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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Contemporary 'Eye' Sculpture Amber D:40cm Glass, Brass and Gold by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2023 Colletion of decorative objects by Ghirò Studio (Italy,Milan).
The 'Eye' is not only a luxury refined piece of furniture but it is also a hand carved sculpture designed to em...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal, Gold, Brass
Menhir Black Marble Carved Bookend
By Casa Mineral
Located in Mexico City, MX
Bookend in carved Monterrey black marble. Handmade in Mexico. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-14 weeks for marble pieces. Shipping +10 additional business d...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Nº 2 Contemporary White lazed Ceramic with gold Showtime 10' Vase by Jaime Hayon
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vase by Jaime Hayon
Glazed Stoneware
white and Gold plated decorations
The Showtime vases by Jaime Hayon are the most iconic in BD’s catalogue...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold
Bymyside Desk Accessories by Rectangle Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bymyside desk accessories by Rectangle Studio
Dimensions: W 25 x D 2 x H 48 cm
Materials: Massive walnut and natural wood oil
Bymyside Desk is a complementary design accessory ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Walnut
Bymyside Desk Accessories by Rectangle Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bymyside desk accessories by Rectangle Studio
Dimensions: W 25 x D 2 x H 48 cm
Materials: White marble
Bymyside desk is a complementary design accessory that is manually shape...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Hermès Porcelain "Passifolia" Small Salad Bowl, France, 2021
By Hermès
Located in Cagliari, IT
Beautiful small salad bowl made with the "Passifolia" pattern.
"The rain drums on the convex palm leaves. The wind hums over the fringe of petals. These sounds sharpen the chlorophy...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
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
Antique Brass-Plated Desk, Pols Potten Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Antique brass-plated desk, Pols Potten Studio.
Dimensions: W 120.5 x D 51 x H 75.5 cm.
Materials: Black powder-coated iron frame, aluminum, antique brass-plated top.
Pols Pott...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Iron, Aluminum
Bymyside Desk Accessories by Rectangle Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bymyside desk accessories by Rectangle Studio
Dimensions: W 25 x D 2 x H 48 cm
Materials: Black marble
Bymyside desk is a complementary design accessory that is manually shaped...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Medium Box in Copper-Plated Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Orange 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 cr...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996 20th Century
By Versace
Located in Madrid, ES
Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996
Rosenthal "Versace" Christmas plate, 1996. Porcelain, white with colorful decor, maker's mark "Rosen...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Italy Modern Design Black Faceted Crystal Table Lighter Contemporary Production
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant table lighter designed with a shape that evoques the Mid-Century Italian style. A pattern of this design that we can find in the production of architect Paolo Buffa furn...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Antique American Modern Sterling Silver and Glass Inkwell on Stand
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver and glass inkwell on stand, circa 1920. Lobed melon-form glass bowl; sterling silver cover domed with overlapping ovoid ring finial. stand has well and large l...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
Danese Milano Ventotene Papertray & Pencil Stainless Steel Holder by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ventotene is a lettertray and pencil holder rolled into one. It combines both design and functionalism in one useful and attractive everyday object made of polished stainless steel.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stainless Steel
Danese Milano Lampedusa Orange Pencil Holder in Melamine by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Orange Lampedusa is a re-edition of the famous melamine desktop pencil holder that has become one of the classics of 20th Century design and can be found in numerous museum collectio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Danese Milano Sumatra Red Paper Tray in Technopolymer by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Red Sumatra is a stackable letter tray made of technopolymer with rubber feet. When two or more of the trays are stacked all of the space above and below each piece can be maximized....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Rubber
Crystal Ball Sphere Bud Vase Modern Minimalist
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A substantial crystal ball sphere bud vase in the style of Baccara, in the modern or minimalist style. Beautiful as a standalone piece or for a sin...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Ben Seibel for Jenfred-Ware Bookends in Copper Finish
By Ben Seibel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great modern design in this pair of bookends by the well known Modern designer Ben Seibel.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Horn 1 Sculpture by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Horn 1 sculpture by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 8 cm D 6 cm H 7 cm
Materials: polished bronze.
Horn 1
Paper weight / sculpture
FAKASAKA is a de...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Renzo Set Concrete Tray Made in Italy Brown&Green 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
21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade in Italy Green 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
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
Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996 20th Century
By Versace
Located in Madrid, ES
Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996
Rosenthal "Versace" Christmas plate, 1996. Porcelain, white with colorful decor, maker's mark "Rosen...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Palazzo Crystal Bookends Onyx Black by Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The latest pieces in the Palazzo range recast the beautiful set of arches in polished crystal for a mesmerising look that changes with the light. A study in decorative function, Palazzo represents a rich architectural history. Its unique structure gives a nod to the repeated arches of Rome’s Colosseo Quadrato...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Bronze Stack Trays by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze Stack Trays by Henry Wilson
Dimensions: W 25 x D 5 x H 10 cm
Materials: Bronze
The stack trays are sold in a set of three that can be used tog...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Art Glass Jellyfish Sculpture Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial transparent/clear and shades of blue art glass jellyfish sculpture decorative object, circa late-20th century to early ...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Nº 1 Contemporary Glazed Ceramic Black Showtime Vase Collection byJaime Hayon
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
Aina Jurassic Fossil Marble Keops Pyramid Game Sculpture, Living Collection
Located in ES
Keops Pyramid game sculpture sculpted from four solid pieces of Jurassic Marble, with Nerineas fossils. Do you dare to try to build it? Designed by AINA and manufactured by NERINEA i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
In Stock in Los Angeles, Green Mexico Skull Mini Portable Bank Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mexico skull mini power bank battery charger
In stock in Los Angeles
Job says he was inspired by a legendary figure who lived wrapped in mystery: 'the singer without a name'.
"No one had ever seen her come out of her house, where heavy velvet...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
In Stock in Los Angeles, Light Blue Mexico Skull Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mexico skull mini power bank battery charger
In stock in Los Angeles
"Mr Holder was a shark who loved swimming but could not do it. He was mocked by all the other sharks who call...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
René Lalique "Serpentine" Fruit Bowl 20th Century
By René Lalique
Located in Madrid, ES
Rene Lalique
" Serpentine "
French fruit bowl from the 20th Century,
molded and relieved glass in burgundy tones.
Marked.
Dimensions: 8 x 38 ...
Category
20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
René Lalique Cup with Foot "Dampierre"
By René Lalique
Located in Madrid, ES
René Lalique
Cup with foot "Dampierre", in French crystal from the 20th century, molded and relieved, signed 'Lalique, France'. Dimensions: 12.5 x 12 cm.
Category
20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Editioned Italian Fornasetti Calendar Porcelain Plate, 2012
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Italian decorative porcelain plate designed and made by Fornasetti. The commemorative plate is for the year of 2012 and features an angle blowing the calendar pieces. The p...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Danese Milano Formosa Perpetual Wall English 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
Danese Milano Sumatra Black Paper Tray in Technopolymer by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Black Sumatra is a stackable letter tray made of technopolymer with rubber feet. When two or more of the trays are stacked all of the space above and below each piece can be maximize...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Rubber
Danese Milano Koro Wastepaper Basket in Red by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Koro is a waste paper basket intended for the workplace and in public spaces. The cylindrical form is made of injection-moulded polypropylene.
Enzo Mari is one of the masters of I...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Mid-Century Modern 3 Piece Dresser Cologne Bottle Set
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 3 piece set of dresser bottles with silver tops from Czechoslovakia c.1960. In excellent condition with minimal wear, unpolished. Sold and pri...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
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...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
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
Brass Starfish Sculpture / Paperweight
By Art Brass Co.
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A nicely cast starfish paperweight, sculpture or hanging sculpture since it has a hook to the backside. Well made and can be used in the office or as a decorative accessory, made in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Korean Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
"Paper Bag" by California Bronze
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Whimsical "paper bag" made from cast metal from California Bronze. Would make for a fun decorative piece in any interior. Photographed atop a Cappellini sid...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Unique Custom 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
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
Kartell U Shine Vase in Smoke 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
Black Marble Arched Platter Medium
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
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
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Lime 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
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
Vintage German Made Globe, Globe Terrestre Wooden Base
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Nice vintage globe, issued in the 1960s by Professor Doctor Arthur Krause. The globe has a wooden base, oak. The sphere itself is made of cardboard cover...
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Contemporary 'Eye' Sculpture Fuchsia Glass, Brass and 24 Kt Gold by Ghiro Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2023 Colletion of decorative objects by Ghiro Studio (Italy,Milan).
The 'Eye' is not only a luxury refined piece of furniture but it is also a hand carved sculpture designed to embe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold, Brass
Editioned Italian Fornasetti Calendar Porcelain Plate, 2013
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Italian decorative porcelain plate designed and made by Fornasetti. The commemorative plate is for the year of 2013. The plate was made in a limited edition of 92 out of 70...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
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
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
Shell Sculpture Paperweight by Mikasa
By Mikasa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Intricate hand blown glass shell sculpture with silver specks / Made in Japan by Kurata for retailer Mikasa, circa 1980s
Original sticker on the base
...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Blown Glass
Malachite Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and substantial green Malachite decorative or jewelry box, circa late-20th century. This green Malachite box is hexagonal in shape with a white onyx marble star with gold gilt metal detail on top lid. Piece is hand-crafted. Box makes a great decorative or storage jewelry box to hold small items or jewelry such as necklaces (as demonstrated holding), rings, earring, cufflinks, etc., on a vanity, nightstand, dresser, desk, credenza, walk-in-closet, etc. Dimensions: 3.38" Depth x 4" Width.
Purple box shown also available, search 1stDibs ref. #: LU1314228491742
Green malachite box with cameo, search ref. #: LU1314228492012
Small gold and malachite turtle...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Malachite, Onyx
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
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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