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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
M34 Vessel by Aysun Ay
Located in Geneve, CH
M34 vessel by Aysun Ay
Dimensions: D15 X H27
Materials: Stoneware ceramic
Sculptural pieces can vary slighty as each is a unique piece of art.
Improvisational design made by h...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Turner Card and Pen Holder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Turner card and pen holder by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 26.5 cm D 10.5 cm H 8 cm
Materials: black/brown bronze.
FAKASAKA is a design company focuse...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Set of 2 Aluminum Plato Table Trays by Stem Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Aluminum Plato Table Trays by Stem Design
Dimensions: D 11.5 x W 20 x H 2.5 cm (each.)
Materials: Aluminum.
Finish: Tumbled and burnished.
Weight: 0,5 kg (each.)
Finished and assembled by hand in India. Also available in brass. Please contact us.
A compact accent tray with tapered walls and rounded corners, Plato boasts a simple design to reveal an arresting surface texture. It is ideal for holding smaller objects like stationery, keys, watches, jewelry, or glasses.
Imagined on your center table, console, or night-stand, the tray is sand-cast in aluminum and brass.
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
Shagreen Leather Pen Holder Light Sage - Elegance and Exclusive Design
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of sophistication to your desk with our exclusive pen holder made of genuine shagreen leather, a fine material also known as galuchat, famous for its unique texture remin...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Unique Human Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique human modern gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Dimensions: W 9 x D 9 x H 49 cm
Materials: Tiger skin marble, gold leaf
André Teoman born in Viana do Castelo...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Gold Leaf
Vintage Kosta Boda Art Glass Paperweight by Erik Hoglund
Located in Sacramento, CA
Vintage cobalt blue Kosta Boda art glass paperweight by Erik Hoglund, featuring a woman’s head and torso. In excellent vintage condition.
Diamete...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
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
Talon A4 Desk Tray by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Talon A4 desk tray by Madheke
Dimensions: D 25 x W 33.7 x H 1.5 cm.
Materials: Leather, carbon fiber.
A desk should not be a place of disarray and clutter, with the TALON A4 Tra...
Category
2010s Indian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather, Carbon Fiber
Unique Zé Veado by André Teoman Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Zé Veado by André Teoman Studio
Limited Edition
Dimensions: W 27 x D 27 x H 57 cm
Materials: Marble, Brass
André Teoman born in Viana do Castelo...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pencil Holder I by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pencil holder I by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: Ø 8.5 cm H 13 cm
Materials: polished bronze.
Also available in dark bronze.
FAKASAKA is a design c...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Marble Circles by Kristina Dam Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Marble circles by Kristina Dam Studio.
Materials: Black marble
Dimensions: 21 x 30 x H 21cm.
Two unbroken circles make this stunning changeabl...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Taylor Pencil Holder I by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Taylor pencil holder by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: Ø 8.5 cm H 13 cm
Materials: dark bronze.
Also available in polished bronze.
FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production o...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Lucite Two Compartment Magazine Holder
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage two compartment lovely lucite magazine holder is in very great condition. It is non obtrusive and can be placed anywhere. It is fro...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Lucite
Set of 2 MOLE / Moss / Kobalt paperweights by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
MOLE is a paperweght designed by Malwina Konopacka in collabo with I Believe In Paper – polish, paper brand. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color com...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Clay
Blue Shagreen Leather Desk Set - Lens and Letter Opener
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your workspace with this unique blue shagreen leather desk set, consisting of a magnifying glass and a letter opener.
The handle, uphol...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Erica and Ebony Briar Magnifying Glass and Letter Opener Set
By Nino Basso
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Elegance and functionality meet in this stylish coordinated desk set, consisting of a magnifying glass and a uniquely designed letter opener.
Crafted with skilled craftsmanship and ...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Pen holder in Heather Briar and Nickel-plated Brass - "Essences" Collection
By Nino Basso
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of elegance to your desk with the pen holder from the exclusive "Essences" collection, a refined accessory that combines contemporary design and fine materials.
Made with...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Mondi Paralleli
By Gumdesign
Located in Viareggio, IT
Una collezione di taglieri in marmo siciliano e rovere naturale ottenuti con lavorazioni artigianali esprimono storie parallele, narrazioni del senso materico e funzionale; sono stor...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
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
Reclaimed Wood, Willow, Wood
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry A4 Tray in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in copper with a rose gold finish. The compositional scheme of this family of small trays is the axonometric isometric projection of two parallelepipeds which creates a three-d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Set of Three Small Parallelepiped Tray Set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in polished brass. The compositional scheme of this family of small trays is the axonometric isometric projection of two parallelepipeds which creates a three-dimensional optic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Ghidini 1961 Tip Top Pencil Holder in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pencil holder in stainless steel. When you look at the top view of the Tip-Top series, all the triangles have the same size. In 3D these triangles have been stretched, which creates ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stainless Steel
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Squared Small Tray in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tray in copper with a rose gold finish. Tray in brass. Elegant in living and dining spaces alike, this tray can be used to display objects in the living room and bedroom, store paper...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Trays Set in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in copper with a rose gold finish. The compositional scheme of this family of small trays is the axonometric isometric projection of two parallelepipeds which creates a three-d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Rectangular Small Tray in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tray in brass. Elegant in living and dining spaces alike, this tray can be used to display objects in the living room and bedroom, store papers in the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Set 1 Small Cube Tray in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in copper with a rose gold finish. The compositional scheme of this family of small trays is the axonometric isometric projection of two parallelepipeds which creates a three-d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Set 4 Large Parallelepiped Tray 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
Ghidini 1961 Tip Top Limousine Tray in Polished Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exquisite tray is part of the Tip Top collection and was entirely made in stainless steel that was then given a brass finish to obtain its distincti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stainless Steel
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry 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
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Set 2 Large Cube Tray 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
Ghidini 1961 Tip Top Limousine Tray in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exquisite tray is part of the Tip Top collection and was entirely made in stainless steel that was then given a copper finish and its pink-like glow...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stainless Steel
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Set 3 Small Parallelepiped Tray Set in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in copper with a rose gold finish. The compositional scheme of this family of small trays is the axonometric isometric projection of two parallelepipeds which creates a three-d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper
Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Set 4 Large Parallelepiped Tray Set in Rose Gold Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trays in copper with a rose gold finish. The compositional scheme of this family of small trays is the axonometric isometric projection of two parallelepipeds which creates a three-d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper
Mole Paperweight by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
MOLE is a paperweght designed by Malwina Konopacka in collabo with I Believe In Paper – polish, paper brand. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color com...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Clay
Coral Size 10 Log Bowl by Loyal Loot Hand Made from Reclaimed Wood
Located in calgary, CA
Log bowls combine the beauty of a tree in its natural state with a high-gloss, vibrant finish. Each bowl is handmade using locally reclaimed trees of all var...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Willow, Reclaimed Wood
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
Agate Slice
Located in London, by appointment only
Agate slice, Brazil.
Mounted on a metal stand.
Measures: H 28cm,
W 20 cm,
D 6cm.
Category
20th Century Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
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
Bronze Fire Hydrant Wrench by Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze five hole fire hydrant wrench by Jones, USA. This piece can used for its original intention or for decorative purposes. Due to its weight it would be a perfect office pap...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
“Revolve” No.S2 'made to order' – Contemporary Plaster Sculpture from Denmark
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve” – No. S2.
This is made in a limited edition of only 5 pieces + 1 AP.
The five sculptures are made in five different colors, making them ...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Cast Stone
Handmade Italia Lava Stone REGO Laptop Holder 2023
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lava stone Règo is a little jewel that adds a new experience when using a notebook combined with an external display, ideal for saving space and creating a clean and tidy environment...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Lava
“Revolve” No.S1 Blue – Contemporary 21st-Century Stucco Sculpture 'no. 01/05'
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve” – No. S1 in Blue (no. 01/05)
This is made in a limited edition of only 5 pieces + 1 AP
The five sculptures are made in five different colors, making them all truly one of a kind. You can buy this unique piece or request your favorite color under customization.
The piece is made from plaster, fish glue, and pigments. It's waxed and weighs 8.5kg (19 lb).
About Revolve:
The starting point of this project is rooted in Flensted Mouritzen's interest in old stucco materials and moulding techniques. It has grown into a fascination with the two-dimensional line of the running mould technique being transformed through a specifically created turning machine...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Cast Stone
“Revolve” No.S5 (made to order) – Contemporary 21st-Century Sculpture
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve” – No. S5.
This is made in a limited edition of only 5 pieces + 1 AP.
The five sculptures are made in five different colors, making them ...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Cast Stone
“Revolve” No.S6 Blue Contemporary Handmade Scagliola Stucco Sculpture 'no.01/05'
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve” – No. S6 in Blue (no. 01/05)
This is made in a limited edition of only 5 pieces + 1 AP
The five sculptures are made in five different col...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Cast Stone
Italian Silver and Black Wood Turner Letter Opener, 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian silver and black wood turner letter opener.
Good vintage condition.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Stunning Signed Lockdown 2020 Large Artist Sculpture Very Rare Collectable Piece
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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
Business Card Holder with Authentic Fossil Ammonite - Unique Piece
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
An exclusive and refined desk accessory: this business card holder combines elegant design with the extraordinary beauty of a genuine fossil ammonite.
Each piece is unique and unrep...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Business Card Holder with Authentic Fossil Ammonite - Fossiline Collection
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
An exclusive and refined desk accessory: this business card holder combines elegant design with the extraordinary beauty of a genuine fossil ammonite.
Each piece is unique and unrep...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
21st Century by Giuliano Bettinzolli "Poggia Libro" Desk Marble Complement
By Giuliano Bettinzolli
Located in massa, IT
Desk Marble complement designed by Giuliano Bettinzolli - Set of 2
Price referred to the pair
Size: 2x Cm 16 x 16 x Diameter cm 10
Materials: White Carrara - Black Portoro - Nationa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
21st Century by Sergio Asti "Pressacarte" Desk Marble Complement (set of 4 pcs)
By Sergio Asti
Located in massa, IT
Desk Marble complement designed by Sergio Asti
Price referred to a complete set of four items:
Size Model 1: Cm H 18 x Diameter cm 6
Size Model 2: Cm H16 x Diameter cm 6
Size Model ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian 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
White Bookend Mould Project by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
White bookend Mould project by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Unique
Materials: Jesmonite
Dimensions: 110 x 80 x 180mm
Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product...
Category
2010s English Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Cement
Peach Bookend Mould Project by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
Peach bookend mould project by Theodora Alfredsdottir.
Unique
Materials: Jesmonite
Dimensions: 110 x 80 x 180mm.
Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product design studio based in Lond...
Category
2010s English Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Cement
Mould for Bookend by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
Mould for bookend by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Unique piece
Materials: MDF
Dimensions: 19 x 22 x 10 cm
Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product design studio based in London.
Theodor...
Category
2010s English Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Unique Custom Reeded Panes Vase by Kim Thome
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique panes vase by Kim Thome
Dimensions: Custom
Materials: Glass, epoxy resin
Kim Thomé is a Norwegian designer based in London.
Category
2010s British Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Epoxy Resin
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
MOLE / Moss paperweight by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
MOLE is a paperweght designed by Malwina Konopacka in collabo with I Believe In Paper – polish, paper brand. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color com...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Clay
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.