Odd pen holder has a unique way to showcase your favorite writing tool

The key design elements for a pen holder or pen pot are pretty simple. It just needs to be tall enough to support writing instruments of different heights without them tipping over and would have enough room for at least a handful of pens, pencils, markers, and the like. Beyond that, the designer is free to interpret the shape of the container, and some even have dividers to segregate the different tools. But while pen holders are a convenient way to keep your pens together, they don’t really make it easy to pick out your favorite one from among the bundle. Some people would use a separate stand just for that single pen, which takes up unnecessary space on your desk. This concept design has a rather curious answer to the problem, one that pretty much leaves a conspicuous hole in the middle of the pill-shaped pot.

Designer: Liam de la Bedoyere

Usually, having a hole in the middle of a container is considered to be a defect, one that not only weakens the structure of the shape but also mars its visual integrity. After, something that cuts through an otherwise clean and whole form is sure to bother one’s aesthetic sense. In this case, however, that hole is not only intentional but also functional, setting the Void Pen Pot apart from your run-of-the-mill pen holders.

The hole that runs through the body of the pill-shaped container actually provides a convenient resting place for your most-used pen or pencil. Instead of wasting time and effort looking for that pen among half a dozen similar-looking rods, you can simply pull it out from its hole and start using it immediately. And when you’re done, you can just shove it back in to wait for the next time you need it.

Since that hole practically bisects the container, it also acts as a built-in divider that lets you group your pens into two. That said, this also means you’re not able to maximize the entire space of the container for your pens, specifically the area above and below the “tunnel” made by this hole.

The concept comes in two flavors, four if you consider the pen holder can be pill-shaped or a conventional can. One design employs a polished chrome body, while the other tries to adopt Japanese minimalist brand MUJI’s signature frosted polypropylene, both with cork bottoms. While the function of having an odd yet special place for your favorite pen is definitely useful, it still raises the question of whether such a quirky design will be appealing or off-putting instead, with a pen sticking out from an otherwise blemish-free surface.

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This ultra-minimalist pen stand makes your writing partner the center of attention

We all have our favorite writing instruments, be it an heirloom fountain pen or even a number 2 pencil. You’ll probably just stuff the latter in drawers or leave them strewn on your desk, but the pen that has been with you for years is something you’ll probably want to show off while keeping it within easy reach. Pen stands exist for that exact purpose, but some of them try to compete with the pen for attention. They have extravagant and luxurious designs that defeat the intention of putting your favorite pen on a pedestal. That’s the trap that this tiny pen stand tries to avoid by practically removing all non-essential features that prevent you from showing off your trusty writing partner.

Designer: Kairi Eguchi

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What stand could be simpler than an upright cylinder with a whole in the middle that’s just enough to fit a single pen? After all, a pen stand’s purpose is to hold the writing tool for easy access while showing it off when not in use. Anything else is just excess and waste that burdens the product both visually and functionally. That’s the kind of minimalist design that this small and simple stand embraces, but that doesn’t mean it’s a plain and boring desk accessory. In fact, it is ironically one of the most beautiful pen stands around, especially if you favor minimalist designs.

Your eyes will be immediately drawn to the stand’s diminutive size. At only 52.5mm (around 2 inches) tall, it has just enough space to hold a small portion of the pen, leaving the majority of the barrel unobstructed and free for everyone to behold. Despite its small size, however, the stand is able to, well, stand without tipping over due to the weight of the pen. In fact, the stand itself tilts a little bit to one side, an intentional design that makes it easier to pull out the pen quickly when you need to jot something down.

The trick to the Centroid Stand’s unbelievable feat is in its construction, which also accounts for its two-tone color finish. The top half of the stand is made from polished aluminum which gives it a stylish luster, while the lower half is made from heavier copper that shifts the center of gravity lower, making it more stable regardless of its tilt or the weight of the pen that it holds. These two dissimilar materials, joined together using a friction welding process, give the stand a rather distinct flavor, one that is both playful and elegant at the same time. Copper also develops a unique patina over time, adding to the stand’s character as it grows old with you.

Showcase your Everlasting All-Metal Pencil with the ultimate stand.

Beautiful in its simplicity and ingenious in its functionality, this ultra-minimalist pen stand offers a perfect view of the writing instrument that it holds. Due to its minimalist design, it is the perfect complement to equally minimalist pen designs, such as the Everlasting All-Metal Pencil that will last as long as this unconventional stand. It is a glowing example of how simple designs, when done right, can exude a kind of beauty that gently draws your eyes without distracting from the attention that your favorite pen or pencil rightfully deserves.

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.95.

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This eerie desk pen holder makes it look like aliens are coming after your pens

Most of us have a favorite writing instrument, be it a specific brand and grade of pencil or, more likely, a specific kind of pen. More avid writers also favor a particular pen design, often of the more luxurious bent, that they put on display on their desks when not in use. Such pen stands and holders are designed to put the focus on the pen itself, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be attention-grabbing themselves. This pen holder design, for example, is truly out of this world, literally and figuratively, as it suspends your favorite writing instrument in mid-air as if caught in a tug-of-war between the Earth’s gravity and an alien spaceship’s tractor beam.

Designer: Hesham El-sheikh

We might have different reasons for putting a pen on a pedestal, whether it’s for ease of reach or simply for display. Most of those simply involves a piece of metal or wood that holds the pen upright, sometimes at an angle. It’s a convenient and efficient way to show off a pen and only the pen, but it’s also a rather boring one, especially compared to this.

The UFO Desk Pen Holder leaves no room for guessing what it does but leaves the “how” a complete mystery. The pen still stands upright, which makes it easy to grab it when you need it. Given how it’s levitating in the air, you can definitely grab it easily, though your brain might have second thoughts lest you risk losing parts of your hand to some molecular transportation device. It’s all a trick of the mind, of course, being that there is no real alien technology at work, or so we presume.

The top of the pen holder is your stereotypical alien spaceship in the shape of a flying saucer. Why extraterrestrials would choose such a design is anyone’s guess, but it is a familiar form and a practical one for this purpose. You could put the USS Enterprise or a Star Destroyer, too, but its irregular shape would break the illusion and remove a bit of the eerie atmosphere surrounding this design.

The saucer also serves as a desk lamp of some sort, its light providing both illumination as well as the suggestion of some retro sci-fi tractor beam. The pen hangs directly below it, of course, though it’s not clear whether it’s coming from or going toward the UFO. How it’s floating without any evident support is even more mysterious. Ironically, the UFO itself is supported by a pillar rather than hovering in the air as well.

It’s definitely possible to pull this off using some transparent support since it would be impossible to keep a pen float using only magnets, at least not with design. We do have “hoverpens” that meet that requirement, though those don’t have the same “retro punk” appeal as a UFO that’s trying to steal your favorite pen away.

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POD portable table lamp concept saves space by holding your pens inside

We don’t have infinite space on top of our desks, no matter how much we wish we did. More often than not, we have to choose and compromise on what we put on top to fit everything that we need or want. That’s why modular or multi-functional desk accessories have become more fashionable and in demand recently, to help reduce those compromises that we have to make. Not everything go well together, of course, so it’s not always possible to mix two things together. It can be sometimes ingenious, however, when products turn out to be more than meets the eyes, like this cylindrical device that functions not just as an attractive table lamp but also as a container for pens, pencils, and other writing instruments.

Designer: Rahul G M

At first glance, one might mistake the POD lamp for a smart speaker, albeit one with a wooden main body and a translucent top. It would have been a safe assumption to make, given how many smart speakers have hopped on the design trend started by the Amazon Echo. The inspiration for POD, however, is a little bit more mundane, designed after the tiffin-style lunch boxes prevalent in India and other Southeast Asian countries. And just like those food containers, it hides its treats inside.

The two different materials of the lamp also correspond to its two main parts. The wooden part serves as the base and container, hiding the battery that powers the lamp on top. This battery also serves as a weight so that the POD doesn’t wobble or tip over, even if there’s nothing inside. The battery can be charged through wired and wireless methods, allowing it to be carried and placed in whatever location on the desk is more convenient.

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The lamp part is connected to the base using steel arms that slide the top up and allow the lamp to be set at different angles. This can be useful when trying to shed some light on a specific part of the desk, though it won’t be as effective as a directed spotlight. The material also diffuses the light into a softer glow, which might not be bright enough for some people.

Lifting that lamp also reveals the empty space inside with enough room to hold a dozen or so writing instruments, from pencils to pens to other long tools. While this design is arguably useful for any kind of person, it is even more beneficial for artists, designers, and writers. This way, you can have a convenient place to store your tools while also having a lamp that could illuminate what you’re working on.

The POD lamp’s design isn’t exactly striking, but its appeal comes from the simplicity that belies its hidden functionality. The smart and efficient use of space allows it to combine two things that are almost unrelated but are essential on any worktable. It’s not going to fit everyone’s needs, particularly those who need a brighter lamp or those who have dozens of pens, but it’s bound to serve most people well, especially those who have limited space on their desks.

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This minimal wooden pen holder is the perfect throne for your most important everyday tool

It’s also a beautiful addition to any desk or shelf, proudly displaying the sharpest tool in your thinking drawer.

Ideas don’t come out of thin air, though many presume that inspiration works that way. Most of the time, however, you just need to pick up the pen and let the ink flow, forcing the thoughts to come out until the ideas start to take shape. 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.

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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.

Instead of an ordinary hole or even an aluminum holder, the Wooden Pen Holder has a gently curving depression that can accommodate any pen with a standard size. The opening slopes around the pen, almost like the wood melted around it. When you pick the pen up, you almost believe that the ink will also follow it up from an invisible well of ideas. And when you put the pen back down, your writing tool rests so peacefully in its cradle, as calm as your mind after you have put your thoughts on paper.

Of course, the wooden pen holder is also the perfect desk ornament, whether by itself or together with a pen that you may only have for display. Although it fits perfectly with equally minimalist arrangements, you can never really go wrong with dark wood polished to a smooth sheen. Put it on top of walnut wood, white acrylic, or black metal, and it will still look handsome and eye-catching, even if it tries its best to be nondescript and inconspicuous.

Pair it with the Gravity Pen for an enhanced comfort writing experience.

In an age where we more often reach for our smartphones, the pen and the act of writing still work wonders on our brains and our creativity. And as every sword needs a proper sheath, every pen also needs a proper pen holder, preferably one that can speak volumes by just sitting still. And with a wooden block that exudes calm and stability, you get the perfect complement and contrast to the mighty pen that lets your ideas flow with its ink.

Click Here to Buy Now: $38 $45 (15% off). Hurry, for a limited time only!

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This miniature V8 Engine Block Pen Holder is the ultimate tabletop accessory for every car enthusiast

With details so intricate you’d think it was actually pulled out of a car, Grant Takara’s machined aluminum V8 engine block pen holder makes for a great tabletop conversation starter if you’re a true-blue gearhead!

The all-metal engine block comes with 8 cylinders that are machined to be wide enough to hold 8 pens or pencils, and each cylinder is additionally outfitted with a rubber O-ring for a nice snug fit that holds your writing instrument without scratching or damaging it. Moreover, the relatively well-weighted machined aluminum block even doubles up as a rather cool paperweight, complete with rubber feet so your engine block doesn’t end up denting or ripping your important papers. Is it way too aesthetic-heavy to count as a functional product? Probably… Is it still an incredibly cool device that a car lover would almost certainly consider owning just for the novelty value? Overwhelmingly!

Designer: Grant Takara

The miniature V8 Engine Block Pen Holder models itself loosely on the LS3, a small block engine manufactured by General Motors and often found in Chevrolet’s cars (it was introduced in 2008 in the base-model Corvette). The entire scaled-down replica measures 3.7 inches in length, 3.1 inches width-wise, and 2.3 inches in height, and comes complete with machined details including bolt holes for the cylinders, the bores for the fuel intake/exhaust, bores for cam rods, and the cavity for the crankshaft.

Designed by a fellow car enthusiast by the name of Grant Takara, the V8 Engine Block Pen Holder was fabricated in his own design workshop on his 5-axis Hurco VM10Ui CNC Machine. The entire V8 block is made from a single aluminum billet and comes with 3 different O-ring sizes that accommodate anywhere from a regular pen to a sketch pen and even a thick marker. Obviously, the design itself is open to modularity and Grant can easily build a V6 or V12 if he chooses. I wouldn’t mind a sharpener built into the crankshaft hole, personally!

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Pen holder concept adds some minimalist flair to your work area

For a person that owns a lot of pens (and I do mean a lot), I’m always on the lookout for pen holders that can not just keep my pens but also make my work area prettier. If the accessory helps organize my numerous pens as well, then that’s an added bonus. This new one that we spotted seems to fit all of the categories that I’ve been looking for.

This “una scatola” or box looks like a boxful of pencils that are placed downwards. But really, it’s designed as a pencil or pen holder for those that don’t want their pens or other office accessories just put together in an ordinary cup-like or box-like holder. It seems to be designed to keep your pens, pencils, colored pens, highlighters, even scissors, cutters, and other things you want to place upright, evenly spaced apart. This product is an organized person’s dream.

Designers: Nuri Badur, Fabio Verdelli

If you look at it from afar, it seems to be an ordinary square-shaped pencil holder. The top view reveals that it’s actually like a “forest” of upside down pencils where you can place actual pencils in between them so it becomes a pen holder. There’s also a bigger space in the middle so you can use it for items that are bigger than pens, like a highlighter, a pair of scissors, or even a small stapler. The idea behind the design, aside from it looking cool, is for those that want their accessories a bit apart from each other or placed in evenly spaced compartments.

Even if the design is different from the other penholders that we see in the market, it still maintains a minimalist look for those that prefer monochromatic desk accessories. The “box” itself is just white while the “stands” inside have a gradient feel with orange, brown, and white colors. If you still want a bit of color on your desk, it will be up to the pens and accessories that you place on the holder to add some different colors and designs.

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These office desk accessories are all designed to be a mini factory of productivity!

In an imaginary world, I would love if there was a factory of productivity so that we never had those Monday blues or the pressure to finish everything by Friday. Well, that dream is not coming true but perhaps what can boost productivity just as equally is this cute, minimal, tiny Factory Object set which includes everything you need for the perfect office day!

It’s a series of products inspired by the commonality between factories that constantly produce things and employees who do productive work at the desk (as I write, I realize I am very much that employee right now – very meta!). It consists of a humidifier, diffuser, pen holder, charging tray, USB, and a USB splitter.

The humidifier mimics the smoke-emitting factory chimneys. It has a 4-6-8-hour reservation function and a knob to control it. “It also provides more smoke with two cylinders and filters,” elaborated Park. Another set of objects inspired by the smoke pipes in factories are the wireless charger and pens. Two pens rest in a magnet holder attached to a tray that can be used to organize desk supplies. The tray also supports wireless charging! Moving on we have the powerplant-inspired diffuser which is a perfect mini replica of the real structure down to its shape. You can simply turn it off and turn it on with the front button, and enjoy aromatherapy (very much needed anytime you open your inbox) with capsule-type electronic diffusers.

Now to my personal favorite object – the USB trucks and the warehouse USB splitter! “The USB hub is inspired by the commonality of transporting something. It lights up when a USB is detected and supports four ports as well as SD cards,” explains Park. The USB drives are shaped like mini trucks and come with 16GB and 32GB storage capacity. The Factory Object desk set is playful yet sleek and makes being productive a whole lot easier – almost as if it was manufacturing it!

Designer: Jaehong Park

Lightbulb-shaped binder clip also holds your pen for jotting down your next million dollar idea!

Clipbulb Binder Clip with Pen Holder by Peleg Design

By perfectly translating a visual metaphor into a product idea, the Clipbulb binder clip lets you capture your ‘lightbulb’ moments on paper!

The Clipbulb by the fine folks at Peleg Design is an incandescent-bulb-shaped binder clip that you can attach to a notepad or your bunch of post-it notes. Its design, aside from looking like a quirky lightbulb, has a dedicated spot to slide in a pen or pencil, allowing you to carry a writing instrument with your paper!

Designer: Studio Scratch for Peleg Design

Clipbulb Binder Clip with Pen Holder by Peleg Design

The binder-clip and pen-holder combination is a match made in heaven. You can turn a loose bunch of papers into your instant idea-jotting pad, or share documents with colleagues, fellow employees that they need to read/annotate/sign too. Talk about a literal ‘eureka’ moment!

Clipbulb Binder Clip with Pen Holder by Peleg Design

Clipbulb Binder Clip with Pen Holder by Peleg Design

Clipbulb Binder Clip with Pen Holder by Peleg Design

View other designs from Peleg Design by clicking here!

Stationery Crustaceans: You’ve Got Crabs

Every desktop could use a little help to keep organized. You could go with a traditional pencil caddy or you could go ahead and get yourself a case of crabs. Stationery Crustaceans are little plastic crabs that are designed to hold small objects in their mighty pincers.

Designed by Japanese artist Ahnitol, the crabs are available over on Etsy’s CrabCakes Crafts for $8.99 each, or $29.49 for a set of four. These pint-sized crabs can hold pens, pencils, business cards,  or even knives in their claws. They measure about 2″ x 1″ and come in red, blue, green, or purple.

If you’ve ever watched The Deadliest Catch, you know that’s way too small. They’re obviously females or juveniles and they’re throwing them back. Actually, I’d like an Alaskan King crab version that I could use to hold my 75″ TV set with. Sadly, I just remembered I have a shellfish allergy and I probably shouldn’t even be looking at these pictures.