Desktop Magnifying Glass
Early 20th Century French Other Scientific Instruments
Brass
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s European More Desk Accessories
Brass
Vintage 1960s European More Desk Accessories
Brass
Antique Early 1900s British More Desk Accessories
Metal
20th Century British Industrial Busts
Iron
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel, Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Industrial More Desk Accessories
Brass
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1920s British Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century Danish Victorian Books
Gold Leaf
Vintage 1960s American French Provincial Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Vases
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Ladders
Brass
Antique 19th Century Unknown Empire Cabinets
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Apothecary Cabinets
Mahogany
Late 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Brass
Vintage 1930s North American Industrial Easels
Wood
Antique 1890s Italian Scientific Instruments
Wood
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal
Antique 1870s American Victorian Toys and Dolls
Wood
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Pakistani Adam Style Natural Specimens
Rock Crystal
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Tin
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Metal
Finding the Right Decorative-objects for You
Every time you move into a house or an apartment — or endeavor to refresh the home you’ve lived in for years — life for that space begins anew. The right home accent, be it the simple placement of a decorative bowl on a shelf or a ceramic vase for fresh flowers, can transform an area from drab to spectacular. But with so many materials and items to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the process. The key to styling with antique and vintage decorative objects is to work toward making a happy home that best reflects your personal style.
Ceramics are a versatile addition to any home. If you’ve amassed an assortment of functional pottery over the years, think of your mugs and salad bowls as decorative objects, ideal for displaying in a glass cabinet. Vintage ceramic serveware can pop along white open shelving in your dining area, while large stoneware pitchers paired with woven baskets or quilts in an open cupboard can introduce a rustic farmhouse-style element to your den.
Translucent decorative boxes or bowls made of an acrylic plastic called Lucite — a game changer in furniture that’s easy to clean and lasts long — are modern accents that are neutral enough to dress up a coffee table or desktop without cluttering it. If you’re showcasing pieces from the past, a vintage jewelry box for displaying your treasures can spark conversation: Where is the jewelry box from? Is there a story behind it?
Abstract sculptures or an antique vessel for your home library can draw attention to your book collection and add narrative charm to the most appropriate of corners. There’s more than one way to style your bookcases, and decorative objects add a provocative dynamic. “I love magnifying glasses,” says Alex Assouline, global vice president of luxury publisher Assouline, of adding one’s cherished objects to a home library. “They are both useful and decorative. Objects really elevate libraries and can also make them more personal.”
To help with personalizing your space and truly making it your own, find an extraordinary collection of decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The best magnifying glass should be lightweight, have a large diameter, provide a wide viewing area, and offer high, distortion-free magnification. However, finding one unit that offers all of these attributes is almost impossible. Shop a range of antique and vintage magnifying glasses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A magnifying glass can also be called a loupe. The loupe is a small magnifying device that helps the user see small details. You’ll find a variety of magnifying glasses or loupes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022For coin collectors, a magnifying glass range of 10X to 30X is standard. At this range, you can easily examine mint markings and imperfections as well as grade coins. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity when collecting coins. 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The use of magnifying glasses is linked as far back as the ancient Egyptians. In Egypt, they used crystals or other shiny stones to view small objects better. However, the first magnifying glass crafted for scientific purposes is believed to be designed by Roger Bacon, an English philosopher during the 13th century. Browse a wide selection of vintage magnifying glasses on 1stDibs.
Read More
How a Craving for Color Revolutionized Glass
After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.
Kazuyo Sejima’s Flowering Tree Blooms Year-Round
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
He Wrote ‘Oedipus Rex,’ but Do You Know What He Looked Like?
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Cigar Culture Was Once the Peak of Masculinity. Now, It’s a Compelling Curiosity
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.