Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Style: Mid-Century Modern

Set of 4 Midcentury Stackable Solid Brass Austrian Ashtrays After Adnet, 1950s

$452 / item

Set of 4 Midcentury Stackable Solid Brass Austrian Ashtrays After Adnet, 1950s

By Jacques Adnet

Located in Roma, IT

Wonderful and unique set of four stackable ashtrays in solid brass. This stylish and versatile set was produced in Austria during the 1950s after Jacques Adnet. Fully original and i...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Murano Aquarium Art Glass Paperweight with Fish, Italy 1960s

$649Sale Price|20% Off

Murano Aquarium Art Glass Paperweight with Fish, Italy 1960s

Located in Marinha Grande, PT

Exceptional Murano art glass paperweight featuring an aquarium-style underwater scene with suspended tropical fish and richly colored abstract marine décor. Handblown in Italy during...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Brass Four Leaf Clover Paperweight with Inscription

$200

Brass Four Leaf Clover Paperweight with Inscription

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage brass four leaf clover paperweight with inscription, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 4.5"W x 4.5"D x .25"H. A very cool and unique piec...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Richard Rohac figurine glass holder around 1950s ( signed )

$672

Richard Rohac figurine glass holder around 1950s ( signed )

By Richard Rohac

Located in Wien, Au

Richard Rohac figurine glass holder around 1950s ( signed ) Original condition The glasses are included

Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Owl Bronze Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria for Opera Ball 1953

$310

Owl Bronze Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria for Opera Ball 1953

By Walter Bosse

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine made for Opera Ball Vienna, 1953 An elegant early 1950s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze ...

Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Erik Höglund Art Glass Medallions - Sculptural Ashtrays or Paperweights, Sweden

$359 / set

Erik Höglund Art Glass Medallions - Sculptural Ashtrays or Paperweights, Sweden

By Erik Höglund

Located in Bochum, NRW

Erik Höglund Art Glass Medallions - Sculptural Ashtrays or Paperweights, Sweden, 1960s A striking pair of hand-cast glass medallions by renowned Swedish artist Erik Höglund, circa 19...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Adorable, Pedigree French Poodle, Toffee Glaze Ceramic Figurine, Vallauris 1950s

$1,277

Adorable, Pedigree French Poodle, Toffee Glaze Ceramic Figurine, Vallauris 1950s

By Vallauris

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Sporting a 'Dutch Cut' to his coat, this adorable ceramic poodle stands tall and proud Collar and feet are gilded, the glaze is a delicious toffee caramel colour and the eyes are pin...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

MCM Bright Red Modular Desk Organizer by Karl Deyhle of Germany

$475

MCM Bright Red Modular Desk Organizer by Karl Deyhle of Germany

By Gebrüder Deyhle

Located in San Diego, CA

Sculptural mid-century modern modular desk organizer by Karl Deyhle, produced in Germany circa the 1960s. Executed in vibrant red molded plastic, the set comprises multiple cylindric...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Swatch Twin Phone "Candy" Model, Memphis Style, Vintage 1980s Design

$1,030Sale Price|20% Off

Swatch Twin Phone "Candy" Model, Memphis Style, Vintage 1980s Design

Located in Milano, IT

1980s Gorgeous Swatch twin phone 1st model in production called Candy. It's in excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design. A true p...

Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Flowers White Cloud Italian Art Glass Sculpture

$650

Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Flowers White Cloud Italian Art Glass Sculpture

By Fratelli Toso

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful, unusual large vintage Murano hand blown orange millefiori flowers, on a white cotton cloud, Italian art glass decorative abstract sculpture / paperweight. The piece is doc...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine

Original Mid-Century Modern Vintage Western Electric Rotary Telephone

$250

Original Mid-Century Modern Vintage Western Electric Rotary Telephone

Located in San Diego, CA

Original Western Electric rotary telephone, incredible vintage piece, not a replica, dating to 1968. Featuring a beautiful wooden box casing with gold accents and black rotary dial,...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Carl Auböck Midcentury Lucky Charm Pig Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

$128 / item

Carl Auböck Midcentury Lucky Charm Pig Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A charming modernist pig keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Aus...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Blue Crystal Glass Paperweight with Infused Floating Bubbles

$280

Blue Crystal Glass Paperweight with Infused Floating Bubbles

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A wonderful blue glass paperweight infused with suspended floating bubbles, creating depth, movement, and a captivating play of light within th...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Dice Metal Statue Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s

$120

Dice Metal Statue Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Super cool Art Deco design sculptural "High Roller" dice paperweight. Nice dice atop a nickel base. The best addition to your desk or every room.

Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Millefiori Paperweight Murano Italian Art Glass Paperweight, 1960s

$458

Millefiori Paperweight Murano Italian Art Glass Paperweight, 1960s

By Formia Murano

Located in Antwerp, BE

Murano midcentury modern 1960s Millefiori flower, green, blue, red, white murine Italian Art Glass paperweight.

Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass, Murrine

Vintage Letter Holder/In-Out Tray Combo Organizer - Refinished in Orange

$175

Vintage Letter Holder/In-Out Tray Combo Organizer - Refinished in Orange

By Rehab Vintage Interiors

Located in Alhambra, CA

1960s desktop organizer refinished in a gloss Orange (OG 1) powder-coat finish by our workshop in Alhambra, CA. This vintage steel unit features a combo of 3 standing and 3 flat slot...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Shell Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

$145 / item

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Shell Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A charming modernist shell keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Length including...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage French Ceramic Vase by Raymonde Leduc 'circa 1970s', Small

$268Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage French Ceramic Vase by Raymonde Leduc 'circa 1970s', Small

By Raymonde Leduc

Located in London, GB

Vintage ceramic vase (or pencil holder if you prefer) by Raymonde Leduc (circa 1970s). Sandstone coloured small vessel with plant motifs inlaid on all four sides. In good overall con...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

33 Pieces Furniture Handle, circa 1960

$23Sale Price / item|33% Off

33 Pieces Furniture Handle, circa 1960

Located in Wien, Au

Furniture handle 33 pieces Original condition Sold and price per piece.

Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Brown Italian Leather Decorative Wastepaper Basket, Nova Tecno, 1950s

$1,032

Midcentury Brown Italian Leather Decorative Wastepaper Basket, Nova Tecno, 1950s

Located in Roma, IT

Spectacular Mid-Century decorative wastepaper basket, entirely crafted from full-grain curved Italian leather. This incredibly elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s an...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Solid Carved Malchite Head Sculpture or Paperweight

$419

Solid Carved Malchite Head Sculpture or Paperweight

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Very heavy Solid carved Malchite head sculpture Paperweight.

Category

1950s Beninese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Malachite

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl

$145 / item

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Nickel Plated U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl

$190 / item

Carl Auböck Nickel Plated U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", model #4617-2, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Identical to the brass key ring...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Murano Art Glass Swimming Fish Aquarium Italian Vintage Sculpture Paperweight

$500

Murano Art Glass Swimming Fish Aquarium Italian Vintage Sculpture Paperweight

By Riccardo Licata, Cenedese

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso swimming fish aquarium Italian art glass paperweight / sculpture. The piece is created in the manner of designer Riccardo Licata and the ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso

Scandinavian Mid-Century Mousetrap Paper Holder in Teak, 1960s

$229

Scandinavian Mid-Century Mousetrap Paper Holder in Teak, 1960s

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A Danish - Scandinavian take on Franz Xavier Bergman's Vienna Bronze Mousetrap. Here executed in teak, copper and leather. Such an unusual object for your desk. Use it for important ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

US NAVAL 1950 Desk Presentation Navy Deck Signal Cannon In Solid Bronze

$2,750

US NAVAL 1950 Desk Presentation Navy Deck Signal Cannon In Solid Bronze

Located in Miami, FL

A presentation Navy Deck Signal Cannon In Bronze. This is a scale model of an US-Naval deck cannon. The presentation cannon is a beautiful desk accessory ...

Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Carl Auböck Midcentury Elephant Handmade Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

$145 / item

Carl Auböck Midcentury Elephant Handmade Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A charming modernist elephant keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte A...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

1960s/1970s Rare Rolls Royce Musical Decanter Large Desk Ornament, Rolls Royce

$699

1960s/1970s Rare Rolls Royce Musical Decanter Large Desk Ornament, Rolls Royce

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

1960s/1970s Rare Rolls Royce Musical Decanter Large Desk Ornament, Rolls Royce Musical Decanter with the “Silver Sprit of Ecstasy” Mascot by Charles Sykes Silver Spirit This is a c...

Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Paperweight Jingle Bell #5039, Brass, Leather, Austria

$770 / item

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Paperweight Jingle Bell #5039, Brass, Leather, Austria

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A handmade paperweight in the shape of a sleigh bell, model #5039, originally designed by Carl Aubock III back in the 1960s. A very charming piece, reissued by Werkstätte Auböck...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

White Owl Bird Porcelain Object Sculpture

$275

White Owl Bird Porcelain Object Sculpture

By Royal Dux Bohemia

Located in New York, NY

A white porcelain owl bird, Mid-Century Modern period, by Royal Dux Bohemia, circa mid-20th century, Czechoslovakia. With makers' mark on underside as shown i...

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 9 Signed Vasa Mihich Lucite Laminated Op-Art Cube Sculptures Dated 1989

$3,000 / set

Set of 9 Signed Vasa Mihich Lucite Laminated Op-Art Cube Sculptures Dated 1989

By Shlomi Haziza, Vasa Velizar Mihich

Located in St. Louis, MO

Faceted colorful & playful set of nine Lucite Vasa Mihich cube sculptures, one is signed Vasa and dated '89. 2" square blocks of colors, change at angles of play of light into differ...

Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Gorgeous Large Murano Italian Art Glass Fish Aquarium Paperweight, Italy, 1970s

$580

Gorgeous Large Murano Italian Art Glass Fish Aquarium Paperweight, Italy, 1970s

By Murano Glass Sommerso

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Beautiful Murano hand blown aquarium Italian art glass paper weight. Showing some multicolored fishes, floating on controlled bubbles. Colors are a blue, orange and clear. A beautifu...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Blue Millefiori Flower Italian Art Glass Paperweights

$240Sale Price / item|20% Off

Fratelli Toso Murano Blue Millefiori Flower Italian Art Glass Paperweights

By Fratelli Toso

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Priced per item (3 different designs available). Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown flower designs Italian art glass paperweights. They are documented to the Fratelli Toso company....

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine

Walter Bosse Midcentury Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s

$190

Walter Bosse Midcentury Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s

By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller

Located in Vienna, AT

A little cow sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In good condition with charming patina on the brass.

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage onyx cardholder desk accessory, 20th century

$192Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage onyx cardholder desk accessory, 20th century

Located in View Park, CA

A vintage onyx card holder, 1960s. Most likely from Italy, Mexico, or Pakistan. Tones of pistachio, rust, and toffee. Pick up in central west Los Angeles or we ship worldwide. 4” W ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx

Carl Auböck Model #7250 Polished Brass 'Swing' Vase

$800 / item

Carl Auböck Model #7250 Polished Brass 'Swing' Vase

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Carl Auböck Model #7250 Polished Brass 'Swing' Vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and modern vase is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, 1950s

$289Sale Price|28% Off

Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, 1950s

By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller

Located in Wien, Au

Walter Bosse cat figurine with thermometer, 1950s Austrian desk thermometer, cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. Designed by Walter Bosse...

Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Murano Art Glass Multi Color Spiral Paperweight Sculpture, Italy 1960

$2,145

Murano Art Glass Multi Color Spiral Paperweight Sculpture, Italy 1960

Located in Barcelona, ES

Beautiful abstract Murano blown glass sculpture. Artist unknown. Italy, 1960s This art glass paperweight sculpture has an eye-catching design with spiral shape standing on a clear gl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine

Mid Century Globe Wernicke Wood Double Letter Tray

$275

Mid Century Globe Wernicke Wood Double Letter Tray

By Globe Wernicke, Ralph Lauren

Located in San Diego, CA

A beautifully crafted vintage two-tier letter tray executed in warm, honey-toned oak with striking exposed dovetail joinery. The sculpted, wave-cut fronts lend a soft organic profile...

Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960

$800

Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960

By Tomado

Located in Atlanta, GA

This is a rare functional mid-century modern desk accessory or office waste-basket designed by Tomado, Holland, circa 1960. The oval shape features a light gray metal structure with ...

Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Brass Desk Pen Holder by Günter Kupetz for WMF Germany - Desk Accessory - 1950’s

$452

Brass Desk Pen Holder by Günter Kupetz for WMF Germany - Desk Accessory - 1950’s

By Günter Kupetz

Located in ROUEN, Normandie

Brass Desk Pen Holder by Günter Kupetz for WMF Germany - Desk Accessory - 1950’s Free form brass bowl, originally used as a pen holder, created by Günter Kupetz. Very elegant for a...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Sculptural Brass Hand Bowl or Ashtray, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s

$680

Walter Bosse Sculptural Brass Hand Bowl or Ashtray, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s

By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse

Located in Vienna, AT

A beautiful mid-century sculptural brass bowl designed in the shape of a hand. Originally conceived as an ashtray, this elegant brass piece is versatile to be used as a jewelry bowl,...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight

$240 / item

Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this beautifully refined Viennese paperweight is hand-fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Ca...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso

$2,000

Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso

By Barovier&Toso

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear and pink Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures: He...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Photo Frame by Fontana Arte

$2,700

Mid-Century Photo Frame by Fontana Arte

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare and elegant picture frame with thick "nile green" beveled glass panels and brass frame / Made in Italy by Fontana Arte, circa 1950s Measures: width 9 inches, height 5.5 inches, ...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Green Murano Glass Paperweight, 2 Available

$200Sale Price / item|50% Off

Green Murano Glass Paperweight, 2 Available

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Italian green Murano glass paperweight hand blown with air bubbles and infused with gold flecks / made in Italy, circa 1960s Measures: diameter 3.15 inches / height 3.15 inch...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Peanut Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

$145 / item

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Peanut Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A charming modernist peanut keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Nickel Paperweight

$310 / item

Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Nickel Paperweight

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Nickel Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this beautifully refined Viennese paperweight is hand-fabricated in polished nickel-plated brass b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Nickel, Brass

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Anchor Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

$145 / item

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Anchor Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A charming modernist Anchor keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook

$360 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist midcentury wall hook is executed in choice of patinated brass, polished brass, or p...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook

$240 / item

Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produc...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Seguso Vetri d'Arte Sommerso Blown Glass Swan Sculpture, Italy, 1960s

$707

Seguso Vetri d'Arte Sommerso Blown Glass Swan Sculpture, Italy, 1960s

By Seguso Vetri d'Arte

Located in Roma, IT

Magnificent Murano blown-glass sculpture depicting an elegant pair of swans. This delightful piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s by the mastery of Archimede Seguso. In ama...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook

$350 / item

Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3847 Brass Bookends

$740 / set

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3847 Brass Bookends

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3847 Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished and patinated brass. Each piec...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Piero Fornasetti Early Yellow Ceramic and Gold Sun Pencil Holder, 1950s

$463

Piero Fornasetti Early Yellow Ceramic and Gold Sun Pencil Holder, 1950s

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Milan, IT

Splendid Piero Fornasetti Early Yellow Ceramic and Gold Sun Pencil Holder, 1950s

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight

$260 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Car...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Nickel Paperweight

$380 / item

Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Nickel Paperweight

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Nickel Paperweight Executed in nickel-plated cast iron and designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is han...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron, Nickel

Natural Malachite Specimen Vide Poche Stone Paperweight

$1,500

Natural Malachite Specimen Vide Poche Stone Paperweight

Located in New York, NY

Natural malachite stone specimen vide poche tray hand carved at center. May be used as a decorative object or used as a paperweight to brighten ones desk. Beautiful includes crysta...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Malachite

Pop Art "Coca Cola"/ Coke Bottle in Lucite Sculpture / Paperweight

$375

Pop Art "Coca Cola"/ Coke Bottle in Lucite Sculpture / Paperweight

Located in San Diego, CA

A really fun pop art "Coca Cola" / Coke bottle in lucite sculpture / paperweight, circa 1970s. The sculpture is in good vintage condition with minor markings and crazing due to age;...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Georgous Big Dolphin and Fish Sea Murano Italian Art Glass Aquarium Paperweight

$950

Georgous Big Dolphin and Fish Sea Murano Italian Art Glass Aquarium Paperweight

By Arte Nuova Murano

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Beautiful Murano hand blown aquarium Italian art glass paper weight. Showing some blue dolphins and fishes with a Coral Reef inside, floating on controlle...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid-century Modern desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century 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, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern desk accessories made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Fratelli Toso, Walter Bosse, and Herta Baller. 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 $34 and tops out at $28,500 while the average work can sell for $548.