What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty stationery designs that you must own! From an everlasting all-metal pencil to a note-taking desk accessory – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs.
1. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
Wouldn’t it be grand if, like a Wacom stylus, you rarely have to replace a tip or barely sharpen your pencil at all? That sounds almost like a pipe dream, but that dream has fortunately become real with this everlasting metal pencil that lets you worry less about lead and focus more on your creative process.
Why is it noteworthy?
At first glance, it looks like the all-metal cousin of the second-gen Apple Pencil, and that is almost an accurate assessment. The octagonal shaft is made of aluminum and houses a special alloy core. Knowing that, you might think that all it will do is leave heavy grooves on your paper, but your mind might be blown away when it draws like a real pencil without seeing the tip wear down even after dozens of marks.
What we like
- It uses metal for the core rather than the usual clay or charcoal, so it wears down so slowly that you might think your all-metal pencil will actually outlive you
What we dislike
- It doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does. That might be a bummer for those who use smudging techniques
2. Note
Paper can be simple, and apps can be quick, but not everyone needs all the commitment these two note-taking methods sometimes require. There are those that just need to jot down quick notes or even draw a diagram that can be discarded before the day is over. Note, which is the most generic name ever, is pretty much a small desk whiteboard that lets you do that with efficiency, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve that a bit of spice and fun to your work.
Why is it noteworthy?
The “whiteboard” twists or rather flips over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down. One side can have a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other can be plain, or they can have the same design on both sides. As with any vertical slate, you can also place sticky notes on it, in case scribbling notes down on paper is quicker for you.
What we like
- What makes Note unique is the addition of a multi-purpose vertical screen to its left side, this allows you to also have a view of the time, the calendar, and your appointments which are synced from your phone
What we dislike
- The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that some people may need for their work
3. LEGO Star-Lord Helmet Pen Stand
Launched just a week before the new Marvel movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 drops, this adorably functional build from LEGO also doubles up as a stationery holder and pen stand for your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
The iconic headgear sits on a platform with a label underneath, measuring 7 inches in height and comprising 602 pieces. Even with as few bricks as that, the helmet looks impressively similar to the original, with everything from those red-tinted eyepieces to the valves on the face mask that helps Peter Quill breathe in outer space.
What we like
- It is a functional device, that helps you store things inside the helmet’s hollow space, including stationery, cables, or even EDC like your AirPods
What we dislike
- It is a niche product, only targetted towards LEGO lovers, so it won’t work for everybody
4. The Slope
The Slope is a “personal desktop whiteboard with pen” that you can slot right in between your monitor and your keyboard. So yes, it is simply a magnetic dry-erase whiteboard but instead of being on your wall or on the side, it is right in front of you and angled in such a way that it is perfect for your list-making or reminder-listing writing needs.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is made from bent steel sheets and is powder-coated so it’s pretty smooth and easy to use as well as giving you a premium dry-erase surface. It is also magnetic so you can attach your whiteboard markers if they’re magnetic. If not, there’s a space at the top to place them as well as space at the back to store your separate eraser. There’s a silicone phone holder if you need to have your mobile device in front of you and there’s also an opening in it so you can place your charger.
What we like
- If you’re not using your keyboard, you can slip it under the sloped whiteboard
- Smooth and easy to use
What we dislike
- You can’t save what you were writing into the cloud nor can you digitize it if you need to save what you wrote
5. The Levitating Pen
Much like its name, the Levitating Pen actually does seem to be levitating! It looks as if the pen is suspended in its holder at a 23.5-degree angle. Designed to be a grand writing instrument, the pen features a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which makes the pen rigid and super easy to hold and creates a smooth and luxurious writing experience. And once you take a break from writing, the pen doesn’t go back to a boring old pen stand, it goes back to levitating!
Why is it noteworthy?
When done writing, you close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!
What we like
- The pen is super fun to interact with
- Quite easy to hold and write with
- Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster
What we dislike
- No option of personalization or custom color variations are available
6. Wooden Pen Holder
There’s something almost poetic about the act of picking up a brush or a fountain pen from an inkwell, drawing your strokes, and dipping it back in to be ready for when the next inspiration strikes, a feeling that’s almost lost even with the most elaborate and extravagant pens today. Not unless you have a pen holder that brings back that atmosphere, like a block of wood that could be the most Zen pen holder to ever adorn your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
This wooden block is both unassuming and, at the same time, beautiful in its simplicity, as many minimalist products are wont to be. Made from genuine maple wood, each piece has grains and patterns that make it unique and special. Without saying explicitly, it’s an assurance that each black will be one of a kind, giving you the feeling that this pen holder was crafted just for you. Together with an equally stylish pen, this block transforms any desk into a thinker’s workbench, where the tools of the trade are just at an arm’s reach.
What we like
- The Wooden Pen Holder has a gently curving depression that can accommodate any pen with a standard size
- When you pick the pen up, you almost believe that the ink will also follow it up from an invisible well of ideas
What we dislike
- It occupies precious real estate on a bench that cannot be adjusted/reduced
7. Hexcal Studio
British company Hexcal created the Hexcal Studio desktop organizer, which aims to be the ultimate desktop organizer and workspace accessory you need!
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed to be a monitor stand and a desktop organizer, the Hexcal Studio attempts to eliminate clutter, hide wires and provide shadowless lighting. The goal is to create a neat, tidy, and destressing workspace where wires are smartly hidden, and multiple screens can be installed to support a conducive work environment.
What we like
- The organizer’s distribution system can support up to 14 devices, including those on AC, DC, and wireless power
- Its patented cable management system will make all your wires disappear, providing you with a wire-free desk
What we dislike
- Large + space-consuming design. It will take up a lot of space on your desk
8. The Japanese Paper Memo Block
The Japanese paper Memo Block comes in to provide a temporary shelter for those itinerant thoughts of yours.
Why is it noteworthy?
There is nothing more welcoming and more freeing than a blank sheet of paper that’s ready to record those fleeting thoughts, flashes of inspiration, or even tasks that were suddenly dumped on your lap. With no other markings, not even grids or lines, this white Memo Block lets you focus on the simplest task at hand, jotting that note down before you get distracted again. And with its smaller footprint, it’s easy to put a block of paper anywhere on your desk, in any position or orientation, so that it will always be within easy reach when your Muse or your colleague visits you.
What we like
- Its pure black surface challenges the mind as if daring it to put an unconventional and exciting new thought on paper
- Uses high-quality Japanese paper revered by many stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
- The pad lacks any cover or label that showcases its design qualities
9. Lifestyle Tool File Organizers
This rather ingenious organizer design comes in handy for your workdesk! From the outside and when they’re closed, they look like regular, nondescript file binders.
Why is it noteworthy?
Open them up, however, and you’ll see plenty of space for almost any kind of tool or supply. Simply pull one out using the typical ring hole, open it up, and you’ll have access to whatever you need to get the job done. It’s only a few steps more compared to reaching out for an open desk organizer but not much more compared to pulling out tools from a drawer.
What we like
- Made from hard paperboard, the organizers also offer a more sustainable solution to the growing number of plastic products sitting on your desk
What we dislike
- The design keeps the products hidden/away from sight, which is good for those who want a clean-looking setup but not for those who enjoy showcasing the products they have
10. Colored Curve Pens
Dual-tipped pens are something that has been around for a while and are quite universally liked. However, these Colored Curve Pens from Aechy go beyond your usual dual-tipped pens! On one end of these pens lay down patterns to help decorate your notebook – patterns such as waves, heart-roses, flowers, dots, and dashes.
Why is it noteworthy?
Basically what you get is a stamp-like roller that you can use for your journaling, doodling, drawing, scrapbooking, or any other paper-related tasks. The dual-tip markers come in 8 different colors and five mark line types.
What we like
- Helps the artistically challenged with drawing
- 40% more ink than the brand’s regular pens
What we dislike
- You can’t choose a specific color for a specific pattern so you’ll have to make do with the options that they have
