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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Unique Swinger Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Swinger Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio. Dimensions: W 31 x D 31 x H 75 cm. Materials: tiger skin marble, gold leaf. André Teoman born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal in 1989, was raised between Viana do Castelo and Istanbul. Teoman took design classes in Viana do Castelo. Is experience it the world of puppetry and theater also had an effect on his the love for the fantasy world. In 2012, he left his hometown for Porto to start working with several luxury design furniture brands such as Boca do Lobo and Koket, where he developed pieces like the Newton Dining Table...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Gold Leaf

Italian Marble Obelisks, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of red burgundy Italian modern marble Obelisks, circa 1970s, Italy. Solid red burgundy marble with grey veining. Marked on bottom, 'Made in Italy', as shown in last ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

MOLE / Candy paperweight by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
The MOLE paperweight was created in collaboration with the I Believe In Paper. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color combinations, is perfect as a cas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Clay

Leather Tray, Large B Retangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Wine
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

Leather Tray, Medium Square Tray, Handmade - Color: Savannah
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

Pair of Desk Accessories Faux Shagreen Sharkor Ray Skin Pen Pot & Desk Tidy
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of desk accessories in Faux Shargeen shark skin A very good looking and well made pair, ideally suited as a letter rack and pen pot...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Fabric

Lime Green Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin 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 f...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Thin Book Ends in Contemporary Bronze and Steel in various Patinas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Thin bookends explore a miniature variation of Kin & Company’s iconic Thin Chair. Beautifully paired with books, plants, or small accessories, the Thin ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Steel

Old Model of a Private Plane Falcon, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Old model of a private plane falcon. Very interesting model of a private plane model falcon. Years 70. It is made entirely in massive aluminum. Totally we...
Category

20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Pietrina Checcacci Cast Bronze Finger Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze finger by Italian-Brazilian artist Pietrina Checcacci. The small weighted object features a bronze finger in a curved position with the tip f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Eight French Decorative Glass Desk Paperweights
Located in London, GB
These beautiful paperweights were created in France in the 20th century. Glass paperweights began to be widely collected in the mid-19th century, after they were showcased at the Int...
Category

20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Glass Lemon in Lilac
Located in Richmond, VA
Casted glass lemon in dichroic lilac by Devon Made inspired by blown glass fruit makers and collectors from the 1960's. The light playful approach to everyday fruit is contrasted wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Lucite Dice Decorative Objects, Pair/Set
Located in New York, NY
A pair/set of Lucite dice decorative objects, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. A great set for a desk, bookshelf, coffee/cocktail table, etc. Dimensions: 2.44" Square ...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite, Acrylic

Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 30 W x 13.6 D x 0.6 H (cm) Individual size: 10 W x 6.8 D x 0.6 H (cm) W...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Penholder with Authentic Fossil Ammonite and Nickel-plated Brass Detail
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
A genuine meeting of contemporary design and geological wonders, this aesthetically striking pen holder is made from a real fossil ammonite dating back some 350 million years from th...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Brass

Coral Size 8 Log Bowl by Loyal Loot Made to Order 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 varieties (fallen or cut down due to infrastructure or inclement weather). The trees are hand selected, gathered, turned and finished by Loyal Loot...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Willow, Reclaimed Wood

Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial art glass heart paperweight or decorative object by artist Robet Held, circa late-20th century. Heart is a light blue art glass with touches of blue and p...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Lime Green Resin 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

Aurelio Teno Signed Silvered Bronze, Enamel, Quartz and Marble Sculpture Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This Brutalist inspired signed Aurelio Teno sensational Spanish sculpture is a combination of silvered bronze, quartz, amethyst and painted enamel over the bronze. It sits on a marbl...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Quartz, Marble, Silver, Bronze, Enamel

Vintage English Solid Silver Novelty Golf Club Letter Opener, London 1984
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous twentieth century solid sterling silver letter opener, English in origin and made from solid sterling silver fully hallmarked for London 1984. Cast in the form of a gol...
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Bill Slade Studio Glass Paperweight, Bullet Series, Signed Art Glass Object
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking studio glass paperweight is part of the acclaimed Bullet Series by Bill Slade. Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, the piece feature...
Category

2010s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Salta Round Brown Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Wall Street Dollar Sign and Bull Brass Desk Paperweights
Located in New York, NY
A set of Wall Street brass paperweights or decorative objects; a brass dollar sign and bull, circa mid to late-20th century. Great desk accessories. Dimensions: Dollar sign: 2....
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Signed Italian Metal Sculpture
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful and interesting Italian metal sculpture of contemporary art. The work is presented under an elegant shrine with a wooden base. Excell...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Glass Pear in Jade
Located in Richmond, VA
Sculptural glass pear, handmade in Auckland, New Zealand by artist Devyn Ormsby. Individually cast from a true to size winter pear into a solid, crystal glass form. The elegant pear...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Set of Bruno Munari for Danese Rosewood Rubber Mail Stamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of five rosewood and rubber mail stamps by Bruno Munari for Danese, Italy, c.1960s. Bruno Munari was an Italian graphic artist and industrial designer ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Rubber, Rosewood

Hermès blue leather pencil case 1990s
Located in Paris, IDF
This blue Hermès pen case from the 1990s is an elegant and functional piece. Made from Epsom calfskin, a leather embossed through heat printing, it features...
Category

1990s French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial art glass heart paperweight or decorative object by artist Robet Held, circa late-20th century. Heart is a light to medium green art glass with touches of...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Leather Tray, Large A Rectangular Tray, Handmade - Color: Zinc
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

Salta Round Bordeaux Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Limited Edition Cast Sculpture in Bronze or Brass, Constantin by Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Constantin, a Limited Edition series of cast Bronze, Brass or Leaded Bronze in Polished, Brushed or Rustic finish by Costantini founder William Stuart; his homage to Constantin Brancusi. Each piece is unique and hand-numbered by the artist. Options available will be confirmed at time of order. About William Stuart William C Stuart...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Gourmet Round Wood Trivet, by Gunnar Cyren from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Beautiful walnut and oak trivets with delicate carvings. Trivets were originally designed in the 1970s by the highly acclaimed Swedish designer, Gunnar Cyren as part of the Gourmet Wood range, and are now being manufactured again by Warm Nordic. Their harmonious design and consummate quality make these wooden trivets perfect for both everyday meals and more festive occasions. The carvings lend the trivets a touch of character and have a life of their own in the form of swaying trees, sprouting hearts and abstract animals, depending on which way you look at them. Gunnar Cyren's Trivets also look attractive on the kitchen worktop...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Gourmet Square Wood Trivet, by Gunnar Cyren from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Beautiful walnut and oak trivets with delicate carvings. Trivets were originally designed in the 1970s by the highly acclaimed Swedish designer, Gunnar Cyren as part of the Gourmet Wood range, and are now being manufactured again by Warm Nordic. Their harmonious design and consummate quality make these wooden trivets perfect for both everyday meals and more festive occasions. The carvings lend the trivets a touch of character and have a life of their own in the form of swaying trees, sprouting hearts and abstract animals, depending on which way you look at them. Gunnar Cyren's Trivets also look attractive on the kitchen worktop...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Glass Pear in Lilac
Located in Richmond, VA
Casted glass pear in dichroic lilac by Devon Made inspired by blown glass fruit makers and collectors from the 1960's. The light playful approach to everyday fruit is contrasted with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Stunning Solid Silver Swan Letter Opener by Sarah Jones
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful top quality letter opener by the well renowned modern silversmith, Sarah Jones. This beautiful example has a handle created from an elegant Swan's head with it's long neck blending into the opener's blade. The silver is fully hallmarked for London 1984, the makers mark is also present for the highly collectable silversmith, Sarah Jones. Excellent condition measuring 5 1/4" x 3/4" x 1/2" Sarah Jones is well known for her small decorative silver which is held in numerous collections including those of the royal family. Having sold her work for ten years at Camden Lock...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Contemporary Hand-engraved Aquamarine Sculpture by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
The "Cactus" Sculpture is not only an elegant and modern piece of furniture but it is also a unique and unrepeatable sculpture. This incredible object has been worked and sculpted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Paul J. Stankard Root People Paperweight
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Paul J. Stankard (American, b. 1943) Marking(s); notes: signed Materials: lampwork glass, polished clear and black glass Dimensions (H, W, D): 2.5"h, 2...
Category

20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Contemporary 'Eye' Sculpture Amber D:40cm Glass, Brass and Gold 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

Peachy Pink Pearlized Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful peachy pink pearlized veneered decorative, jewelry, vanity or trinket box, with a wood interior. Dimensions: 4.13" Depth x 6.19" Width  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Black and White Marble Pyramid Obelisk Style Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A black, charcoal and white marble pyramid 'Obelisk style', circa 1970s, 20th century. Dimensions: 2.63" square base x 7.88" height. Other items shown in images also available, search 1stDibs ref. #s: Lucite & 1970s Pennies paperweight...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Firmamento Milano Etoile Rechargeable Table Lamp by Daniela Puppa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Please note that VAT is not included in the price. A slim and light lamp that, like a ballerina, hides under her tutu an intimate and warm light LED. A lamp whose light makes you sm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Leather Trinket Tray - Medium Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Marine
Located in Curitiba, Parana
TRINKET TRAY The Trinket Tray - Object Holder offers multifunctional organization for daily essentials, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Craft in leather with sleek edg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

XXI Century Italian Sterling Silver Inlstand
Located in VALENZA, IT
Modern style sterling silver inkwell. The inkwell was made from a raw sheet of 925 silver and hand-shaped to form a slightly rounded rectangle. A double-line border was soldered on t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses Holder, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 30 W x 13.6 D x 0.6 H (cm) Individual size: 10 W x 6.8 D x 0.6 H (cm) W...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Contemporary Handcrafted Bookend "Aether" in Oxidized Brass by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted bookend model "Aether" in oxidized brass with a curved contour. This bookend is part of the "Proetus Series", a collection of six bookends in brass. Variati...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

New Modern Vase in White, Black and Red Marbles, creator Matteo Cibic Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in White Michelangelo, Red Levanto and Black Marquinia marbles. Size: 27.3 x 38.4 x 7.3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Pietro, Homage collection by the Italian designer...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

21st Century Concrete Cement Renzo Tray Centrepiece Handmade Perla White 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

Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial art glass heart paperweight or decorative object by artist Robet Held, circa late-20th century. Heart is a light green art glass with touches of blue and ...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

English Burl Wood Obelisk
Located in New York, NY
One brown burl wood obelisk, in the Modern style, circa mid-20th century, England. Obelisk is hand-crafted in a rich brown burl. A beautiful decorative obje...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Burl

21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade in Italy Light Grey 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

Glass Pear in Pale Bronze
Located in Richmond, VA
Sculptural glass pear, handmade in Auckland, New Zealand by artist Devyn Ormsby. Individually cast from a true to size winter pear into a solid, crystal glass form. The elegant pear...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Large Cut Crystal Multi-Faceted Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and weighty crystal ball - cut crystal is brilliantly multi-faceted, The piece reflects light from every angle - also works well as a bookend or sit alone sculpture. Due t...
Category

20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Cut Glass

Crystal Ball Sphere Bud Vase Modern Minimalist
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

Leather Tray, Medium A Rectangular Tray - Handmade - Color: Wine
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

Onyx Marble Box
Located in New York, NY
A small '70s modern hexagon shaped onyx box with lid, circa 1970s. Box is multicolored onyx, in a hexagon shape with lid and feet. A nice piece to hold small items on a desk, or smal...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx

Italian Photo Frame Modern Wood, Humour Pink Wood
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Humour wood is a phot frame of the Italian collection of photo frames Laura G Art with Heart realized by Italian handcrafts in natural wood. painted in fuchsia acrylic. It is a very funny and beautiful photo frame for your images of life. It can be hanged at a wall as well, and you may create a wonderful wall decorated as designed by an artist. It is “c'est la vie Art with Heart “ , bring a piece of Italy into your home. You may simply keep the photo frame on your table, as a wonderful top photo frame for your photos. Humour pink wood may hold 4 photos, each one size, 3.9 x 3.1 inches (10 x 8 cm) or 2 long photos...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

New Modern Vase in White, Black and Red Marbles, creator Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in white Michelangelo, red Levanto and black Marquinia marbles. Size: 27.3 x 38.4 x 7.3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Pietro, Homage collection by the Italian designer...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Herman Miller Signed Leaf LED Desk Lamp by Yves Behar Model G6510.3Y Modern 2007
Located in Miami, FL
Modern LED Leaf Desk lamp designed by Yves Behar and made by Herman Miller. Organic shaped steel in Dove gray with adjustable LED Arm and rotates. Touch controls at the base turn th...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Steel

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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