Fred Marilyn Buss
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Maple, Walnut
20th Century American Organic Modern Decorative Boxes
Wood, Burl
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Hardwood
Recent Sales
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Maple, Walnut, Burl
Late 20th Century American Decorative Boxes
Maple, Walnut, Zebra Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Maple, Walnut
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Walnut
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Walnut
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Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pillows and Throws
Linen
2010s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Rattan, Glass
Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Wool, Teak
2010s American Modern Stools
Oak
Early 2000s Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Rattan, Glass
20th Century American Pitchers
Glass
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Steel
Early 20th Century American Trunks and Luggage
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century French Decorative Boxes
Opaline Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Bookends
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Vases
Metal
Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Brass, Bronze
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Art Glass
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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