Couroc Box
Vintage 1970s American Decorative Boxes
Brass
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century American Decorative Boxes
Resin
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Jewelry Boxes
Mid-20th Century American Boxes
Wood
Vintage 1960s American Decorative Boxes
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Bakelite
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Resin
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Bakelite
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware
Resin, Wood
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Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Paperweights
Art Glass
20th Century Philippine Decorative Boxes
Metal
Early 20th Century Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Metal
Early 20th Century French Bottles
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Planters and Jardinieres
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Unknown Soup Tureens
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-20th Century European Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Decorative Baskets
Wicker
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dining Room Tables
Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Brass
Late 20th Century Modern Bathroom Fixtures
Cane, Acrylic, Wicker
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Pillows and Throws
Leather
Late 20th Century Stools
Oak
Antique Mid-18th Century English Chinoiserie Delft and Faience
Delft
Late 20th Century Ceramics
Ceramic, Rope
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.