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

Mid century modern Murano glass paperweight, 1960

$372

Mid century modern Murano glass paperweight, 1960

Located in Palermo, PA

This stunning paperweight features a beautiful design with air bubbles suspended within the glass. The inside bottom of the piece is made of rich blue glass, where the bubbles are ca...

Category

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

Materials

Murano Glass

Daum Crystal Cat Paperweight Sculpture, France circa 1960

$350

Daum Crystal Cat Paperweight Sculpture, France circa 1960

By Daum

Located in Atlanta, GA

Daum, France, created this adorable crystal kitty cat figurine paperweight or ornamental sculpture by hand in the late 1960s. The sculpture features a lovely cat with dimensional car...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook

$350 / item

Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pr...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian glass paperweight, mid 20th century

$130

Vintage Italian glass paperweight, mid 20th century

Located in View Park, CA

Vintage glass paperweight, probably Italian circa 1960.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Carl Auböck #4995 Patinated Brass Hook

$380 / item

Carl Auböck #4995 Patinated Brass Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck #4995 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished and patinated brass by We...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Nickel Paperweight

$380 / item

Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Nickel Paperweight

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Nickel Paperweight Executed in nickel-plated cast iron and designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is han...

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Nickel

Mid Century Modern Panasonic Kp-2a Battery-Operated Pencil Sharpener

$49

Mid Century Modern Panasonic Kp-2a Battery-Operated Pencil Sharpener

By Panasonic

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a vintage Panasonic KP-2A battery-operated pencil sharpener, recognized by its signature faux woodgrain finish.It is a portable model that typically requires ...

Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook

$360 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist midcentury wall hook is executed in choice of patinated brass, polished brass, or p...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Abstract, Organic Gabriel Fourmaintraux Hand Painted Ceramic Vide Poche c1950's

$830

Abstract, Organic Gabriel Fourmaintraux Hand Painted Ceramic Vide Poche c1950's

By Gabriel Emile Fourmaintraux

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Organic in form, abstract ceramic vide poche by Gabriel Fourmaintraux, France Strong pallet of red, yellow and orange enamels contrast wonderfully with the exterior matt black glaze ...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Large Murano Glass Paperweight with Internal Bubbles and Swirls

$275

Large Murano Glass Paperweight with Internal Bubbles and Swirls

Located in Rochester, NY

Vintage colorful Italian glass paperweight.

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass

Midcentury Expanded Metal Waste Paper Basket 1950s

$550

Midcentury Expanded Metal Waste Paper Basket 1950s

By Mathieu Matégot

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid Century generous sized and well built expanded metal trash can. Modernist three hairpin legs. Wood bottom. 1950s

Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Bitossi Rimini Blu Ceramic Decorative Desk Organizer by Aldo Londi, Italy 1960s

$546

Bitossi Rimini Blu Ceramic Decorative Desk Organizer by Aldo Londi, Italy 1960s

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Roma, IT

Wonderful Mid-Century ceramic decorative piece or desk organizer in the iconic and vibrant Rimini Blu color. This lovely and unique piece was designed by Aldo Londi and produced by B...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3653 Brass Bookends

$740 / set

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3653 Brass Bookends

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Carl Auböck model #3653 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Each pi...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #9040 Polished Brass Knob

$360 / item

Carl Auböck Model #9040 Polished Brass Knob

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #9040 Polished Brass Knob Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Polished Brass Paperweight

$380 / item

Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Polished Brass Paperweight

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Aubo¨ck Model #5072 'Chain' polished brass paperweight. Executed in brass-plated cast iron and designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder

$523

Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder

Located in Milan, IT

Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Carl Auböck Model #4982 Polished Brass Hook

$370 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4982 Polished Brass Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck model #4982 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell

$950 / item

Carl Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass an...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960

$800

Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960

By Tomado

Located in Atlanta, GA

This is a rare functional mid-century modern desk accessory or office waste-basket designed by Tomado, Holland, circa 1960. The oval shape features a light gray metal structure with ...

Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Carl Auböck Model #5262 Patinated Brass Hook

$300 / item

Carl Auböck Model #5262 Patinated Brass Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #5262 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in darkly patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Murano Hand Blown Paperweight Yellow Flower with Blue Base Collectible Art Glass

$125

Murano Hand Blown Paperweight Yellow Flower with Blue Base Collectible Art Glass

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage Murano Hand Blown Paperweight Yellow Flower with Blue Collectible Art Glass. Beautiful heavy large glass paperweight featuring yellow ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4635 Brass Bookends

$740 / set

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4635 Brass Bookends

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4635 Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Each piec...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4867 2-inch 'Egg' Brass Paperweight

$270 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4867 2-inch 'Egg' Brass Paperweight

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4867 2-inch 'Egg' Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstät...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

MCM Brass / Leather Long Shoehorn in the Style of Jacques Adnet by Arfango

$300Sale Price|20% Off

MCM Brass / Leather Long Shoehorn in the Style of Jacques Adnet by Arfango

By Jacques Adnet

Located in San Diego, CA

A very cool MCM brass and leather long shoehorn in the style of Jacques Adnet by Arfango, circa 1960s. The piece has a brass handle and Horn attached by ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Swatch Twin Phone "Candy" Model, Memphis Style, Vintage 1980s Design

$1,288

Swatch Twin Phone "Candy" Model, Memphis Style, Vintage 1980s Design

Located in Milano, IT

1980s Gorgeous Swatch twin phone 1st model in production called Candy. It's in excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design. A true p...

Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Carl Auböck #4233-2 Brass and Cane Letter Opener, Mid-Century Modern

$639 / item

Carl Auböck #4233-2 Brass and Cane Letter Opener, Mid-Century Modern

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Berlin, DE

Carl Auböck #4233-2 Letter Opener, Austria 2022.

Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Rare 70s Horseshoe Letter Opener in Brass & Chrome By Gucci With Original Box

$689Sale Price|25% Off

Rare 70s Horseshoe Letter Opener in Brass & Chrome By Gucci With Original Box

By Gucci

Located in Roma, IT

I offer you for sale an item from times gone by, which today is no longer extremely useful on our desks, unless, as in this case, the beauty and glamor of the object make us forget i...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Vintage Tan Leather Model AB9 Attache / Briefcase by Hartmann - New Old Stock

$950

Vintage Tan Leather Model AB9 Attache / Briefcase by Hartmann - New Old Stock

By Hartmann Trunk Company

Located in San Diego, CA

A wonderful vintage tan leather Model AB9 attache / briefcase by Hartmann Luggage, circa 1980s. This piece is "New Old Stock (NOS)" and has never been used and comes with original t...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Ceramic Piggy Bank by Ditar Urbach 1950s

$255

Ceramic Piggy Bank by Ditar Urbach 1950s

By Ditmar Urbach

Located in Praha, CZ

Colectible ceramic piggy bank for sale made by Ditmar Urbach Porcelain factory (Keramicky zavod Teplice) Original glaze, original condition, Marked on the bottom with the original st...

Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Murano Glass Table Lamp with White Marble Base, Italy, 1970s

$1,279

Mid-Century Murano Glass Table Lamp with White Marble Base, Italy, 1970s

Located in Lisse, NL

A striking Murano glass table lamp from the 1970s, handcrafted in Italy. This sculptural piece features a hand-blown glass globe with a captivating clear and frosted gradient finish,...

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Valenti Solid Brass Letter Opener Equestrian Detail Spain

$225

Valenti Solid Brass Letter Opener Equestrian Detail Spain

By Valenti

Located in Chula Vista, CA

Valenti Letter Opener Modernist design Spain maker stamped Solid Brass Equestrian Horse Hoof exquisite detail 1 x 10.25 Original vintage Refer to images

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3848 Brass Bookends

$760 / set

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3848 Brass Bookends

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Carl Auböck model #3848 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. Each piece bears the ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian yellow marble mushroom, 1960s

$104Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage Italian yellow marble mushroom, 1960s

Located in View Park, CA

A vintage Italian marble mushroom in buttercup yellow with charcoal veining, 1960s. Fab as paperweight or objet d’art. Pick up in central west Los Angeles or we ship worldwide. 3.25”...

Category

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

Materials

Alabaster

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends

$740 / set

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass. Each piece...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4233-4 Brass and Leather Paper Knife

$630 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4233-4 Brass and Leather Paper Knife

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4233-4 Brass and Leather Paper Knife Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural knife is executed in polished brass and handwoven brown leather...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Abstract Bronze and Black Wood Pleated Sculpture Italy, 1950's

$2,630

Vintage Abstract Bronze and Black Wood Pleated Sculpture Italy, 1950's

Located in North Miami, FL

This fabulous vintage abstract signed Italian sculpture is Mid-Century Modern. It says on the label made in Italy and the signature is Esafedritolle. The bronze has 2 surfaces both p...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Daum France Cobalt Blue Pate de Verre Cactus Flower Paperweight Sculpture, 1970s

$450

Daum France Cobalt Blue Pate de Verre Cactus Flower Paperweight Sculpture, 1970s

By Daum

Located in Atlanta, GA

This stunning pate de verre frosted crystal flower paperweight or decorative sculpture is by Daum, France, and was hand-made circa 1970. The sculpture features a lovely cactus flower...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Austrian Art Nouveau Style Nude Girl Bronze or Brass Letter Opener 1950s

$200

Vintage Austrian Art Nouveau Style Nude Girl Bronze or Brass Letter Opener 1950s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Vintage Solid Brass Nude Lady Letter Opener, Austria, Mid-20th Century A striking vintage letter opener cast in solid brass and modeled as a reclining nude female figure. This decor...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian mid-century modern table fan by elettrodomestici San Giorgio, 1960s

$383

Italian mid-century modern table fan by elettrodomestici San Giorgio, 1960s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern table fan by elettrodomestici San Giorgio, 1960s Adjustable table fan with burgundy Bakelite blades and a metal rod cage. The base is also made of burgundy...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Brass and Cane Bookends

$1,020 / set

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Brass and Cane Bookends

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 Brass and Cane 'Flatiron' Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished or patinat...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

1970's Sergio Todeschini Bobo Telephone for Telcer, Italy

$1,023

1970's Sergio Todeschini Bobo Telephone for Telcer, Italy

Located in Praha, CZ

Unique model of dial plastic phone by Sergio Todeschini, made in Italy in the 1970's.

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

'German Shepherd' Folk Art Letter Holder with Dog in Wood Mid 20th Century

$494

'German Shepherd' Folk Art Letter Holder with Dog in Wood Mid 20th Century

Located in Meer, VAN

'German Shepherd' Folk Art Letter Holder with Dog in Wood Mid 20th Century. Just a great piece, this mid century letter holder. If you own ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' Brass Bottle Opener

$350 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' Brass Bottle Opener

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' brass bottle opener. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bottle opener is executed in polished brass. Price is per item. ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Georg Petersens Mid Century Teak Desk Organizer Denmark

$675

Georg Petersens Mid Century Teak Desk Organizer Denmark

By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A teak top of the desk organizer with four letter slots , two storage cubies and an open top shelve . This well designed accessory is the perfect piece for easy access to your papers...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Carl Auböck #7211 Letter Opener "Turned", Austria 2022

$378 / item

Carl Auböck #7211 Letter Opener "Turned", Austria 2022

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Berlin, DE

Carl Auböck #7211 letter opener "Turned", Austria 2022.

Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4056 Nickel-Plated Hook

$440 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4056 Nickel-Plated Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4056 Nickel-Plated Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in nickel-plated brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, A...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Heavy Pig Brass Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Vintage, 1950s

$440

Heavy Pig Brass Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Vintage, 1950s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Gorgeous vintage metal money bank. A beautiful decorative item, with nice patina. Made in Europe, circa 1960s. Nice addition to any collection, desktop, living room or children's roo...

Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

One Mid-Century Modern Faceted Glass Diamond Shaped Figurine Paperweight Desk

$250

One Mid-Century Modern Faceted Glass Diamond Shaped Figurine Paperweight Desk

By Orrefors, Venini, Kosta Boda

Located in Miami, FL

One Mid-Century Modern faceted glass diamond shaped magnifying paperweight, Figurine, Sculpture or Desk accessory. In good condition no chips, light scratches to the faceted glass. ...

Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Gucci Burgundy Leather and Brass Horsebit Wastepaper Basket, Italy 1950s

$1,395

Gucci Burgundy Leather and Brass Horsebit Wastepaper Basket, Italy 1950s

By Gucci

Located in Milan, IT

Splendid Gucci Burgundy Leather and Brass Horsebit Wastepaper Basket. Beautiful craftsmanship and stitching. Italy 1950s Fully marked Made in Italy by Gucci

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Daum France Crystal Turtle Paperweight Sculpture, circa 1970

$500

Daum France Crystal Turtle Paperweight Sculpture, circa 1970

By Daum

Located in Atlanta, GA

Daum, France, created this stunning crystal turtle figurine paperweight or ornamental sculpture by hand in the early 1970s. The sculpture features a lovely turtle with dimensional ca...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Rare Piero Fornasetti Mid-Century Ceramic Paperweight 'Occhio', Italy 1950s.

$1,157

Rare Piero Fornasetti Mid-Century Ceramic Paperweight 'Occhio', Italy 1950s.

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Malmö, SE

A rare and beautiful paperweight with amazing surrealist eyeball decor. Designed and produced by Piero Fornasetti in Milano, Italy. Early production, 1950s. Great original conditio...

Category

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

Materials

Porcelain

Floating Pennies in Lucite Cube Paperweight in the Style of William Rolfe

$180Sale Price|20% Off

Floating Pennies in Lucite Cube Paperweight in the Style of William Rolfe

Located in San Diego, CA

Floating pennies in lucite cube paperweight in the style of William Rolfe, circa 1980s. The pice is in very good vintage condition and measures 2.5"W...

Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Supermarine Spitfire Wooden & Aluminum Airplane Desk Model, Asprey, ca 1940's

$3,375Sale Price|25% Off

Supermarine Spitfire Wooden & Aluminum Airplane Desk Model, Asprey, ca 1940's

By Asprey & Garrard Limited

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

Spitfire wooden & aluminum airplane desk model. Asprey London- ca 1940´s RAF Supermarine spitfire aluminum airplane desk model, mounted over a disp...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Danish Modern Desk Organizer Letter Tray in Teak by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik

$575

Danish Modern Desk Organizer Letter Tray in Teak by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik

By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik

Located in San Diego, CA

Very functional Danish modern teak desk organizer or letter tray by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, circa 1970s. The piece is in excellent condition and measures 23.5" wide, 8.5." deep ...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Carl Auböck Model #4330-2 Patinated Brass Hook

$270 / item

Carl Auböck Model #4330-2 Patinated Brass Hook

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carl Auböck Model #4330-2 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Aubö...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Silver Dog Pen Tray - Dachshunds c.1968

$1,082

Vintage Italian Silver Dog Pen Tray - Dachshunds c.1968

Located in Bath, GB

An absolutely charming desk-top pen tray made from solid Italian silver (800/1000) in Venice by Rossi & Arcandi in the late 1960's. A wonderful subject, the tray is has the front wi...

Category

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

Materials

Silver

Murano Salviati Sommerso Sapphire Blue Italian Art Glass Snail Figure Sculpture

$1,200

Murano Salviati Sommerso Sapphire Blue Italian Art Glass Snail Figure Sculpture

By Salviati, Luciano Gaspari

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful, and large, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso cobalt blue snail, with light blue shell Italian art glass sculpture. The piece is documented to the Salviati company, and at...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Uranium Glass

Ernest Sohn Siamese Teak and Acrylic Magazine Holder, circa 1960

$485

Ernest Sohn Siamese Teak and Acrylic Magazine Holder, circa 1960

By Ernest Sohn

Located in San Francisco, CA

Ernest Sohn Siamese teak and acrylic magazine holder, circa 1960 Measures: 16" wide x 6" deep x 14.5" high Good vintage condition.

Category

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

Materials

Acrylic, Teak

1950’s FROST triple blade oscillating desk fan / ventilator

$590

1950’s FROST triple blade oscillating desk fan / ventilator

By Frost

Located in Bern, CH

Beautiful 1950’s FROST triple blade oscillating desk fan / ventilator. With three variable speeds and adjustable angle. Desk or wall mountable. Lovely Nile Blue colour. In prime cond...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Heart Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

$140 / item

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Heart Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A charming modernist heart keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

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.