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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

Horn, Mirror

Modern Lucite and Steel Desk Organizer
Located in San Diego, CA
Very functional modern Lucite and steel desk organizer, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 8.75" W x 10.75" D x 3.25" H. #1452.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Leather Trinket Tray - Medium Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Caramel
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

Onyx Marble Decorative Object Paperweight
Located in New York, NY
A polished onyx decorative object paperweight, a tetradecagon shape, in tan and brown hues, circa 1970s. A great piece for a desk, library, shelf, side and coffee/cocktail tables, et...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx

21st Century by Arch. Aldo Rossi "Sannazzaro" Marble Paperweight
Located in massa, IT
Marble Paperweight designed by Aldo Rossi. Size: cm 20 x 4 x H4 Materials: Bianco Carrara - Red Travertine - National Travertine - White Lasa Designed by: Aldo Rossi.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

New Modern Vase in red and white Marble, creator Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
small vase in red Levanto and white Michelangelo Marble. Size: 16.3 x 4 x 10.6 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Arturo, Homage collection by the Italian Designer Matteo Cibic. Made in Italy, hand finished. This is not a vase but a card holder. Or perhaps a pen holder. Or maybe it is a vase, but with a mouth and ears. The important thing is understanding that one can be mistaken but still smile; like Cibic’s creations, which never renounce anthropomorphism and good cheer...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Emerald 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

Contemporary 'Cactus with Flower' Handmade Crystal Sculpture by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of handmade sculpture by Ghirò Studio. 'Cactus with flower' sculpture was made by hand working the crystal with extreme care and attention. Each sculpture is unique...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Table Tray Set - Set of 5 decorative trays in different colors - Handmade
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Table Tray Set - Set of 5 decorative trays in different colors Include: - 2 (two) Leather Tray, Small Square Tray Color: Vanilla Dimensions: Height: 1.78 in (4,5 cm) Width: 7.09 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Large Vintage Langham Glass England Controlled Bubbles Paperweight
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking vintage paperweight features abstract grouping of large controlled bubbles in clear and colored cobalt blue and grass green glass. The central design is encased in clear gl...
Category

20th Century English Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso

New Modern Vase in Nero and White Marbles, Creator Matteo Cibic Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in black marquinia and white michelangelo marble, Size: 38.2 x 23.4 x 7.3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tacca, Homage Collection by the Italian Designer Matteo Cibic. M...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

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

Geometric Decoration Set Ceramic, White Porcelain, Sculptural Object 'Cubism'
Located in Carballo, ES
Geometry set of 3 pieces made of ceramic, with high quality stoneware in the Galician town of Buño, known throughout the world for its quality in the pottery technique. The shapes in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Terracotta, Stoneware

Knotted Tissue Box Leather Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
An elegantly detailed tissue box to elevate your daily life. employing refined leather with finely stitched edges, it also features double-knotted detailing. it is a piece that can b...
Category

2010s Thai Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

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

Leather Trinket Tray - Small Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Vanilla
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

21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade in Italy Blue 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

"Italo" Leather In and Out Tray Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Italo" is a leather out tray and paper holder, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors combination to be cho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

New Modern Vase in marble, 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

New Modern Marble Vase, creator Matteo Cibic, Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in black Marquinia, Red Levanto and white Michelangelo marble, Size: 38.2 x 23.4 x 7.3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Tacca, Homage Collection by the Italian designer M...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

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

Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, Brown & Cream Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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

Andy Warhol Cover Post-War & Contemporary Art Christie's New York Catalog Book
Located in New York, NY
An Andy Warhol cover Post-War and Contemporary Art Christie's New York 'Evening Sale' catalog book, 2010. A beautifully done catalog book (soft-cove...
Category

2010s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Paper

Venini Two Colors Mini Hourglass/Clessidre, Unsigned
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great and rare find because is one of the small hourglass ever made by Venini. Also this piece was purchased from a collection of a very important Hollywood Star estate. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Tronador Square Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
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

Glass Eye Studio Controlled Bubbles Paperweight, Seattle Art Glass
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage sculptural paperweight features swirling structure of controlled bubbles, encased inside a clear glass layer in sommerso technique. The piece has elongated egg shape with soft, rounded edges, that directs the eye towards the central design element. Colorful fused glass in pastel blue, pink, and off-white colors forms abstract patterns, raising from the base of the paperweight and encompassing its curves, accentuate the shape of the piece, and slightly iridescent finish on the surface add color and visual interest to the piece. The piece is signed and dated in etching (GES 92) on the side near the base. Founded in 1978 in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market, but moved to the historic Ballard neighborhood later on, Glass Eye Studio...
Category

1990s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso

Set of 6 Oyster Shell Trays. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 6 Oyster Shell Trays, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Oyster Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 28 W x 33.6 D x 5.7 H (cm) Individual size: 14 W x 11.2 D x 5.7 H (cm) Weight:...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

Ghidini 1961 Axonometry Small Parallelepiped Tray in Brass by Elisa Giovanni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
The compositional scheme of this family of small trays is the axonometric isometric projection of two parallelepipeds which creates a three-dimensional optical effect implemented by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Blue Natural Agate Geode Paperweight on a polished nickel-plated brass base
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
A true signature piece for the desk or bookshelf: this paperweight stands out for its stage presence and fine craftsmanship. The base in polished nickel-plated brass supports a na...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Quartz, Brass

Set of Polished Brass and Chrome Tennis Racket Bookends QUICK SHIP
Located in New York, NY
Set of brass and chrome tennis racket bookends. Has thin foam on bottom to prevent scratching furniture. 5.5" high. Great on a book shelf or desk. Nice condition, ready to use. QUICK...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Chrome

“Revolve” No.S3 'made to order' - Contemporary Handmade Stucco Sculpture
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve” – No. S3 This is made in a limited edition of only 5 pieces + 1 AP The five sculptures are made in five different colors, making them all tru...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Cast Stone

Set of 3 Oyster Shell Trays. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Oyster Shell Tray, 2023 From the Oygg series Material : Oyster Shells, Jesmonite Overall size: 42 W x 11.2 D x 5.7 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 14 W x 11.2 D x 5.7 H (cm) ...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell

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

Set of 4 Eggshell Vases. From the Oygg series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 4 Eggshell Vases, 2023 From The Oygg series Material: Egg Shells, Jesmonite Dimensions: 41.2 W x 10 D x 19.3 H (cm) Individual size: 10.3 W x 10 D x 19.3 H (cm) Weight: 5 kg ...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Shell, Eggshell

Seo of 6 Oyster shell Incenses holders. 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

Albert Paley 1994 "Medallion" Paperweight in Blackened Steel with Bronzed Patina
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Albert Paley large handcrafted steel medallion paperweight. Small edition for Arts Patrons. Formed and fabricated blackened steel with chemical patina...
Category

1990s American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

Italian Travertine Marble Obelisk
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian travertine marble Obelisk, in the Modern style, circa 1970s, Italy. A great decorative object for a shelf, credenza, office, library, cocktail table, etc. Very go...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Vintage Signed Chrome, Brass, Black Resin Hinged Monumental Sculptural Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and sculptural monumental beautifully made Italian hinged heavy box is signed and stamped Linea Ble Roma. It is from the 20th century and is comprised of chrome, brass ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Renzo Set Concrete Tray Made In Italy White&Red Cement Christmas Edition
Located in Rome, Lazio
Now available in Christmas Edition! Renzo Line is a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in different color compositions. Each...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Concrete

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

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Concrete

Contemporary Vase Purple Crystal Hand Engraved by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of vase by Ghirò Studio (Milan, Italy). This object is an artistic and one-of-a-kind vase. In fact, the craftsmanship and the nature of the material make it impossibl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Modern Marble Female Torso Figurative Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A substantial modern female figurative marble torso sculpture piece by artist/sculptor Helga Brinitzer, circa 20th century, New York. Piece is solid marble, made from one piece, and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Vintage Zellique Art Glass Pear
Located in Fairfield, CA
A beautiful vintage Zellique studio art glass pear. Beautiful satin semi iridescent finish to the glass. Signed on the base.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Modern Acrylic Bookends, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of clear acrylic bookends with Modern edge and jewel-like design, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. Each measure: 6" Height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Lucite Obelisk Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A Lucite obelisk decorative object, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. A great decorative object for a deck, office, library, shelf, cocktail table, etc. Obelisk measures: 8" Height. Other items shown in images also available, search 1stDibs ref. #s: Black and White marble pyramid, ref. #: LU1314223512602 Lucite & 1970s Pennies Paperweight...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Firmamento Milano Trilite Table Lamp by Franco Raggi
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Please note that VAT is not included in the price. Trilite is a micro architecture for the room. Often today architecture is conceived as urban and pushy maxi objects. Trilite is just the opposite: a small architecture for an eclectic and discontinuous home landscape, a small portal of light that discreetly illuminates. The base is made of valuable marble, the portal is polished red lacquer while the light is spread by a thin aluminum tile. For minimal lovers it is available also in white. Franco Raggi graduated in 1969 in Architecture from the Politecnico in Milan, the city where he lives and works. In his role as author he has taken part in a large number of exhibitions and held conferences and seminars all over the world. In 1973, on behalf of the Berliner IDZ (International Design Zentrum) he curated the first critical Italian Radical...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

21st Century Concrete Cement Tray Centrepiece Handmade in Italy Perla WhiteColor
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

Agate Onyx and Brass Desk Pen Holder, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A '70s modern brass and onyx/agate desk pen holder. Onyx/agate is a red burgundy hue. Pen is in fine working order. Picture frame and brass tape dispenser...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Onyx, Brass

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

Cuyo Medium Alpaca Silver & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Tronador Large Mini Box, Brown Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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

Small Modern Spinning Sculpture in Turquoise Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This modern geometric sculptures will add a touch of color to any space, you can place them on top of books on your coffee table or even as a centerpiece. The possibilities are endle...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

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

Wooden Christmas Tree – Large, Cedar, Juniper
Located in Orlando, FL
The JUNIPER decorative solid cedar handmade Christmas trees are simple yet elegant pieces of holiday décor, inspired by the aesthetic form of the juniper tree. Crafted from the uniqu...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Vintage Rene Dumas Lucite Aubergine and Clear Sculptural Chess Players French
Located in North Miami, FL
The designer of these amazing vintage French Lucite modernist chess players from the 1970s are by Renee Dumas who is related to the Hermes family. They a...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

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

Salta Large Square Black Onyx Stone & Brass 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

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Dior Style Wicker Cane and Acrylic Tissue Box
Located in New York, NY
A wicker cane and acrylic tissue holder box in the style of Christian Dior Home. This acrylic and wicker cane box holds standard size tissues. Beautiful natural wicker cane and clear...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Cane, Acrylic, Wicker

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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