Objects that are concerned with both aesthetics and functionality are grouped under the category of design and decorative arts. These objects have some practical purpose outside of their appearance, although they are often displayed rather than used. The field of design and decorative arts has a long history; craftspeople have for millennia sought to create objects that are both beautiful and useful. An example from antiquity are the figure vases made by ancient Greek artists. Painted with elaborate red and black motifs, and illustrating scenes from mythology and life, these were used as vessels for wine and other liquids. In the Renaissance, artists made elaborate cassone, or wedding chests, that showcased detailed carving, painting, and gilding and advertised the wealth of the owners. These served as beautiful art objects that were passed down through the generations. Artists today continue to make carefully designed, aesthetically pleasing art objects that are also functional. Some examples of media falling into this category are ceramics (including porcelain), furniture, fashion design and other textile arts, and jewelry.

Many artists work in these media in addition to their practices in painting, sculpture, and other so-called “fine arts.” In 1965, Yves St. Laurent introduced a collection of dresses based off the paintings of Piet Mondrian. Since then, it has become common practice for artists, or their estates, to license the usage of imagery for the creation of textiles, ornaments, jewelry, or other works of decorative art. Objects based on the work of Frank Stella, Damien Hirst, Peter Blake, and Pablo Picasso have become popular in recent years.