Functional Art
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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
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
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
Organic Modern Home Office Writing Desk Black Lacquer Polished Stainless Steel
By João Faria, EMOTIONAL OBJECTS
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
functional and fine art. He uses the finest materials and techniques, but most importantly, he only makes
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
1980s Plexiglass and Vienna Straw Rectangular Box in the manner of Dior Home
By Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
, resulting in a visually captivating and functional work of art. The rectangular shape of the box is a nod to
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Materials
Wicker, Plexiglass
Antique French Louis XV Style Bronze Mounted Leather Top Desk Signed Billen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
century. A signed piece by Billen Paris is a rare find, making this desk not only a functional work of art
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Sculptural Modern White Glazed Ceramic Decorative Hook - Lost Quarry
By Lost Quarry, Doris Josovitz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
textured white clay finish feels as natural as it appears, it is both a work of art and a functional piece
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
ZOË Dresser by AMBROZIA, Solid Pebble Oak, Quartzite Stone
Dull Champagne
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
transform the piece into a functional work of art, contrasting beautifully with the warmth of wood and the
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Dressers
Materials
Quartz, Marble, Brass, Bronze, Cut Steel, Chrome, Nickel
Persian Minimalist Flat Weave Rug – Neutral Stripes, Hand-Spun, Vegetable Dye
By Nasiri
Located in New York, NY
, bedrooms, or offices, this artisanal rug is both functional and a work of art, designed to complement a
Category
2010s Persian Organic Modern Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Modern Tribal Style Moroccan Wool Rug by Doris Leslie Blau
Located in New York, NY
craftsmanship but also a functional work of art designed to age beautifully over time.
Exclusively available at
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Tribal Moroccan and North African...
Materials
Wool
Handmade Antique Persian Hamadan Rug 3.6
x 6.8
, 1920s - 2B98
Located in Bordeaux, FR
vibrant design allow it to serve as both a decorative statement and a functional work of art — seamlessly
Category
Vintage 1920s French Western European Rugs
Materials
Wool
Trama - Contemporary classic console table in Calacatta Gold marble and oak wood
Located in Cologna Veneta, IT
, and reception areas
A piece of furniture that combines functionality and art, designed for those who
Category
2010s Italian Modern Console Tables
Materials
Marble, Carrara Marble
Ben Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Dronten, NL
offers both visual warmth and ergonomic ease, staying true to Paulin’s philosophy of merging art
Category
Vintage 1980s French Organic Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
NO.000980 Handcrafted Modern White Sand Glaze Ceramic Vessel- Lost Quarry
By Doris Josovitz, Lost Quarry
Located in Brooklyn, NY
that makes it both a work of art and a functional piece.
Made entirely by hand in Brooklyn and Upstate
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
NO.000954 Handcrafted Organic Modern Textured White Ceramic Vessel- Lost Quarry
By Doris Josovitz, Lost Quarry
Located in Brooklyn, NY
that makes it both a work of art and a functional piece.
Made entirely by hand in Brooklyn and Upstate
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
NO.000963 Modern Sculptural Black End Table
By Doris Josovitz, Lost Quarry
Located in Brooklyn, NY
interior that makes it both a work of art and a functional piece.
Made entirely by hand in Brooklyn and
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Contemporary Splash Rug – Abstract Blue on White, Wool Acrylic Blend
By RAG home
Located in Jakarta Selatan, ID
elongated organic silhouette adds a sculptural quality, making it both a functional rug and a statement art
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Modern Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Acrylic
Rare Hala Zeist Articulating
Leaning
Floor Lamp by Herman Busquet
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
and remains a highly functional work of art.
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal, Chrome
A Glazed Ceramic Catchall, Signed Alvarães, 1957
By Georges Jouve
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
iridescent hues. A striking example of mid-century European ceramic art—functional yet undeniably sculptural.
Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Materials
Ceramic
Maitland Smith Louis XVI Style Carved Gilded Wood Fauteuil Armchair
By Maitland Smith, Georges Jacob
Located in Forney, TX
Seat Height: 18"
A work of art, functional, comfortable, and highly decorative, used a focal point
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Louis XVI Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Giltwood
Mogens Lassen "Egyptian Table" by A.J. Iversen
By Mogens Lassen, Hans J. Wegner, A. J. Iversen, Finn Juhl
Located in Raleigh, NC
modern sensibilities, creating a piece that serves as both functional furniture and sculptural art.
The
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Bronze and Glass Limited Edition Wave Coffee Table with Black Patina
Located in Tempe, AZ
furniture, it is a functional work of art. Its smooth bronze surface and hand-finished contours create
Category
2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bronze
Sculptural Modern White Glazed Ceramic Candlesticks - Lost Quarry
By Lost Quarry, Doris Josovitz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
with intention, its textured white clay finish feels as natural as it appears, it is both a work of art
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Candlesticks
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 2 The Flower Plates
By House of Ita
Located in Milan, IT
perfect blend of art and functionality. Ideal for adding a touch of luxury and elegance to any dining
Category
2010s Italian Dinner Plates
Materials
Ceramic
$165 / item
Set of 2 The Leaf Plates
By House of Ita
Located in Milan, IT
perfect blend of art and functionality. Ideal for adding a touch of luxury and elegance to any dining
Category
2010s Italian Dinner Plates
Materials
Ceramic
$165 / item
François Linke French Louis XVI Ormolu Kingwood Bureau Plat Desk, c.1889
By François Linke
Located in King
s Lynn, GB
furniture with the flowing, sculptural artistry of Art Nouveau, creating pieces that were both functional
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Sculptural Brandt Low Coffee Table CS1 in Hand-brushed Stainless Steel by NOOM
By Kateryna Sokolova, NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
balanced asymmetry. The hand-brushed surface resembles the ripples of water, making each piece a functional
Category
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Sculptural Brandt High Coffee Table CS1 in Hand-brushed Stainless Steel by NOOM
By Kateryna Sokolova, NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
balanced asymmetry. The hand-brushed surface resembles the ripples of water, making each piece a functional
Category
2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Bronze and Glass Limited Edition Wave Coffee Table
Located in Tempe, AZ
furniture, it is a functional work of art. Its smooth bronze surface and hand-finished contours gleam with
Category
2010s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Regency Goralnik and Buchanan Empire Arm Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
complemented by matching star-shaped brass nailhead trim. This piece is a functional work of art, perfect as a
Category
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Materials
Metal
NO.000956 Handcrafted Organic Modern Textured White Ceramic Vessel- Lost Quarry
By Doris Josovitz, Lost Quarry
Located in Brooklyn, NY
that makes it both a work of art and a functional piece.
Made entirely by hand in Brooklyn and Upstate
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
NO.000957 Handcrafted Organic Modern Textured White Ceramic Vessel- Lost Quarry
By Doris Josovitz, Lost Quarry
Located in Brooklyn, NY
that makes it both a work of art and a functional piece.
Made entirely by hand in Brooklyn and Upstate
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
No.000390 Handcrafted Organic Modern Textured White Ceramic Vessel- Lost Quarry
By Doris Josovitz, Lost Quarry
Located in Brooklyn, NY
that makes it both a work of art and a functional piece.
Made entirely by hand in Brooklyn and Upstate
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brass Cast Sculpture Dining / Foyer Table, Phoenix
By Tom Greene
Located in New York City, NY
using a lost wax technique and is truly a functional piece of Art. Each piece uses a unique mold so no
Category
2010s Dining Room Tables
Materials
Brass
$44,000 / item
Caltagirone Ceramic Multi-Color Stool/Side Table
Located in Roma, RM
stool/side table is a functional piece of art and makes a useful and eye-catching addition to any
Category
2010s Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Ceramic
Set of 3 Decorative Candle Holders in Bronzed Brass 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
Brass
Italian Murano Glass Wall or Ceiling Light, Space Age Brutalist Style, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
art and functionality merge. When illuminated, the richly colored glass radiates a warm and
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal
19th-Century Dutch Copper and Brass
Doofpot
(Ember Pot)
Located in Lincoln, GB
authenticity and history. It is a stable and ready-to-display piece of both functional and decorative art
Category
Antique 19th Century Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Materials
Brass, Copper
$379 Sale Price
20% Off
Floor Stand for a Candle Holder in Zinc Alloy with Chrome Finish by STOFF Nagel
Located in Geneve, CH
Nagel transforms functional design into an interactive art experience, blending heritage with modern
Category
2010s Danish Post-Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome, Zinc
Vintage Italian Alf Burl Dresser
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
hardware complements the warm wood tones, making this piece a functional work of art that will elevate any
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Set of 3 Decorative BMF Candle Holders in Chrome Finish by STOFF Nagel
Located in Geneve, CH
functional design into an interactive art experience, blending heritage with modern craftsmanship.
Category
2010s Danish Post-Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Regency Gilt Scroll Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
catch the light from every angle. This is far more than a simple mirror; it is a piece of functional
Category
Mid-20th Century American Baroque Wall Mirrors
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Brutalist Wrought Iron Sculptural Table Lamp in Style of Paul Evans, Ca. 1970s
Located in New York, NY
blurs the line between functional design and expressive art.
ABOUT ARTIST
Paul Evans (American, 1931
Category
Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Table Lamps
Materials
Wrought Iron
Contemporary Black Stone Sculpture Handcrafted Ricard Casabayó Pedra Negra F6
By Ricard Casabayó
Located in Barcelona, ES
A new functional sculpture made from black stone from Aragon has an organic shape. Can be used as a
Category
2010s Spanish Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone
His
Hers Lucite Armchairs by Charles Hollis Jones, Signed
Dated 1972
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, and modernist geometry into functional works of art.
Measurements;
His chair: 36.25” high × 23.25
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Lucite, Wood
Vintage Regency Hand Painted Dressing Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
functional work of art, ideal for adding a bespoke touch to a refined bedroom, an elegant entryway, or even
Category
Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Tables
Materials
Metal
Jugend Chairs a Pair. Swedish in Painted Pine with Original Cushions
Located in Kastrup, DK
, embodying the Nordic interpretation of Jugend / Art Nouveau—functional, lightweight, and elegantly simple
Category
Antique Early 1900s Swedish Jugendstil Armchairs
Materials
Pine
BLEO Coffee Table
Located in San Pedro Garza García, N.L.
Designed by Daniel Couttolenc, the BLEO coffee table blurs the line between functional design and
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Hardwood
$5,227 / item
Dining Chair Model 42 Made In Teak
Black Leather By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
that combines comfort with a sharp, light design. A beautiful example of Danish furniture art, where
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Lace – Organic Textured Brass Napkin Ring with Gold Finish
Located in Porto, PT
functional accessory, Lace embodies the art of detail, perfect for those who appreciate the finer touches
Category
2010s Portuguese Organic Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Tom Dixon iconic stackable floor lamp-stool
Jack
1994 - DESIGN AWARD WINNER
By Tom Dixon
Located in The Hague, NL
art, functionality, and innovation. This striking lamp, also known as the "sitting, stacking, lighting
Category
1990s British Post-Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Acrylic
Monumental Large Stainless Steel Floor Lamps by Targetti – Italy, 1970s
By Targetti Sankey
Located in Echt, NL
: Targetti’s light was not just functional — it was art.
We offer a variety of insured shipping services, ask
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Pendant Lamps ‘Lampin 17’ (3 set) inox by Zieta
By Oskar Zieta, Zieta
Located in Paris, IDF
like steel, aluminum, and copper into striking pieces that blur the lines between art and functional
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pend...
Materials
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Pendant Lamps ‘Lampin 15’ (3 set) inox by Zieta
By Oskar Zieta, Zieta
Located in Paris, IDF
like steel, aluminum, and copper into striking pieces that blur the lines between art and functional
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pend...
Materials
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Pendant Lamps ‘Lampin 13’ (3 set) inox by Zieta
By Oskar Zieta, Zieta
Located in Paris, IDF
like steel, aluminum, and copper into striking pieces that blur the lines between art and functional
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pend...
Materials
Stainless Steel
Pair of Spanish Colonial Revival Throne Chairs, Early 20th Century
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
stand as highly decorative yet functional works of art, ideal for lending an aura of nobility to a
Category
Early 20th Century Peruvian Spanish Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Wood
The Crimson Equinox: A Rare Twill Saddle Blanket of Southwestern Mastery
Located in Dallas, TX
functionality and fine art. The raised diagonal ridges of the twill structure, executed with impeccable control
Category
Early 20th Century American Spanish Colonial North and South American Rugs
Materials
Wool
$1,260 Sale Price
25% Off
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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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