Functional Sculptural Furniture and Metal Art
I believe art should not be confined to a pedestal. My functional pieces bridge the gap between sculptural form and everyday utility, turning essential home items into distinct design statements.
Discussing the "Flow Forged" table, a piece of functional art, at the AD Mumbai exhibition with Portofino Gallery.
Standing with my sculptural coffee table, which features a natural stone top on a forged steel base.
The legs of this table are hand-forged, making each piece a unique sculpture in itself.
A throwback to a stainless steel bookshelf I designed many years ago. It creates the illusion of books floating on the wall.
Another view of the sculptural bookshelf, showing how it plays with angles and gravity.
The modular design of the bookshelf allows for creative arrangements, turning book storage into an art installation.
A full installation of the floating bookshelves within a custom wall niche.
The polished steel of the shelves is subtle, putting the focus on the colorful books they hold.
This design challenges the conventional idea of a bookshelf, making it a conversation starter.
The playful, tumbling arrangement of the shelves adds a sense of fun and dynamism to the room.
About Functional Art: Sculptural Furniture & Decor
When I design a console table or a shelf, I am thinking about how it catches light in your specific foyer or living room. These pieces use hand-folded stainless steel to create fluid, organic shapes that serve a purpose while anchoring the room visually. It is about making sure the object functions perfectly for your daily use while retaining the raw energy of a sculpture.
Beyond Utility
Most furniture hides its structure or follows standard, factory-molded designs. My approach to functional art is the opposite. I use high-grade stainless steel to create pieces that feel like they have grown into their shape. Whether it is a console table for a foyer or a shelving system for a living wall, the goal is to create something that invites you to look twice.
The Material Truth
I work primarily with SS 304 grade stainless steel because it offers a balance of durability and reflectivity. For functional pieces, this is critical. A console table needs to handle the weight of daily life—keys, bags, decorative accents—without showing wear. I use techniques like manual hand-folding instead of stamped molds to ensure that no two pieces are identical. This is why my floating bookshelves, for example, have that distinct, angular look that changes as you move through the room.
Designing for Your Space
Functional art works best when it engages with the architecture of your home. I often collaborate directly with interior designers and architects to ensure the scale and finish match the existing environment. We discuss the light in the room, the flooring material, and the intended use. If we are designing a piece for a high-traffic area, I adjust the base weight and stability systems, often integrating hidden ballasting or concealed hardware, so the piece feels grounded but retains its clean, minimal aesthetic.
Customization Options
We can adapt the finish to fit your interior palette. From high-mirror polish that reflects the surrounding space to PVD coatings in gold, rose gold, or black, the surface is treated to hold its integrity. If you have a specific storage requirement or a unique corner that needs filling, we can build a piece that serves that exact need without compromising the artistic vision.
Hitesh Gilder
I bring my background in metal casting into every piece I build for your home. It is not just about making furniture; it is about ensuring your console or shelf holds its own as a work of art that feels alive.
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