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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
Italian Handmade Ceramic Vase by Flavia Montelupo
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Unique Italian glasses vase with beautiful colors by Flavia Montelupo.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

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

Set of Three Marble Obelisk Paper Weight Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three black marble obelisks. The trio are a nice decorative addition to the desk or shelf, however could easily be paper weights or bookends. A very nice set of three black with whit...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

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

Italian mid-century modern brown metal wall filing cabinet card holder, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern brown metal wall filing cabinet card holder, 1960s Rectangular industrial wall card holder or filing cabinet, painted brown wit...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Metal Ashtray in the Shape of a Hedgehog, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of metal - good, original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Brass Vase by Walter von Nessen for Chase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass vase by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The solid patinated brass Art Deco vase features a tulip opening and four incised rings around the bottom of the vessel. Impr...
Category

1930s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mary Preminger Abstract Modernist Chrome and Black Marble Sculpture
By Mary Gardner Preminger
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage double U-shaped abstract sculpture by the noted artist Mary Preminger is so modernist. It is polished chrome on a black marble original base. It was executed in...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, 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

Nutcracker Vienna Around 1950s 'Wood'
Located in Wien, AT
Nutcracker vienna around 1950s ( wood ) Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Stow Davis Mid Century Walnut and Aluminum Trash Can
Located in Countryside, IL
Stow Davis Mid Century Walnut and Aluminum Trash Can This trash receptacle measures: 9 wide x 16 deep x 12 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored v...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

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

Italian Murano Glass Penguin
Located in Englewood, NJ
A whimsical Mid-Century Modern Italian blown art glass penguin sculpture attributed to Antonio da Ros, made for Cenedese decorated with heavy clear layer...
Category

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

Materials

Art Glass

German Modern White Telephone Mod. Grillo by Zanuso Sapper for Siemens, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
German Modern white telephone mod. Grillo by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper for Siemens, 1960s. Telephone mod. Grillo with "shell" shaped in plastic....
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

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

Mazzega Glass Objects, Italy, 1970, Set of 18
Located in Munich, DE
Set of 18 wonderful Murano glass objects by Mazzega, Italy, 1970s. Measures: One H 14.5 W 28 D 5 cm. Nine H 12 W 5 D 5 cm. Eight H 12 W 15 D 5 cm.  
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Four Small Pencile or Candle Holder Vienna Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Four small pencile or candle holder vienna around 1950s Hammered brass Original condition       
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid Century / Modern - Acrylic / Lucite Sculpture Abstract, 1960s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Mid Century / Modern - Acrylic / Lucite Sculpture Abstract, 1960s We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1995. If you have any questio...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Acrylic

Gold Plate Letter Opener with Felt Case
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold plate letter opener with felt case. A beauty on any desk - a great gift for Father's Day.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold Plate

Mid-Century Murano Table Cloth or Letter Holder Two-Toned Green Glass
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Rare Murano table cloth or letter holder two-toned green glass.
Category

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

Materials

Glass

Handmade Italia Carrara Marble Rego Laptop Holder 2023
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lava stone Règo is a little jewel that adds a new experience when using a notebook combined with an external display, ideal for saving space and creating a clean and tidy environment...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Carrara Marble

Italian Murano paperweight with microscopic view theme
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Italian Murano paperweight with microscopic view theme Eye-catching Italian glass stonebath, Murano, intense red color with transparency that allows you to see inside, giving you the...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Bent Lucite & Chrome Paper Basket & Letter Holder
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern paper basket and letter holder Letter holder with dimensions: 3 x 7 x 6.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Paperweight Flower Model Murano Italy, 1960
Located in Oirlo, LI
Paperweight Flower Model Murano Italy, 1960 A paperweight is an object that can be placed on a desk on top of papers to prevent them from blowing away. This goes back a long way, in Egypt they already used paperweight...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Comb by Carl Aubock
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant comb hand carved from cow horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Horn

Comb by Carl Aubock
Comb by Carl Aubock
$562 Sale Price
25% Off
Walter Bosse Pencil Holder, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse pencil holder, 1950s. Original condition. (Pencils not included, it is only for the photoshooting).
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Wonderful Carved Rock Crystal Sculpture Alligator Paperweight Desk Accessory
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Carved Rock crystal sculpture Of An Alligator Paperweight Desk Accessory.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Rock Crystal

Jacques Adnet Stitched Leather and Silver Pique-Sellier Desk Accessories
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Jaques Adnet leather and silvered metal "pique-sellier" desk accessories. Each cast with riding spur form frames, one with leather wallet form holder the second a tray beneath a ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Italian Carrara Marble Desk Organiser 1970s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A sculptural and multifunctional desk accessory, crafted in Italy during the 1970s from solid white Carrara marble with contrasting travertine detail. This compact yet striking piece...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Carrara Marble

Paperweight of Beautifully Crafted Glass Colored Gray Purple
Located in Oirlo, LI
Paperweight of Beautifully Crafted Glass Colored Gray Purple Additional information: Dimensions: 6 W x 6 D x 5.5 H cm Period of Time: 1960 Condition: Good
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Vintage Paperweight Ball, Italy, 1970, Set of 3
Located in KUTNO, PL
Fancy, artistic and joyful! These vintage paperweights were handcrafted by a master glassblower . This is not only a practical office item, but also a small work of art - elegant, ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Sterling Silver Inkwell XL Size, Denmark, 1920
Located in Paris, FR
Sterling silver inkwell made in Denmark, 1920. Very large size silver inkwell holder made of sterling silver, weight 620 grams. Good condition, some engraving on the silver as seen...
Category

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

Materials

Silver

Mid-Century Functional Tesla Phone 1974, Československo
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with signs of use - Fully functional. - Tesla manufacturer.
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

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 Modern Italian Ceramic by Cima Deruta, 1950s
By Cima
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Beautiful ceramic by Cima (Italy) probably design as pens holder, amazing colours and in very good condition.   
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Set of Two Glass Paperweights by Milan Metelák, 1970's
Located in Praha, CZ
Set of glass paperweights 'APPLE' and 'PEAR' made of clear and green glass with fused optical decoration of bubbles 'Raindrops'. The author is the glass artist and painter Milan METELÁK...
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Dutch Round Glass Paperweight Ball Signed with Oude Horn leerdam W Heesen
Located in Oirlo, LI
Dutch Round Glass Paperweight Ball Signed with O Horn, 1980 Oude Horn Leerdam from Willem Heesen Additional information: Dimensions: 6 W x 6 D x 5 H c...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Exquisite Mid Century Italian Pen Holder Attibuted To Fontana Arte FREE DELIVERY
Located in Portlaoise, IE
A simply wonderful objet d'art this beautifully crafted glass pen holder attributed to the iconic Italian brand Fontana Arte is the perfect desk accessory to add Mid Century style an...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Cut Glass

Paperweight Orange with Black/White/Green Bows
Located in Oirlo, LI
Paperweight Orange with Black/White/Green Bows Additional information: Dimensions: 8.5 W x 8.5 D x 7 H cm Period of Time: 1960 Condition: Good
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Alabaster Elephant Sculpture, 1970s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Italian sculpture in alabaster, perfect for as desk decorative piece and paperweight. Perfect condition.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Alabaster

Mid-Century Cooking Glass Set, Czechoslovakia, 1960’s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made of glass, metal Re-polished Fully functional Original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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

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

Mid-Century Modern Venini Centerpiece Murano Black Glass Layered Glass White
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-Century Modern Venini centerpiece Murano black glass, layered glass white the two little. Big one measure cm: H 7 Diam. 47 thickness 6mm Little one measure cm: H 3.8 Diam. ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano 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

Late 20th Century American Mid Century Modern A - Z Bookends by, Curtis Jere
Located in Englewood, NJ
A Pair of Mid Century Modern cast iron "A-Z" Iron Bookends finished in original gilt finish. They are each signed "@ C Jere 1970" They are In great vintage condition with some loss o...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Late 20th Century American Art Glass Crystal Caterpillar Sculpture by, Steuben
Located in Englewood, NJ
A Late 20th Century American Crystal Caterpillar Designed by Peter Yenawine, for Steuben Glass depicting an inching caterpillar with outstretched antennas and applied eyes gives a re...
Category

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

Materials

Crystal

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

Italian Mid Century Modern Murano Glass Puzzle by Barbini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Barbini Murano is a prominent glasswork company based on the island of Murano in Italy. They are known for their exquisite Murano glass pieces, which encompass a wide range of decora...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Emporio Armani Seguso Murano Iridescent Italian Art Glass Paperweight and Bag
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful Murano hand blown Sommerso clear and iridescent surface Italian art glass paperweight. The piece is documented to the Seguso Viro company, for the Emporio Armani stores in ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

Brazilian Modern Patinated Brass Astray or Catchall
Located in Miami, FL
Patinated brass sculpted insect ashtray or catchall. Brazil, 1950s.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Bronze Sculpture Ashtray or Paperweight
Located in London, GB
Hand-sculpted and bronze cast ashtray or paper weight is made in the 1970s and is signed. The shape is square and the pattern looks like a river that finds its natural way through a ...
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Pen Holder in Aveiro Porcelain, Portugal
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
This pen holder is crafted from Aveiro porcelain, featuring a vibrant polychrome decoration. It showcases delicate roses and the distinguished Coat of Arms of Portugal, adding a touc...
Category

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

Materials

Porcelain

Murano Glass Sheets from the 1960s
Located in bari, IT
Murano glass sheets from the 1960s.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Brush by Carl Aubock
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant brush hand carved from cow Horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Horn

1950s Chiesa Pietro Design Fontana Arte Italy Paperweight Chiseled Glass
Located in Biella, IT
Chiesa Pietro design by Fontana Arte Italy, sculpture chiselled glass years 60. Measure; 17 cm x 11 x 6 cm - 6.5 inches x 2.2" x2.3".
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Escape Tray, in Brushed Brass, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Escape Tray, in Brushed Brass, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt The Escape brass tray has delicate cutting lines turning this design perfect to compose the lune stool’s surface or ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Natural Burl Wood Magnifier
Located in Montreal, QC
Unique desk or tabletop hand magnifying glass featuring a large round looking glass mounted to a fabulous burl wood handle, circa 1950s. A strang...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

"Panicaut des Alpes" French resin paperweight by Pierre Bodin - 1980s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
"Panicaut des Alpes" French resin paperweight by Pierre Bodin -1980s Boho chic - sculpture - herbarium - inclusion Measures : 10.5cmx6cm H:16cm Material : Resin Wear consistent wit...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

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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