Skip to main content

Functional Art

to
725
3,474
3,131
3,695
3,258
2,422
1,595
1,003
517
414
396
249
239
187
141
112
111
98
78
75
38
34
28
21
21
16
13
13
12
5
4
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
286
152
152
102
69
Sort By
Contemporary one of a kind Oxblood Waltz 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 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 Stool Boon Sky 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 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 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 Oxblood Waltz Low 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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

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

2010s Side Tables

Materials

Steel

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

2010s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

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

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

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

2010s Shelves

Materials

Steel

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

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

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

2010s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Contemporary one of a kind Cloud Stone 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 Virgil Grove 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 Arsenic Fog 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 Aethra Daybed inspired desk
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 Cherry Mulholland Desk 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 Ash Violet 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 Cherry Mulholland Desk
Located in 1204, CH
, scarred by corrosion, offer a unique patina that the duo transforms into functional works of art. Each
Category

2010s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Contemporary one of a kind Petrol Waves 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 Ashen Bloom 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 Stool Russian Violet
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 Verdant Morse 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 Porcelain Dawn 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 Juniper Forest 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 Stool Pink
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 Ebony Ice 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 Green Juniper Forest 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 Jet Smoke 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 Authentic Blue and Cream Shagreen Tripod Table
Located in Toronto, ON
functional work of art, perfect for a curated living space or elegant bedside.
Category

2010s Philippine Tables

Materials

Bone, Shagreen, Wood

Contemporary Authentic Shagreen Cream and Green Tripod Table
Located in Toronto, ON
serves as a functional work of art, perfect for a curated living space or elegant bedside.
Category

2010s Philippine Tables

Materials

Bone, Shagreen, Wood

Qajar Persian Hammered Copper Scuttle with Aesthetic Movement Form
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
-proto-modernist in its sculptural ambition and a striking example of the crossover between functional
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Copper

NO.000958 Large Matte White Pod Vase
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

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

Kimbolton/O Gray Yellow Tall Cabinet in Solid Oak with 4 doors and brass
By Fratelli Boffi, Archer Humphryes Architects
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
functionality, concealing six drawers with fronts delicately cloaked in supple leather. As if the exterior
Category

2010s Italian Cabinets

Materials

Brass

NO.000950 White Clay With Textural Glaze Multi opening Vase
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

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
visual dialogue between precision and spontaneity. As both a decorative statement and functional objet
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome, Silver Leaf

Salvino Marsura chandelier made in Italy 1970
By Salvino Marsura
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Italian atelier in 1970, is a stunning fusion of art and functionality. Made from meticulously hammered
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Wrought Iron

Armchair PLAY in Bouclé – Award-Winning Design
Located in Kyiv, UA
-shaped backrest serving as both a functional and aesthetic highlight. Its ergonomic design ensures
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Plywood

Resin Fruit Bowl by Gaetano Pesce Fish Collection Unique Colorful Modern Design.
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Ibiza, Spain
boundless creativity, a master in blurring the lines between art and functionality. Inspired by the organic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vases

Materials

Resin

Resin Vase Model Amazonia Designed by Gaetano Pesce Fish Collection Contemporary
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Ibiza, Spain
between art and functionality. Inspired by the organic beauty of fishes and the movement of water, these
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vases

Materials

Resin

Resin Vase Model Clear Extc Designed by Gaetano Pesce Fish Collection
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Gaetano Pesce’s boundless creativity, a master in blurring the lines between art and functionality
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vases

Materials

Resin

Prototype Chair (Left) by Joop Rutjes, ca. 1990
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
, bridging art and functionality. Additional information: Material: Lacquered metal, upholstery Dimension
Category

20th Century Chairs

Materials

Metal

1960s Italian Wooden Coat Rack with Tapestry Hunting Scene
Located in Manzano, IT
. Unique Blend of Styles: Combines traditional tapestry art with functional mid-century design. Charming
Category

Vintage 1960s Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Shield Shape Wall Mirror in Brass Gio Ponti Style, Italy 1950s
By (After) Gio Ponti, Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
. It is a beautiful and functional piece of art that would complement any interior design style, from
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Metal, Brass

Hand-Knotted 4 x 6 Afghan Rug with Medallion Design in Red and Indigo Wool
Located in New York, NY
dense, resilient pile, ensuring this rug will endure as a functional work of art. Whether used to define
Category

2010s Afghan Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Serge Mouille - Coffee Table With Glass Top - ONLY AVAILABLE IN USA WITH US!
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stratford, CT
of authenticity. This new edition offers a unique opportunity to own a functional work of art.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cockt...

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Caucasian Rug Kabistan
Located in Ferrara, IT
ensures it remains a functional work of art. Perfect for both traditional and eclectic interiors, this rug
Category

Mid-20th Century Caucasian Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool

MILITARY CAMPAIGN TWIN PEDESTAL DESK WiTH AGED GREEN LEATHER TOP BEVAN FUNELL
By Bevan Funnell Ltd.
Located in Pulborough, GB
craftsmanship renders it a truly desirable and functional work of art. Explore our thoughtfully selected
Category

20th Century British Pedestals

Materials

Hardwood

LINK COFFEE TABLE - Modern Design with Macassar black/white groove
By Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
functional work of art. It provides a spacious tabletop for your coffee, books, or decorative items while
Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Brutalist Coffee Table with Etched Copper Top by Bernhard Rohne
By Bernhard Rohne
Located in London, GB
pieces so amazing is the copper top becomes a work of art on a functional piece of furniture, created by
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Vintage 20thC Black Ostrich Leather Silver Plated Dunhill Table Lighter c.1940
By Dunhill
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
, creating striking, weighty pieces that doubled as functional objets d’art. These lighters embodied both
Category

20th Century British Other Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

‘UMI’ Contemporary Armchair by WOO – Upholstered Sculptural Seating
Located in Kyiv, UA
between functional furniture and sculptural art. With its bold form and ergonomic comfort, it’s a perfect
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Minimalist Armchairs

Materials

Steel

1980s David Marshall Woodshed in Bronze with Two Finishes
By David Marshall
Located in Marbella, ES
silver. This object combines functionality and art with a fluid and contemporary design that includes
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Materials

Bronze

"Stipa" Vase by Göran Andersson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1960s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
brands when it comes to mid-century modern art pottery. Functionality and design They focused on
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

A Fine Antique French Figural Mantel Clock Amour et Psyche-After Antonio Canova
By Antonio Canova
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
exemplifies the 19th-century French tradition of marrying classical art with functional decorative objects
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Neoclassical Revival Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Metal

Gae Aulenti Space Age Locus Solus Armchairs and Ottoman for Poltronova, 1964
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Vicenza, IT
combination of color and structure highlights Aulenti’s ability to merge art, design, and functionality. The
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Space Age Chairs

Materials

Iron

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Functional Art", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.