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Modern Desk Accessories

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Leather Tray, Medium B Rectangular Tray - Handmade - Color: Zinc
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Tiffany Box and Bow Crystal Paperweight by Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous iconic Tiffany box with bow crystal paperweight by Tiffany & Co. circa 1990's. The box is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3"W x 3"D x 2....
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Leather Tray, Large B Square Tray, Handmade - Color: Caramel
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Strawberry Pink Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Savannah
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Emerald Green Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Dark Green Marble Obelisks, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of dark green marble Obelisk sculptures in the modern style, circa late-20th century. Pair/set are dark green marble with black veining, some minor traces of white...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Resin Color Grape by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is ve...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Yellow Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Se...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Smoke Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Se...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Emilio Pucci & Hans Theo Baumann Porcelain Cig Vessel for Rosenthal Studio-Line
Located in New York, NY
A small and beautiful Hans Theo Baumann and Emilio Pucci designed porcelain vessel for Rosenthal 'Studio-Linie', Berlin, circa late 20th century, Germany. Piece is a glazed white por...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Cuyo Large Alpaca Silver & Blue Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Lime Green Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Seguso Italian Murano Art Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and colorful Italian Seguso Viro Murano art glass vase, Italy, circa 1990s, late-20th century. Maker's mark on bottom/underside as shown...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Pearl Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Clear Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Semi...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Letter Opener
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver letter opener. Additional Details: In sterling silver. By Tiffany & Co. Marked to the end of the handle for Tiffany & Co. / 925 / © / 1995 Simply a wonderful letter...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Orange Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Onyx Catchall
Located in New York, NY
A substantial green and brown onyx marble catchall, circa mid-20th century. Use to hold pens, jewelry, etc., on a desk, vanity, nightstand, walk-in-closet, etc. Dimensions: 2.63" Hei...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Cuyo Large Alpaca Silver & Cream Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beatiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, moustly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. Our pieces are made by hand. One ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Renzo Set Concrete Tray Made in Italy Brown&Green Cement Christmas Edition
Located in Rome, Lazio
Now available in Christmas Edition! Renzo Line is a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in different color compositions. Eac...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Concrete

Louis Lejeune Norwich Terrier Hood Ornament
Located in Huntington, NY
Louis Lejeune Norwich Terrier Hood Ornament Louis Lejeune Mascots adorn the finest European & American Cars. The British Royal Family have, for many years, displayed mascots on ...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Vintage Lalique Frosted Glass Tang Horse Figurine or Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine french glass figurine or paperweight. By Lalique. Designed by Marie-Claude Lalique in the 1980s. In the form of a Tang Dynasty horse with cropped tail and mane. The horse in frosted glass and the rectangular base and negative space (between legs) in clear glass. With an original Lalique Paris sticker and etched "Lalique Ⓡ France" signature. Simply a wonderful Lalique horse...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Tangerine Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Contemporary 'Dumbbell' Aquamarine Crystal Handmade in Italy by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of decorative objects by Ghiro Studio (Milan, Italy). Each ‘Dumbbell’ sculpture is a unique piece. It is handmade with the utmost care and attention to detail. It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Blitz Marble Bookends Merlot & Viola By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The Blitz Bookends comprise two contrasting marbles honed to achieve a sophisticated finish. Inspired by the avant-garde ingenuity of the 1980’s London-based Blitz Club, these booken...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

New Modern Cigarettes and Cigar Ashtray in Black Marble, creator Chiossi Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Tuscan sculptor Michele Chiossi, has found in marble a medium to describe modernity with its myths and symbols, creating the Contemporary collection. An emoji can be a tray; an emoji heart, not necessarily pierced by an arrow, can be a place of creativity in the kitchen, a chopping board or a working surface; a dash; a zigzag; granting the marble a moment of levity, becoming vertical in a vase; reflecting an ideal image of ourselves. Unique objects to be experienced as a couple, to gift to friends, jewels of our daily lives. Time and smoke pass, ashtrays remain. As everlasting as marble, as elegant as a concentric circle of smoke spreading through the air. Chiossi revisits the most Classic of living room...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Ettore Sottsass, Shiva Flower Vase, Pink, Glazed Ceramic, Spanish, XXth
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Shiva vase is sculpture and vase. It is a symbol of Ettore Sottsass and an icon. Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase when travelling to Barcelona for love in 1973. He encountered m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Paul Ysart Poinsettia on a Pink & White Latticino Ground Glass Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Paul Ysart glass paperweight. It has a slightly off-center poinsettia flower on a pink and white latticinio ground. It has an H cane for Harland Glass Studios below the flow...
Category

20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Italian 1970s Metal Parrot Head Scotch Tape Dispenser
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1970s Parrot Head Scotch Tape Dispenser
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Christian Dior Home Desk Waste Basket in Metal, Lucite and Rattan, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning wastebasket was designed for the Christian Dior Interior Collection. The rare piece was crafted in France circa 1970. The geometric shape boasts a gilded brass gallery ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Cartier Must II ballpoint pen silver plated and palladium 1980s
Located in Paris, IDF
This Cartier Must II ballpoint pen from the 1980s is a rare piece made of silver plating and palladium, adorned with a distinctive engraved motif featuring Cartier's iconic "C". It b...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Robert Held Sculptural Art Glass Paperweight, Canada, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Robert Held Sculptural Art Glass Paperweight, Canada, 20th Century. Signed to the bottom.
Category

20th Century Canadian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Clear Coaster Set, Contemporary Coaster Set with Brass Inlay
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The clear coaster collection celebrates transparency through the use of modern techniques and materials such as resin, while inlaying it with brass elements through the ancient techn...
Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Cuyo Medium Alpaca Silver & Cream Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Tiffany & Co. Crystal Glass Musical Note Paperweight
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous crystal glass musical note paper weight By Tiffany and Co. USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 3"W x 4.13"D x 0.75"H Good original vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Tronador Square Cream Onyx Stone Box
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Onyx

Palazzo Crystal Bookends Onyx Black by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The latest pieces in the Palazzo range recast the beautiful set of arches in polished crystal for a mesmerising look that changes with the light. A study in decorative function, Palazzo represents a rich architectural history. Its unique structure gives a nod to the repeated arches of Rome’s Colosseo Quadrato...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Leather Tray, Medium B Rectangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Clay
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Gervasoni Wind Table Fan in Handwoven Dark Pulut by Jasper Startup
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Family of floor or table fans that combine aesthetics and functionality, features that make them a genuine piece of furniture in their own right. Available in two sizes, S or L, they...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Decorative Plate ”Ten-Foot Flowers” by Andy Warhol by Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Plate ”Ten Foot Flowers” 1967 by Andy Warhol. Limited edition by Rosenthal group. Germany, 2002.
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Murano "Cenedese" Glass Aquarium, Italy, 1950's
Located in Kastrup, DK
Italian Midcentury Murano glass fish aquarium. Featuring multicolored inclusions with five fish and sea grass. Italy, Venice 1950-1959.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

"Simone" Leather Desk Blotter Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Simone" is a leather desk blotter, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Golf Inspired Chess Set in White Bird's-Eye Maple
Located in New York, NY
  White bird’s-eye maple and green marble chess set. Hand painted Golf chessmen.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Modern Lucite and Steel Desk Organizer
Located in San Diego, CA
Very functional modern Lucite and steel desk organizer, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 8.75" W x 10.75" D x 3.25" H. #1452.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Charoite Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, substantial and rare natural purple charoite jewelry box, circa late-20th century. Charoite is rare mineral. A beautiful organic pattern graces this charoite stone;...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Chrome

Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry box in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold plated brass accessories. With removable tray and necklace bar.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Suede, Mahogany

Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Fountain Pen with Papers & Boxes
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This fountain pen was made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. This fountain pen is their 'Meisterstuck' model and has...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Red Swivel Desk Storage Organizer by Rino Pirovano for Art 900
Located in East Quogue, NY
This vintage red swivel desk organizer, designed by Rino Pirovano for Rexite in the mid-1970s, is a celebrated example of Italian design. Made of ABS plastic, it features four rotati...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Red Swivel Desk Storage Organizer by Rino Pirovano for Art 900
Located in East Quogue, NY
This vintage red swivel desk organizer, designed by Rino Pirovano for Rexite in the mid-1970s, is a celebrated example of Italian design. Made of ABS plastic, it features four rotati...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Knotted Double Leather Tray Set Home Accessories By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
Knotted double leather serving tray set. Hand stitched calf leather. Also, available in a larger size tray set of two, size 55 x 35 x 5.8 H cm. Larger quantities available upon reque...
Category

2010s Thai Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather, Wood

Brass Dice
Located in Paonia, CO
The (wh)ORE HAüS STUDIOS small goods collection was made for those that wanted to experience the (wh)ORE HAüS brand without committing to our larger pieces. The brass dice...
Category

2010s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Brass Dice
Brass Dice
$100 / item
Unique Patek Philippe 3844 with Amazing Worldmap Dial / 4. of july !
Located in Munich, DE
A wonderful dress watch by Patek Philippe. Equipped with the geneve seal awarded hand wind caliber no.215. The dial changed to a unique look you will never find again. Really amazing...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Tiffany & Co. Crystal Glass Apple Paperweight
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous crystal glass apple form paper weight By Tiffany and Co. USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 3.25"W x 3.25"D x 3"H Very good original vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Furniture Handle Hammered Brass Bronze Cabinet Hardware Drawer Pulls
Located in Warsaw, PL
Handcrafted hardware by RUDA Studio is aimed to embody a touch of natural phenomena. The hammered brass handle reminds of honeycombs or drops of water frozen in the metal. This aesth...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

In Stock in Los Angeles, Green Killer Shark Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Killer shark mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles "Mr Holder was a shark who loved swimming but could not do it. He was mocked by all the other sharks who call...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Gucci Brown Leather Desk Letter Opener with Gilded Equestrian Motif, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bring a touch of sophistication to your workspace with this rare Gucci-designed luxury leather desktop accessory. Crafted in Italy circa 1970, this exquisite letter opener embodies r...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Contemporary 'Sail' Handmade Aquamarine Crystal Big Sculpture by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2023 Collection of decorative objects signed by Ghirò Studio (Milan). The natural crystal has high transparencies with aquamarine reflections, it has been curved and handmade to repr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

CAITHNESS - High Seas - Blue Swirl Glass Paperweight - U.K. - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
CAITHNESS (Manufacturer) - High Seas (Collection) - H87830 (Identification Number) - Vintage art glass paperweight - striking design - si...
Category

Late 20th Century Scottish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Snow Globe Black White Chanel Number 5
Located in Munich, DE
Rare limited edition of a Chanel Snow Ball with white bags on a white base, which are only for VIP Customers in excellent condition and with the original bo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic, Acrylic

Modern desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern desk accessories made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include Ghidini 1961, Danese Milano, Enzo Mari, and AIREDELSUR. 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 $15 and tops out at $57,800 while the average work can sell for $499.

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