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Functional Art

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Modern Ceiling Pendant Light - Led Panel Lamp - Painted Olive - Large
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Zakharchenko UNIQUE FEATURES: Minimalist design Geometric form Art object Functional sculpture
Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Steel

Modern Ceiling Pendant Light - Led Panel Lamp - Water Ripple
- Small
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Zakharchenko UNIQUE FEATURES: Minimalist design Geometric form Art object Functional sculpture
Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Steel

Modern Ceiling Pendant Light - Led Panel Lamp - Anisotropy - Medium
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Zakharchenko UNIQUE FEATURES: Minimalist design Geometric form Art object Functional sculpture
Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Steel

Modern Ceiling Pendant Light - Led Panel Lamp - Anisotropy - Small
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Zakharchenko UNIQUE FEATURES: Minimalist design Geometric form Art object Functional sculpture
Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Steel

Modern Ceiling Pendant Light - Led Panel Lamp - Anisotropy - Large
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Zakharchenko UNIQUE FEATURES: Minimalist design Geometric form Art object Functional sculpture
Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Steel

Flowerpot Serralunga Pisa design Denis Santachiara
By Serralunga
Located in Alcamo, IT
, pure, almost “undesigned.” An iconic object that merges art, irony, and functionality, the Pisa
Category

2010s Italian Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Wood

Contemporary one of a kind Burgundy Stool
Located in 1204, CH
, scarred by corrosion, offer a unique patina that the duo transforms into functional works of art. Each
Category

2010s Stools

Materials

Steel

Contemporary one of a kind burgundy Console
Located in 1204, CH
, scarred by corrosion, offer a unique patina that the duo transforms into functional works of art. Each
Category

2010s Console Tables

Materials

Steel

Olivier Mourgue Bouloum Fiberglass and Fabric Lounge Chair
By Olivier Mourgue
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
and design dreamers alike, it’s equal parts pop art and functional sculpture. With its
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Fiberglass

Extra Large Rare Blown Engraved Glass Pendant Light with Stylised Leaf Motif
Located in Lisse, NL
functional but also an Art form. The large, hand-blown glass shade features richly engraved, stylised foliage
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
bowl is a functional work of art, perfect for serving as a dramatic centerpiece on a dining table
Category

Late 20th Century American Rustic Decorative Bowls

Materials

Pottery

Sculptural Finnish Pine Wood Wall Lamp, 1970s
Located in Karis, Nyland
, blending folk art with functional lighting.
Category

Vintage 1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Jacobean Four Drawer English Oak Dressers or Commodes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
perfect transition from functional to architectural pieces of art - the pulls are a beautifully patinated
Category

Antique 19th Century English Jacobean Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Ring Candle Holder, Kirsten Clemann, Denmark, 1970s
By Lauritz Adolph Hjorth, Einar Johansen, Michael Andersen Son
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
generation of Danish ceramicists who bridged the gap between functional design and sculptural art. Active
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Ceramic

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

Side Table Designed by Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design Collection
Located in Madrid, ES
was for pesce an ideal medium to express his design vision, merging art and functionality. Every item
Category

2010s Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Colored Round Side Table by Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design Collection
Located in Madrid, ES
was for pesce an ideal medium to express his design vision, merging art and functionality. Every item
Category

2010s Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Side Table Designed by Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design Collection
Located in Madrid, ES
was for pesce an ideal medium to express his design vision, merging art and functionality. Every item
Category

2010s Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Bernard Rooke Studio Pottery Lamp C. 1970s
By Bernard Rooke
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
stunning example of his innovative approach, seamlessly blending art and functionality. Bernard Rooke
Category

Vintage 1970s British Brutalist Table Lamps

Materials

Pottery

21st Century Modern Starry Mirror Lacquered Color by Malabar
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
capture the impression of the light in a scene. Conceptual yet functional, the art-filled round mirror
Category

2010s Portuguese Wall Mirrors

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vintage Boho Bielecky Brothers Wrapped Rattan Credenza
By Bielecky Brothers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
furniture; it is a functional work of art, destined to be a sophisticated centerpiece in a dining room, a
Category

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Credenzas

Materials

Brass

The Shard Cabinet by Morgan Clayhall, Abstract Hand-Painted Resin Doors
Located in Toronto, CA
The Shard Cabinet by Morgan Clayhall is a bold fusion of fine art and functional design. Inspired
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sideboards

Materials

Steel

Scalloped Four-Panel Screen in Distressed Gold Leaf with Nailhead Trim
Located in Yonkers, NY
flat or folded. This piece walks the line between functional object and sculptural art. Ideal as a
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Brass

The suspension Ray by Stephanie Balini
By Stephanie Balini
Located in Paris, FR
work of art, showcasing crafts- manship and attention to detail. A perfect blend of art and
Category

2010s French Minimalist Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Bronze

One-of-Kind "Totem" Chair by Paolo Rossi
Located in Roma, RM
Not simply a chair but a functional work of art. Created, by Paolo Rossi, from discarded materials
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

One-of-Kind "Totem" Chair by Paolo Rossi
Located in Roma, RM
Not simply a chair but a functional work of art. Created, by Paolo Rossi, from discarded materials
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Wrought Iron

Italian Egidio Casagrande Hammered Brass Pitcher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
functional piece of art. While not in use the pitcher complements any shelf or counter. All of
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Materials

Brass

Pair of Early 20th Century French Barbotine Wall Brackets with Stag Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
as both decorative art and functional supports. A stamped mark is faintly visible on one reverse
Category

Early 20th Century French Wall Brackets

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of 1920s Armchairs by Studio BBPR
By Studio BBPR
Located in Catania, IT
study or a gallery – these two BBPR armchairs represent a functional work of art and a precious piece of
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Boho 1970s French Plaster Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
and artistic presence. More than just a storage unit, this is a functional work of art, destined to be
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brutalist Credenzas

Materials

Gesso, Plaster, Wood

1920s Anglo-Raj Hand-Painted Rajasthani Dowry Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
age and use. A colorful and evocative piece of Indian decorative art — both functional and visually
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo Raj Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Architectural Wrought Iron Table Base with Truss Detailing, Mid-20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. The overall effect recalls the Brutalist and industrial art furniture movements, and is reminiscent of
Category

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Boho Carved Senufo Stools - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
an iconic piece of functional African art. Add this stunning Senufo stool set to your collection
Category

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Geometric Solid Wood Coffee Table by Tinella Studio – Two-Tone Sculptural Design
Located in İnegöl, TR
— it becomes a functional work of art. Ideal for contemporary interiors with a focus on architectural
Category

2010s Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Freeform Sofa by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra Design Museum
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Centreville, VA
seating experience. The piece reflects Noguchi’s vision of furniture as living art—graceful, functional
Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech, Maple

Murano Glass Fish Lamp Attributed to Licio Zanetti, Italy, 1970s
By Licio Zanetti
Located in BARCELONA, ES
together Venetian glass artistry and mid-century elegance in a functional object of art. The lamp has been
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Murano Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modernist Sculptural Quartz Crystal Table Lamp by Carole Stupell
By Carole Stupell
Located in New York, NY
craftsmanship, making this table lamp both functional and a work of art. Perfect for collectors or those seeking
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Quartz

Glass Blue Vase, Made in Italy
By Les Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
piece stands out with its unique shapes, refined textures, and exquisite colors, blending art and
Category

2010s Italian Vases

Materials

Glass

Extra Large “Chiclos” Vase by Renato Toso for Leucos – Italian Murano Glass
By Renato Toso, Leucos
Located in Dronten, NL
between functional object and art piece—its sculptural form, masterful glasswork, and rare scale make it a
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Murano Glass

Rare "California Chair" by Ennio Ludovico Chiggio (Gruppo N) for Nikol Internati
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in leucate, FR
, expertly blending kinetic art, playful functionality, and an aesthetic inspired by surf culture. Its
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Chairs

Materials

Metal

Stunning black ceramic pitcher in the style of Georges Jouve circa 1950
By Georges Jouve
Located in NICE, FR
evoke Jouve’s distinctive approach to ceramics — where functional forms become works of art. Perfect as
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Antique Primitive Side Chair 1900s-1940s / Display Stand Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
sculptural form, marked by the passage of time and nature, transcends functionality to exist as an art piece
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Primitive Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Hand Made Prototype Chair, One of a Kind
Located in Lutz, FL
An unusual and interesting one of a kind functional piece of art c.1970’s. This hand crafted
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Stunning Signed Lion in Frost "Iceberg" Acrylic Dining Table, U.S.A. 1970 s.
By Lion in Frost
Located in Los Angeles, CA
both a collectible work of art and a functional statement piece—ideal for contemporary or Hollywood
Category

Vintage 1970s American Dining Room Tables

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Set of Serving Utensils by Emilia Castillo "Agave Collection" Hand Signed
By Emilia Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
inspiration with bold, sculptural design, making these both functional and decorative works of art
Category

Vintage 1980s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Malachite, Silver, Brass

German Mid-Century Christian Dell Bauhaus Clamp Lamp #6470 circa 1930
By Kaiser Idell, Christian Dell
Located in New York, NY
An Iconic design symbol and functional work of art: a German Mid-Century Modern / Bauhaus Clamp
Category

Mid-20th Century German Bauhaus Floor Lamps

Materials

Steel

Lumiere Rectangular Mirror - Forged Gold-Plated Hammered Brass - Boca do Lobo
Located in Rio Tinto, PT
the contemporary dualities of art and functionality.
Category

2010s Portuguese Wall Mirrors

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate, Brass, Stainless Steel, Iron

Large Glazed Ceramic Vase with Blue, Green, and Brown Tones
Located in Yonkers, NY
. A distinctive vessel that bridges decorative art and functional form.
Category

Late 20th Century Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Boho Sliced Stone Lamps - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
functional work of art; bring this blend of natural beauty and sculptural design into your home today!
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Rustic Table Lamps

Materials

Stone, Metal

Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Boda 1950 s Clear, White, Black and Red Vase
By Kosta Boda, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in Mexico City, MX
Boda’s work spans functional design and fine art, reflecting a distinctly Scandinavian blend of
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Vintage Boho 1970s Verdigris Abstract Organic Fountain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
and a profound connection to the natural world. More than just a decorative object, this functional
Category

Vintage 1970s American Organic Modern Fountains

Materials

Copper

Louis Sognot Vanity in Black Lacquer With Triptych Mirror and Glass Top
By Louis Sognot
Located in Cheyenne, WY
This elegant vanity by Louis Sognot showcases a refined balance of functionality and Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1930s French Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Lacquer

Vintage Boho Coiled Pencil Reed Lamps - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
functional works of art. Perfect for illuminating a living room, adding a statement to a bedside table, or
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Organic Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Rattan

Rare Hand-Painted Faux Bois Concrete Garden Table
Located in West Hollywood, CA
functional work of art.
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Pedestals

Materials

Stone

21st Century Kju Bist Dining Chair Bouclé Lacquered Color by Malabar
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
planar surfaces, reflects Cubist influences. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, this chair is a functional
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Modern Hand-Knotted Wool Rug by Dinodo Studio 300x200cm (9.84×6.56ft)
By Dinodo Studio, Firouz FarmanFarmaian
Located in Wien, AT
(240 x 170 cm) - World as Tent is both a functional textile and a contemplative art piece. Limited to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Western European Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Boho Hand Carved Falcon Brackets - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
functional works of art. Ideal for supporting a statement shelf in a bohemian living room, flanking an
Category

Mid-20th Century American Rustic Wall Brackets

Materials

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.