Functional Art
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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
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
$8,409 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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
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
$8,700 Sale Price
40% Off
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
$6,240 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
$1,850 / set
Divided Lands Dining Table in Etched Zinc by Artist Florian Roeper
By Studio Roeper
Located in Napa, CA
bridges the gap between functional furniture and fine art, anchoring a room with quiet, sophisticated
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Dining Room Tables
Materials
Zinc
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
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
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
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
Extra Large “Chiclos” Vase by Renato Toso for Leucos – Italian Murano Glass
By Leucos, Renato Toso
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
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
$20,974 Sale Price / item
22% Off
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
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
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
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 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
Shagreen Chest, Tamara by Reda Amalou, One-Off, 2020, Limited Edition
By REDA AMALOU DESIGN
Located in Paris, FR
imbued with a contemporary sensibility, this work embodies a harmonious fusion of art, functionality, and
Category
2010s French Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
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 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
$1,450 / set
Delírios Armchair by +55design – Waffle‑Technique Interlocking Wood Structure
By Guto Requena
Located in Jardim America, SP
it is a functional work of art.
Category
2010s South American Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
$30,904 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$2,212 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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
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
$1,850 / set
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
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
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) "Cruchon Hibou" jug in glazed earthenware.
By Madoura
Located in København, Copenhagen
. Picasso’s ceramics blurred the lines between functional objects and fine art, making everyday items into
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pitchers
Materials
Earthenware
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
Rörstrand "Sarek" Bowl by Olle Alberius (1960s Mid-Century Design), Sweden
By Olle Alberius, Rörstrand
Located in Skien, NO
curated Nordic look
A sculptural yet functional work of art—where Swedish craftsmanship meets timeless
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
$240 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Italian anthropomorphic hanging bookcases in the style of Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
between art, design and functionality: this pair of bookcases or wall shelves made in the 1950s-60s is a
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Poul Henningsen PH Kontrast Pendant Light for Louis Poulsen, 1958-62
By Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. More than a light source, this Poul Henningsen pendant is a functional work of art, offering masterful
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Boho Hand Painted Faux Malachite Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
a sophisticated catch-all in a study, this box is a functional work of art that brings a dramatic
Category
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Paint
Vintage Boho Edward Wormley for Dunbar Terrazzo Top Side Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
silhouette, subtly joined by refined brass accents. This functional work of art is a prized acquisition for
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Stone, Brass
Vik Muniz Pincushion Pouf in Foam
Brazilian Wood with Steel Pins by +55design
By Vik Muniz
Located in Jardim America, SP
integrity. The result is a bold, functional object that fuses contemporary art and design—ideal for
Category
2010s Brazilian Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
Custom Modern Sofa in Argentine Rosewood with Shelving from Costantini, Patone
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Arts Building where his works blur the lines between art and functional design. The team of artisans
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood
Contemporary one of a kind Nocturne Shell Chair
Located in 1204, CH
, scarred by corrosion, offer a unique patina that the duo transforms into functional works of art.
Each
Category
2010s Daybeds
Materials
Steel
Contemporary one of a kind Cinnamon Cloud 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
Contemporary one of a kind Porcelain Dawn Dining Table
Located in 1204, CH
, scarred by corrosion, offer a unique patina that the duo transforms into functional works of art.
Each
Category
2010s Dining Room Tables
Materials
Steel
Contemporary one of a kind Pacific Mist Table
Located in 1204, CH
, scarred by corrosion, offer a unique patina that the duo transforms into functional works of art.
Each
Category
2010s Dining Room Tables
Materials
Steel
Contemporary one of a kind Pink Bench
Located in 1204, CH
, scarred by corrosion, offer a unique patina that the duo transforms into functional works of art.
Each
Category
2010s Benches
Materials
Steel
Contemporary one of a kind Metallic Seaweed 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
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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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