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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Zinc
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays
For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
New Modern Medium Pot in White Michelangelo Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Pyxis pot / jar / container for multiple uses.
Size: 12.6 x 14.5 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Pyxis M, Pyxis Collection by the Spanish Designer Ivan Colominas. Available al...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Italian Obelisks Pyramids Decorative Objects, Set
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of two (2) pyramid Obelisks, in the Modern style, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Pyramids are wood, wrapped in hand designed Italian paper; One is a combination of wh...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plaster, Paper, Wood
Male and Female Sculpture, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A vintage midcentury reproduction of a figurative male and female 'embracing' sculpture on black marble base, 1963, New York, New York. Sculpture has maker's mark on side and on bott...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Composition, Marble
Fountain pen, Ballpoint pen and tray for a Desk Set green enamel Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
4640-5320 - Rectangular tray with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on guilloché, cm. 9 x 17.5. For fountain pen (4568-5201) with two-tone st...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Italian Photo Frame Silver Handmade , Harmony Turquoise
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Harmony turquoise is an Arts & Crafts square silver picture frame designed by Laura G for Art with Heart.
It is a wonderful lost wax bronze silver plated model hand chiselled by mast...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Sweep Dust Pan and Brush with Wall Mount Peg, Made of Brass and Horsehair Brush
Located in Chicago, IL
This dust pan and brush bring a whole new dimension to cleaning. Made of brass and horsehair, the set comes with a magnetic peg that allows for the pan and brush to be proudly be dis...
Category
2010s American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Black Marble Arched Platter Small
Located in Eindhoven, NB
This multi-use arched black marble platter with natural veining makes a sophisticated presentation of appetizers, cheese, breads and crackers. Thi...
Category
2010s Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Vintage Brass Anchor Paperweight
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful brass anchor paperweight
Circa 1980s
Measures: 9"W x 5.75"D x 7"H.
Very good original vintage condition.
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Emerald Green Art Glass Ball Sphere Paperweight Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Emerald green art glass ball sphere, in the modern style, with a tropical grass or palm-like design, circa late-20th century. Piece is a ...
Category
Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass
21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade Pink Flamingo Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Concrete
Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
By WKND Lab
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Trays, 2023
From The Tempera series
Material: Duck egg yolk, binder
Overall size: 19.5 Diameter x 15 H (cm)
Individual Dimensions: 19.5 Diameter x 5 H (cm)
Weight: avg. 1kg
Every piece is hand-made, color and measurement may slightly vary.
Colors: Black and Ivory
Tempera series Candle Holder...
Category
2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Shell
Set Tronador Medium Mini Boxes, Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Contemporary Three Stacked, Oblong Silver Aluminium Stack Trays by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Aluminum Stack Trays by Henry Wilson
Dimensions: W 25 x D 5 x H 10 cm
Materials: Aluminum
The stack trays are sold in a set of three that can be used...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum
Crystal Pink Ashtray for Val Saint Lambert, Paper Weight Signed
By Guido Bon, Val Saint Lambert
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Free-blown pink and clear crystal ashtray by Val Saint Lambert.
Could be used as a vide poche or decorative desk accessories.
Hand blown beautif...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Contemporary Handmade Aquamarine Crystal Horizontal Photo Frame by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of picture frames by Ghirò Studio.
Picture frame of excellent workmanship and artistic quality.
The rounded edges give harmony and el...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Murano Sommerso Glass Horse Head Bust Signed Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This Italian Murano Sommerso glass horse head is signed Bortaro. It is lovely and in then colors of black, gray and clear. The mane of hair in hand b...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Blown Glass
RYBKA - Vintage Carved Studio Glass Paperweight - Signed - Circa 2003
Located in Chatham, ON
RYBKA - Vintage carved studio glass paperweight with inclusions - artist signed and dated - circa 2003.
Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration - minor ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Key Chain with Heart Return Address and Blue Bag
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic loop with Ball key chain in Sterling Silver - the piece comes with a sterling heart with return address, if lost, with serial number. This piece has been engraved PS, whic...
Category
20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rare MC2 Fleming Hermes Wallet / Mississippiensis Alligator
By Hermès
Located in Munich, DE
Nice hermes wallet in wonderful burgundy alligator leather.
Category
1990s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather, Alligator
Italian Leather Desk Organizer 5 Box Storage Area
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian black leather desk organizer, circa late-20th century, 1970s, Florence, Italy. This desk piece organizer is black leather, comprised of five (5) boxes with a rich clear lacquered wood back, brass hinges, and a center rest area (shown with car key, and small change purse...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Teardrop Glass Paperweight, Signed, Canada, Circa 2012
Located in Chatham, ON
Contemporary studio glass 'teardrop' paperweight sculpture - hand made/mouth blown with striking green, white and yellow swirl center - indistinctly signed and dated on the base (unk...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Cuyo Large Alpaca Silver & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library.
Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Ghidini 1961 Omini Tape Mate in Polished Brass by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Scotch holder in brass
Omini is a family of products that plays on the inclusion and the relationship between the human figure with a series of monolithic objects from geometric and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Vintage Gucci Chrome, Logo Canvas, Resin Note Pad Holder and Desk Accessory 70's
By Gucci
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful vintage Italian signed Gucci note pad holder has wood backing with flip topnote holder and the iconic logo fabric Gucci symbols as the f...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box
Color: Caramel
Size: 14 x 14 x 15 H cm
Material: PU
Collection: Knotted.
Category
2010s Thai Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Faux Leather
Silver Magnifying Glass with a Feather Handle Letter Opener
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very nice silver magnifying glass with a feather handle, which could be used for opening letters as well. The magnification is good and works well. A compliment to any desk or work...
Category
20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Contemporary Set of Two Handmade Aquamarine Crystal Photo Frames by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of picture frames by Ghirò Studio.
Set of two photo frames, one horizontal and one vertical, of excellent workmanship and artistic quality.
The rounded edges give har...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Renzo Set Concrete Tray Made In Italy White&Light Blue 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
Gerald DiGiusto, Triangolar Totem #1 1981
Located in Hudson, NY
A beautiful and rarely seen bronze and steel sculpture by American artist Gerald DiGiusto. Signed and dated 1981 this is Triangolar Totem #1 , the original . Signed, dated and title...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Contemporary 'Pear' Sculpture Amber Yellow Crystal Handcrafted by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
The sculpture evokes the romantic vision of two halves that perfectly complement each other once together and symbolize the indissoluble union. Each crystal is exclusive and unique as it has been entirely hand-worked from a block of crystal. This make impossible to create two identical ones. The crystal has been worked by hand until to a smooth and luminous surface to obtain the shape of a pear. The crystal used...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Blue Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
Our Se...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Bruno Munari Silver-Plate Sculptural Vase with Glass Insert Italian Vintage
By Bruno Munari
Located in North Miami, FL
This undulating sculptural vintage silver-plate vase signed B.Munari on the bottom 1973 is both sculptural and utilitarian. It is Italian by Bruno Munari made for Danese and a lovely vase and or desk accessory and will have so many other applications. it can also be used as a candle holder without the glass insert. The small glass vessel is short and will hold a few roses, a few orchids or a few gardenias or your favorite flower. It is 4" height x 2" diameter. Please note this is not the re-issue and is totally vintage...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Crystal Geometric Honeycomb Paperweight or Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful crystal geometric honeycomb style paperweight or decorative object, circa late-20th century. A great decorative object (as shown) and a great piece for a desk, office, li...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Aqua and Clear Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
Our Semi Sphere is a very cool and fun...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Hermes Paris 1960 Vintage Modernist Desk Box Round Covered Dish In silver
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Round covered dish designed by Hermes.
This is a very beautiful and highly decorative piece, created in Paris France by the luxury house of Hermes, back in the 1960. This useful des...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Blitz Marble Bookends Verde & Rose By Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The Blitz Bookends comprise two contrasting marbles honed to achieve a sophisticated finish. Inspired by the avant-garde ingenuity of the 1980’s London-based Blitz Club, these bookends are the perfect addition to any classic or contemporary living space.
Materials: Verde Alpi Marble & Norwegian Rose Marble...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Olivetti Divisumma 28 Mario Bellini Design Years '70
Located in Biella, IT
Olivetti divisumma 28 Mario Bellini design years '70, perfect working and very good condition.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic, Acrylic
Set of 12 Italian Crystal Cups 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
12 Italian cups serving
of the 20th century in cut crystal, with base and base in silver metal, relieved decoration alluding to the God Bacchus.
Brand na...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Georg Jensen Black Pen Tray
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pen tray or desk organizer.
By Georg Jensen.
In black powder coated metal (we assume aluminum).
In the form of a rectangular tray with 2 scalloped sections.
Marked to the ...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Unique Eyes Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Swinger Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Dimensions: W 6 x D 6 x H 49 cm
Materials: Tiger Skin Marble, Gold Leaf
André Teoman born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal in 1989...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Gold Leaf
Cuyo Medium Alpaca Silver & Black Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library.
Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, Pink Glazed, by Ettore Sottsass, 20th, Spanish
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Shiva vase is sculpture and vase. It is a symbol of Ettore Sottsass and an icon.
Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase when travelling to Barcelona for love in 1973. He encountered m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Randall Grubb Flat Flower Bouquet Glass Paperweight with a Millefiori Garland
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, signed lampwork paperweight by Randall Grubb.
With a flat floral bouquet surrounded by a millefiori ring or garland.
With a G signat...
Category
1990s American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Italian modern Square drawing roll holder in orange metal sheet by Neolt, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Square drawing roll holder in orange metal sheet by Neolt, 1980s
Drawing roll holder in curved sheet metal painted bright orange. There are 4 square-based compartments with rounded corners for the drawing tubes...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Louise Nevelson Style Dimensional Signed Wood Box Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing and intricate carved wood box sculpture that stands tabletop is signed and dated. The signature is not terribly legible but is dated 1996. It is in the style of Louise Nevelson. The box opens to geometric and raised forms that are dimensional. It bridges Folk Art, Tramp Art and modern art all in one. As you can see from the photos it folds up like a small suitcase...
Category
1990s American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Steven Lundberg / Lundberg Studios Glass Tiger Lily Pedestal Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Lundberg Studios pedastal paperweight.
By Steven Lundberg.
With an upright tiger lily lampwork flower.
Signed and dated at the foot.
...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Wooden Christmas Tree Set JUNIPER – Cedar
Located in Orlando, FL
The JUNIPER decorative solid handmade Christmas tree set adds warmth to your holiday theme with its minimalist and natural design. Inspired by the aesthetic form of the juniper tree,...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Bronze Signed Boucher Vintage Architectural Sculpture Carrara Marble Base French
By Boucheron
Located in North Miami, FL
The intersecting sculptural lines of this French signed vintage bronze sculpture by Boucher is polished and has a rose gold color of the bronze. It sits on a white and gray veined Carrara marble block base that is attached. The measurements for the sculpture alone are as follows: 9" H x 5" D x 4.5" W. It is from the 1960s. The intersecting lines of this sculpture give it parallel forms. It is a dynamic sculpture...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Knotted Double Leather Tray Set Large Home Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
Knotted double leather serving tray set.
Hand stitched calf leather.
Also, available in a smaller size tray set of two, size 36.2 x 24.7 x 5.8 H cm.
Larger quantities available u...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Victor Zaikine Vintage Bronze Senusal Sculpture Titled Lovers Embrace
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing vintage sensual bronze vintage sculpture by Victor Zaikine is wonderful from every angle. The lovers embrace surrounding the bowl of life. ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze, Other
Blitz Marble Bookends Nero & Arabescato By Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The Blitz Bookends comprise two contrasting marbles honed to achieve a sophisticated finish. Inspired by the avant-garde ingenuity of the 1980’s London-based Blitz Club, these booken...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Brass and Leather Bookmark
Located in Paonia, CO
The (wh)ORE HAüS STUDIOS small goods collection was made for those that wanted to experience the (wh)ORE HAüS brand without committing to our larger pieces. Brass and Leather Bookmark is made of solid brass with a leather strap and can work as a book weight...
Category
2010s American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Collection of Six Glass Multicolored Paperweights
Located in London, GB
These glass paperweights are wonderful decorative pieces which will make perfect desk accessories or collectables.
The paperweights are all slightly different in their shape and ...
Category
20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Vintage Georg Jensen Black Pen Tray or Desk Organizer
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pen tray or desk (drawer) organizer.
By Georg Jensen.
In black powder coated metal (we assume aluminum).
In the form of a large rectangular tray with 7 scalloped sections.
...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum
Knotted Tissue Box Caramel Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box
Color: Caramel
Size: 27.5 x 15.5 x 7.9 H cm
Material: PU
Collection: Knotted.
Category
2010s Thai Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Faux Leather
Cartier Vintage Black Sunglasses with Box, 1990 Silver Logo
By Cartier
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Cartier classic black sunglasses with silver CC logo.
Classic, timeless, sophisticated piece to add to your wardrobe
Authentic, vintage, rare, Cartier Paris France Black Ja...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
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.