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Functional Art Chair in the Style of Gaetano Pesce
Functional Art Chair in the Style of Gaetano Pesce

Functional Art Chair in the Style of Gaetano Pesce

By Gaetano Pesce

Located in Antwerp, BE

Collectible design, functional art piece, Italy 1980s free from sculpture throne chair in blue

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass

Functional Art Chair / Throne "'Spring Swab" by Lionel Jadot
Functional Art Chair / Throne "'Spring Swab" by Lionel Jadot

Functional Art Chair / Throne "'Spring Swab" by Lionel Jadot

By Lionel Jadot

Located in Antwerp, BE

Collectible design / Functional art, Lionel Jadot for Everyday Gallery, Belgium 2020 Born in

Category

2010s Belgian International Style Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Functional art Lounge Chair "Sit in my valley" by Lionel Jadot
Functional art Lounge Chair "Sit in my valley" by Lionel Jadot

Functional art Lounge Chair "Sit in my valley" by Lionel Jadot

By Lionel Jadot

Located in Antwerp, BE

Collectible Design / Functional art, Lionel Jadot for Everyday Gallery, Belgium 2020 'Sit in my

Category

2010s Belgian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

EZ Rider Functional Sculpture Motorcycle Chair Featured in Book
EZ Rider Functional Sculpture Motorcycle Chair Featured in Book

EZ Rider Functional Sculpture Motorcycle Chair Featured in Book

By Bruce Gray

Located in Surfside, FL

Country: United States Dimensions: 30 x 65 x 24 EZ Rider Chair is a unique functional art chair sculpture

Category

Late 20th Century Still-life Sculptures

Materials

Metal

EZ Rider Functional Sculpture Motorcycle Chair Featured in Book
EZ Rider Functional Sculpture Motorcycle Chair Featured in Book

EZ Rider Functional Sculpture Motorcycle Chair Featured in Book

By Bruce Gray

Located in Surfside, FL

Country: United States Dimensions: 30 x 65 x 24 EZ Rider Chair is a unique functional art chair sculpture

Category

Late 20th Century Still-life Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Reclining Arm Chair
Art Deco Reclining Arm Chair

Art Deco Reclining Arm Chair

Located in Chicago, IL

This is a very unique and functional Art Deco Arm Chair. The chair has walnut veneers and a

Category

Vintage 1930s Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Contemporary Chair by Lionel Jadot 'Lost Highway' Belgian Art and Design Basel
Contemporary Chair by Lionel Jadot 'Lost Highway' Belgian Art and Design Basel

Contemporary Chair by Lionel Jadot 'Lost Highway' Belgian Art and Design Basel

By Lionel Jadot

Located in Antwerp, BE

; Belgian design; Belgian Art; Chair; Seating; Functional Sculpture; Artwork; Collectible Design; Everyday

Category

2010s Belgian Organic Modern Corner Chairs

Materials

Metal

GIRAF Throne Chair, 1995
GIRAF Throne Chair, 1995

GIRAF Throne Chair, 1995

Located in New York, NY

A unique and striking throne chair, crafted in 1995, this piece is a fusion of modern art and

Category

Late 20th Century French Other Chairs

Materials

Iron

Unusual Artist Chairs, Italy, 1980s
Unusual Artist Chairs, Italy, 1980s

Unusual Artist Chairs, Italy, 1980s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Italian post-modern era dining chairs, functional art, collectible design Fun set of chairs

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

20th Century French Wooden Chair
20th Century French Wooden Chair

20th Century French Wooden Chair

Located in High Point, NC

art piece, this chair brings warmth and authenticity to any interior.

Category

20th Century French Chairs

Materials

Wood

Paolo Buffa sculptural side chair Mario Quarti Italy 1949
Paolo Buffa sculptural side chair Mario Quarti Italy 1949

Paolo Buffa sculptural side chair Mario Quarti Italy 1949

By Paolo Buffa, Mario Quarti

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

creations, elevating the piece to a functional work of art. The chair’s reupholstered beige linen cushion

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Hans Brattrud Rosewood Scandia Dining Chairs by Hove Mobler of Norway
Hans Brattrud Rosewood Scandia Dining Chairs by Hove Mobler of Norway

Hans Brattrud Rosewood Scandia Dining Chairs by Hove Mobler of Norway

By Niels Koefoed, Hans Brattrud for Hove Möbler

Located in Chattanooga, TN

functional art will surely raise the bar in any space. Original Hove Mobler dining chairs label is present

Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of  Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Catherine Chairs in Beechwood
Pair of  Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Catherine Chairs in Beechwood

Pair of Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Catherine Chairs in Beechwood

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Norwalk, CT

functionality with high art. The chairs, with their fluid form and understated design, embody the golden age of

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Beech

Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 70s
Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 70s

Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 70s

By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini

Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna

Scarpa's ability to transform everyday objects into functional works of art. The chairs’ structure is made

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Modernist Chair from the Gallery of Functional Art, circa 1994
Modernist Chair from the Gallery of Functional Art, circa 1994

Modernist Chair from the Gallery of Functional Art, circa 1994

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Modernist chair from the Gallery of Functional Art, circa 1990 featuring a black lacquer seat back

Category

1990s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Zebra Wood

Louis Durot Langue Assuse, Tongue Lounge Chair, 1992
Louis Durot Langue Assuse, Tongue Lounge Chair, 1992

Louis Durot Langue Assuse, Tongue Lounge Chair, 1992

By Louis Durot

Located in Culver City, CA

statement. Constructed of polyurethane and lacquer, this chair is truly a functional work of art. This

Category

1990s Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Formica, Lacquer

Unique 'Thrown Chair' by Touche-Touche for alfa.brussels
Unique 'Thrown Chair' by Touche-Touche for alfa.brussels

Unique 'Thrown Chair' by Touche-Touche for alfa.brussels

By alfa.brussels

Located in Antwerp, BE

Functional art piece 'thrown chair' by Touche-Touche for alfa.brussels, 2019 Sizes: width 90 cm

Category

2010s European Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Foam

Rare Jacques Harold Pollard Lounge Chair, Matteo Grassi Italy, 1987
Rare Jacques Harold Pollard Lounge Chair, Matteo Grassi Italy, 1987

Rare Jacques Harold Pollard Lounge Chair, Matteo Grassi Italy, 1987

By Memphis Milano, Tito Agnoli, Ettore Sottsass, Mario Bellini, Matteo Grassi

Located in San Diego, CA

work of functional art and a statement piece. Chair design is incredible and seating is comfortable

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

1970s Danish Wood & Leather Rocking Chair by Peter Opsvik for Stokke
1970s Danish Wood & Leather Rocking Chair by Peter Opsvik for Stokke

1970s Danish Wood & Leather Rocking Chair by Peter Opsvik for Stokke

Located in High Point, NC

and art, this chair is not just a seat but a conversation starter, destined to enhance the aesthetic

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Rocking Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Solid Jacaranda Sergio Rodrigues 'Stella' Chairs in New Bouclé, c 1960, Brazil
Solid Jacaranda Sergio Rodrigues 'Stella' Chairs in New Bouclé, c 1960, Brazil

Solid Jacaranda Sergio Rodrigues 'Stella' Chairs in New Bouclé, c 1960, Brazil

By Sergio Rodrigues

Located in Los Angeles, CA

: exotic thick solid Jacaranda sculpted into a work of functional art. We acquired the chairs directly in

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Jacaranda

6 Dining Chairs in leather and wood M. 1937-765 by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 70s
6 Dining Chairs in leather and wood M. 1937-765 by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 70s

6 Dining Chairs in leather and wood M. 1937-765 by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 70s

By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini

Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna

objects into functional works of art. The chairs are constructed with plywood and wood, ensuring their

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Plywood

Restored 1960s Danish Teak Reclining Lounge Chair & Ottoman
Restored 1960s Danish Teak Reclining Lounge Chair & Ottoman

Restored 1960s Danish Teak Reclining Lounge Chair & Ottoman

Located in Victoria, BC

create a quiet corner for reflection or elevate your design with a functional work of art, this chair is

Category

Vintage 1960s Furniture

Materials

Teak

Gavina - Marcel Breuer - Armchair (2) - Wassily Chair - Caviar leather
Gavina - Marcel Breuer - Armchair (2) - Wassily Chair - Caviar leather

Gavina - Marcel Breuer - Armchair (2) - Wassily Chair - Caviar leather

By Marcel Breuer, Gavina

Located in Budapest, HU

collectors or anyone with an appreciation for functional art, this Wassily chair remains a statement piece

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Bauhaus Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

1980s Postmodern Sculptural Chair in the Style of Jaymar
1980s Postmodern Sculptural Chair in the Style of Jaymar

1980s Postmodern Sculptural Chair in the Style of Jaymar

By Jaymar

Located in Toronto, CA

chair, embodying sculptural confidence and functionality as modern art. This remarkable chair feature a

Category

Vintage 1980s Canadian Post-Modern Chaise Longues

Materials

Cotton

Modernist Fiberglass Space Age Dining Set "Casalino" by Alexander Begge
Modernist Fiberglass Space Age Dining Set "Casalino" by Alexander Begge

Modernist Fiberglass Space Age Dining Set "Casalino" by Alexander Begge

By Alexander Begge

Located in Buffalo, NY

pads. Functional art / sculpture. Chairs extremely comfortable.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Fabric, Plastic, Fiberglass

1980s German Metal Armchair By Jean Prouvé
1980s German Metal Armchair By Jean Prouvé

1980s German Metal Armchair By Jean Prouvé

By Jean Prouvé

Located in High Point, NC

true representation of functional art, this chair's sleek, chrome-plated frame gleams with the promise

Category

Late 20th Century German Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Popsicle Stick Tramp Art Chair
Popsicle Stick Tramp Art Chair

Popsicle Stick Tramp Art Chair

Located in Austin, TX

In a modern expression of tramp art, the crafter used popsicle sticks and glue to make functional

Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 4 California Modern Primitive Studio Craft Wood Chairs
Set of 4 California Modern Primitive Studio Craft Wood Chairs

Set of 4 California Modern Primitive Studio Craft Wood Chairs

By Chuck Burdick

Located in Las Vegas, NV

. These chairs are functional art, use them as every day dining chairs or display them as sculptural art

Category

20th Century Minimalist Chairs

Materials

Cherry

Bespoke Pair of Vintage Oak Rocking Lounge Chairs
Bespoke Pair of Vintage Oak Rocking Lounge Chairs

Bespoke Pair of Vintage Oak Rocking Lounge Chairs

Located in Las Vegas, NV

comfortable and pretty to look at, functional art. The chairs have been reupholstered and the oak frames

Category

Late 20th Century Minimalist Rocking Chairs

Materials

Oak

Limited Edition 'Elephant Chair' by Bernard Rancillac, 1985, Signed & Numbered
Limited Edition 'Elephant Chair' by Bernard Rancillac, 1985, Signed & Numbered

Limited Edition 'Elephant Chair' by Bernard Rancillac, 1985, Signed & Numbered

By Bernard Rancillac

Located in Los Angeles, CA

art as a chair / chaise longue would be ideal for collectors and art investors. Also for an interior

Category

Vintage 1980s French Space Age Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

50's Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
50's Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern

50's Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern

Located in Sao Paulo, SP

of the time. As a piece of historical and functional art, this lounge chair and ottoman set does

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Striking Pierre Decorse Organic Sculptural Elm Armchair 2001
Striking Pierre Decorse Organic Sculptural Elm Armchair 2001

Striking Pierre Decorse Organic Sculptural Elm Armchair 2001

Located in Norwich, GB

example of functional art, this solid elm chair blends sculptural presence with refined minimalism. With

Category

Early 2000s French Organic Modern Chairs

Materials

Elm

A Pair Of French Art Deco Linen Upholstered Armchair
A Pair Of French Art Deco Linen Upholstered Armchair

A Pair Of French Art Deco Linen Upholstered Armchair

Located in London, GB

stylish and functional pair of authentic Art Deco chairs. Seat height 35cm.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Oak

Distressed Bird Chair by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm for Alfred Kill
Distressed Bird Chair by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm for Alfred Kill

Distressed Bird Chair by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm for Alfred Kill

By Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius, Alfred Kill International, Preben Fabricius

Located in Los Angeles, CA

describing. Each chair is functional art - your throne is the seat to your future and the connection to

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Distressed Bird Chairs by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm for Alfred Kill
Distressed Bird Chairs by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm for Alfred Kill

Distressed Bird Chairs by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm for Alfred Kill

By Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius, Alfred Kill International, Preben Fabricius

Located in Los Angeles, CA

list. Each chair is functional art - your throne is the seat to your future and the connection to

Category

Vintage 1960s German Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

"Aloha, " Functional Art Chair by Baltasar Portillo
"Aloha, " Functional Art Chair by Baltasar Portillo

"Aloha, " Functional Art Chair by Baltasar Portillo

By Baltasar Portillo

Located in New York, NY

"Aloha," One of a kind functional art chair in gold powder coated wrought iron by

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Salvadoran Modern Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

"Moskito" Functional Art Chair by Baltasar Portillo
"Moskito" Functional Art Chair by Baltasar Portillo

"Moskito" Functional Art Chair by Baltasar Portillo

By Baltasar Portillo

Located in New York, NY

"Moskito" functional art chair in black wrought iron with brass insets on the outside of the chair

Category

2010s South American Chairs

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

"La Poltronesa, " Functional Art Chair by Baltasar Portillo
"La Poltronesa, " Functional Art Chair by Baltasar Portillo

"La Poltronesa, " Functional Art Chair by Baltasar Portillo

By Baltasar Portillo

Located in New York, NY

" La Poltronesa ", Functional Art chair is one of a kind chair in gold powder coated wrought iron

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Salvadoran Modern Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Baltasar Portillo "Mechanika" Functional Art Chair
Baltasar Portillo "Mechanika" Functional Art Chair

Baltasar Portillo "Mechanika" Functional Art Chair

By Baltasar Portillo

Located in New York, NY

"Mechanika" functional art chair in black wrought iron by artist Baltasar Portillo, El Salvador

Category

2010s South American Modern Armchairs

Functional Art Sculpture Chair by Jacquline Morabito, 1990s
Functional Art Sculpture Chair by Jacquline Morabito, 1990s

Functional Art Sculpture Chair by Jacquline Morabito, 1990s

Located in Madrid, ES

Sculptural chair in steel, with bronze welds made by the French architect Jacqueline Morabito

Category

1990s French Chairs

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Glass chair by Fabio Lenci c.1970
Glass chair by Fabio Lenci c.1970

Glass chair by Fabio Lenci c.1970

By Fabio Lenci

Located in New Rochelle, NY

, Art Deco to Modernism. A true functional work of art in chair design.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Glass, Leather

Bouloum Lounge Chair by Olivier Mourgue, 1970s
Bouloum Lounge Chair by Olivier Mourgue, 1970s

Bouloum Lounge Chair by Olivier Mourgue, 1970s

By Olivier Mourgue

Located in Philadelphia, PA

design and art. This chair design was deeply personal to Mourgue. He conceived of it based on the

Category

Vintage 1970s Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Fiberglass, Foam

Midcentury Wingback Armchair 'The Dapper Tweed Hunting Wing Chair'
Midcentury Wingback Armchair 'The Dapper Tweed Hunting Wing Chair'

Midcentury Wingback Armchair 'The Dapper Tweed Hunting Wing Chair'

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

frame lovingly re-engineered in this quirky piece of functional furniture art. The chair has been

Category

Vintage 1940s English Victorian Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Midcentury Wing Back Armchair 'the Mafia Boss’  Bespoke Unique One of a Kind
Midcentury Wing Back Armchair 'the Mafia Boss’  Bespoke Unique One of a Kind

Midcentury Wing Back Armchair 'the Mafia Boss’ Bespoke Unique One of a Kind

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

midcentury hardwood frame lovingly re-engineered in this quirky piece of functional furniture art. This chair

Category

Vintage 1940s English Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Midcentury Wing Back Armchair 'the Saville Row’ Bespoke Armchair Unique
Midcentury Wing Back Armchair 'the Saville Row’ Bespoke Armchair Unique

Midcentury Wing Back Armchair 'the Saville Row’ Bespoke Armchair Unique

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

midcentury hardwood frame lovingly re-engineered in this quirky piece of functional furniture art. This chair

Category

Vintage 1940s English Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

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Functional Art Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the functional art chair you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and steel, every functional art chair was constructed with great care. There are 3 variations of the antique or vintage functional art chair you’re looking for, while we also have 6 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a functional art chair — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A functional art chair, designed in the Mid-Century Modern or Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made functional art chair has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Lionel Jadot and Lorenzini are consistently popular.

How Much is a Functional Art Chair?

Prices for a functional art chair start at $3,800 and top out at $10,800 with the average selling for $6,488.

Finding the Right Seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.

Questions About Functional Art Chair
  • 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 ExpertApril 26, 2024
    The function of a chair is to provide a place for a person to sit. In eating areas, chairs make it easy to gather around a table to enjoy a meal. A chair in a seating area allows a user to settle in and relax while reading, carrying on a conversation, watching television and performing other activities. Office chairs provide comfortable seating at desks. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of chairs.
  • 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.