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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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

Contemporary Glazed Ceramic Explorer Vase No.1 by Jaime Hayon, green, blue white
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

White Marble Elipse Plates Set
Located in Mexico City, MX
Plates in Veneciano white marble. Handmade in México by local craftsmen. Dimensions: Small: 22 D x 16 W x 2 H cm Large: 26 D x 20 W x 2 H cm. Production time: 6-8 weeks for item...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Zhuang Desk, Pen Holder Case in Saddle Leather Tortora Colour
Located in New York, NY
In Chinese ‘zhuang’ means to protect something precious. The collection of Zhuang containers designed by Neri & Hu for Poltrona Frau consists of a series of containers can be used freely in the various areas of the home or office to store both valuable objects or everyday items. All containers in the Zhuang collection are made from solid Canaletto walnut, carved from a single piece by numerically controlled machinery and finished with a Cuoio Saddle Extra leather belt. The saddle-leather is embellished with very fine stitching with slightly contrasting yarn and the branded Poltrona Frau logo. Part of the lids of the Zhuang office pen holder...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Zhuang Desk, Working Pad in Saddle Leather Tortora Colour
Located in New York, NY
The working pad, part of the collection The Objects - Zhuang Desk designed by Neri & Hu for Poltrona Frau is made from a double layer of Tortora-coloured saddle-leather. When open it can be used to work on with a laptop, also extending far enough to be used as a mouse pad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Danese Milano Formosa Numbers for Perpetual Wall Calendar in Black by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Danese Milano Formosa numbers for Perpetual wall calendar in black by Enzo Mari Enzo Mari is one of the masters of Italian Design. He was bo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Danese Milano Sicilia Wastepaper Basket in Stainless Steel by Bruno Munari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Sicilia is a cylinder with hexagonal base and function as a wastepaper basket. The structure is made of polished stainless steel. Bruno Munari was one of the most important Italia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Danese Milano Flores Opaline Box in Stainless Steel by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Opaline 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 mech...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Polystyrene

Curtis Jere Enameled Butterfly, Wire and Marble Sculpture Blue, Green Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This unusual and rarely found vintage signed Curtis Jere sculpture has enameled butterflies coming from 3 wire points that sit in the original marble base. The colors of shades of se...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Enamel, Wire

1989-90’s Clear Crystal Lexus LS 400 Car Paperweight
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a clear crystal Lexus LS 400 car paperweight. Very nicely you can see through the crystal the inside details of the car, like the seats and the b...
Category

20th Century Japanese Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Handmade Italia Lava Stone REGO Laptop Holder 2023
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lava stone Règo is a little jewel that adds a new experience when using a notebook combined with an external display, ideal for saving space and creating a clean and tidy environment...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lava

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

21st Century Concrete Cement Mirror Tray Centrepiece Handmade in 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

21st Century Peso Concrete Cement Book and Door Holder 2kg Flamingo Pink Color
Located in Rome, Lazio
Colored book and door holders made in concrete. A touch of color for your bookcase 100% made in Italy. 2kg: L 9 P 9 H 18 cm.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Concrete

Silver chiseled Bookmark, Hommage Collection, Canning Pattern
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This Bookmark is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Carole Serny, whose aesthetics highlights t...
Category

2010s French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Marble Circles by Kristina Dam Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Marble circles by Kristina Dam Studio. Materials: Black marble Dimensions: 21 x 30 x H 21cm. Two unbroken circles make this stunning changeabl...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Emilio Pucci & Hans Theo Baumann Porcelain Cig Vessel for Rosenthal Studio-Line
Located in New York, NY
A small and beautiful Hans Theo Baumann and Emilio Pucci designed porcelain vessel for Rosenthal 'Studio-Linie', Berlin, circa late 20th century, Germany. Piece is a glazed white por...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary 'Eye Night' Sculpture Engraved Glass, Chromed Brass 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 embe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Stylized Crystal Frog Sculpture / Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous stylized crystal frog sculpture / paperweight, circa 1990s. The piece is in excellent condition with no visible imperfections and has great clari...
Category

20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Unique Custom Reeded Panes Vase by Kim Thome
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique panes vase by Kim Thome Dimensions: Custom Materials: Glass, epoxy resin Kim Thomé is a Norwegian designer based in London.
Category

2010s British Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Epoxy Resin

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Resin Color Grape 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 ve...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small Box in 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

Brass

Aqua and Clear 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 fun...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Brass Gazelle Antelope Sculpture Decorative Object, Tall
Located in New York, NY
A brass animal Gazelle antelope bust sculpture decorative object with tall antlers, circa late-20th century, 1970s. Dimensions: 21.5" Height.
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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

Set of 5 contemporary ceramic multi-coloured Showtime Vases 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

Pencil Holder I by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pencil holder I by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: Ø 8.5 cm H 13 cm Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. FAKASAKA is a design c...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Danese Milano Ellice Bookmark in Stainless Steel by Marco Ferreri
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ellice is a bookmark that helps any reader find their page immediately. It is a steel blade with a tiny brass ball inserted into a slit at one end and its magnetic case make it a truly precious little object for any who use it. This bookmark is the expression of fast and precise action. Marco Ferreri is an architect who is capable of applying the culture of design to an array of different fields from product design to graphics, from architecture to installation. Born in Imperia in 1958, he lives and works in Milan. He studied with Bruno Munari and is considered a link between the great masters of Italian design and the new generations. He has given lectures and courses at some of the most important schools and universities both in Italy and abroad. At the beginning of his career Marco Ferreri was able to produced a smal but significant object with Danese Milano...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Danese Milano Bincan Trash Wastepaper Basket in White by Naoto Fukasawa
Located in Hicksville, NY
Bincan cestino is part of the Bincan collection which was designed for the work place and can be adapted to any environment whether internal or external, public or private. This piec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Silver chiseled Bookmark, Hommage Collection, Braiding Pattern
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This Bookmark is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Carole Serny, whose aesthetics highlights t...
Category

2010s French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Haziza Jewel Toned Green, Purple, Orange, Pink, Blue Lucite Tic Tac Toe Game
Located in North Miami, FL
This fun never used happy tic tac toe set game is by the lucite artist and sculptor Schlomi Haziza. It is from the 70's and sits its original black box and plastic wrap never touched...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Decorative Clear Acrylic Chain Link by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Handmade acrylic horseshoe-shaped links are looped together to form a beautiful modern chain. Its translucent and clear color give a bold yet neutral touch to any space, from the most classic to the most modern. Whether layered into entryway vignettes or styled atop the coffee table, the Chain Link adds interest and depth to your styling. Material: Acrylic Care: Carefully dust with feather duster...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Acrylic

Knotted Double Leather Tray Set Medium André Fu Living Accessories Modern New
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Knotted double leather serving tray set. Hand stitched calf leather. Also, available in a larger size tray set of two, size 55 x 35 x 5.8 H cm. Larger quantities available upon reque...
Category

2010s Thai Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather, Wood

Silver chiseled Bookmark, Hommage Collection, Weaving Pattern
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This Bookmark is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Carole Serny, whose aesthetics highlights t...
Category

2010s French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Paul Dupre-Lafon Hermes Paris Scissors, Paper Knife in Leather Scabbard, Signed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of scissors and letter opener in a handstitched, elephant gray leather scabbard by Paul Dupre-Lafon for Hermes, Paris. This desk set was well-used by its once owner who was ap...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

In Stock in Los Angeles, Green Killer Shark Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Killer shark 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

Smoke 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 Se...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Modern Lucite Desk Organizer by Guzzini
Located in San Diego, CA
Very functional modern lucite desk organizer by Guzzini of Italy, circa 1980s. The piece is in good condition and measures 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 5.25"H...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Renzo Trays + Vertebra Concrete Candleholder 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. E...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Concrete

Nº 5 Contemporary Glazed Ceramic Napoleon Blue Showtime Vase by Jaime Hyon Spain
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

Sculptural Desktop Pen Holder by Jiri Jelinek
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Art glass hand-carved, pen holder / paper weight featuring etched linear motif and layered red glass stripe by Jiri Jelinek. Jiri Jelinek (b. 1967, Czechoslovakia) graduated with ...
Category

2010s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Watch Box for Nine Watches in Polished Black with Suede and Leather by Agresti
Located in New York, NY
For your collectable watches, black polished box with suede dividers and leather handles. Box holds nine watches.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Suede, Wood

Limestone and Brass Sculpted Center Piece by Frederic Saulou
Located in Geneve, CH
Limestone and brass sculpted center piece by Frederic Saulou Title: Lunaire Materials: Buffon limestone, patinated brass. Dimensions: H 10, D 35 cm, approximately 20 kg Limited ...
Category

2010s French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Limestone, Brass

Orange 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 Se...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Rock Crystal Obelisk
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, polished rock crystal Obelisk sculpture, in the Modern style, circa 20th century. Piece is hand-carved and polished smooth from one piece...
Category

20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Rock Crystal

M33 Vessel by Aysun Ay
Located in Geneve, CH
M33 Vessel by Aysun Ay Dimensions: D15 X H27 Materials: Stoneware Ceramic Sculptural pieces can vary slightly as each is a unique piece of art. Improvisational design made by hand. ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Silver chiseled Rectangular Case, Hommage Collection, Braiding Pattern
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This rectangular case is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Carole Serny, whose aesthetics highlights the textures of crafts. The patterns of canning, weaving, braiding or even straw marquetry are combined with a very clean formal language, akin to minimalism. The complete range consists of a set of a pencil case, a pencil holder, boxes and bookmarks. Promoting French know-how and manufacturing, an exclusive attention is paid to each object, giving it a unique and lasting character. Made to order and available in Sterling Silver, the pieces of Hommage collection are signed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Made from noble materials, this rectangular case is characterized by a sandblasted mat underside and interior finish, contrasting with a shinny polished exterior finish. The braiding pattern...
Category

2010s French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Danese Milano Sumatra Graphite Paper Tray in Technopolymer by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Graphite 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 maxim...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Rubber

Danese Milano In Attesa Wastepaper Basket in Graphite 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 Formosa Perpetual Wall French Calendar in Natural 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

Italian Modern Dark Green Marble Obelisk Sculpture, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
An Italian '70s modern or Post-Modern period dark green marble obelisk sculpture, circa 1970s, Italy. Obelisk is green with white veining. Very go...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Ghidini 1961 Small Rabbit in Polished Brass by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Decorative object in brass "The rabbit is the latest iconic object I have designed. For Ghidini it has turned into a family of precious metal objects: salt and pepper, paperweight ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Sage Size 9 Log Bowl by Loyal Loot Made to Order Hand Made from Reclaimed Wood
Located in calgary, CA
Perfect as a feature objet d'art on your table or shelves, a catch-all for jewellery and special items, or displayed as a group for a striking centrepiece. Each Log Bowl is unique and makes the perfect one of a kind gift. Log Bowls...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Willow

Renzo Set Concrete Tray Made in Italy Red&White 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 Koro Wastepaper Basket in Silver 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

Teign Valley Glass English Sculptural Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual sculptural form English art glass paperweight made by Teign Valley Glass in Devon dating from the latter 20th or early 21st century. Foun...
Category

20th Century English Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Kartell I Shine 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

Curved Horn and Mirror Cube Sculptures Pair of
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely pair of curved horn and mirror base cube sculptures are from the 80's. The gradients of colors of the horn range from tan to off white to gray and slate gray and etc. The...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Mirror, Horn

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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