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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Murano Penguin Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage hand blown Murano glass penguin sculpture in clear, black, and white colors / Made in Italy, circa 1970s
Measures: height 5 inches, width 3...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Murano Glass
Classico Travertine Incense Plate by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Classico Travertine Incense Plate by Henry Wilson
Dimensions: D 28 x H 4 cm
Materials: Travertine
The incense plate is carved from solid green Guatemala...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Slate Sculpted Center Piece by Frederic Saulou
Located in Geneve, CH
Slate sculpted center piece by Frederic Saulou
Center piece
Black Slate
H 6, D 32 cm, approximately 20 kg
Limited edition of 20
Signed and numbered.
"While wandering in the s...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Slate
Lime Green Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
Our Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
White 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
Dark Green Marble Obelisks, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of dark green marble Obelisk sculptures in the modern style, circa late-20th century. Pair/set are dark green marble with black veining, some minor traces of white...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Tronador Medium Mini Box, Brown Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Tronador Large Mini Box, Brown Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Onyx
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
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 ...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Steel
Unique Human Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique human modern gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Dimensions: W 9 x D 9 x H 49 cm
Materials: Tiger skin marble, gold leaf
André Teoman born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal in 19...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Gold Leaf
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
Purple Charoite Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, substantial and rare natural purple charoite jewelry box, circa late-20th century. Charoite is rare mineral aka 'lilac stone'. A beautif...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Chrome
Danese Milano Maiorca Black Pencil & Paperclip Aluminum Holder by Bruno Munari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Black Maiorca is a pencil and paperclip holder with fire resistant melamine shell and anodized aluminium interior fumé.
Bruno Munari was one of the most important Italian architec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum
Danese Milano Flores Black Box in Stainless Steel by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Black 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 mechan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Polystyrene
Set of 5 Contemporary white & gold Glazed Ceramic Showtime Vases by Jaime Hayon
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Showtime vases by Jaime Hayon are the most iconic in BD’s catalogue. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Showtime Collection, we asked Jaime for new vase finishes. His propo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold
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
Kerry Glass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Kerry glass paperweight hand blown in dark green color with small bubbles / Made in Ireland, circa 1980s
Original stickers on the glass ...
Category
Late 20th Century Irish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Unique Clown Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique clown modern gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Dimensions: W 14 x D 25 x H 45 cm
Materials: Tiger skin marble, gold leaf
André Teoman born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal in 1989...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Gold Leaf
1970's Italian Malachite and Diamond Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in North Miami, FL
1970's Italian Malachite and diamonds gold ring. 14K gold,.
Has wear by age and use.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Malachite, Gold
Unique Eyes Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Swinger Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Dimensions: W 6 x D 6 x H 49 cm
Materials: Tiger Skin Marble, Gold Leaf
André Teoman born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal in 1989...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Gold Leaf
Contemporary Teardrop Glass Paperweight, Signed, Canada, Circa 2012
Located in Chatham, ON
Contemporary studio glass 'teardrop' paperweight sculpture - hand made/mouth blown with striking green, white and yellow swirl center - indistinctly signed and dated on the base (unk...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Green Guatemala Incense Plate by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Green Guatemala Incense Plate by Henry Wilson
Dimensions: D 28 x H 4 cm
Materials: Green Guatemala Marble
The Incense plate is carved from solid Green G...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Unique Zé Veado by André Teoman Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Zé Veado by André Teoman Studio
Limited Edition
Dimensions: W 27 x D 27 x H 57 cm
Materials: Marble, Brass
André Teoman born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal in 1989, was raised...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Brass
Set of Three Lucite Pyramid Sculptures Orange, Purple, Sapphire Blue 1990's
Located in North Miami, FL
This collection of lucite jewel toned sculptures in orange, red, sapphire blue and purple are two pyramids and one abstract form. They glisten with gorgeous colors and make a great s...
Category
1990s American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Lucite
Berd Vay'e Limited Edition "Time Squared" Lucite Sculpture 'Small'
By Berd Vay'e
Located in New Orleans, LA
Berd Vay'e limited edition "Time Squared" lucite sculpture
Structured integrity; the Time Squared sculpture appears to tumble through time, resting remarkably mid-air - a spectacula...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Lucite
Time of Action No. 20-2 by Chaeyoung Lee
Located in Geneve, CH
Time of Action No. 20-2 by Chaeyoung Lee
Materials: Ebonized and carved wood
Dimensions: 34,5 x 32 x 41 cm
Time of Action is a minimal and carefully...
Category
2010s Korean Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Bronze Scarab Paperweight
Located in Milan, IT
Made entirely by hand from a block of bronze, the Scarab Paperweight—by Florentine luxury experts Badari—offers eternal charm and allure. Hailed by ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
JR Nest by Ango, Handcrafted Rattan Table Light
By Ango
Located in Bangkok, TH
JR Nest is a small table lamp using fine 1 mm. rattan wire hand-woven. The elemental and universal form of a tripod supporting a nest like vessel that is inc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Rattan
Unique Micro Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Micro Modern Gargoyle by André Teoman Studio
Dimensions: W 26 x D 30 x H 45 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
Mahjong Game Board in Black Polished Ebony Passione Di Gioco by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Ebony polished mahjong with ruthenium brass parts.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Ebony
Silver rectangular Pencil Box, Hommage Collection
By Carole Serny
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This rectangular pencil box is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Car...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
M34 Vessel by Aysun Ay
Located in Geneve, CH
M34 vessel by Aysun Ay
Dimensions: D15 X H27
Materials: Stoneware ceramic
Sculptural pieces can vary slighty as each is a unique piece of art.
Improvisational design made by h...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Reeve Crystal Bookends by Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Inspired by shards of ice, the Reeve Bookend is our newest bookend style. A study in decorative function, these stylish statement grabbing bookends will elegantly support your favourite coffee table...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Contemporary Trivet/Coaster in Steel, Square/Circle, Modern, Minimal, Geometric
Located in Stockholm, SE
Trivets in steel with small rubber pads for protection.
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Steel
White and Clear Marbled Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
Our Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Coral Size 10 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 var...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Willow
Contemporary 'Black Eye' Sculpture Engraved Glass, Chromed Brass by Ghiró Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2022 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 embel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold, Brass
Tronador Square Black Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Emerald Green Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
Our Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Danese Milano Compartment for In Attesa/Koro in Opaline by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Danese Milano Compartment for In Attesa/Koro waste paper basket in opaline by Enzo Mari
Enzo Mari is one of the masters of Italian Design. He was born in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Danese Milano Compartment for In Attesa/Koro in Black by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Danese Milano Compartment for In Attesa/Koro waste paper basket in black by Enzo Mari
Enzo Mari is one of the masters of Italian Design. He was born in No...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Danese Milano In Attesa Wastepaper Basket in White 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
Knotted Tray Set André Fu Living Desk Office Home Accessories Modern PU New
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Double tray set
Color: Grey
Size of big tray: 55.2 x 35 x 5.8 H cm
Size of small tray: 38.8 x 16 x 2 H cm
Material: PU
Collection: Knotted.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Faux Leather
Silver chiseled Pencil Holder, Hommage Collection, Weaving Pattern
By Carole Serny
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This Pencil Holder is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Carole Serny, whose aesthetics highlig...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aina Contemporary Jurassic Fossil Marble Glacies Cube, Living Collection
Located in ES
Glacies Cube sculpted from a solid piece of Jurassic Marble, with Nerineas fossils, in raw finish. Designed by AINA and manufactured by NERINEA in our factory located in Valencia (Spain). All Aina’s products are delivered with a certificate of material authenticity.
Let us tell you the story of the Jurassic Fossil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Renzo Set Concrete Tray Made in Italy White & 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
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
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
Decorative & Top Quality Made, Matt Chrome Painted Bronze Bear Skull Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Exact replica of a black bear skull, cast in bronze.
This cool and hand-crafted bronze skull is an exact replica of a black bear skull. Less than 20 were...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Fuchsia Rabbit Door Stopper / Bookends, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fuchsia rabbit as a door stopper / bookends.
Made in Italy:
Made in Italy furniture means design, quality, style and sophistication.
The typical eleg...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
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
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small 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
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
Modernist Wrought Iron Candle Snuffer
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful wrought-tin candle snuffer with a modernist vibe including two fins around a central knuckle, and ending in a ball finial.
Category
20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Wrought Iron
Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Set Tronador Square & Rectangular Black Onyx Stone Boxes
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Dimensions :
Rectangular: 25 x 8 x 5 cm // 9.8" x 3.1" x 1.9"
Square: 16 x 16 x 10 cm // 6,25" x 6,25" x 3,9"
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyram...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Onyx
French Porcelain Espresso Coffee or Tea Demitasse Cup Saucer w/Abstract Design
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful French porcelain espresso coffee or tea demitasse cup and saucer with colorful abstract design, circa late-20th century, France. Marked on bottom as shown.
French bla...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
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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