double as both functional tools and displayable art
This knife aligns well with those
Category
20th Century American Artisan Flatware and Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver, Steel
$422 Sale Price
35% Off
Rozu – Sculptural Tray Crafted in Portoro Marble
Located in Porto, PT
harmony and rhythm, transforming functionality into art. Designed for luxury table settings or as a
Category
2010s Portuguese Organic Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble, Brass
$2,345 / item
Meritalia Candelabre / Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
it the chance to shine. Each candelabra is forged by skilled craftsmen who create functional and
Category
2010s Italian Post-Modern Candelabras
Materials
Steel
Meritalia Candelabre / Orange by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
it the chance to shine. Each candelabra is forged by skilled craftsmen who create functional and
Category
2010s Italian Post-Modern Candelabras
Materials
Steel
Meritalia Candelabre / Green by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
giving it the chance to shine. Each candelabra is forged by skilled craftsmen who create functional and
Category
2010s Italian Post-Modern Candelabras
Materials
Metal
Meritalia Candelabre / Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Fish Design, Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
giving it the chance to shine. Each candelabra is forged by skilled craftsmen who create functional and
Category
2010s Italian Post-Modern Candelabras
Materials
Steel
Meritalia Candelabre / Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
giving it the chance to shine. Each candelabra is forged by skilled craftsmen who create functional and
Category
2010s Italian Post-Modern Candelabras
Materials
Steel
Patrick Horsley Signed Tall Studio Pottery Vase – Earthy Textured Design
Located in West Hollywood, CA
on its own or as a functional vessel, this striking modernist vase bridges the gap between fine art
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Modern Leather Armchair
Vero
by Palo Nero
By Oleksandr Babenko
Located in Valencia, ES
the first time.
The Vero armchair is on the verge of art and functionality. Simplicity of form
Category
2010s Ukrainian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
$9,932 / item
Sculptural Solid Onyx Coffee Table, Contemporary Italian Design Marble Table
Located in İnegöl, TR
from genuine onyx marble, ensuring that every piece is unique and a functional work of art for your
Category
2010s Arts and Crafts Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Stone, Marble, Onyx
Sculptural “Winged” Chair in White Lacquered Wood, Signed by Artist, One of a Ki
Located in Los Angeles, CA
chair functions as both a work of art and a functional seat, ideal for use as a statement piece in
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
1980s Modernist Faux Tortoiseshell Lucite Square Tray by Ulderico Cavinato
By Guzzini, Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
materials with timeless design principles to create a visually stunning and functional work of art, it
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Silver Plate
Contemporary Blue and Clear Resin Vase from the Fish Collection by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Ibiza, Spain
functional design and contemporary art.
Suitable as a decorative vessel —for dried flowers or as a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vases
Materials
Resin
1920s Hand-Knotted Persian Kashan Rug in Deep Ruby
Indigo 4.4
x 6.10 - 1C1194
Located in Bordeaux, FR
table in a sophisticated living space.
This is more than just a rug; it is a durable, functional work
Category
Vintage 1920s French Western European Rugs
Materials
Wool
Brass and Glass Coffee Table - WEAVE by R’Kan
Located in Giza Governorate, EG
The Weave Coffee Tables skill fully merge art and functionality. Each table is crafted with a
Category
2010s Egyptian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Solid Brass Scandinavian Modernist Bottle Opener by Skultuna
By Skultuna
Located in Los Angeles, CA
and use it for a beer with the boys on a Saturday evening poker game!
Truly a piece of art and quite
Category
20th Century Swedish Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Brutalist Wrought Iron Round Coffee Table with Bronzed Cast Top, Europe, 1970s
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
rare and characterful table that reads as a functional piece of art. Perfect as a statement coffee
Category
Vintage 1970s Spanish Brutalist Sofa Tables
Materials
Ironstone, Polyester, Plywood
Japanese Old Primitive Side Chair 1940s-1960s / Stool Display Stand Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
trunks and limbs, radiates an elemental presence that blurs the line between functional furniture and art
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Primitive Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
character and authenticity. Add this captivating piece of functional stoneware art to your distinguished
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
Rare Mappa Burl Wood River Dining Table with a Sapphire Blue Epoxy Inlay
Located in İnegöl, TR
a contemporary or organic modern dining room, serving as a functional work of natural art.
Category
2010s Turkish Arts and Crafts Dining Room Tables
Materials
Epoxy Resin, Wood, Maple
$5,960 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Jellyfish Cousin Wall Lamp by Fresh Glass
Located in Geneve, CH
designed at the intersection of functionality and art. Konstantin Gvozdev took over the engineering
Category
2010s Russian Post-Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Stainless Steel
$1,974 / item
24K Gold-Plated Silver
Bohemian Crystal Wine Pitcher Collectible Decorative
Located in ראשון לציון, IL
pitcher bridges functional design and mythological art.
Shipping & Delivery
Complimentary worldwide
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Neoclassical Pitchers and Decanters
Materials
24k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Beatrice Tesdorf Murano-Style Sommerso Glass Centerpiece
By Beatrice Tesdorf
Located in Pasadena, CA
a work of art as a functional vessel.
Light refracts through the dual layers of glass, shifting
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-...
Materials
Murano Glass
Set of two ceramic casserole, Robert Picault, circa 1950
By Robert Picault
Located in New York, NY
functional design and decorative art.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Alfonso Otero Regal Face Vase in the Style of Picasso
By Alfonso Otero Regal
Located in Minneapolis, MN
mastery of techniques such as sgraffito, his work bridges fine art and functional craft. Influenced by
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Sculptural Mango Wood Side Table, Modern Organic
By Asian Modern
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This sculptural mango wood side table is a masterful fusion of art and functionality, showcasing
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Organic Modern Side Tables
Materials
Fruitwood
Sculptural Mango Wood Side Table Hour Glass Form, Modern Organic
By Asian Modern
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This sculptural mango wood side table is a masterful fusion of art and functionality, showcasing
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Organic Modern Side Tables
Materials
Fruitwood
Organic Modern Dining Table for Indoor or Covered Outdoor Spaces-Graphite Black
By Albino Miranda
Located in NEW YORK, NY
balance and calm, blurring the line between functional design and collectible art.
Each table is made to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Materials
Resin, Lacquer
Mid-Century Modern Triple Oval Overlapping Wall Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing a stunning trio of interlocking oval mirrors that serve as both functional pieces and
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Materials
Metal
Sculptural Soft Green Glazed “Pallini” Vase by Matteo Giampaglia, Italy 2023
Located in New York, NY
blurs the line between functional vessel and fine art sculpture. Every detail is formed by hand—no molds
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Brutalist Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Sculptural Black Ash Wood Stool 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
Modernist Hand-Blown Opalescent Murano Glass "Reverse Bloom" Brass Flush-Mount
Located in New York, NY
space, this Murano glass creation is both a work of art and a functional piece, embodying the enduring
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Flush Mount
Materials
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
- 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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