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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

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Functional Tesla Phone 1968, Československo
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition. - Fully functional. - Tesla manufacturer. - Uncleaned, suitable as a movie prop. - After agreement, I will clean the assembly.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Walnut & Fabric Dresser "Catch All" by Georges Briard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice mid-century walnut & fabric dresser "catch all" by Georges Briard, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 10" W x 9" D x 1.5" H. Cool piece in grea...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

1960s Microchip Lucite Paperweight Vintage Retro Tech Sculpture MCM Anachronism
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Super fun and retro piece of office or desk decor. Good size at almost 4 wide. Reminiscent of the famous designs in lucite by Enzo Mari.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Peter Lindbergh, Portraits 'Cards and Envelopes', 1997
Located in Praha, CZ
20 cards with 4 famous models and envelopes Tatjana Patiz, Linda Evangelista, Helenea Christensen, Kate Moss good original condition jr.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Paper

Vintage 1970s Roger Bezombes Bronze Starfish Medallion Table Sculpture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Florentine Bronze medal from the Monnaie de Paris (cornucopia hallmark from 1880). Minted around 1971. This is a Starfish like form Paperweight by Fr...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Silver Plated Commercial Ice or Hay Hooks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver plate ice tongs hay hooks, when you move your ice or pick up the hay. Be the chicest with your block! This pair of Ice / hay tongs are a great deco...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Hermes Style French Handstitched Brown Leather Desk Clock by Bayard, 1950´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Handsome French Handstitched brown leather desk clock by Bayard. Great Restored condition. Keeps good time. Excellent patina. Great vintage condition. Paul Dupré-Lafon / Adnet Style...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Wood

Horsehair Brush for Mohawk, 1950s
By Mohawk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautifully crafted garment brush made of warmly-toned walnut and soft horsehair.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Walnut

1970's Antonio Da Ros 'Attr.' for Cenedese Clear Murano Bubble Glass Paperweight
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare, Mid-Century Modern vintage signed cone shaped paperweight with singular trapped air bubble inclusion within the clear glass. The design of this conical shaped desk paperweight ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid-Century Design Telephone by Tesla, 1979, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage telephone ,manufacterd by TESLA in 1979, made in Czechoslovakia. Made of plastic and metal. Repolished, cleaned, shows minor signs of use. Fully functional.
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Italian 1960s Rotating Desk Document Holder by Antonio Ferretti
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1960s Interchangeable and Rotating Desk Document Holder by Antonio Ferretti. Antonio Ferretti is one of Italy's earliest Office Supply company.  
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Chrome

One left Swank French mod chrome frame fashion or runway sunglasses
Located in Ferndale, MI
One pair still available . Op-pop mod fashion sunglasses round lenses marked France . Very clean plastic chrome frames with chrome steel arms . Slight scu...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Carl Auböck #7211 Letter Opener "Turned", Austria 2022
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #7211 letter opener "Turned", Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

A Pair of Mid Century Quirky Bookends on an Aeronautical Theme
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Mid Century Quirky Bookends on an Aeronautical Theme Quirky and Fun an attractive set, the ends are finished in chrome and have a model biplane with an articulated propel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Silver Plated Equestrian Horse Head Letter Opener, Italy, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A silver plated equestrian letter opener with a horse's head handle. This is a must-have on any gentleman collector's wish list.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Mid-Century Walnut Pencil or Pen Holder by Sergio Dello Strologo for Xilarte
By Xilarte, Sergio Dello Strologo
Located in Austin, TX
A highly sculptural Mid-Century pen or pencil holder and temper by Sergio Dello Strologo for Xilarte, Milano, Italy. Crafted of finely figured, turned walnut. The 12 slender, cylind...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Vintage Set Green Bakelite Handles Germany, 1960s
Located in Oirlo, LI
Vintage Set of 4 Bakelite Handles Germany, 1960s We have been able to purchase a large batch of bakelite handles. These bakelite handles were once made in East Germany. Just for t...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bakelite

Luccio Del Pezzo Metal Sculpture, 1985
Located in New York, NY
Luccio Del Pezzo ( Italian 1933-2020 ) A commissioned work, offered as an award to exhibitors of 25 years standing at the legendary Milan Salone del Mobile Italiano. Bronze, copper,...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Chrome, Copper, Steel

Mid-Century Ventilator, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of metal - re-polished - fully functional - good, original condition.
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Hand Blown Murano Art Glass Bird 1960s
By A. Silvestri and Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Murano art glass hand blown sculpture bird figurine. Beautiful Mid-Century Modern hand blown glass bird. The body of bubbles Italian ar...
Category

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

Materials

Art Glass

Très rare porte courrier par André Vigneau pour Steph Simon
By Andre Vigneau
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Really rare tray by the photographer and designer André Vigneau for the gallery Steph Simon in 1957.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Huge Signed Tomasso Barbi Picture Frame in Brass and Glass
Located in Berlin, BE
Wonderful huge photo or picture frame from Tomasso Barbi (signed). The frame is made of gold plated brass and Murano glass. An ultimative rare and beauti...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Gold Plate

Venini tray clear glass with a circular slightly inverted dome, 1950s Italy
Located in Bronx, NY
1950s Venini tray clear glass with a circular slightly inverted dome rough green almost black glass inlay, great for a night table to rest your watch or je...
Category

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

Materials

Art Glass

Carl Auböck #3650 Large Fountainpen Rest "Feather", Austria
Located in Berlin, DE
Auböck solid patinated brass tray in a feather shape. .
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

1950s Pair of Porcelaine Fishes as Bookend or Deco
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
1950s pair of porcelaine fishes as bookend or deco.
Category

1950s Portuguese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Carl Auböck Paperknife with Leather Handle
Located in Berlin, DE
Paperknife with brown leather handle by Carl Auböck.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Gucci Brown Leather Brass Bucket Desk Stationary Set Pen Pad Write, circa 1960s
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of original circa 1960s Vintage Gucci brown leather desk accessories A wonderful suite. This set includes the original pad, writing slope with removable secondary writing board and lastly the pen pot...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather, Suede

French Gilded Bronze Table Lamp by Pierre Casenove for Fondica, 1980s
Located in Salzburg, AT
A fantastic 1980's sculptural gilt table lamp by Pierre Casenove for Fondica, signed. Heavy, cast bronze object, fire-gilded. The electrics have been completely reworked, 2 transver...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Foil

Glass Aquarium Paperweight with Fishes
Located in Oirlo, LI
Glass Aquarium Paperweight with Fishes Additional information: Dimensions: 7 W x 7 D x 7 H cm Period of Time: 1960 Condition: Good
Category

20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Black Marquina and White Carrara Marble Sphere
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A sculptural sphere of bold contrast and minimalist precision, hand-carved in Italy in the 1980s. Crafted from rich Nero Marquina marble, its deep black surface is naturally veined w...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Carrara Marble

Antique Wooden Plate Folding Photographic Camera with Stand
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this antique wooden plate folding photographic camera with stand, the camera still working.
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Pine

Carl Auböck Paperknife #4233
Located in Berlin, DE
Paperknife by Carl Auböck with glanced splint.
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Unique Marble and Brass Sculptural Paper Weight of a Dog or Animal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique marble and brass sculptural paper weight of a dog or animal.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vintage Desk Set for Gentlemen in Wood by Pierluigi Ghianda
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful set of fine wood desk prototypes designed by Pierluigi Ghianda in the 60's, of fine Italian manufacture. The desk set is composed of two identical elements: It is composed of two larger side compartments and three smaller central ones. They are made entirely of pear wood and their uniqueness lies in the fact that they are true original prototypes of the designer. The vintage desk set...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Carl Auböck Paperknife with Bookmark #6086
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass paperknife with bookmark by Carl Auböck.   
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Horse Figure attributed to Sergio Bustamante
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this Copper and Brass Horse Figure attributed to Sergio Bustamante.
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Salt and pepper with two toothpick holders vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Salt and pepper with two toothpick holders vienna around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

Restored Typewriter/ Consul, Czechoslovakia, 1962s
Located in Praha, CZ
The entire machine is expertly disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, all repaired and fully functional. The packaging of the machine has surface defects that are associated with the ag...
Category

1660s Czech Antique Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Murano Glass Paper Weight with Gold Desk Pen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful glass paper weight with dark flowers encased - a holder for a lovely ribbed gold pen. The piece is great for any work station or well a...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Ernest Sohn Siamese Teak and Acrylic Magazine Holder, circa 1960
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ernest Sohn Siamese teak and acrylic magazine holder, circa 1960 Measures: 16" wide x 6" deep x 14.5" high Good vintage condition.
Category

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

Materials

Acrylic, Teak

Mid Century Glass Golf Ball Paperweight by Orrefors Sweden 1960s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A mid-century glass golf ball paperweight made by Orrefors, circa the 1960s. The Orrefors Sweden sticker is attached to the base.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Sculptural Bronze Free-form Inkwell from a New York Socialite Estate
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural Bronze Free-form Inkwell from a New York Socialite Estate Offered for sale is a sculptural bronze free-form inkwell from the estate of a New York socialite. She had mult...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Hedgehog Set Ashtray in Brass by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller, 1955, Set of 6
Located in CADALSO, ES
With all the pieces rare to find
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #6086-1 Paperweight or Paperknife, Austria 2022
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass paperknife by Carl Auböck.  
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Pink Orange Straw Brass Basket 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage basket from raffia in the colors brown, pink, orange. A very decorative vintage paper basket from straw with two brass handles, Vienna, circa 1950. Through...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Carl Aubock „E“ Horn Clothes Coat Brush, Midcentury, Austria, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Cloth brush, designed by Carl Auböck III (1924-1993) around 1960. Model number 5000. Manufacturer Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna. Horn base with horse bristles. Typical for the desi...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Horn

Amazing Paperweight in Black Marble by Angelo Mangiarotti, Italy 1967
Located in Catania, IT
This black marble paperweight consists of two sections, the cylindrical-shaped base and the second pyramid-shaped. The item is in perfect cond...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Midcentury Small Globe with Wooden Base, by Prof Paul Rath, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Germany Made of paper, wood Original condition.
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Paper

Rare Mid-Century Modern Austrian Brass Matchbox Holder by Walter Bosse c. 1954
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A rare 1950s brass matchbox holder by Austrian born designer Walter Bosse, circa 1954. Perfect for the gentleman or lady smoker and could also be used ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Bookends #4636
Located in Berlin, DE
Classis pair of Carl Auböck bookend in a patina and polish brass mix.  
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Andrew Szoeke "H" Monogram Marquetry Wood Cube Paperweight
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a rare and wonderful monogram "H" cube or paperweight by American designer, Andrew Szoeke. This cube combines Szoeke's mastery of graphic art and typography with inlaid wood ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Chrome and Lucite Table Sculpture, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern abstract chrome and Lucite table or desk sculpture from circa 1970. Form fit into the footed Lucite base. Sculpture measures: 8.75 x 5.75 x 1.38 inches height. No ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Murano Art Glass Blue and Clear Apple Sculpture Paperweight
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid Century Modern Murano art glass in turquoise and clear apple fruit glass sculpture or decorative art object, paperweight. beautiful Italian Murano blown art glass apple fruit gl...
Category

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

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Bronze and Marble Roman Sandaled Paperweight Sculpture Fornasetti Style
Located in North Miami, FL
This Fornsetti style vintage paperweight, sculpture and desk accessory has a patinated bronze roman foot atop a white marble base. The bronze has bee...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Midcentury Functional Tesla Phone 1960s, Československo
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition. - Fully functional. - Tesla manufacturer.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bakelite

Manual Typewriter, AZERTY keyboard by MESSA
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Manual typewriter, AZERTY keyboard by MESSA. With a robust design, beige structure and chromed metal details. The keyboard features raised, dark-colored round keys typical of classic...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Fluted And Twisted Brass Mid-Century Modern Box with Ball Lid
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage fluted and twisted brass Mid-Century Modern box has a lid with a ball on top. The box is from the 50s and has been professionally polished. it makes a great des...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Travertine Pyramid Bookends
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A little ancient mystery, a little modern charm. These pyramid-shaped bookends are carved from solid travertine and feel like tiny monuments for your shelf. Each one is a natural scu...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Travertine

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.

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