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While any heavy object can be used to hold loose papers, there’s nothing as ornate yet perfectly functional as a paperweight. Antique, new and vintage paperweights can unobtrusively enhance the ambience of a room or act as a colorful conversation starter. On a desk or writing table, it can contribute a subtle sense of style.

Glass paperweights emerged in Europe in the mid-19th century. Early paperweight artisans like Venetian glassmaker Pietro Bigaglia often crafted them with a design on the inside. By the early 1900s, paperweight objects became even more popular through innovative iterations by artists like Louis Comfort Tiffany.

As the paperweight became both a luxury and utilitarian object, creators used a variety of materials to set their wares apart. Today, in addition to the classic glass versions, paperweights are made of metal, wood, ceramic and stone.

A vast selection of paperweights as well as a whole range of other desk accessories can be found on 1stDibs — browse by type, price, period, material or style, from Art Deco and Hollywood Regency to metal and glass. Reflecting their widespread appeal, paperweights are available in a diverse array from across the globe, including Italy, France and North America, as well as examples by leading designers and brands such as Fratelli Toso, William Guillon and René Lalique. Whether an office or a study needs a touch of something vintage or a mid-century modern twist, there are paperweights to suit every taste.