Skip to main content

Kinetic Wood Sculpture

to
18
175
109
186
94
81
71
67
44
31
12
12
10
10
5
5
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
13
9
7
4
4
Sort By
Meloniski da Villacidro Kinetic Sculpture in Wood and Brass
Meloniski da Villacidro Kinetic Sculpture in Wood and Brass

Meloniski da Villacidro Kinetic Sculpture in Wood and Brass

Located in Milano, IT

devotes himself mainly to sculpture in marble, bronze and wood, alongside painting and ceramics. One

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

'Calderfeit' Kinetic Sculpture by Dan Levin
'Calderfeit' Kinetic Sculpture by Dan Levin

'Calderfeit' Kinetic Sculpture by Dan Levin

By Dan Levin

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Fun and playful kinetic sculpture in the style of Calder by California artist Dan Levin. Known for

Category

2010s American Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1950s Kinetic Modernist Sculpture Machine by Engel
1950s Kinetic Modernist Sculpture Machine by Engel

1950s Kinetic Modernist Sculpture Machine by Engel

Located in Palm Springs, CA

1950's kinetic art sculpture, possibly created by Jules Engel of Los Angeles and very reminiscent

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Paul A. Lobel Sterling Fisherman Kinetic Sculpture
Paul A. Lobel Sterling Fisherman Kinetic Sculpture

Paul A. Lobel Sterling Fisherman Kinetic Sculpture

By Paul Lobel

Located in St. Louis, MO

art at his Greenwich village shop in the 1940s and 1950s. This two-piece sterling Kinetic sculpture is

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Copper Kinetic Sculpture 'Burning Bush' by Joppa, Hand-Crafted Art
Copper Kinetic Sculpture 'Burning Bush' by Joppa, Hand-Crafted Art

Copper Kinetic Sculpture 'Burning Bush' by Joppa, Hand-Crafted Art

By Curtis Jeré, C. Jeré Artisan House, Harry Bertoia, John Steck

Located in Round Top, TX

the use of piano strings in kinetic sculptures or custom-framing hand-lacquering piano lids, or

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...

Materials

Copper, Lead

Kinetic light sculpture ‘Struttura Tricroma’ by Giovanni Anceschi, Italy 1963
Kinetic light sculpture ‘Struttura Tricroma’ by Giovanni Anceschi, Italy 1963

Kinetic light sculpture ‘Struttura Tricroma’ by Giovanni Anceschi, Italy 1963

Located in Rotterdam, ZH

Important kinetic light sculpture ‘Struttura Tricroma’ by Giovanni Anceschi (Milan, 1934), Italy

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

Monumental Modernist Mixed Metal Kinetic Floor Sculpture by Irving Lehman
Monumental Modernist Mixed Metal Kinetic Floor Sculpture by Irving Lehman

Monumental Modernist Mixed Metal Kinetic Floor Sculpture by Irving Lehman

By Irving George Lehman

Located in Buffalo, NY

copper, brass, aluminum steel and wood. Aluminum frame consisting of five moving abstract sculptures

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper, Cut Steel, Aluminum

Articulating Wood Figure Sculpture
Articulating Wood Figure Sculpture

Articulating Wood Figure Sculpture

Located in New York, NY

A small articulating figurative wood sculpture piece. A fun, adjustable, artist model decorative

Category

2010s Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Rare Geometric Oversized Wood Puzzle Sculpture - France - 1970s
Rare Geometric Oversized Wood Puzzle Sculpture - France - 1970s

Rare Geometric Oversized Wood Puzzle Sculpture - France - 1970s

By Sori Yanagi

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

This exceptional oversized wooden puzzle sculpture features an intricate geometric structure of

Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Steel and Wood Assemblage - Industrial sculpture - Jim Rose

Steel and Wood Assemblage - Industrial sculpture - Jim Rose

By Jim Rose

Located in Chicago, IL

Assemblage No.02 is a captivating statement piece. Heavy, Rough and impenetrable, this sculpture is

Category

2010s American Rustic Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Art Nouveau Thonet   Wood Children Cradle Sculpture
Art Nouveau Thonet   Wood Children Cradle Sculpture

Art Nouveau Thonet Wood Children Cradle Sculpture

By J.&J. Khon 1

Located in Valladolid, ES

One of a kind children's crib made of bent beech wood, design attributed to the Austrians Jacob and

Category

Antique 1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Beech

Pair of Rare Geometric Wood Puzzle Sculptures - France - 1970s
Pair of Rare Geometric Wood Puzzle Sculptures - France - 1970s

Pair of Rare Geometric Wood Puzzle Sculptures - France - 1970s

By Sori Yanagi

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

This pair of oversized wooden puzzle sculptures showcases interlocking spheres and rods, forming

Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Medida :1920, Car Sculpture in wood Sign: Argentor wien
Medida :1920, Car Sculpture in wood Sign: Argentor wien

Medida :1920, Car Sculpture in wood Sign: Argentor wien

By Argentor of Vienna

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Material: Wood and silver plated bronze We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau

Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Willow Mobile Hanging Sculpture in Stained Wood & Wire by Dace Sūna
Willow Mobile Hanging Sculpture in Stained Wood & Wire by Dace Sūna

Willow Mobile Hanging Sculpture in Stained Wood & Wire by Dace Sūna

Located in Geneve, CH

Willow Mobile Hanging Sculpture in Stained Wood & Wire by Dace Sūna Dimensions: D 43 x W 120 x H 95

Category

2010s Latvian Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wire

The Chariot, A Sculpture of Wood and Steel by Dave Root, 2019
The Chariot, A Sculpture of Wood and Steel by Dave Root, 2019

The Chariot, A Sculpture of Wood and Steel by Dave Root, 2019

Located in Kansas City, MO

The Chariot by Dave Root is a kinetic piece that is not quite kinetic. It is directly inspired by

Category

2010s American Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Gilt Metal Sunburst Sculpture on Black Wood Base, Vintage 1950s Art
Gilt Metal Sunburst Sculpture on Black Wood Base, Vintage 1950s Art

Gilt Metal Sunburst Sculpture on Black Wood Base, Vintage 1950s Art

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Wonderful and unique gilt metal sculpture mounted on black painted wood base. The sculpture

Category

20th Century Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Wooden & Metal Kinetic Ferris Wheel with Red, Blue & Yellow Cabins
Mid-Century Wooden & Metal Kinetic Ferris Wheel with Red, Blue & Yellow Cabins

Mid-Century Wooden & Metal Kinetic Ferris Wheel with Red, Blue & Yellow Cabins

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fun Mid-Century ferris wheel with red enameled metal frame and wooden cabins mounted on a wooden block. The wheels spins and the little cabins move as well. In original condition wit...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vintage Dimensional Abstract Sculpture
Vintage Dimensional Abstract Sculpture

Vintage Dimensional Abstract Sculpture

Located in Houston, TX

Vintage Dimensional Abstract Sculpture. We offer a great abstract expressionism dimensional kinetic

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Michael Ince Sculpture Mobile
Michael Ince Sculpture Mobile

Michael Ince Sculpture Mobile

Located in New York, NY

but feel everything. Michael Ince is an artist noted for his reclaimed Wood sculptures, Mobiles, and

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Dynamic Sculpture EVA by Otto Monestier, 1972
Dynamic Sculpture EVA by Otto Monestier, 1972

Dynamic Sculpture EVA by Otto Monestier, 1972

By Otto Monestier

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

This dynamic woman torso sculpture EVA is made of 55 different sized chromed plastic discs that

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

James Bearden Abstract Table Top Sculpture
James Bearden Abstract Table Top Sculpture

James Bearden Abstract Table Top Sculpture

By James Bearden

Located in Kansas City, MO

Tabletop sculpture of torch cut steel and applied patina by artist James Bearden. This complex work

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculpt...

Materials

Wire, Cut Steel

1950's Wood Motorcycle Model
1950's Wood Motorcycle Model

1950's Wood Motorcycle Model

Located in New York, NY

Unique motorcycle model with moving parts, fully constructed in wood. New Hampshire, circa 1950's.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Rare Oversized Puzzle Sculpture by Sori Yanagi - 1970
Rare Oversized Puzzle Sculpture by Sori Yanagi - 1970

Rare Oversized Puzzle Sculpture by Sori Yanagi - 1970

By Sori Yanagi

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

Rare Sori Yanagi 3-Level Oversized Wood Puzzle Sculpture This striking oversized wood puzzle

Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Sculpture for Architects by Giò Pomodoro
Sculpture for Architects by Giò Pomodoro

Sculpture for Architects by Giò Pomodoro

By Gio Pomodoro

Located in Milan, Italy

Brass and wood sculpture "Livella" produced in 1970. Numbered and signed Giò Pomodoro. Produced for

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Sculpture for Architects by Giò Pomodoro
Sculpture for Architects by Giò Pomodoro

Sculpture for Architects by Giò Pomodoro

By Gio Pomodoro

Located in Milan, Italy

Plumb line sculpture in brass and wood produced in 1970. Numbered and signed Giò Pomodoro. Produced

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Surrealist Brass Pipe Sculpture (After Sherrie Levine)
Surrealist Brass Pipe Sculpture (After Sherrie Levine)

Surrealist Brass Pipe Sculpture (After Sherrie Levine)

By Marcel Duchamp, René Magritte

Located in Round Top, TX

opening to hold a pen. The bronzed flat plate metal base is attached to the pipe and a separate wood

Category

Late 20th Century Taiwanese Hollywood Regency Mobiles and Kinetic Sculpt...

Materials

Metal, Brass

Jean-Marie Malzieu (b. 1948), Rotating Armillary Sphere Sculpture
Jean-Marie Malzieu (b. 1948), Rotating Armillary Sphere Sculpture

Jean-Marie Malzieu (b. 1948), Rotating Armillary Sphere Sculpture

Located in Atlanta, GA

A striking hand-built wooden sculpture by the French artist Jean-Marie Malzieu (b. 1948), conceived

Category

20th Century French Arts and Crafts Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Iron Penny-Farthing Bicycle Sculpture with Working Pedals
Antique Iron Penny-Farthing Bicycle Sculpture with Working Pedals

Antique Iron Penny-Farthing Bicycle Sculpture with Working Pedals

Located in Delray Beach, FL

This antique iron sculpture is modeled after a classic big wheel (penny-farthing) bicycle, executed

Category

Early 20th Century American Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Chrome Airplane Sculpture on Wooden Base, 1940s
Art Deco Chrome Airplane Sculpture on Wooden Base, 1940s

Art Deco Chrome Airplane Sculpture on Wooden Base, 1940s

Located in BARCELONA, ES

This striking Art Deco airplane sculpture captures the fascination with aviation that marked the

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Chrome

Oversized Wooden Puzzle Sculpture in the Style of Sori Yanagi, France
Oversized Wooden Puzzle Sculpture in the Style of Sori Yanagi, France

Oversized Wooden Puzzle Sculpture in the Style of Sori Yanagi, France

By Sori Yanagi

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

This exceptional oversized wooden puzzle sculpture features an intricate geometric structure of

Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Unis France Magic Projector / Lantern, wood label France
Unis France Magic Projector / Lantern, wood label France

Unis France Magic Projector / Lantern, wood label France

By French House & Garden

Located in Valladolid, ES

previous models it was screwed. The base of the magic lantern is also made of wood, since to extend the

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Crystal, Iron

Albert Chubac, Important Geometric Sculpture, France, circa 1960
Albert Chubac, Important Geometric Sculpture, France, circa 1960

Albert Chubac, Important Geometric Sculpture, France, circa 1960

By Albert Chubac

Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur

Albert Chubac (1925-2008), Important geometric sculpture, Painted wood, France, circa 1960

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Wood, Brass and Steel Balanço Gira by Atelier Andre Ferri
Wood, Brass and Steel Balanço Gira by Atelier Andre Ferri

Wood, Brass and Steel Balanço Gira by Atelier Andre Ferri

Located in Geneve, CH

Wood, Brass and Steel Balanço Gira by Atelier Andre Ferri Dimensions: D 43 x H 35 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Brazilian Post-Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel, Brass

Vintage Wood Survey Measuring Large Stick by Lenner
Vintage Wood Survey Measuring Large Stick by Lenner

Vintage Wood Survey Measuring Large Stick by Lenner

Located in San Diego, CA

Hard to find a rare vintage wood measuring stick by Lenner.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Luis Tomasello spirit - blue composition in relief - 20th
Luis Tomasello spirit - blue composition in relief - 20th

Luis Tomasello spirit - blue composition in relief - 20th

By Luis Tomasello

Located in Linkebeek, BE

Luis Tomasello spirit - blue composition in relief - 20th Kinetic art - Modern - wall sculpture

Category

20th Century Kinetic Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Erotic Wooden Carving Human Sculpture Antique Decorative Figurine a Mobile Man
Erotic Wooden Carving Human Sculpture Antique Decorative Figurine a Mobile Man

Erotic Wooden Carving Human Sculpture Antique Decorative Figurine a Mobile Man

Located in Wembley, GB

Beautifully stylized Erotic Wooden Carving Human Sculpture Antique Decorative Figurine a Mobile Man

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Acrylic, Wood, Fruitwood, Driftwood, Pine, Bog Wood

Art Deco Inspired Airplane in Wood Designer, Marcelo Peña, 2014
Art Deco Inspired Airplane in Wood Designer, Marcelo Peña, 2014

Art Deco Inspired Airplane in Wood Designer, Marcelo Peña, 2014

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Incredible airplane: in solid wood. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

2010s Chilean Art Deco Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Art Deco Inspired Car in Wood Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2014
Art Deco Inspired Car in Wood Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2014

Art Deco Inspired Car in Wood Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2014

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Incredible car: in solid wood. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

2010s Chilean Art Deco Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Early 20th Century Wood Water Wheel from Kerala, India
Early 20th Century Wood Water Wheel from Kerala, India

Early 20th Century Wood Water Wheel from Kerala, India

Located in Atlanta, GA

A large antique water wheel from Kerala, India. This Kerala water wheel which stands approximately 6.75 ft tall, also known as a "chakram chavittal," would have originally been used ...

Category

20th Century Indian Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1950s Asian Handcrafted Wood Burmese String Opera Marionette Wall Decor
1950s Asian Handcrafted Wood Burmese String Opera Marionette Wall Decor

1950s Asian Handcrafted Wood Burmese String Opera Marionette Wall Decor

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Exquisite Vintage 1950s Handcrafted Wooden Marionette with Burmese String, Reflecting Asian Opera Artistry. This splendid Burmese-Thai marionette is a testament to masterful hand car...

Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rare Bill Curry Cattail Room Divider / Sculpture for Design Line 29 Cattails
Rare Bill Curry Cattail Room Divider / Sculpture for Design Line 29 Cattails

Rare Bill Curry Cattail Room Divider / Sculpture for Design Line 29 Cattails

By Bill Curry & Design Line

Located in Buffalo, NY

Extremely rare Cattail Sculpture / Room divider designed by Bill Curry for Design Line,,Featuring

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Art Regina Armchair in Velvet and Grezzo Arte Wood by Urano Palma
Contemporary Art Regina Armchair in Velvet and Grezzo Arte Wood by Urano Palma

Contemporary Art Regina Armchair in Velvet and Grezzo Arte Wood by Urano Palma

By Mirabili, Urano Palma

Located in Pistoia, IT

So many chairs, so many benches, so many big tables, all with the wrinkled skin of old tree trunks or of rusted metal sheet. The chair is probably the central symbol of this universe...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Beryl négatif
Beryl négatif

Beryl négatif

By Victor Vasarely

Located in Paris, FR

geometrical forms create a three-dimensional immersion in Vasarely's illusion. This relief on wood is

Category

Vintage 1960s French Kinetic Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Sheet Iron Weathervanes, England circa 1950
Sheet Iron Weathervanes, England circa 1950

Sheet Iron Weathervanes, England circa 1950

Located in Culver City, CA

Sheet iron rooster and horse weathervane, mounted on wood base. 15.5” w x 5.5”d x 20.5”h ( rooster

Category

Vintage 1950s English Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Sheet Metal

Prime Walnut, Any Leather Rings Only by Eternal Creek
Prime Walnut, Any Leather Rings Only by Eternal Creek

Prime Walnut, Any Leather Rings Only by Eternal Creek

Located in Geneve, CH

: Wood: Prime Walnut / Black Ash / Light Ash Leather: Shadow Black / Saddle Brown / London Tan / Eternal

Category

2010s Lithuanian Post-Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Leather, Wood

Prime Walnut, Any Leather Handles Only by Eternal Creek
Prime Walnut, Any Leather Handles Only by Eternal Creek

Prime Walnut, Any Leather Handles Only by Eternal Creek

Located in Geneve, CH

Prime Walnut, Any Leather Handles Only by Eternal Creek Dimensions: D 3 x H 13 cm Materials: Wood

Category

2010s Lithuanian Post-Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Leather

Prime Walnut, Any Leather Sack Leather Kettlebell by Eternal Creek
Prime Walnut, Any Leather Sack Leather Kettlebell by Eternal Creek

Prime Walnut, Any Leather Sack Leather Kettlebell by Eternal Creek

Located in Geneve, CH

cm Materials: Wood: Prime Walnut / Black Ash / Light Ash Leather: Shadow Black / Saddle Brown

Category

2010s Lithuanian Post-Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Wooden Artist's Articulated Lay Figure
Wooden Artist's Articulated Lay Figure

Wooden Artist's Articulated Lay Figure

Located in Benalmadena, ES

retains its original function and structural integrity, based on the notable quality of the wood. It

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

decorative object "sphericon"
decorative object "sphericon"

decorative object "sphericon"

Located in Brecht, BE

quirky and decorative object, a sphericon ... a collectors item ! I can offer professionaly packing ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Lacewood Veneer, Horse Hair, Kutnu Fabric Serving Trolley by Studio Lugo
Lacewood Veneer, Horse Hair, Kutnu Fabric Serving Trolley by Studio Lugo

Lacewood Veneer, Horse Hair, Kutnu Fabric Serving Trolley by Studio Lugo

Located in Geneve, CH

Lacewood Veneer, Horse Hair, Kutnu Fabric Serving Trolley by Studio Lugo Dimensions: W 80 x D 40 x H 78.8 cm Materials: Roupala Tree/Brazilian Lacewood Veneer, Horse Hair, Kutnu Fabr...

Category

2010s Turkish Post-Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

Kinetic Wood Sculpture For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal piece of kinetic wood sculpture for your home. An item from our selection of kinetic wood sculpture — often made from wood, metal and brass — can elevate any home. Find 77 options for an antique or vintage choice in our collection of kinetic wood sculpture now, or shop our selection of 7 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the object in our assortment of kinetic wood sculpture you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right option in this array of kinetic wood sculpture, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Folk Art styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made piece of kinetic wood sculpture over the years, but those crafted by Joseph A. Burlini, Derick Pobell and Curtis Jere are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Kinetic Wood Sculpture?

The average selling price for a piece of kinetic wood sculpture at 1stDibs is $2,500, while they’re typically $199 on the low end and $120,000 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Sculptures for You

Styling your home with vintage, new and antique sculptures means adding a touch that can meaningfully transform the space. By introducing a sculptural work as a decorative finish to any interior, you’re making a statement, whether you tend toward the dramatic or prefer to keep things casual with modest, understated art.

A single, one-of-a-kind three-dimensional figurative sculpture mounted on your dining room wall is a guaranteed conversation piece, while a trio of abstract works arranged on your living room bookshelves can add spontaneity to the collection of first-edition novels or artist monographs you’re displaying as well as draw attention to them. Figurative sculptures are representational works that portray a specific person, animal or object. And while decorating with busts, which are sculpted or cast figurative works, hasn’t exactly topped the list of design trends every year, busts are back. According to designer Timothy Corrigan, “They give humanity in a way that a more abstract sculpture can’t give.” Abstract sculptures, on the other hand, are not meant to show something specific. Instead, they invoke a mood or scene without directly stating what they are portraying.

Busts made of stone or metal may not seem like a good fit for your existing decor. Fortunately, there are many ways for a seemingly incongruous piece to fit in with the rest of your room’s theme. You can embrace a dramatic piece by making it the focal point of the room, or you can choose to incorporate several elements made out of the same material to create harmony in your space. If an antique or more dramatic piece doesn’t feel like you, why not opt for works comprising plastic, fiberglass or other more modern materials?

When incorporating sculpture into the design of your home — be it the playful work of auction hero and multimedia visionary KAWS, contemporary fiber art from Connecticut dealer browngrotta arts or still-life sculpture on a budget — consider proper lighting, which can bring out the distinctive aspects of your piece that deserve attention. And make sure you know how the size and form of the sculpture will affect your space in whole. If you choose a sculpture with dramatic design elements, such as sharp angles or bright colors, for example, try to better integrate this new addition by echoing those elements in the rest of your room’s design.

Get started on decorating with sculpture now — find figurative sculptures, animal sculptures and more on 1stDibs today.

Questions About Kinetic Wood Sculpture
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    If a sculpture is kinetic, it moves and that movement is part of how the artist conveys the meaning of the work. Kinetic sculptures may feature motors, electronic displays and other components that create the movement. Find a selection of kinetic sculptures on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    The difference between carving and sculpture is that carving is a carved object, whereas sculpture is the art of shaping figures or designs — because sculpture can involve adding material (i.e., working with plaster, creating a mold to be cast in bronze), it is considered “additive” versus the “subtractive” act of carving.