Functional Art
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Gerrit Thomas Rietveld “Utrecht” Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Dronten, NL
Stijl, or mid-century modern pieces, the Utrecht Sofa serves as both a seating solution and a functional
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Peacock Table Lamp in Ceramic with Textural Gradient Umber Glaze
Located in New York, NY
of artistic form and functional design. The lamp’s ceramic body features a gracefully sculpted
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Ceramic Table Lamp W/ Naturalist Resin Shade
Illuminated Cutout
Located in New York, NY
interiors, this piece is a functional work of art that bridges the gap between form and utility.
As a
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic, Resin
A.R. Cordemeyer Cleopatra Daybed for Auping w/ House of Hackney Fabric, 1950s
By Auping, André R. Cordemeyer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
furniture to a functional work of art.
Offered in excellent vintage condition, the daybed is ready for
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Materials
Metal
Ettore Sottsass Lipari Side Table Zanotta Italy 1992 Postmodern Memphis Design
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
functional work of postmodern art.
Provenance: From a private estate in Southeast Michigan. Dimensions
Category
1990s Italian Side Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood
Modern Beige and Black Hooked Silk Rug by Doris Leslie Blau
Located in New York, NY
. This restrained yet evocative design invites interpretation, making the rug as much a piece of art as a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tibetan Modern Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Materials
Silk
Judith Leiber Silver Minaudière Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
line between objet d’art and functional adornment.
Condition
Pristine and apparently unused
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Bags and Minaudières
Michel Mangematin Sculptural Coffee Table with Crossed Bronze Base and Glass Top
By Michel Mangematin
Located in Miami, FL
functional furniture and contemporary art. This coffee table is a perfect example of his ability to transform
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bronze
Shawn Banks Organic Modern Yellow and Orange Large Gourd Shaped Ceramic Vase
By Architectural Pottery, Lagardo Tackett
Located in Chattanooga, TN
, preserving both texture and color.
This is decorative art rather than functional pottery — it is not
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Planters, Cachepot...
Materials
Ceramic
$1,160 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
artistry of the Viennese cabinetmakers who elevated functionality into art.
The beautifully book-matched
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Biedermeier Center Tables
Materials
Walnut
Unique Ceramic Mid-Century Dish by Guido Gambone. Florence, Italy, 1950s.
By Bruno Gambone, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Guido Gambone
Located in Malmö, SE
ceramics from functional craft to expressive art, creating a body of work that continues to inspire and
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-P...
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware
1970s Serving Tray in the Shape of a Ram by Franco Lapini, Italy.
By Franco Lapini
Located in Marbella, ES
silver-plated metal in the shape of a reclining ram. This stunning piece combines art and functionality
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Centerpieces
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Vintage Swedish Square Rug, Scandinavian Flatweave with Birds - Rug
Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
“rollakhan” flatweave in rich colors, versatile size and the most charming depiction of Scandinavian folk art
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Kilim Western European Rugs
Materials
Wool
Vintage Boho Brass and Burl Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
home with this exceptional piece—a functional work of art ready to become a focal point in your
Category
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Console Tables
Materials
Brass
French Classical Revival Limestone Planter, Finely Carved Limestone Jardiniere
By Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
Located in Miami, FL
garden urn, decorative indoor planter, or sculptural accent, it combines fine-art presence with
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Revival Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Limestone
Rare Kinetic Ashtray by Yonel Lebovici, France, 1970s
By Yonel Lebovici, Atelier A
Located in Dronten, NL
functionality and conceptual art, transforming a utilitarian object into a captivating sculpture.
Constructed
Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Materials
Chrome
1980s Modernist Ice Lucite and Silver plated Italian Tray by Ulderico Cavinato
By Guzzini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
timeless design principles to create a visually stunning and functional work of art, it exemplifies the
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Barware
Materials
Silver Plate
Minimalist Sculptural Stool by Maria Osminina
By Maria Osminina
Located in Carrara (MS), IT
object that exists equally as functional furniture and as collectible art.
Category
2010s Danish Minimalist Stools
Materials
Plastic
Industrial Metal Console with Riveted Details in Brutalist Style
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
interiors, hallways, art spaces, or offices, this piece stands as both functional furniture and sculptural
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moldovan Industrial Console Tables
Materials
Metal
Rare 1970s Norman Archibald
Nore
Leather-Back Dining Chairs (Set of 6)
Located in TORQUAY, AU
example of functional Australian art, ready to bring an unmatched level of confidence and timeless
Category
Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Sumak Storage Bag
Located in Paradise Valley, AZ
collectible piece of functional tribal art.
Color - Multi-Color
Type - Sumak Storage Bag
**Certified and
Category
2010s Uzbek Indian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$2,000
Mid-Century Modern Brown Stoneware Birka Rubus Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Grythyttan, SE
, sculptural form, and sophisticated glazes that bridge the line between art and functional design. The Rubus
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Materials
Stoneware
Italian Modern Atomic Planet Design Slim Asymmetrical Brass Sphere Console Table
Located in New York, NY
collectible value. It's not just furniture, it's functional abstract art.
Glass 3/4 inch thick
Dimensions of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Console Tables
Materials
Brass
Tibetan Rug Fu Dog
Located in Ferrara, IT
piece but also a functional work of art. Whether displayed on a wall, as a seat cover, or as a unique
Category
Antique 19th Century Tibetan Tibetan Central Asian Rugs
Materials
Wool
$4,196
Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Persian Mahal Rug
Located in New York, NY
pieces, treasured as both decorative art and functional textile.
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Armand Jonckers Monumental Engraved Brass Coffee Table
By Armand Jonckers
Located in Waalwijk, NL
by Armand Jonckers, embodies the fusion of art and functionality. What immediately stands out are the
Category
Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
1910s Cold-Painted Orientalist Bronze Table Lamp by Franz Bergmann, Austria
By Nam Greb, Franz Bergmann
Located in North Miami, FL
fully expressed in this sculptural composition that bridges fine art and functional object, evoking both
Category
Vintage 1910s Austrian Jugendstil Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin
A Vintage American Brutalist Torched Metal Wall-Mounted Mirror, Circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
serves equally as functional décor and as an art object.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Wall Mirrors
Materials
Metal
Herzog
de Meuron “Jingzi” Pendant Light for Belux, Switzerland, 2005
By Herzog
de Meuron
Located in Antwerp, BE
invites both visual and tactile engagement, blurring the lines between art, architecture, and functional
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Silicone
Two Goffredo Reggiani Post Modern Chrome Spotlight Table Lamps
By Robert Sonneman, Goffredo Reggiani, Sonneman Lighting
Located in Chattanooga, TN
design. These functional works of art are sure to make a statement.
These 1970s chrome spotlight table
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Chrome, Metal
Handmade Bronze, Brass
Solid Acrylic Console Table – Cactus by R’Kan
Located in Giza Governorate, EG
Cactus Console is a functional work of art that defines any interior with originality, craftsmanship, and
Category
2010s Egyptian Modern Console Tables
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Floor Stand for a Candle Holder in Chromed Zinc Alloy by STOFF Nagel
Located in Geneve, CH
transforms functional design into an interactive art experience, blending heritage with modern craftsmanship.
Category
2010s Danish Post-Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome, Zinc
Antique French Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen - Hand-Forged Gothic Revival
Located in Raleigh, NC
character to the iron's surface, telling the story of countless cozy evenings by the fire.
This functional
Category
Antique 1890s Gothic Revival Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Vintage Capodimonte ceramic lamps with figurative bacchanal scene
By Capodimonte
Located in East Quogue, NY
proportioned and feature twin ceramic cherub handles. They are fully functional and exquisite works of art
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Sandlines Hand-Tufted Abstract Rug in Neutral and Pastel Tones by RAG Home
Located in Jakarta Selatan, ID
erosion and landscape, blurring the line between art object and functional design.
Sandliness offers
Category
21st Century and Contemporary More Carpets
Materials
Wool, Acrylic
Riva 1920 Mountains Bench - Hsiao-Ching Wang - Cedar Wood, W 240 cm (94.5 in)
By Riva 1920
Located in Alcamo, IT
that draws the eye and invites touch. Mountains is not just functional; it is an art object that
Category
2010s Italian Benches
Materials
Cedar
Mid-century modern Green/Grey marble lamp from Yxhult Kolmården, Sweden.
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
of Scandinavian lighting and design, this Yxhult lamp is equally striking as a functional work of art
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Marble
Vintage Harlequin Surfboard Coffee Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
functional. This coffee table is the perfect anchor for a sophisticated living room, serving as a functional
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Burl
Mid-Century Modern “Stanford” Teak Lounge Chair by Folke Ohlsson for DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in North Hollywood, CA
reflects the elegance of Scandinavian design principles. It blends functionality with art, ensuring that it
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Seven disc wall sconces, Goffredo Reggiani, circa 1970s
By Goffredo Reggiani
Located in New York, NY
retaining an air of elegance. Designed as both functional lighting and art objects, they embody Reggiani’s
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
Vintage MCM Plaster Abstract Lamps - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
touch of sophisticated charm to a living room, bedroom, or entryway, serving as both functional lighting
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
$1,450 / set
Vintage Boho Tessellated Bone Console Table
By Enrique Garcel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
character and story. This exceptional piece is more than just furniture; it's a functional work of art ready
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Hollywood Regency Console Tables
Materials
Bone, Wood
Paolo De Poli Wood and Enamel Box, circa 1950
By Gio Ponti, Paolo De Poli
Located in Atlanta, GA
fine art and functional form.
Dimensions: 8.69 in wide (22 cm) by 3.75 in deep (9.5 cm) by 2 in high (5
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Copper, Enamel
Aton Floor Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide – Iconic Italian 1980s Design
By Ernesto Gismondi, Artemide
Located in Dronten, NL
a functional work of art. Elevate your space with the bold innovation of Ernesto Gismondi.
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Steel
18th Italian Coffee Table with Nlack Stucco Top in Trompe-l
œil Style with Foot
Located in Marbella, ES
sophisticated spaces such as living rooms, libraries, or offices, combining decorative art with functionality.
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Center Tables
Materials
Stucco
Aurora Table Lamp by Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio di Desio
By Luciano Frigerio, Frigerio Di Desio
Located in Conversano, IT
expression of his unmistakable stylistic language that blends sculptural art with functionality. Entirely
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Brutalist Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Bronze and Glass Limited Edition Organic Textured Heart Side Table Raw Bronze
Located in Tempe, AZ
table that serves as both a stunning accent piece and a functional work of art. Cast in bronze and
Category
2010s American Side Tables
Materials
Bronze
Bronze and Glass Limited Edition Organic Textured Heart Side Table French Brown
Located in Tempe, AZ
that serves as both a stunning accent piece and a functional work of art. Cast in bronze and finished
Category
2010s American Side Tables
Materials
Bronze
Aura - Round classical dining table in Calacatta marble
Located in Cologna Veneta, IT
as a dining table or a statement piece, this table combines material, art, and functionality in a
Category
2010s Italian Classical Roman Dining Room Tables
Materials
Marble, Carrara Marble
Persian Flat Weave Rug – Hand-Spun Wool, Vegetable Dye, Made to Order
By Nasiri
Located in New York, NY
eclectic decor, this sustainable and artisan-made rug is both a work of art and a functional centerpiece
Category
2010s Persian Organic Modern Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Midcentury Porte-Bouteilles Danish Modern Rosewood Wine Rack
Located in Los Angeles, CA
design that seamlessly blends art and functionality. With the capacity to hold 6 bottles of your finest
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Wood, Rosewood
Bronze and Glass Limited Edition Organic Textured Heart Side Table
Located in Tempe, AZ
serves as both a stunning accent piece and a functional work of art. Cast in bronze and finished with a
Category
2010s American Side Tables
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Two Seat Bench attr. Arthur Umanoff for John Stuart
By John Stuart, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Trenton, NJ
ensures it will remain a functional work of art for generations to come.
Dimensions: 41w 16.5d 16h
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$1,960 Sale Price
30% Off
Meritalia Candelabre / Red by Gaetano Pesce
By 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
Massive Table by Charlotte Besson Oberlin
By Charlotte Besson-Oberlin
Located in Paris, FR
between robustness and lightness makes this piece a true functional work of art. Perfect for modern inte
Category
2010s French Minimalist Tables
Materials
Ash
Emilia Castillo Silver Vase with Stone Accents, Signed, Taxco Mexico
By Emilia Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
are highly sought after for their ability to transform functional vessels into collectible art pieces
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Mexican Modern Vases
Materials
Stone, Silver Plate, Brass
Set of 2 Vintage Low Ceramic Tables from Brothers Jean
Robert Cloutier, 1950s
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
offering practicality thanks to their fellow design. These functional works of art embody the perfect
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tables
Materials
Ceramic
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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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