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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
Furniture Handle Hammered Brass Bronze Cabinet Hardware Drawer Pulls
Located in Warsaw, PL
Handcrafted hardware by RUDA Studio is aimed to embody a touch of natural phenomena. The hammered brass handle reminds of honeycombs or drops of water frozen in the metal. This aesth...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
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
Danese Milano Formosa English Letters for Perpetual Wall Calendar by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Danese Milano Formosa letters in English for Perpetual wall calendar by Enzo Mari
Enzo Mari is one of the masters of Italian Design. He was ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum
Renzo Set Concrete Tray Made In Italy White&Red 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. Each...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Concrete
Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Fountain Pen with Papers & Boxes
By Montblanc
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This fountain pen was made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. This fountain pen is their 'Meisterstuck' model and has...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold, Stainless Steel
Modern Lucite Desk Organizer by Guzzini
By Guzzini
Located in San Diego, CA
Very functional modern lucite desk organizer by Guzzini of Italy, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 5.75"W x 2"D x 3....
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Lucite
Knotted Tissue Box Square André Fu Living New PU Home Office Accessories Modern
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Tissue box
Color: Grey
Size: 14 x 14 x 15 H cm
Material: PU
Collection: Knotted.
Category
2010s Thai Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Faux Leather
Constellation Marble Bowl, Small Low in Nero Marquina Marble, in Stock
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The hexagonal bowls are designed so that they can be laid together forming a honeycomb formation, either in same color or in different color combinations.
Please note that no two...
Category
2010s British Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Ben Seibel for Jenfred-Ware Bookends in Brass Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great modern design in this pair of bookends by Ben Seibel.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Knotted Tissue Box André Fu Living New Leath Home Office Accessories Modern
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
An elegantly detailed tissue box to elevate your daily life. employing refined leather with finely stitched edges, it also features double-knotted detailing. it is a piece that can b...
Category
2010s Thai Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
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
Black marble carved large Ming
By Casa Mineral
Located in Mexico City, MX
Ming in carved Monterrey black marble. Handmade in Mexico by local craftsmen. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-14 weeks for marble pieces. Shipping +10 additi...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Knotted Vide Poche Set of 2 Beige André Fu Living Desk Office Home Accessories
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Tray set of 2
Color: Beige
Size of big tray: 20 x 20 x 3 H cm
Size of small tray: 15 x 15 x 3 H cm
Material: Leather
Collection: Knotted.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Murano "Cenedese" Glass Aquarium, Italy, 1950's
Located in Kastrup, DK
Italian Midcentury Murano glass fish aquarium.
Featuring multicolored inclusions with five fish and sea grass.
Italy, Venice 1950-1959.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Leather Tray, Small Square Tray, Handmade in Brazil - Color: Vanilla
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays
For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a uniq...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Knotted Tissue Box Caramel André Fu Living New Pu Home Office Accessories Modern
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, 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
Carrara Home Design Desk Table Lamp in White Carrara Marble
Located in Carrara, MS
Defined by a balanced cylindrical silhouette, this modern table lamp is expertly handcrafted in Calacatta marble with a matte finish.
The piece is completed with an extra large LE...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Carrara Marble
Gucci Italy Wallet and Credit Card Holder with Embossing
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and new Credit Card wallet that easily can hold from4-8 cards and cash... small, compact and easy to carry. a lovely new piece.
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Danese Milano Timor Perpetual English Calendar in White by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Timor is a perpetual calendar. The PVC cards that represent the days of the week, months of the year and dates are fixed to a central pivot and can be fanned out for the user to choo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
PVC
Danese Milano In Attesa Wastepaper Basket in Black by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
In attesa is a wastepaper basket. It is an injection moulded polypropylene cylinder but the base is not perpendicular to the sides instead it is at a diagona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Danese Milano Timor Perpetual French Calendar in Black by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Timor is a perpetual calendar. The PVC cards that represent the days of the week, months of the year and dates are fixed to a central pivot and can be fanned out for the user to choo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
PVC
Danese Milano Flores Orange Box in Stainless Steel by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Orange Flores is a rounded, plastic pencil case. It is made up of two parts in polystyrene. The hinges are the distinctive invention of the designer and with their interlocking mecha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Polystyrene
Danese Milano Formosa Perpetual Wall French Calendar in Black by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Formosa is a wall calendar with an aluminium back plate that supports the removable sheets of pvc that make up the date. The font used in the black and red version is Helvetica and t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum
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
Pair of Vintage Montblanc Meisterstruck & Starwalker Pens with Boxes & Papers
By Montblanc
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of vintage rollerball pens were made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. theiThe black cased pen from this grouping is their "Meisterstruck" model with a clear tip on the cap, and a gold band around the center of the barrel with "MONTBLANC" and "MEISTERSTRUCK" in block letters. The other pen of this group with the brushed metal case is their "Starwalker" model. Both pens come with thier original fitted boxes, and we have one outer box and some paperwork. Both of these Montblanc rollerball pens...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stainless Steel
Aluminum 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
Edward Kachurik Glass Paperweight for Pa Art
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Orb shaped paperweight by glass artist Edward Kachurik in pink and blue. Signed "PA Art 1994" with a stylized "94" etched into underside.
Artist: Edward Kachurik
Year: 1994
...
Category
1990s American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Contemporary Glazed Ceramic Explorer Vase No.2 by Jaime Haydon white, red, green
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
The shapely forms of the pieces in the Explorer Collection, have been condensed into these vases. They are objects that are part of my cosmos, taken from my drawings. The materialisa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
René Lalique 'Nemours', '1929', 20th Century
By René Lalique
Located in Madrid, ES
Rene Lalique
Cup 'Nemours' (1929).
In French glass of the 20th century, molded and relined.
Sign 'Lalique, France'.
This model was produced in the years 1940 to 1959.
Only us...
Category
20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Italian Travertine Marble Obelisk
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian travertine marble Obelisk, in the Modern style, circa 1970s, Italy. A great decorative object for a shelf, credenza, office, library, cocktail table, etc. Very go...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Travertine, Marble
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Emerald Green Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors.
It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Art Glass Millefiori Collectable Paperweight
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Millefiori Italian art glass paperweight
Beautiful glass art paperweight in millefiori design in various shades of blues, red and white, accenting the close concentric complex.
Mur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Caithness Glass Elixir Paperweight No. 189/500, Scotland, Circa 1980s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a glass paperweight named "Elixir", limited edition 189/500, by Caithness Glass, Scotland, made after 1970 in the last quarter of the 20th Century.
This is a very attractive cone shaped clear glass paperweight, well handmade (hand blown) with a very intricate internal design called Elixir. These were produced as a limited edition, this being 189 out of 500.
The makers mark is etched to the base with the number 189/500 scratched alongside.
This paperweight weighs about 500 gram.
Caithness Glass
The company was founded in 1961 by Robin Sinclair and initially only made bowls, vases and drinking glasses. After Paul Ysart joined the company a year later that paved the weigh for Paperweight production, with regular factory production starting in the late 1960s.
In 1974 the first millefiori and lampwork paperweights...
Category
20th Century Scottish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Blown Glass
André Ricard 'Olympic Torch Prototype' for Barcelona 1992 Games, circa 1992
By André Ricard
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Olympic torch prototype (PT) in chromed plastic for Barcelona '92 by André Ricard.
Manufactured in Spain, circa 1990.
In good original condition, w...
Category
1990s Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Studio Glass Rabbit Figure Paper Weight, Russia, circa 1980s
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage glass rabbit figure paper weight - unidentified maker with original labels attached to the base - Russia - circa 1980s.
Excellent vint...
Category
Late 20th Century Russian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Italian Modern Alabaster Marble Sphere or Paperweight in Green and Black
Located in New York, NY
A small green, black and white alabaster marble decorative object sphere or paperweight, '70 Modern, circa 1970s, Italy. A great decorative object or paperweight for an office, desk,...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Alabaster, 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
Watch Box for Five Watches in Smoke Grey Oak, Red 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
Devon Bookend by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Devon bookend by Madheke
Dimensions: D 11.2 x W 16.2 x H 21.2 cm.
Materials: Leather, wood, metal.
Encased leather booked with internal compartments.
Reflecting the finest in craftsmanship, innovation and heritage, Madheke creates tailored and crafted goods that reflect understated classic elegance, blending tradition and contemporary - vintage and modern...
Category
2010s Indian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Small Modern Spinning Sculpture in Turquoise Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This modern geometric sculptures will add a touch of color to any space, you can place them on top of books on your coffee table or even as a centerpiece. The possibilities are endle...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Kartell U Shine Vase in Blue by Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Eugeni Quitllet designs a precious collection of decorative vases made of transparent PMMA. The line is composed of a vase and a table centre, distinctive for their elegant geometry ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Ghidini 1961 Omini Pen and Cards Tray in Polished Brass by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Pencils tray 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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
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
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
White Turtle Carry XS Jewelry Tree, Designed by Marcantonio
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
After the success of Turtle Carry, Marcantonio presents the iconic turtles in a small version.
The turtle carapace supports a jewelry tree.
Produce...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Talon Desk Tidy by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Talon desk tidy by Madheke.
Dimensions: D 15 x W 26 x H 1.5 cm.
Materials: Leather, carbon fiber.
Upturned carbon fibre base with embossed leather inset. A desk should not be a ...
Category
2010s Indian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather, Carbon Fiber
Large Modern Spinning Sculpture in Turquoise Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This modern geometric sculptures will add a touch of color to any space, you can place them on top of books on your coffee table or even as a centerpiece. The possibilities are endle...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Set of 2 Contemporary Decor White Happy Yeti Ceramic Flower Vase by Jaime Hayon
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
"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
Murano Decorative Obelisk by Seguso
By Venini
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful obelisk, handmade in Italy, by Seguso, Murano. Quite tall-16". Unusual color-light purple that changes with light. Polished pointed top. Nicely cut and polished edges-see p...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Blackened Tape Dispenser by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Blackened Tape Dispenser by Henry Wilson
Dimensions: W 14 x D 4 x H 7 cm
Materials: Bronze (Blackened)
The bronze tape dispenser is a hefty piece of st...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
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
Agresti Polished White Jewel Box in Bird's-Eye Maple with Gold-Plated Hardware
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Shiny white bird's-eye maple shiny jewel box with 24-karat pink gold hardware. Necklace on the top and removable tray.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Agresti Black Polished Box for 20 Pens with Suede and Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Black polished wooden pen box with anti-tarnish suede and leather handles for your collection of writing instruments.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Suede, Wood
Knotted Vide Poche Set of 2 Mink André Fu Living Desk Office Home Accessories
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Tray set of 2
Color: Mink
Size of big tray: 20 x 20 x 3 H cm
Size of small tray: 15 x 15 x 3 H cm
Material: Leather
Collection: Knotted.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Contemporary Glazed Ceramic Explorer Vase No.2, white red green, by Jaime Hayon
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
The shapely forms of the pieces in the Explorer Collection, have been condensed into these vases. They are objects that are part of my cosmos, taken from my drawings. The materialisa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
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
Knotted Vide Poche Set of 2 Purple André Fu Living Desk Office Home Accessories
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Tray set of 2
Color: Purple
Size of big tray: 20 x 20 x 3 H cm
Size of small tray: 15 x 15 x 3 H cm
Material: Leather
Collection: Knotted.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
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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