Burr Elm Box
Antique 1830s English Regency Decorative Boxes
Burl
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish William IV Tea Caddies
Elm
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies
Elm
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Tea Caddies
Elm, Cut Glass
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Antique 17th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer
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Antique 19th Century English William IV Torchères
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Late 20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Jewelry Boxes
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Antique 1780s English Georgian Tea Caddies
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Antique Late 18th Century English George III Tea Caddies
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Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Tea Caddies
Silver Plate
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Oak, Burl
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Tea Caddies
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Antique Late 18th Century English Chippendale Tea Caddies
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Antique Early 19th Century British Boxes
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Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Pedestals
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Antique 1820s Regency Desk Sets
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Sterling Silver
Antique 1880s Italian Baroque Jewelry Boxes
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Antique 18th Century British George III Tea Caddies
Satinwood
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks
Vintage 1950s Unknown Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Cedar
Antique 1780s English Tea Caddies
Antique 1880s English Victorian Wardrobes and Armoires
Elm
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Game Tables
Other
Early 20th Century French Wardrobes and Armoires
Antique Mid-19th Century English Jewelry Boxes
Ebony, Oak, Burl
Antique 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies
Elm
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies
Elm
21st Century and Contemporary English Decorative Boxes
Elm
Vintage 1950s Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Wood
20th Century French Boxes
Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century French Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century French Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Jewelry Boxes
Brass
Antique Mid-18th Century British George II Tea Caddies
Elm, Mahogany
Antique Late 18th Century English Tea Caddies
Wood
Finding the Right boxes for You
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.
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