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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Stunning Signed Lockdown 2020 Large Artist Sculpture Very Rare Collectable Piece
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for this lovely one of a kind “Lockdown 2020” brass artists sculpture
Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
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
Galucharme Desk Accessories Set #2 by Nino Basso
Located in Milan, IT
Elegant and masculine are the hallmarks of this Fine desk accessories set that combines contemporary design with the precious galuchat leather gri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Multigame Set in Black Polished Ebony Notte Di Giochi by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Polished ebony multigame. Contents chess, backgammon, dice, domino, playing cards and poker chips.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Ebony
Konno Card Holder in Stainless Steel and Dark Grey by Georg Jensen
By Georg Jensen
Located in New York, NY
Hiromichi Konno’s cardholder is intended to simplify the process of exchanging business cards by bringing elegance to the business world. Designer Hiro...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stainless Steel
Eight French Decorative Glass Desk Paperweights
Located in London, GB
These beautiful paperweights were created in France in the 20th century. Glass paperweights began to be widely collected in the mid-19th century, after they were showcased at the Int...
Category
20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Pietrina Checcacci Cast Bronze Thumbs Letter Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze thumbs letter holder by Italian-Brazilian artist Pietrina Checcacci. The small weighted object features a patinated bronze pair of opposing thumbs that are separated to s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary 'Ice' Crystal Bowl Satin Hand Engraved Unique Piece by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
Collection 2021 of artistic bowls by Ghirò Studio (Milan).
Innovative design, fine craftsmanship and a strong artistic sense make this creation not only a bowl but a real artistic sculpture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Galucharme Desk Accessories Set #5 by Nino Basso
Located in Milan, IT
Europe began importing shagreen-covered objects during 17th and 18th centuries in the mid-1700s, a tanner in Paris became the first European expert, Monsieur Galluchat. Louis XV's mo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Gourmet Round Wood Trivet, by Gunnar Cyren from Warm Nordic
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Viby J, DK
Beautiful walnut and oak trivets with delicate carvings. Trivets were originally designed in the 1970s by the highly acclaimed Swedish designer, Gunnar Cyren as part of the Gourmet Wood range, and are now being manufactured again by Warm Nordic. Their harmonious design and consummate quality make these wooden trivets perfect for both everyday meals and more festive occasions. The carvings lend the trivets a touch of character and have a life of their own in the form of swaying trees, sprouting hearts and abstract animals, depending on which way you look at them. Gunnar Cyren's Trivets also look attractive on the kitchen worktop...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Agresti Polished Black Jewel Box with Gold-Plated Hardware
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewel box in polished ebony. Lockable by key and with the necklace bar on the top and a removable tray inside. All the hardware is 24-karat pink gold-plated.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold Plate
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
Danese Milano Canarie White 2 Pencil/Paperclip Aluminum Holders by Bruno Munari
Located in Hicksville, NY
White Canarie 2 Pencil & Paperclip Holders is a desk set made up of a pencil holder, a paperclip holder and two ashtrays. It was designed to help keep a desk or work surface in order...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum
Wicker Cane and Acrylic Tissue Box Holder Cover in the style of Dior
Located in New York, NY
A wicker cane and acrylic tissue holder box in the style of Christian Dior Home. This acrylic and wicker cane box holds standard size tissues. Beautiful natural wicker cane and chic ...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Cane, Acrylic, Wicker
Galucharme Letter Opener and Ruler Set by Nino Basso
Located in Milan, IT
From Galucharme Collection, this is a special desk gift and lovely to look at. The decorative and fashinating leather, with a myriad of pearl-like granules, is covered in shagreen en...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Galucharme Desk Accessories Set #3 by Nino Basso
Located in Milan, IT
There are a lot of tales about Shageen. Supposedly, it was prized since the time of the pharaohs, and during the Chinese Han Dynasty (202 BC - AD 220). It was also used in the constr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Berd Vay'e Limited Edition "Horosphere" Lucite Sculpture 'Small'
By Berd Vay'e
Located in New Orleans, LA
Berd Vay'e limited edition "Horosphere" Lucite sculpture
Aspherical globe embracing both fluidity and precision; an exacting orb which allows the eye a 360° vantage point to the tho...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Lucite
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
Victor Vasarely Vintage Op Art Acrylic Cube Graphic Sculpture Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This four sided every changing graphic optical Op Art lucite vintage cube sculpture by Victor Vasarely is vintage from the 1970s. They were produced in ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Acrylic, Paint
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: diameter 4 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Springs ON 50% OFF SALE...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4.25 inches, width 3.25 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Spr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
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
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 5 inches, width 2.75 inches, height 1.25 inches
1 in stock in Palm Spr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Fabien Barrero Carsenat Arch Paperweights in Bronze
Located in Paris, FR
Arch paperweights made in bronze by Fabien Barrero Carsenat.
Dimensions : 1.77" x 1.6" x 0.98"
A "Certificate of Authenticity" is provided by the gallery.
After studying visual co...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4.5 inches, width 3.5 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Sprin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Soap Holder in White and Black Marble, by Matteo Cibic, Italy in Stock
By 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
Shops & Boutiques, Foreword by Giorgio Armani by Grant Camden Kirkkpatric AIA
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Shops & Boutiques. Foreword by Giorgio Armani. Grant Camden Kirkkpatric AIA.
Published by NY: PBC Interational, INC., (1994).
179 pages. Hardcover.
"Never before has the relations...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Paper
Modern Brass Letter Opener
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful modern brass letter opener, circa 20th century, Europe. Dimension: 9.94" long/wide.
White French vide-poche catch-all shown also available, ...
Category
20th Century European Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Essenze Desk Accessories Set by Nino Basso
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated desk accessories set, from Essenze Collection, is made of brier from Erica, the precious wood also used to make luxury pipes. T...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Galucharme Desk Accessories Set #1 by Nino Basso
Located in Milan, IT
From Galucharme collection in coffee chromatic color, this is a very special and high-class desk gift set, consisting of a pen-holder, a letter-opener and a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Fabien Barrero Carsenat Season III Centerpiece
Located in Paris, FR
Season III centerpiece made in bronze by the french designer Fabien Barrero - Carsenat
Dimensions : 7.08" x W9.05" x H 0.3"
A "Certificate of Authenticity" is provided by the galler...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
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 inches, width 3 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Springs O...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Crystal Egg Color Gray, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Crystal Egg Color Metallic Brown, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Glass Egg Marble Effect Color Brown, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Contemporary Handcrafted Bookend "Aether" in Oxidized Brass by Anaktae
By ANAKTAE
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted bookend model "Aether" in oxidized brass with a curved contour.
This bookend is part of the "Proetus Series", a collection of six bookends in brass.
Variati...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Modern Desk Set of Pewter for Letters and Visit Cards by Jean Goardere
By Jean Goardere
Located in Weiningen, 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
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 5 inches, width 4.5 inches, height 1 inch
1 in stock in Palm Springs O...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 5 inches, width 4 inches, height 2.25 inch
1 in stock in Palm Springs ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Fabien Barrero Carsenat Season I Centerpiece
Located in Paris, FR
Season I Centerpiece made in cast iron by the french designer Fabien Barrero - Carsenat
Dimensions: 8.66 x 29.13 x 0.3
A "Certificate of Authenticity" is provided by the gallery.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Iron
Watch Box for Five Watches in Polished Black with Ultrasuede Detail by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box in polished wood for five watches lined in protective ultrasuede. Hinge in Ruthenium. Box only: watches are not included.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Agresti Black Ebony Polished Wood Box for 24 Cufflinks with Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box for 24 pairs of cufflinks in black polished wood with leather handles.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather, Wood
Italian Red Burgundy Suede and Snakeskin Picture Frame, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A '70s Modern Italian red burgundy suede and snakeskin picture frame, circa 1970s, Italy. Frame can sit in two positions; vertical (as shown) or horizontal. Picture/image area: 4.5" ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Animal Skin, Suede
Aurelio Teno Signed Silvered Bronze, Enamel, Quartz and Marble Sculpture Vintage
By Aurelio Teno
Located in North Miami, FL
This Brutalist inspired signed Aurelio Teno sensational Spanish sculpture is a combination of silvered bronze, quartz, amethyst and painted enamel over the bronze. It sits on a marbl...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Quartz, Marble, Silver, Bronze, Enamel
Italian Yellow Leather and Suede Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian light-yellow leather picture frame with suede backing, circa early 21st century. Frame was made in Italy for Barneys New York as marked on back, please see image ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather, Suede
Nº 5 Contemporary Glazed Ceramic Napoleon Blue Showtime Vase by Jaime Hyon Spain
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Showtime Vases are just as current as when we launched them over 10 years ago. They are little decorative sculptures that fully reproduce Hayon’s universe.
Made of two glazed ce...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Agresti Black Polished Wood Chest for 55 Pens with Suede and Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable chest in black polished wood. Holds up to 55 pens.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Suede, Wood
Black Polished Chest for 28 Watches by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Chest in black polished wood. A lockable box for 28 watches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Opulent Jay Strongwater Jeweled Enamel Wedding Keepsake Picture Frame
Located in Tustin, CA
Gorgeous handmade and hand painted cast metal decorative picture frame from the Jay Strongwater "Duchess" collection features exquisitely subtle, glossy pearl enamel work coloration,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Enamel
New Modern Trivet in Black Marquinia Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Trivet in Nero Marquinia marble, designed by Ivan Colominas.
Size: 26 x 2 cm, smooth finishing.
Commercial name: Myron, Materia e Tavola collection by the Spanish Designer Ivan Colominas.
Available also in White Michelangelo marble. Made in Italy, hand finished.
Sculptural, bright white, well-defined and multi-fold. Colominas has created a table service inspired by Angelo Mangiarotti’s soft lines, exalting the shape and structure of objects that characterise the exploration of one of the greatest pleasures afforded us, food.
Mmairo loves wining and dining, good food and entertaining...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Large White Happy Yeti Ceramic Flower Vase by Jaime Hayon, contemporary design
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
Glazed ceramic vase in white with decorations in black.
Large:
33 x 14 x h.47 cm
13 x 5,5 x h.18,5 inch
"From when I was little, I always found the Yeti story funny - that snow monster that wants to frighten those that go to the north pole. Converted into a vase, you can put plants in the head so that it looks like it has hair and scares a little more. The little decorations, not only have a decorative purpose, but also can have artistic value and an emotional one where a sense of humour fits in." Jaime Hayon.
Glazed ceramic vase in white with decorations in black.
A ceramic collection which carries Jaime Hayon’s unmistakable character and humour, the Happy Yeti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Small Egg Color Black and White, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Vintage Scale Model of The 1928 Mercedes Benz SS in German Silver, Circa 1950
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A rare scale model of the classic 1928 Mercedes Benz SS (Super Sport) which was the fastest car of its time. Made entirely of solid silver, the chassis shows a vented & belted hood, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
New Modern Vase in White, Black and Red Marbles, creator Matteo Cibic Stock
By 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
Contemporary Handcrafted Bookend "Hybris" in Oxidized Brass by Anaktae
By ANAKTAE
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted bookend model "Hybris" in oxidized brass with a curved contour.
This bookend is part of the "Proetus Series", a collection of six bookends in brass.
Variati...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Silver Plate Letter Opener
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver plate letter opener - a large and well designed letter opener in silver plate - ergonomically designed and weighted on one end for easy handling and an artful design - handsom...
Category
20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Silver Plated Equestrian Letter Opener, Italy, 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver plated equestrian letter opener, Italy, 1980s.
This is a must-have on any gentleman collector's wish list.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
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
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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