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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Cedar with Ceramic Tip, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The modern ceramic-tipped Christmas tree brings a vibrant touch to your holiday décor with its rich color and sculptural form. This handcrafted solid cedar set features limited-editi...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Wooden Christmas Tree Mega FIR – Cedar, 62 cm
Located in Orlando, FL
The solid cedar Christmas tree is made entirely from natural cedar wood and adds an elegant touch to your holiday decor with its minimalist design. Inspired by the form of the fir tr...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Oak

Wooden Christmas Tree CEDAR – Cedar, Large Size
Located in Orlando, FL
Masif sedir minimal dekoratif yılbaşı ağacı, yeni yıl dekorasyonunuza doğal ve zarif bir atmosfer kazandırır. Sedir ağacının estetik formundan ilham alınarak tasarlanan bu yılbaşı de...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Cedar with Ceramic Tip, Medium Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The Cedar, Fir, and Juniper ceramic-tipped wooden Christmas tree set is specially designed to complement your holiday theme. Enriched with colorful, handmade ceramic details and insp...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Cedar with Ceramic Tip, Medium Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The Cedar, Fir, and Juniper ceramic-tipped wooden Christmas tree set is specially designed to complement your holiday theme. Enriched with colorful, handmade ceramic details and insp...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Wooden Christmas Tree Set CEDAR – Cedar
Located in Orlando, FL
The handcrafted solid cedar Christmas tree set is designed to complete your holiday theme with a warm and natural atmosphere. Inspired by the natural structure of cedar wood, the abs...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Letter Opener with Curved Conical Shell on Rocky Base Fossiline Collection
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
An elegant desk letter opener with a handle made from an authentic fossil of Orthoceras - Saharan Nautiloid over 360 million years old. The conical shell, slightly curved and lying ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Brass

Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Cedar, Medium Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The minimal modern handcrafted tree set is designed to bring a natural and aesthetic atmosphere to your holiday theme. These solid cedar decorative Christmas objects...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Wooden Christmas Tree Mega FIR – Cedar, 62 cm
Located in Orlando, FL
The solid cedar Christmas tree is made entirely from natural cedar wood and adds an elegant touch to your holiday decor with its minimalist design. Inspired by the form of the fir tr...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Oak

Italian modern black rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in black plastic. The ring has t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996 Rosenthal "Versace" Christmas plate, 1996. Porcelain, white with colorful decor, maker's mark "Rosen...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

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

Contemporary 'Black Eye' Sculpture Engraved Glass, Chromed Brass by Ghiró 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

C. 1952 Pair of Gordon Bunshaft's Personal Monogram Cufflinks Lever House
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Gordon Bunshaft's personal monogram cufflinks in gold. These cufflinks date back to 1952. These are artifacts from Bunshaft's Travertine House in East Hampton. They...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Glass Pear in Ruby
Located in Richmond, VA
Sculptural glass pear, handmade in Auckland, New Zealand by artist Devyn Ormsby. Individually cast from a true to size winter pear into a solid, crystal glass form. The elegant pear...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996 Rosenthal "Versace" Christmas plate, 1996. Porcelain, white with colorful decor, maker's mark "Rosen...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

M33 Vessel by Aysun Ay
Located in Geneve, CH
M33 Vessel by Aysun Ay Dimensions: D15 X H27 Materials: Stoneware Ceramic Sculptural pieces can vary slightly as each is a unique piece of art. Improvisational design made by hand. ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Gucci Desk Paperweight
Located in Munich, DE
Gucci desk paperweight from the 1980s, this elegant piece is based on an anthrazite metal base and an acrylic stand, attributed to Tom Ford.
Category

1990s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Metal Bolt Shaped Tabletop Lighter, France, c. 1960
Located in New York City, NY
Chromed, polished table lighter in the shape of a bolt. 
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Contemporay Light BeigeTravertine Incense Plate by Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Classico Travertine Incense Plate by Henry Wilson Dimensions: D 28 x H 4 cm Materials: Travertine The incense plate is carved from solid green Guatemala...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Contemporary 'Oasi' Set of Six Crystal Bowls Amber and Gold by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
The set creates a decorative game with a contemporary design ideal to give an unmistakable style to any environment. The shape of a rounded triangle gives sobrietiness and elegance w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Italian modern grey decorated plastic telephone Twin Phone Deco by Swatch, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern grey decorated plastic telephone Twin Phone Deco by Swatch, 1980s Gray plastic landline telephone. On the handset there are printed geometric decorations, in red, yellow, blue and light blue. The number keys and the side keys are made of orange plastic, as are the two feet. Produced by Swatch in 1980s. Present label on the back and logo printed in yellow. Good condition, with signs of use and age. Measurements in cm 7.5x24.5x8h This beautiful phone is perfect for you if you are a lover of vintage technology...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

"ZEN" Coffee Table by Yulia Pyanzina (Cristallo, Italy)
Located in Pastrengo, IT
The ZEN coffee table which makes part of the ORIGAMI Collection is a fruit of collaboration between MARMI REGINA, company that creates prestigious wo...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

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

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

Pair of Bookends Balls, 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Pair of bookends balls, 20th century" Pair of Bookends forming two marble balls on a stand, 20th Century decorative object.
Category

20th Century European Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Coloured crystal Bookend Featuring a Horse's Head.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Coloured crystal bookend featuring a horse's head. A superb crystal bookend makes a sophisticated and functional accessory, adding a touch of luxury while keeping books neatly in pl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Thin Book Ends in Contemporary Bronze and Steel in various Patinas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Thin bookends explore a miniature variation of Kin & Company’s iconic Thin Chair. Beautifully paired with books, plants, or small accessories, the Thin ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Steel

Lemon Size 8 Log Bowl by Loyal Loot Made to Order Hand Made from Reclaimed Wood
Located in calgary, CA
Perfect as a feature objet d'art on your table or shelves, a catch-all for jewellery and special items, or displayed as a group for a striking centrepiece. Each Log Bowl is unique and makes the perfect one of a kind gift. Log Bowls...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Willow, Reclaimed Wood

FERMACHE WITH TRILOBITE real fossil of the Paleozoic Era to admire and use #2
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
On a basis in polished metal lies a magnificent fossil of genuine trilobite that seems to rest on top of a rock. Today, this exceptional marine organism lived millions of years ago...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Brass

Pietrina Checcacci Cast Bronze Fingers Letter Holder with Granite Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze legs letter holder by Italian-Brazilian artist Pietrina Checcacci. The small weighted object features a patinated bronze set of fingers that are separated to store envelo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Granite, Bronze

SET DA SCRIVANIA GIADA portapenne orologio tagliacarte lente design moderno
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Raffinato ed esclusivo set da scrivania con seducenti superfici arrotondate e laccate color giada abbinate a particolari rigati . Disegnato da Nino Basso, il set si compone ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

GIADA TABLE PHOTO FRAME - contemporary design for home office furniture
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
The refined design with lacquered details in tone jade transform this table frame in an eccentric design piece: for enrich the office in tune with the other accessories for ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Paperweight with Authentic Ammonite - Elegant and Unique Design
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of history and sophistication to your desk with this unique paperweight with authentic ammonite, a one-of-a-kind piece that combines natural charm with modern design. Amm...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Monterrey Black Marble Carved Small Bowl
Located in Mexico City, MX
Small bowl in carved Monterrey black marble. Handmade in México by local craftsmen. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-14 weeks for marble pieces. Shipping +1...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Modern 3 Piece Dresser Cologne Bottle Set
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 3 piece set of dresser bottles with silver tops from Czechoslovakia c.1960. In excellent condition with minimal wear, unpolished. Sold and pri...
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Italian modern office bins in black metal and plastic by Neolt, 1980s
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

Italian modern light blue rings for perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern light blue rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in light blue plastic. The ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Italian modern dark brown rings for perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern dark brown rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in dark brown plastic. The ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Italian modern Blue rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Blue rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, 2020s Set of 3 round rings for the perpetual wall calendar by Ring A Date, in dark blue plastic. The ring ha...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

WRITING SET WRITER'S LENS CUTTER CLOCK-WRITER'S LENS in moss green shagreen
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
The fascinating shagreeen skin composed of a myriad of bead-like beads matches the design contemporary in the desk set composed of magnifying glass, letter opener and paperweigh...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Resin Bubble Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bulbous resin bubble sculpture. This piece showcases various bubbles throughout the interior of the piece with a curved top and flat bottom. Dimensions 6.5" width x 5.25"depth x 4.5...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Black Marble Plates Set
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

Set of 2 Aluminum Luna Paper Weights by Stem Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Aluminum Luna Paper Weights by Stem Design Dimensions: Ø 8 x H 3 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Finish: Tumbled and burnished. Weight: 0,3 kg (each.) Finished and assembled by hand in India. Also available in Brass. Please contact us. Sand-cast in solid metal, the Luna paperweight is a minimal object with a strong character. Surface pitting and production marks developed through the casting process are left untreated to retain the material’s richness, to allow for a more profound interaction. Luna has a timeless ornamental quality that is both decorative and functional. The objects layers on as a metaphor and showcases the beauty of being who you are. It strips off all the layers of ornamentation and artificial finishes to build an immediate and intuitive connection with the product that lasts a lifetime. Stem is a contemporary Indian product...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

LENTE DI INGRANDIMENTO impugnatura laccata blu notte design contemporaneo
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Lente da scrivania che abbina design essenziale con l'elegante impugnatura laccata blu notte e particolari in metallo nichelato lucidato a specchio. La lente di ingrandimento - ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Metal

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

FERMACHE WITH AMMONITE real fossil from the rounded Paleozoic Era biege #1
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
An authentic ammonite with a round shape and elegant biege color shades that become clearer toward the center, revives today in a elegant paperweight, unique and unrepeatable. The ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

MODERN DESIGN PAPER CUTTERS authentic ammonite handle Orthoceras Nautiloiudi
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 Fossi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Stationery Patinated Bronze Card Holder by Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Stationery Patinated Bronze Card Holder by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 14,7 x D 22,5 x H 8,3 cm. Materials: Bronze. Bronze Stationery Holder is an object of fluid, futuristic form in...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

MODERN DESIGN PAPER CUTTER authentic handle ammonite Orthoceras Nautiloides
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, designer of the Fossilin...
Category

2010s Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Magnifying glass ammonite handle real fossil shell one piece
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
An amazing authentic fossil ammonite, evidence of forms lived millions of years ago and preserved over time, it becomes the handle of this unique and unrepeatable magnifying glass...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Brass

Old Model of a Private Plane Falcon, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Old model of a private plane falcon. Very interesting model of a private plane model falcon. Years 70. It is made entirely in massive aluminum. Totally we...
Category

20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Dark Black Wood Seating Occasional Table Time of Action No. 20-2, Chaeyoung Lee
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark Black Wood Seating Occasional Table Time of Action No. 20-2, Chaeyoung Lee Materials: Ebonized and carved wood Dimensions: 34,5 x 32 x 41 cm Eboniz...
Category

2010s Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

FERMACHE WITH AMMONITE - real fossil of the Paleozoic Era rounded biege #3
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
An authentic ammonite with a round shape and elegant biege color shades that become lighter toward the center, revives in an elegant unique and unrepeatable paperweight. The uniqu...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

FERMACARTE WITH AMMONITE contemporary design with authentic fossil shell #1
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Thought of as paperweight for an eclectic desk or bookcase shelf, this delightful small and unique sculpture, exceeds functionality to be also a piece of furniture exclusive and...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

FERMACHE WITH AMMONITE - real fossil of the Paleozoic Era rounded biege #2
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
A genuine ammonite with rounded shape and elegant biege color shades that become clearer toward the center, revives today in an elegant unique and unrepeatable paperweight. The ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Paul J. Stankard Root People Paperweight
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Paul J. Stankard (American, b. 1943) Marking(s); notes: signed Materials: lampwork glass, polished clear and black glass Dimensions (H, W, D): 2.5"h, 2...
Category

20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Black Round Slate Sculpted Center Piece by Frederic Saulou
Located in Geneve, CH
Slate sculpted center piece by Frederic Saulou Center piece Black Slate H 6, D 32 cm, approximately 20 kg Limited edition of 20 Signed and numbered. "While wandering in the s...
Category

2010s French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Slate

GIADA modern style writing desk set: pen holder clock-paperweight paper cutter
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
The Line soft and rounded elegant and always current is matched to the bright laccato color giada and to the striped details with a glossy finish. Eccentric set of desk accesso...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Italian modern black metal and plastic squared baskets by Neolt, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Black metal and plastic squared baskets by Neolt, 1980s Pair of square-based office bins. The main structure is made of a perforated metal sh...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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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