Boxes
1980s American Vintage Boxes
Wood
Late 19th Century English Georgian Antique Boxes
Tortoise Shell, Burl
1870s French Antique Boxes
Steel, Enamel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Brass
20th Century European Victorian Boxes
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Boxes
Shagreen, Wood
19th Century Victorian Antique Boxes
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
19th Century Japanese Antique Boxes
Ivory, Paint
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Art Glass, Teak
1930s Italian Futurist Vintage Boxes
Ceramic
Late 18th Century European George III Antique Boxes
Wood
1950s French Brutalist Vintage Boxes
Wood, Olive
Mid-19th Century American Folk Art Antique Boxes
Brass
1960s Vintage Boxes
Hardwood
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Wood
1950s Chinese Hollywood Regency Vintage Boxes
Brass
Early 19th Century Antique Boxes
Wood
Early 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Boxes
Ormolu
1990s Japanese Boxes
Silk
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Wood, Glass
19th Century Japanese Antique Boxes
Ivory, Paint
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Boxes
Tin
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Cork
2010s European Boxes
Marble
2010s European Boxes
Marble
2010s European Boxes
Marble
2010s European Boxes
Marble
Early 20th Century English Boxes
Tin
2010s European Boxes
Marble
Mid-20th Century Boxes
Wood
Early 1900s German Other Antique Boxes
Silver
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Wood
2010s European Boxes
Marble
Early 2000s Irish Modern Boxes
Mahogany, Walnut
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Boxes
Wood, Mother-of-Pearl
2010s European Boxes
Marble
Mid-20th Century Boxes
Wood
2010s European Boxes
Marble
20th Century Brutalist Boxes
Brass
Early 1800s Swiss Other Antique Boxes
Gold, Enamel
2010s European Boxes
Marble
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Revival Boxes
Bronze
1920s Danish Vintage Boxes
Metal
2010s European Boxes
Marble
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Art Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Boxes
Tin
Late 18th Century European George III Antique Boxes
Wood, Yew
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Boxes
Silver
Early 19th Century Scottish William IV Antique Boxes
Sycamore
2010s European Boxes
Marble
2010s European Boxes
Marble
2010s European Boxes
Marble
2010s European Boxes
Marble
2010s European Boxes
Onyx
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Boxes
Tin
1840s Swiss Victorian Antique Boxes
Bronze, Iron, Cut Steel, Steel
2010s European Boxes
Marble
Vintage, Mid-Century and Antique Boxes
From mere trinkets to useful receptacles that serve a distinct purpose, antique boxes as decorative objects have come in many forms over the years. No matter what they’re made of or where they end up in your home, decorative boxes add both style and storage to your space.
The decorative box that is likely most common is the jewelry box. These boxes were originally known as jewel caskets and were in common use in Ancient Egypt, as most Egyptians wore some sort of jewelry. A portable jewelry box, in its original intended use, was integral to keeping your jewelry safe and secure. This accessory has transformed in size, shape and appearance over the years. Initially it was common for a jewelry box to bear intricate ornamentation. Whether they’re mid-century modern works of marble and brass or feature playful Art Deco–style geometric decor, jewelry boxes boast real staying power.
Snuff boxes began to soar in popularity during the 17th century (and were commonplace in European homes by the mid-19th century). The boxes, some hand-painted with landscape scenes, some made from gold, porcelain or stone, contained a small amount of tobacco, which users would sniff, or “snuff,” throughout the day. Some particularly ornamental snuff boxes featured enameled designs or were set with precious gems and were given as gifts or party favors, particularly at the coronation of royalty or other lavish events.
Whether you’re organizing important mail in the foyer or tucking away medications in your bathroom, antique boxes — be they metal tea caddies, sterling-silver decorative boxes or Victorian cigar boxes made of oak (even if you don’t smoke) — are a sophisticated solution to help keep the surfaces in your home clutter-free. And no matter if you’re seeking a decorative box to beautify a desktop or bestow upon a loved one, you are sure to find something you love in the collection of antique and vintage boxes on 1stDibs.