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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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
Carl Aubock Set of Smoking Accessories
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass and Wicker Wrapped pipe stand (Or Paperweight) with two brass spoon rests.
Category
1940s Austrian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Catherine Noll Arched Silver Plate and Gradient Lucite Sculpture Vintage
By Catherine Noll
Located in North Miami, FL
This special tall lucite and silver plate elegant and organic arched sculpture was designed by Catherine Noll whose famous grandfather was Alexandre Noll. He was a well know sculptor who made fabulous sculptures out of carving simple wood. This sculpture which resembles a form of a horn was done in 1970. The arched form is lucite and the square base is silver plate. The lucite has gradients of gray tones as light hits it. It is organic modern with elegant lines. Catherine Noll was mainly a Parisian jewelry designer who started her illustrious design career back then. The materials she worked with in jewelry consisted of wood, ivory, Perspex and crystal. Catherine was in art school at the famous Beaux Arts when her noted and famous sculptor grandfather; Alexander Noll...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Vintage Romeo Paris Copper and Gold Leaf Embedded Lucite Column Lamp, French
By Romeo Paris
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing and stunning thick walled French vintage heavy lucite column lamp is attributed to the work of Romeo Paris. It has inclusions of floating copper and gold leaf elements in fractal form. It is tall, heavy and has separate lucite columns inside. This is a piece de resistance...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper, Gold Leaf
Stanley Szwarc Stainless Steel Rectangular Large Box Vintage
By Stanley Szwarc
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous long and unusual rectangular box is polished satin stainless steel. The dimensions of the work on top have flower like bursts in Industrial and floral forms. It is not ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stainless Steel
"Proust" Leather Mouse Pad Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Proust" is a leather mouse pad, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned.
Colors combinatio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
White Porcelain Ashtray Made in Germany
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage pure white china ashtray.
With a fresh, contemporary modern look with embossed arabesques design.
Hotelporzellan, Hogermann.
Made in Germany, cir...
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4.75 inches, width 4.25 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Spr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Vintage Brass Pyramid Triangle Tall Modernist Sculpture With Hole Design
Located in North Miami, FL
This truly arresting vintage modernist brass pyramid sculpture has been professionally polished. It is in a combination of a tall pyramid and triangle form and has 7 random purposeful holes in the front of different sizes. It was so well made at the time. Our polisher even commented on how difficult this was to construct and deliever. This is a most unusual sculpture...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Renzo Set Concrete Tray Made in Italy Green&Brown 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
Renzo Trays + Vertebra Concrete Candleholder 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. E...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Concrete
Pair, Modernist Chromed Steel Railroad Tie Bookends Circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair, Modernist Chromed Steel Railroad Tie Bookends Circa 1980.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Knotted Vide Poche Set of 2 Purple Desk Home Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tray set of 2
Color: Purple
Size of big tray: 20 x 20 x 3 H cm
Size of small tray: 15 x 15 x 3 H cm
Material: Leather
Collection: Knotted.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Pampaloni Italian Modern Classical Sealing Wax Set in Case
By Pampaloni
Located in New York, NY
Modern Classical sterling silver sealing wax set. Made by Pampaloni in Italy. The spirit lamp has domed bowl and loose-fitting snuffer cap. The stamp has fluted shaft and ball handle...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Infinity Bullecante Glass Bubble Balls or Bookends Pair of Labeled
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of mesmerizing glass bubble/ bullecante balls have an infinity design. They have a label on the bottom that says Tani Sun Designer with SPIIS 5976. They can be glass sculpt...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
White Stone and Patinated Brass Sculpted Center Piece by Frederic Saulou
Located in Geneve, CH
Limestone and brass sculpted center piece by Frederic Saulou
Title: Lunaire
Materials: Buffon limestone, patinated brass.
Dimensions: H 10, D 35 cm, approximately 20 kg
Limited ...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Limestone, Brass
1989-90’s Clear Crystal Lexus LS 400 Car Paperweight
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a clear crystal Lexus LS 400 car paperweight. Very nicely you can see through the crystal the inside details of the car, like the seats and the b...
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Gold Plated Boy Holding a Large Jade Sphere on a Carrara Marble Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A square Carrara Marble base with a Gold Plated child holding a large Jade Sphere.
The piece is unique and different - a compliment to many spaces. Works well on a desk or work sta...
Category
20th Century European Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Carrara Marble
Editioned Italian Fornasetti Calendar Porcelain Plate, 2013
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Italian decorative porcelain plate designed and made by Fornasetti. The commemorative plate is for the year of 2013. The plate was made in a limited edition of 92 out of 70...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Clear Modern Sculptural Glass Object Sculpture or Paperweight Table Decor
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Modern sculptural glass object. Very heavy. The base is a rounded hexagon shape and very solid. Solid short blunt glass rods protrude from the base. A beautiful sculptural piece to a...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Blown Glass
Italian modern office bins in black metal and plastic by Neolt, 1980s
By Stile Neolt
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern office bins in black metal and plastic by Neolt, 1980s
Pair of square-based office bins. The main structure is made of a perforated sheet met...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Albert Paley Set of 4 American Patinated Steel Medallion Paperweights
Located in Queens, NY
4 American Contemporary forged iron abstract form medallions / door handles with movable parts and a patinated finish (signed: ALBERT PALEY) (PRICED EACH)
Category
20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Iron
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
Karl Springer Rare Mounted Magnifying Lens, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Rare adjustable magnifying lens with beautifully crafted mount in polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The mixed metal gives it a truly bespoke look.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Large Modern Spinning Sculpture in Turquoise Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This modern geometric sculptures will add a touch of color to any space, you can place them on top of books on your coffee table or even as a centerpiece. The possibilities are endle...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Portuguese Telephone Exchange PBX from the 50s/60s
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Telephone exchange, PBX from the 50s/60s. Manual telephone system used to interconnect several lines in a company or organisation. With a wooden ca...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Modern Acrylic Paper Spring
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Acrylic paper spring. With large dimensions, made of translucent acrylic with a smoky hue. Inspired by the traditional shape of clothespins, this piece combines functionality with a ...
Category
Late 20th Century Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Acrylic
Modern Desk Set of Pewter for Letters and Visit Cards by Jean Goardere
By Jean Goardere
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Modern desk set of pewter for letters and visit cards by Jean Goardere
Measures: 26 x 20 cm 5 cm
20 x 14 cm 3 cm
11 x 6 cm 3 cm.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Pewter
Molini Clear and Black Lucite Column Table or Desk Lamp Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This handsome and modern square lucite lamp is clear in the center banded by a black lucite base and top. It has a polished steel column in the center that looks like it is floating. It is in excellent condition and makes for a sensational desk or table lamp. This vintage lamp was never ever used. It has the two socket pull chains and is completely rewired. It also has the graduating stem pole to make a little higher. All is original inclusive of the finial. It is 7" H from the top to the bottom of the light bulb socket. It was made by the NY showroom Molini Southard from the time period. It is from the 1980s. New, never used. This great lucite square column lamp...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
New Modern Vase in Black and White Marble, creator Matteo Cibic
By Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in Nero Marquinia and Bianco Michelangelo Marble,
Size: 38.2 x 23.4 x 7.3 cm, smooth finishing.
Commercial name: Tacca, Homage Collection by the ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
New Modern Vase in White and Red Marble, creator Matteo Cibic
By Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Vase white Michelangelo and red Levanto marble.
Size: 27.3 x 38.4 x 7.3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Pietro, Homage Collection by the Italian designer Matteo Cibic. Made i...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Desk Set of Natural Stone Oxide Slate Minimalist Design Handmade in Spain Meddel
By Meddel, Joaquín Moll
Located in VALVERDE DEL MAJANO, CL
Desk Set of Natural Stone Oxide Slate Minimalist Design Handmade in Spain Meddel
Transform your workspace with our elegant rust slate screen rest, made in Spain. This subtly designed...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Slate
Knotted Photo Frame 5R Desk Office Home Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Photo frame in premium leather and wood 5R
Color: Grey
Size: 20.5 x 6.5 x 18.5 H cm
Material: Premium leather and wood
Collection: Knotted.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Faux Leather
Italian Silver Plate and Burgundy Crocodile Buckle Hinged Box Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and gorgeous Italian vintage hinged silver plate buckle box has a burgundy crocodile leather buckle part. It was professionally polished and t...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
MODERN DESIGN PAPER CUTTERS authentic ammonite handle Orthoceras Nautiloid
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
A slightly curved conical shell lying on a layer of rock becomes the unique handle of the letter opener, a must-have desk accessory.
Designed by Nino Basso, the designer of the Fos...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Solid Wood Paperweight Set – BULLET
Located in Orlando, FL
Handcrafted solid wood office accessories stand out with their elegant and natural design, shaped through expert craftsmanship. Infused with the natural scent of cedar, this stylish ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Corporate Christmas Gift Box 2
Located in Orlando, FL
The Corporate Christmas Gift Box is a thoughtfully designed and unique gift set tailored to meet the expectations of the business world. Developed in collaboration with LEONE Patisse...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Oak
Yonel Lebovici Resort Letter Holder
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Ressort letter holder by Yonel Lebovici
Made in France, circa 1969
"Ressort" model. Produced in a limited edition of 500 by Distrimex.
An identical example is in the permanent col...
Category
20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
SALTA Medium Square Black Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
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
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Galucharme Black Desk Set - Handcrafted Elegance and Refinement
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of class to your office with the Galucharme Black desk set, an exclusive work by designer Nino Basso, entirely handcrafted.
This exquisite set includes a matching pen ho...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Vintage PM Craftsman Brass Figural Clown Bookends - A Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage PM Craftsman Brass Figural Clown Bookends - A Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 5.25" H x 5" W x 3.5" D
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Swedish Sommerso Black Charcoal Gray Clear Abstract Freeform Glass Paperweight
Located in North Miami, FL
This unusual freeform abstract glass sommerso paperweight changes forms, shapes and dynamics with each turn and placement. Colors of gradients of black, charcoal gray to gray are imm...
Category
1970s European Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Blown Glass
Larry Mohr Abstract Elongated Angled Bronze Sculpture
By Larry Mohr
Located in North Miami, FL
Connected angles, connected points make up this elongated bronze abstract Larry Mohr tabletop sculpture that is signed. It is an abstract sculpture that may have reference to birds i...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Brass Signed Woman Seated Vintage Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely brass vintage limited edition brass abstract sculpture of a seated woman is signed but not legible and it is numbered 21 /100. It is great from all angles and makes a great desk or cocktail table accessory...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse, Austrian Artist and Designer for Herta Baller, Ship
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Walter Bosse, Austrian artist and designer (b. 1904, 1974) for Herta Baller. Ship in bronze. 1950s.
Walter Bosse was affiliated with Wiener Werkstätt...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Devon Bookend by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Devon bookend by Madheke
Dimensions: D 11.2 x W 16.2 x H 21.2 cm.
Materials: Leather, wood, metal.
Encased leather booked with internal compartments.
Reflecting the finest in craftsmanship, innovation and heritage, Madheke creates tailored and crafted goods that reflect understated classic elegance, blending tradition and contemporary - vintage and modern...
Category
2010s Indian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Karl Springer Rare Adjustable Magnifying Lens in Polished Chrome 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Rare adjustable magnifying lens with beautifully crafted mount in polished chrome by Karl Springer, American 1980's.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
Brass Bagel Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pass the schmear! This playful bagel sculpture is the perfect addition to your kitchen as a cookbook paperweight or shelf decor. Signed - WC Quirt 66' - 9/12
Dimensions
3.5" width ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Trio of Shagreen Genuine Leather Desk Accessories - Galucharme Collection
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your desk with this refined burgundy-colored genuine shagreen leather accessory set. The special texture, characterized by small bead-like grains,...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Contemporary 'Eye' Sculpture Fuchsia Glass, Brass and 24 Kt Gold by Ghiro Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2023 Colletion of decorative objects by Ghiro Studio (Italy,Milan).
The 'Eye' is not only a luxury refined piece of furniture but it is also a hand carved sculpture designed to embe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold, Brass
Black Marble Plates Set
By Casa Mineral
Located in Mexico City, MX
Plates in Monterrey black marble. Handmade in Mexico by local craftsmen. Dimensions: Small: 20 D x 20 W x 2 H cm Medium: 16 D x 16 W x 2 H cm Large: 12 D x 12 W x 2 H cm. Product...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Pen and Cards Desk Trays Set in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in brass. The compositional scheme of this family of small trays is the axonometric isometric projection of two parallelepipeds which creates a three-dimensional optical effect...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Inkwell attributed to Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
Located in Lugo, IT
Glass inkwell attributed to a design by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
Thank you
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Ghidini 1961 Omini Cards Holder in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Business cards holder in brass, ideal for holding cards.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Desk Trays Set in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in brass. Dimensions for trays: 35.4 x 23 x 2H cm; 23.5 x 7.5 x 2H cm; 12.5 x 7.5 x 2 H cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
DeCastelli Riviera Pots 1 Flower 60 Planter in Stainless Steel by Aldo Cibic
By Aldo Cibic, DeCastelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“I’ve always been drawn to nature as it manifests its strength in unexpected contexts”. With this, Aldo Cibic built a miniature natural landscape, poetically made of structures, cont...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stainless Steel
Contemporary 'Black Eye' Sculpture Engraved Glass, Chromed Brass by Ghiró Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2022 Colletion of decorative objects by Ghirò Studio (Italy,Milan).
The 'Eye' is not only a luxury refined piece of furniture but it is also a hand carved sculpture designed to embel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold, Brass
Contemporary Coloured Crystal Perfume Diffuser.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Contemporary coloured crystal perfume diffuser.
Contemporary perfume diffuser in cut and coloured crystal.
A beautiful diffuser vase not only enhances the visual appeal of a space, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Desk Trays Set in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in copper with rose gold finish. Dimensions for trays: 35.4 x 23 x 2H cm; 23.5 x 7.5 x 2 H cm; 12.5 x 7.5 x 2 H cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper
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.