Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Style: Mid-Century Modern

Carl Auböck Model #4056 Patinated Brass Hook

$400 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4056 Patinated Brass Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4056 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Modern "1964" Porcelain Zodiac Calendar in by Piero Fornasetti

$450

Vintage Italian Modern "1964" Porcelain Zodiac Calendar in by Piero Fornasetti

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage Italian porcelain "1964" paperweight with calendar by Piero Fornasetti. Lithographic and gilt decoration with charming zodiac figures alongside their corresponding months. Th...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Fornasetti Vide Poche Catchall, Porcelain, Italy, 1950s

$761

Fornasetti Vide Poche Catchall, Porcelain, Italy, 1950s

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Milano, IT

1950s Fornasetti original astonishing porcelain vide poche/catchall "Sonate- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart" by Piero Fornasetti . Heavy porcelain construction for use as beautiful desk acc...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Modernist English Solid / Sterling Silver Letter Opener - Brian Leslie Fuller

$646

Modernist English Solid / Sterling Silver Letter Opener - Brian Leslie Fuller

By Brian Leslie Fuller 1

Located in Bath, GB

A superb mid-century modern letter opener made by the highly collectable silversmith, Brian Leslie Fuller. Made from solid English silver fully hallmarked for London 1979 together ...

Category

1970s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Olivetti Underwood Typewriter, Italy 1962

$750

Olivetti Underwood Typewriter, Italy 1962

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Italian typewriter in good working condition with original case. Olivetti Underwood, Italy 1962.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Tommaso Barbi Burl and Chrome Square Picture Frame, Italy 1970s

$1,105

Midcentury Tommaso Barbi Burl and Chrome Square Picture Frame, Italy 1970s

By Tommaso Barbi

Located in Roma, IT

Astonishing midcentury chromed brass and burl square photo frame. This beautiful piece was designed in Italy in the 1970s by Tomaso Barbi and is als...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Clear Murano Photo Frame

$1,800

Clear Murano Photo Frame

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: Height: 13 inches / width: 10 inches / depth: 2 inches For photo siz...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Photo Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell, Italy, 1970s

$488

Photo Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell, Italy, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Gorgeous photo frame in lucite with a stunning tortoiseshell effect. This elegant piece was produced in Italy in the 1970s. This stunning piece is perfect to enhance a modern studio...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite, Plexiglass

Italian Tiger’s Eye and Gilt 800 Silver Desk Pen Holder by Mazzetti Milano, 1950

$1,919

Italian Tiger’s Eye and Gilt 800 Silver Desk Pen Holder by Mazzetti Milano, 1950

Located in Roma, IT

Refined and unique Italian desk pen holder crafted in magnificent natural tiger’s eye and finished with elegant gilt 800 silver mounts. This sophisticated object was produced in Mila...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Quartz, Silver

Sommerso Glass Apple by Hanne Dreutler and Arthur Zirnsack for Studio Åhus

$203

Sommerso Glass Apple by Hanne Dreutler and Arthur Zirnsack for Studio Åhus

By Studio Ahus

Located in Bochum, NRW

Stunning classic Glass APPLE by Hanne Dreutler for Studio Åhus from 1992. Beautiful, vibrant light green and clear glass made in sommerso technique that originated in Murano, Italy. ...

Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

1960s Metal and Brass Green Candle Holders, Made in France

$330 / item

1960s Metal and Brass Green Candle Holders, Made in France

Located in Milano, IT

1960s Gorgeous pair of green candle holders in metal and brass. Made in France. So unique. The items are in excellent condition. Dimensions: diameter 3,14 x 4,33 H inches diameter cm...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Vintage Chrome Figural Fish Metal Letter Opener Knife, Germany Dated 1978

$160

Vintage Chrome Figural Fish Metal Letter Opener Knife, Germany Dated 1978

Located in Nuernberg, DE

1978 Fish Figural Metal Letter Opener, Austria This charming fish-shaped letter opener is a delightful example of late-20th-century design. Made of metal with a warm, aged patina, i...

Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Vintage Moroccan Embossed Leather Padfolio, Hand-Crafted, 1970s Design

$450

Vintage Moroccan Embossed Leather Padfolio, Hand-Crafted, 1970s Design

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage leather Moroccan embossed leather padfolio. Red vintage leather portfolio embossed with gold 22 carat design. Handmade leather stamped with 22...

Category

1970s Moroccan Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Kalmar Mid-Century Teak Desk Organizer / Letter Tray 1970s

$275

Kalmar Mid-Century Teak Desk Organizer / Letter Tray 1970s

Located in San Diego, CA

A beautifully crafted mid-century modern desk organizer by Kalmar, executed in richly grained Danish teak. This sculptural and highly functional piece embodies the refined simplicity...

Category

1970s Thai Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Salt and pepper with two toothpick holders vienna around 1950s

$255

Salt and pepper with two toothpick holders vienna around 1950s

Located in Wien, Au

Salt and pepper with two toothpick holders vienna around 1950s Original condition

Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

1970s Dior Home Style Mid-Century Modern Fake Tortoise Lucite Smoking Set

$488 / set

1970s Dior Home Style Mid-Century Modern Fake Tortoise Lucite Smoking Set

By Dior Home

Located in Aci Castello, IT

A fake tortoise lucite italian smoking set composed by an ashtray, a cigarette box and a lighter not tested. Box side dimension is 12 cm, ashtray side ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Italian Murano Rainbow Bubble Art Glass Paperweight

$300

Italian Murano Rainbow Bubble Art Glass Paperweight

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Oval shaped, artisan-made, hand-blown, Italian Murano art glass paperweight features a bed of colorful teal, blue, yellow, and red with clear bubbles rising resembling hot air balloo...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Murano glass Dog Paperweight Italy around 1970s

$255

Murano glass Dog Paperweight Italy around 1970s

Located in Wien, Au

Murano glass Dog Paperweight Italy around 1970s Original condition

Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Barbini Murano White Gold Flecks Pink Italian Art Glass Bird Figure Paperweight

$450Sale Price|25% Off

Barbini Murano White Gold Flecks Pink Italian Art Glass Bird Figure Paperweight

By Alfredo Barbini

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown white, pink and gold flecks Italian art glass bird on base figurine, paperweight. Documented to designer Alfredo Barbini, circa 1950-60s. The bird...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold Leaf

Art Deco Chrome Desk Top Magnifying Glass Art deco, swan neck, bendy

$755 / item

Art Deco Chrome Desk Top Magnifying Glass Art deco, swan neck, bendy

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Art Deco Chrome Desk Top Magnifying Glass Art deco, swan neck, bendy desk desktop magnifier in a chrome finish with weighted base The glass is 19” tall fully extended TAW172

Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Carl Auböck Black Leather & Brass Wastepaper Basket, Austria, 1950s

$2,400

Mid-Century Carl Auböck Black Leather & Brass Wastepaper Basket, Austria, 1950s

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A beautiful and elegant, vintage Mid-Century Modern paper basket / paper bin from the 1950s. Designed an executed by Werkstätte Carl Aubock, Vienna / Austria. Handmade and hand-sewn ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4330 Hook in Nickel

$370 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4330 Hook in Nickel

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4330 Hook in Nickel Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Nickel

Vintage Beautiful Glass Paperweight Made Around 1960

$60Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage Beautiful Glass Paperweight Made Around 1960

Located in Oirlo, LI

Vintage Beautiful Glass Paperweight Made Around 1960 Additional information: Dimensions: 6 W x 6 D x 5 H cm Period of Time: 1960 Condition: Good

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Large Vintage Murano Glass Paperweight, Millefiori Heart

$275

Large Vintage Murano Glass Paperweight, Millefiori Heart

By Fratelli Toso

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Large, unusual Murano glass paperweight features colorful millefiori structure, radiating in circular manner into an abstract geometric pattern; the colored glass is encased in subst...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine

Mid-Century Modern Danish Fish Bottle Opener in Teak, 1960s

$431

Mid-Century Modern Danish Fish Bottle Opener in Teak, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Modern Danish Fish Bottle Opener in Teak, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1950 to 1959 Additional information: Materials: Metal, Teak Color: Brown Style: Mid-Ce...

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Box with Historical Photos of JFK Kennedy, Roosevelt, Adenauer German Press

$2,900

Box with Historical Photos of JFK Kennedy, Roosevelt, Adenauer German Press

Located in Nuernberg, DE

This is a collection of historical press photographs in an original box. They show several American presidents. Many are by John F kennedy, one by Roosevelt, one with Grover Clevelan...

Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Paper

Petite Murano Glass Paperweight Flower inside Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1980s

$140

Petite Murano Glass Paperweight Flower inside Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1980s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass paper weight. A beautiful nice addition to your desktop. Found at an estate sale in Verona, Italy....

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Canon A-1 Black Body 35mm SLR Film Camera with Canon FD 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens

$516 / set

Canon A-1 Black Body 35mm SLR Film Camera with Canon FD 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Canon A-1 Black Body 35mm SLR Film Camera with Canon FD 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens 1978 to 1985 Made in Japan Weight: 609g

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Set of two Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pen Holders in Hardwood, Jupanam, 1960s

$500 / set

Set of two Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pen Holders in Hardwood, Jupanam, 1960s

Located in New York, NY

This pair of pen holders reflects the restrained utility and material integrity associated with Brazilian modern desk accessories of the mid-twentieth century. Modest in scale yet de...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Hardwood

Murano Fish Sculpture by Livio Seguso for Gral, Germany, ca. 1970ties

$395

Murano Fish Sculpture by Livio Seguso for Gral, Germany, ca. 1970ties

By Gral Glass, Livio Seguso

Located in Berghuelen, DE

A sculpture of a stylized fish in blue and pink glass. Hand made in the gral glass manufactory, Germany. Designed by Livio Seguso, ca. 1970. Incised signature of the artist (LS) on t...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Red Cobra Table Phone, Ericofon by LM Ericsson

$220

Red Cobra Table Phone, Ericofon by LM Ericsson

Located in Vienna, AT

Vintage Rotary dial red ericofone. This is the model Cobra. It is made of thermoplastic ABS Designed in the 1950s in Sweden by Hugo Blomberg, Ralph Lysell and Gösta Thames, LM Ericsson...

Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Vintage Modern Scissors with Holder, Germany, c. 1970's

$150

Vintage Modern Scissors with Holder, Germany, c. 1970's

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage "Designed" Modern Stainless Steel Scissors with "Gold" Handles and Leather Holder Germany, circa 1970's Both Scissors and Holder are Labeled Germany "some wear / fading to...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Dice Chrome Metal Statue Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1980s

$180

Dice Chrome Metal Statue Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1980s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Super cool Art Deco design sculptural "High Roller" dice statue or paperweight. Nice metal dice atop a metal base. Was made as a journeyman's piece. The journeyman's piece is a centr...

Category

1980s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage Calanda Typewriter Czechoslovakia 1950s Industrial Metal Design

$569

Vintage Calanda Typewriter Czechoslovakia 1950s Industrial Metal Design

Located in Praha, CZ

Original Calanda mechanical typewriter, produced in Czechoslovakia, most likely by Zbrojovka Brno / later Závody Jana Švermy, dating from the late 1940s to 1950s. This piece represe...

Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Petite Murano Glass Paperweight Swirl inside Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1960s

$110

Petite Murano Glass Paperweight Swirl inside Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass paper weight. A beautiful nice addition to your desktop. Found at an estate sale in Verona, Italy. Highly decorative and functional in e...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Carl Auböck Model #4995 Wall Hook in Nickel

$430 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4995 Wall Hook in Nickel

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4995 Wall Hook in Nickel Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austri...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Nickel

Danese Milano Pen Holder, Italy, circa 1970

$453

Danese Milano Pen Holder, Italy, circa 1970

By Danese Milano

Located in Labrit, Landes

White pen holder with clean lines typical of Danese Milano's style and 1970s design.

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Mid Century Plywood Trash Can

$500 / set

Pair of Mid Century Plywood Trash Can

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Circa 1960, We offer this Pair of mid century Plywood trash can. Recently restored.

Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plywood

WILLIAM SPRATLING 1960 Dominoes Box Set In Carved Wood & .925 Sterling Silver

$4,985 / set

WILLIAM SPRATLING 1960 Dominoes Box Set In Carved Wood & .925 Sterling Silver

By William Spratling

Located in Miami, FL

Box of dominoes set designed by William Spratling. This is a decorative desk box with a dominoes set created in Taxco Mexico by the silversmith and jewelry designer William Spratlin...

Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver, Silver

Mid-century Design Phone Tesla, 1960's.

$418

Mid-century Design Phone Tesla, 1960's.

By Tesla

Located in Praha, CZ

Tesla Manufacturer Made in Czechoslovakia Fully Functional Beautiful Decoration Good Original condition

Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

1960s by Pierre Cardin for Venini Murano Glass Ashtray

$1,395

1960s by Pierre Cardin for Venini Murano Glass Ashtray

By Pierre Cardin, Venini

Located in Brescia, IT

Rare glass ashtray with flower Perfect condition.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid Century Pen Holder in Patinated Leather 1960s

$203

Mid Century Pen Holder in Patinated Leather 1960s

Located in Meer, VAN

Mid Century Pen Holder in Patinated Leather 1960s. Beautiful mid century pen holder / cup in dark brown patinated leather. Slender design with nice stitching. A great addition to ...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Barovier Toso Murano Clear Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine Sculpture

$300Sale Price|25% Off

Barovier Toso Murano Clear Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine Sculpture

By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear, gold flecks, and bubbles Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. I have owned several with labels ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold Leaf

Porcelain Jewelry Dish Rosenthal Studio-Line by Designer Raymond Peynet

$375

Porcelain Jewelry Dish Rosenthal Studio-Line by Designer Raymond Peynet

By Rosenthal, Raymond Peynet

Located in New York, NY

A German white porcelain jewelry dish with whimsical design by designer Raymond Peynet for Rosenthal Studio-Line, Midcentury Modern period, circa mid-20th century, Germany. Dish show...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Modern Stow & Davis Teak Paper Bin, circa 1960s

$475

Mid-Century Modern Stow & Davis Teak Paper Bin, circa 1960s

By Stow Davis

Located in San Francisco, CA

Mid-Century Modern Stow & Davis teak paper bin, circa 1960s Vintage waste basket bin by Stow and Davis. The bin is made from teak. Good vintage...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Carl Aubock Vase Decanter "Tuberkulinkolben" Raffia Wicker Top, Austria, 1950s

$890

Carl Aubock Vase Decanter "Tuberkulinkolben" Raffia Wicker Top, Austria, 1950s

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A beautiful minimal modernist vase or decanter „Tuberkulinkolben", model no. 4748, designed and executed by Carl Aubock II in the 1950s. Made of handblown clear glass with nice wicke...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Murano Gambaro Poggi Green Red Blue Italian Art Glass Rabbit Figurine Sculpture

$400

Murano Gambaro Poggi Green Red Blue Italian Art Glass Rabbit Figurine Sculpture

By Gambaro & Poggi

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful vintage Murano hand green, red, and blue Italian art glass bunny rabbit figurine / sculpture. The piece is documented to the Gambaro & Poggi company, with an original "...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Fontana Arte 1950s Modernist Glass Pen Holder or Stand and Ashtray Desk Set

$1,800 / set

Fontana Arte 1950s Modernist Glass Pen Holder or Stand and Ashtray Desk Set

By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand

Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern

Beautiful vintage Mid-Century Modern desk set featuring an adjustable pen holder or stand with a tray and an ashtray attributed to Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Made in Italy, circa ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Sculptural Cast-Brass Paperweight Shaped as an Amalfi Coast Lemon, 1970s

$407

Sculptural Cast-Brass Paperweight Shaped as an Amalfi Coast Lemon, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

We are pleased to offer for sale a paperweight that can truly be considered a miniature sculpture. Solid and very heavy—1.5 kg to be precise—this piece is crafted in cast brass and d...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Aldo Londi Bitossi Very Large Round Rimini Blue Glazed Midcentury Ashtray, 1950s

$890

Aldo Londi Bitossi Very Large Round Rimini Blue Glazed Midcentury Ashtray, 1950s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Vienna, AT

A beautiful, decorative midcentury Rimini blue glazed ashtray. Very large, has a diameter of 9 1/2 inches, Designed by Aldo Londi, manufactured by Bitossi Ceramiche / Italy in the 19...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Terracotta

Italian Marble Dice Paperweights, 1970s Vintage, Decorative Objects

$370 / set

Italian Marble Dice Paperweights, 1970s Vintage, Decorative Objects

Located in Milano, IT

1970s. Stunning pair of big Italian dices in white marble, in very good conditions. Made in Italy. Dimension: 2,75 x 2,75 x 2,75 inches 7 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm H.

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Pair of Bronze Paperweights, circa 1970, France.

$1,395

Pair of Bronze Paperweights, circa 1970, France.

By Monique Gerber

Located in Brussels, BE

Pair of paperweights in the shape of pebbles, circa 1970, France. Gilded bronze. Dimensions: pebble one: 9 x 8 x 3 cm, pebble two: 8 x 7 x 3 cm. All purchases are covered by our Buye...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Petite Murano Glass Paperweight Flower inside Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1960s

$80

Petite Murano Glass Paperweight Flower inside Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass paper weight. A beautiful nice addition to your desktop. Found at an estate sale in Verona, Italy....

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Brass & Agate Letter Opener - Minimal Chic Desk Accessory - France 1970s

$394

Brass & Agate Letter Opener - Minimal Chic Desk Accessory - France 1970s

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in ROUEN, Normandie

Brass & Agate Letter Opener - Minimal Chic - Desk Accessory - France 1970s Elegant letter opener from the 1970s. Made of brass & agate stone with beautiful hues of various colors. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Brass

Pair of Brutalist Acid Etched Brass Containers by Gallinaro, Italy, 1960s

$500 / item

Pair of Brutalist Acid Etched Brass Containers by Gallinaro, Italy, 1960s

Located in Milan, IT

Pair of Brutalist Acid Etched Brass Containers by Gallinaro, Italy, 1960s The second container measures 9.5 x 13.5 cm Used as Desk Pen Holders. Signed Gallinaro

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Modernist Steel Railroad Tie Bookends

$260Sale Price / set|20% Off

Vintage Modernist Steel Railroad Tie Bookends

By Ward Bennett

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage heavy train railroad tie track bookends in the style of Ward Bennett. Green felt to bases, smooth metal finish to tops, front and back with textured steel on the sides. Great additions to your Modernist and Mid Century décor...

Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Nostalgic 1960's Italian Ceramic Tiger Cub, Adorable Retro

$1,123

Nostalgic 1960's Italian Ceramic Tiger Cub, Adorable Retro

By Midcentury Italian school

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Undeniably appealing, Italian retro ceramic tiger cub from the 1960's Hand painted and glazed, vibrant and striking Circa 1960's Signed Italy Height 10 inch, Width 8 inch, Depth 6 in...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Fratelli Toso Murano Clear Red Italian Art Glass Puppy Dog Paperweight Figure

$400

Fratelli Toso Murano Clear Red Italian Art Glass Puppy Dog Paperweight Figure

By Fratelli Toso

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Very cute vintage Murano hand blown red and clear Italian art glass puppy dog sculpture / paperweight. The figurine is documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The puppy dog still re...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Italy Mid-Century Modern Style Black Crystal Faceted Table Lighter

$697Sale Price|20% Off

Italy Mid-Century Modern Style Black Crystal Faceted Table Lighter

Located in Brescia, IT

This is an elegant table lighter designed with a shape that evoques the Mid-Century Modern Italian style. A similar pattern of this design can be possible to find in the production ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Waste Basket

$695 / item

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Waste Basket

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Waste Basket This waste basket measures: 11.75 wide x 11.75 deep x 14 inches high Fair Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a controlled lighting...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Walnut

Mid-century Modern desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century 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, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern desk accessories made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Fratelli Toso, Walter Bosse, and Herta Baller. 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 $34 and tops out at $28,500 while the average work can sell for $548.