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Modern Desk Accessories

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
In Stock in Los Angeles, Green Rabbit Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rabbit Mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Power bank. You can carry Rabbit MINI in your bag as an external battery for yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

In Stock in Los Angeles, Light Blue Rabbit Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rabbit mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Power bank. You can carry Rabbit MINI in your bag as an external battery for your smartphone or any other device. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

New Modern Cigarettes and Cigar Ashtray in Black Marble, creator Chiossi Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Tuscan sculptor Michele Chiossi, has found in marble a medium to describe modernity with its myths and symbols, creating the Contemporary collection. An emoji can be a tray; an emoji heart, not necessarily pierced by an arrow, can be a place of creativity in the kitchen, a chopping board or a working surface; a dash; a zigzag; granting the marble a moment of levity, becoming vertical in a vase; reflecting an ideal image of ourselves. Unique objects to be experienced as a couple, to gift to friends, jewels of our daily lives. Time and smoke pass, ashtrays remain. As everlasting as marble, as elegant as a concentric circle of smoke spreading through the air. Chiossi revisits the most Classic of living room...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Italian Photo Frame Handmade Wood, Double Heart
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Double Heart is a unique arge Italian hand crafted wood double photo frame by sculptor Massimo Pasini. Wood is a very warm material and it is very m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade Pink Flamingo Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Concrete

Round Coasters set in black marble
Located in Mexico City, MX
Set of four round coasters in Monterrey black marble. Handmade in México by local craftsmen. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-1...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

LIA 6" Square Handcrafted Brass and Steel Valet Bowl Tray by Soraya Osorio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
LIA 6" Square handcrafted valet tray bowl is versatile as a decorative object or in an entry way to place your daily belongings. A contrast in metals, hand-hammered 4 1/2" inner rou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Steel, Brass

Agresti Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry box in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold plated brass accessories. With removable tray and necklace bar.   
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Suede, Mahogany

Ghidini 1961 Omini Pen and Cards Tray in Polished Brass by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Pencils tray in brass Omini is a family of products that plays on the inclusion and the relationship between the human figure with a series of monolithic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Sweep Dust Pan and Brush with Wall Mount Peg, Made of Brass and Horsehair Brush
Located in Chicago, IL
This dust pan and brush bring a whole new dimension to cleaning. Made of brass and horsehair, the set comes with a magnetic peg that allows for the pan and brush to be proudly be dis...
Category

2010s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Albert Paley 1994 "Medallion" Paperweight in Blackened Steel with Bronzed Patina
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Albert Paley large handcrafted steel medallion paperweight. Small edition for Arts Patrons. Formed and fabricated blackened steel with chemical patina...
Category

1990s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

Minimal Bottle Opener Made in Brass, Stainless Steel and Raw Steel
Located in Chicago, IL
Strong in form and heavy in weight, the bottle openers are elegant in their simplicity and precision. Solid bar stock is transformed through the most minimal intervention possible, c...
Category

2010s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel

Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and 24 karat gold-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 13.5 inches, width 11.5 inches, depth 1 inch Photo size: 8 inches by 10 inches LAST ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Reeve Crystal Bookends by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Inspired by shards of ice, the Reeve Bookend is our newest bookend style. A study in decorative function, these stylish statement grabbing bookends will elegantly support your favourite coffee table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Leather Tray, Large A Rectangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Zinc
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Murano Glass Paperweight - U. Nespolo in Numbered Series - Italy - 1980s
Located in Milano, IT
Original artistic paperweight, designed by Ugo Nespolo and produced in a limited series of 100 pieces, signed by the author. Made of Murano glass, with original box and warranty. Spe...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Enzo MARI (1932-2020) Porte-lettres et porte-crayons Ventotene modèle crée 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
Enzo MARI (1932-2020) Porte-lettres et porte-crayons Ventotene, modèle crée en 1960 Edition Danese Milano toujours existante, début d’édition Deux feuilles d’acier inoxydable poli. H...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jacques DUVAL-BRASSEUR (né en 1934) Branche vers 1980
Located in PARIS, FR
Jacques DUVAL-BRASSEUR (né en 1934) Branche, vers 1980 Laiton formé et soudé, feuillage décoré de fines tranches d’agate serties. Long. : 40 cm Provenance : vente Chochon-Barré-Alla...
Category

20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Brass

Pink Glazed Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass 20th Century Spanish
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Shiva vase is sculpture and vase. It is a symbol of Ettore Sottsass and an icon. Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase when travelling to Barcelona for love in 1973. He encountered m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Red Burgundy Pink Glazed Ceramic Explorer Vase No.3 by Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
The shapely forms of the pieces in the Explorer Collection, have been condensed into these vases. They are objects that are part of my cosmos, taken from my drawings. The materialisa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Portapenna attribuita a Fontana Arte Pietro Chiesa Gio Ponti
Located in Lugo, IT
Portapenna in cristallo attribuito a una produzione di Fontana Arte su disegno di Pietro Chiesa o Gio Ponti. Piccolo segno interno, in foto e in video si vede ma non rotture e segni ...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Glass Sphere
Located in New York, NY
A transparent glass sphere on a square glass base decorative object or paperweight, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. A great decorative object for a desk, library, shelf...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Koa Wood Letter Openers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice sculptural forms with a beautiful patina. Both are engraved "Kamaka Hawaii". The tips have some chips. Presents well. Great for collections and decor...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Savannah
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Wonderful Crystal Daum Pate De Verre Papillon Butterfly On Leaf Flower Sculpture
By Daum
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Crystal Daum Pate De Verre Papillon Butterfly Perched On A Leaf & Flower Sculpture Paperweight
Category

20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Wine
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Black
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Modern Letter Opener Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic post modern design. Form + function. Whimsical spinning cube. Signs of wear. Some scratches on the tip with patina. Presents well. Nice desk accessory...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Hermes Paris 1960 Vintage Modernist Desk Box Round Covered Dish In silver
Located in Miami, FL
Round covered dish designed by Hermes. This is a very beautiful and highly decorative piece, created in Paris France by the luxury house of Hermes, back in the 1960. This useful des...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Decorative Plate ”Ten-Foot Flowers” by Andy Warhol by Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Plate ”Ten Foot Flowers” 1967 by Andy Warhol. Limited edition by Rosenthal group. Germany, 2002.
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Unique Patek Philippe 3844 with Amazing Worldmap Dial / 4. of july !
Located in Munich, DE
A wonderful dress watch by Patek Philippe. Equipped with the geneve seal awarded hand wind caliber no.215. The dial changed to a unique look you will never find again. Really amazing...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Medium & Large, Bookends Cuyo, Onix Stone & Silver Alpaca
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
4" x 4" x 7.8" 4.8 "x 4.8" x 9.5" Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Pearl Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Trays, 2023 From The Tempera series Material: Duck egg yolk, binder Overall size: 19.5 Diameter x 15 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 19.5 Diameter x 5 H (cm) Weight: avg. 1kg...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Trays, 2023 From The Tempera series Material: Duck egg yolk, binder Overall size: 19.5 Diameter x 15 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 19.5 Diameter x 5 H (cm) Weight: avg. 1kg...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

Set of 4 Eggshell Vases. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 4 Eggshell Vases, 2023 From The Oygg series Material: Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 41.2 W x 10 D x 19.3 H (cm) Individual size: 10.3 W x 10 D x 19.3 H (cm) Weight: 5 kg ...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Seo of 4 Eggshell Vases. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Seo of 4 Eggshell Vases, 2023 From The Oygg series Material : Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 41.2 W x 10 D x 19.3 H (cm) Individual size: 10.3 W x 10 D x 19.3 H (cm) Weight: 5 kg...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Table Tray Set - Set of 5 decorative trays in different colors - Handmade
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Table Tray Set - Set of 5 decorative trays in different colors Include: - 2 (two) Leather Tray, Small Square Tray Color: Vanilla Dimensions: Height: 1.58 in (4 cm) Width: 6.89 in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Decor Tray Set - Set of 4 decorative trays in different colors - Handmade
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Decor Tray Set - Set of 4 trays in different colors Include: - 1 (one) Leather Tray, Small Square Tray - Color: Vanilla Dimensions: Height: 1.58 in (4 cm) Width: 6.89 in (17.5 cm)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large A Square Tray - Handmade - Color: Saffron
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Trinket Tray - Small Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Savannah
Located in Curitiba, Parana
OBJECT HOLDER The Trinket Tray/Object Holder Line can be used as organizers for everyday objects or as your imagination suggests. Made of genuine leather, the Italian border finish...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Medium A Rectangular Tray - Handmade - Color: Clay
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Medium B Rectangular Tray - Handmade - Color: Zinc
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Medium A Rectangular Tray - Handmade - Color: Wine
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Trinket Tray - Small Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Vanilla
Located in Curitiba, Parana
OBJECT HOLDER The Trinket Tray/Object Holder Line can be used as organizers for everyday objects or as your imagination suggests. Made of genuine leather, the Italian border finish...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Trinket Tray - Medium Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Caramel
Located in Curitiba, Parana
OBJECT HOLDER The Trinket Tray/Object Holder Line can be used as organizers for everyday objects or as your imagination suggests. Made of genuine leather, the Italian border finish...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Trinket Tray - Medium Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Marine
Located in Curitiba, Parana
OBJECT HOLDER The Trinket Tray/Object Holder Line can be used as organizers for everyday objects or as your imagination suggests. Made of genuine leather, the Italian border finish...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 30 W x 13.6 D x 0.6 H (cm) Individual size: 10 W x 6.8 D x 0.6 H (cm) W...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 30 W x 13.6 D x 0.6 H (cm) Individual size: 10 W x 6.8 D x 0.6 H (cm) W...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Set of 3 Oyster Shell Trays. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Oyster Shell Tray, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Oyster Shells, Jesmonite Overall size: 42 W x 11.2 D x 5.7 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 14 W x 11.2 D x 5.7 H (cm) ...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses holders. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 30 W x 13.6 D x 0.6 H (cm) Individual size: 10 W x 6.8 D x 0.6 H (cm) W...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 30 W x 13.6 D x 0.6 H (cm) Individual size: 10 W x 6.8 D x 0.6 H (cm) W...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Set of 3 Oyster Shell Trays. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Oyster Shell Tray, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Oyster Shells, Jesmonite Overall size: 42 W x 11.2 D x 5.7 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 14 W x 11.2 D x 5.7 H (cm) ...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

Set of 6 Oyster Shell Trays. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 6 Oyster Shell Trays, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Oyster Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 28 W x 33.6 D x 5.7 H (cm) Individual size: 14 W x 11.2 D x 5.7 H (cm) Weight:...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

Set of 2 Oyster Shell Trays. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 2 Oyster Shell Tray, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Oyster Shells, Jesmonite Overall size: 28 W x 11.2 D x 5.7 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 14 W x 11.2 D x 5.7 H (cm) ...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

Fountain pen, Ballpoint pen and tray for a Desk Set green enamel Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
4640-5320 - Rectangular tray with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on guilloché, cm. 9 x 17.5. For fountain pen (4568-5201) with two-tone st...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Paul Ysart Poinsettia on a Pink & White Latticino Ground Glass Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Paul Ysart glass paperweight. It has a slightly off-center poinsettia flower on a pink and white latticinio ground. It has an H cane for Harland Glass Studios below the flow...
Category

20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Fountain pen, Ballpoint pen & Tray for Desk Set enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular tray with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver with hand-painted fired enamel like turquoise stone, cm. 9.5 x 18. For fountain pen (4577-5210) with 18 carat gold n...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Modern desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desk accessories created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern desk accessories made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include Ghidini 1961, Danese Milano, Enzo Mari, and AIREDELSUR. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desk accessories differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $57,800 while the average work can sell for $499.

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