Desktop Beauties

Work is so much more pleasant when surrounded by beautiful objects – whether that be just the right light or a clutch of perfect pencils. To inspire you during the gift-giving season, here are some recommendations for beautifully designed and useful office tools you shouldn’t be without.

Paramount table lamp ($49.95 at CB2): Touch the base of this spare, sleek table lamp to warm work area with ambient light. Touch it again to brighten your room. (Pictured above, far right)

Muro notepaper roll dispenser ($23.75 at Lumens.com): Never have an “I can’t find a scratch pad” moment again with this stainless steel paper holder. Write what you need to, then tear off the sheet.

Letter rack and magnetic memo board ($20 at Three By Three Seattle): Wrangle paper, jot notes and stash your keys on this space-saving magnetic memo board in your choice of painted steel, stainless steel and bamboo.

Incense-cedar pencils ($2.75 a dozen at ForestChoice): You may love your laptop, but sometimes it’s necessary to sketch things out on paper. These pencils, made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified incense-cedar, feel good and leave a strong line. Buy here.

AeroPress coffee and espresso maker ($25.95 at Amazon): Other coffee machines might have more buttons (and cost more), but for elegance, simplicity and tasty joe at a reasonable price, the AeroPress by Aerobie (makers of the flying ring), can’t be beat.

Vers 2X iPod speaker system (Starting at $179.99 at Versaudio): This compact unit combines good sound with environmentally conscious manufacturing processes to provide a beautiful base for listening to your iPod without headphones. A 14-function remote lets you control the music from a distance. Auxiliary in and out jacks mean you can connect it to your desktop computer as well.

Sharpener pencil holder ($30 at SFMOMA): Recall the low-tech era with this giant pencil sharpener-shaped pot. Use to keep a smile on your face and your writing instruments and craft tools within reach.

Quote-Unquote bookends ($89 at Unica Home): These clever quotation mark-shaped bookends keep your favorite works in place while making a statement.

BackPack computer shelf for the Mac ($29.99 at Twelve South): Keep your external hard drive out of the way with this adjustable shelf from Twelve South. Two clips clamp onto the iMac or Cinema Display desk stand, gravity does the rest.