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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Zinc
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large A Rectangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Military
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large B Square Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Caramel
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Tech Tray - Office tray - Carrara Marble + Walnut
Located in Monte-Serzedo, 13
Tech tray It's not just one more office accessory. It's THE multifunctional and stanning tray where you can put your phone, tablet, pens, clips... ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Carrara 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

21st Century Peso Concrete Book and Door Holder 2kg Light Grey Color Cement
Located in Rome, Lazio
Colored book and door holders made in concrete. A touch of color for your bookcase 100% made in Italy. 2kg: measures: L 9, P 9, H 18 cm.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Concrete

21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade in Italy Light Grey Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Concrete

Round Coasters set in black marble
Located in Mexico City, MX
Set of four round coasters in Monterrey black marble. Handmade in México by local craftsmen. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-1...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

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 are made o...
Category

2010s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Agresti 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

Contemporary Handmade Brass Bookend "Hippos" in Ancient Greek Forms by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted bookend, model "Hippos" in oxidized brass. This bookend is part of the "Althaea Series", a collection of four bookends in brass Inspired by ancient Greek symbols...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Ghidini 1961 Medium Rabbit in Polished Brass by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Decorative object medium in brass "The rabbit is the latest iconic object I have designed. For Ghidini it has turned into a family of precious metal objects: salt and pepper, paper...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

"Italo" Leather In and Out Tray Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Italo" is a leather out tray and paper holder, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors combination to be cho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

"Antonio" Leather Pencil Holder Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Antonio" is a leather pencil holder, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera, and is part of Foglia Couture collection. G...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

"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

Sweep Dust Pan and Brush with Wall Mount Peg, Made of Brass and Horsehair Brush
Located in Chicago, IL
This dust pan and brush bring a whole new dimension to cleaning. Made of brass and horsehair, the set comes with a magnetic peg that allows for the pan and brush to be proudly be dis...
Category

2010s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Minimal Bottle Opener Made in Brass, Stainless Steel and Raw Steel
Located in Chicago, IL
Strong in form and heavy in weight, the bottle openers are elegant in their simplicity and precision. Solid bar stock is transformed through the most minimal intervention possible, c...
Category

2010s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel

Albert Paley 1994 "Medallion" Paperweight in Blackened Steel with Bronzed Patina
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Albert Paley large handcrafted steel medallion paperweight. Small edition for Arts Patrons. Formed and fabricated blackened steel with chemical patina...
Category

1990s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

In Stock in Los Angeles, Green Rabbit Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rabbit Mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Power bank. You can carry Rabbit MINI in your bag as an external battery for yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

In Stock in Los Angeles, Light Blue Rabbit Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rabbit mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Power bank. You can carry Rabbit MINI in your bag as an external battery for your smartphone or any other device. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade Pink Flamingo Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Concrete

Leather Tray, Large A Rectangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Wine
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large A Rectangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Zinc
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Savannah
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Black
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Wine
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Koa Wood Letter Openers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice sculptural forms with a beautiful patina. Both are engraved "Kamaka Hawaii". The tips have some chips. Presents well. Great for collections and decor...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Modern Letter Opener Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic post modern design. Form + function. Whimsical spinning cube. Signs of wear. Some scratches on the tip with patina. Presents well. Nice desk accessory...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Italian Photo Frame Handmade Wood, Double Heart
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Double Heart is a unique arge Italian hand crafted wood double photo frame by sculptor Massimo Pasini. Wood is a very warm material and it is very m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Red Burgundy Pink Glazed Ceramic Explorer Vase No.3 by Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
The shapely forms of the pieces in the Explorer Collection, have been condensed into these vases. They are objects that are part of my cosmos, taken from my drawings. The materialisa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Tronador Square Blue 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

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

Salta Round Cream Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Firmamento Milano Pillola Table Lamp by Parisotto and Formenton Architetti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Please note that VAT is not included in the price. Elegant interior lamp designed as an essential element that creates an evocative light of great comfort. A matte ball of simple and pure form, cut in two perfect halves that diffuse reflected and discreet light. The project line is the essentiality that shapes both the aesthetics and the lighting effect. The light is spread from inside the ball, reflected on the inner shell of the dome and spread on the surface of the table on which it is placed. Designed for the living, its light gives a great atmosphere to the home. The unit features a dimmer enabling custom quality and intensity light. Aldo Parisotto and Massimo Formenton graduated in architecture from the IUAV of Venice. In 1990 they founded their own design firm P+F Parisotto+Formenton Architetti. Their research is oriented towards a range of different design themes, through which they have developed wide experience on both the national and international levels. In the design field they developed a collaboration with leading furniture and lighting companies such as cc-tapis, FontanaArte, Mingardo, Minotti Cucine. In the yacht sector the studio worked for Sanlorenzo, Cantiere del Pardo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Geometric Decoration Set Ceramic, White Porcelain, Sculptural Object 'Cubism'
Located in Carballo, ES
Geometry set of 3 pieces made of ceramic, with high quality stoneware in the Galician town of Buño, known throughout the world for its quality in the pottery technique. The shapes in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Terracotta

Menhir White Marble Carved Bookend
Located in Mexico City, MX
Bookend in carved Veneciano white marble. Handmade in Mexico. The delivery time is 6 to 8 weeks for items without marble and 13 to 14 weeks for marble pieces. For shipping outside M...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Portapenna attribuita a Fontana Arte Pietro Chiesa Gio Ponti
Located in Lugo, IT
Portapenna in cristallo attribuito a una produzione di Fontana Arte su disegno di Pietro Chiesa o Gio Ponti. Piccolo segno interno, in foto e in video si vede ma non rotture e segni ...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

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

Danese Milano Ameland Letter Opener in Stainless Steel by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ameland is a double-edged paper knife in satin finish stainless steel and is the result of an astute simplification of the manufacturing process. The piece is made unique by its dins...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Glass Sphere
Located in New York, NY
A transparent glass sphere on a square glass base decorative object or paperweight, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. A great decorative object for a desk, library, shelf...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

LIA 6" Square Handcrafted Brass and Steel Valet Bowl Tray by Soraya Osorio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
LIA 6" Square handcrafted valet tray bowl is versatile as a decorative object or in an entry way to place your daily belongings. A contrast in metals, hand-hammered 4 1/2" inner rou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Steel, Brass

New Modern Vase in marble, creator Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in white Michelangelo, red Levanto and black Marquinia Marbles. Size: 27.3 x 38.4 x 7.3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Pietro, Homage Collection by the Italian designer...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Watch Box for Nine Watches in Briar with Leather Detail by Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Elm briar and striped mahogany for your collectable watches. Leather handles. Briar box for nine watches.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather, Wood

New Modern Soap Holder in White and Black Marble, creator Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Soap holder in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia Marble. Size: 20 x 9.8 x 3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Domenico, Homage Collection by the Italian Designer Matteo Ci...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

"Lorenzo" Riveted Leather Pencil Holder by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Lorenzo" is a riveted leather pencil holder, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Wonderful Crystal Daum Pate De Verre Papillon Butterfly On Leaf Flower Sculpture
By Daum
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Crystal Daum Pate De Verre Papillon Butterfly Perched On A Leaf & Flower Sculpture Paperweight
Category

20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Medium & Large, Bookends Cuyo, Onix Stone & Silver Alpaca
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
4" x 4" x 7.8" 4.8 "x 4.8" x 9.5" Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

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

Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Trays, 2023 From The Tempera series Material: Duck egg yolk, binder Overall size: 19.5 Diameter x 15 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 19.5 Diameter x 5 H (cm) Weight: avg. 1kg...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Trays, 2023 From The Tempera series Material: Duck egg yolk, binder Overall size: 19.5 Diameter x 15 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 19.5 Diameter x 5 H (cm) Weight: avg. 1kg...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

Decor Tray Set - Set of 4 decorative trays in different colors - Handmade
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Decor Tray Set - Set of 4 trays in different colors Include: - 1 (one) Leather Tray, Small Square Tray - Color: Vanilla Dimensions: Height: 1.58 in (4 cm) Width: 6.89 in (17.5 cm)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Set of 4 Eggshell Vases. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 4 Eggshell Vases, 2023 From The Oygg series Material: Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 41.2 W x 10 D x 19.3 H (cm) Individual size: 10.3 W x 10 D x 19.3 H (cm) Weight: 5 kg ...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Table Tray Set - Set of 5 decorative trays in different colors - Handmade
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Table Tray Set - Set of 5 decorative trays in different colors Include: - 2 (two) Leather Tray, Small Square Tray Color: Vanilla Dimensions: Height: 1.58 in (4 cm) Width: 6.89 in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Seo of 4 Eggshell Vases. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Seo of 4 Eggshell Vases, 2023 From The Oygg series Material : Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 41.2 W x 10 D x 19.3 H (cm) Individual size: 10.3 W x 10 D x 19.3 H (cm) Weight: 5 kg...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Leather Trinket Tray - Small Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Savannah
Located in Curitiba, Parana
OBJECT HOLDER The Trinket Tray/Object Holder Line can be used as organizers for everyday objects or as your imagination suggests. Made of genuine leather, the Italian border finish...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large A Square Tray - Handmade in Brazil - Color: Saffron
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Medium A Rectangular Tray - Handmade in Brazil - Color: Clay
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Medium B Rectangular Tray - Handmade in Brazil - Color: Zinc
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

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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