Ivory Letter Opener
Antique 1880s English Victorian Letter Openers
Silver, Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
Vintage 1940s American Native American Desk Sets
Ivory
Early 20th Century American Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century English Desk Accessories
Silver
Early 20th Century English Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1930s Desk Accessories
Wood, Ivory, Glass
Early 20th Century Desk Accessories
Bronze
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18th Century Old Masters Paintings
Oil
2010s American Modern Stools
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Bouclé
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1970s American Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
Shell
Vintage 1930s German Art Nouveau Porcelain
Porcelain
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Letter Openers
Sterling Silver
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Poplar, Burl
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Bouclé, Oak
Early 20th Century European Sterling Silver
Silver
Vintage 1970s Italian Sideboards
Glass, Walnut
20th Century French Vases
Crystal
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Mid-17th Century German Renaissance Cabinets
Marble
Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Finding the Right Decorative-objects for You
Every time you move into a house or an apartment — or endeavor to refresh the home you’ve lived in for years — life for that space begins anew. The right home accent, be it the simple placement of a decorative bowl on a shelf or a ceramic vase for fresh flowers, can transform an area from drab to spectacular. But with so many materials and items to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the process. The key to styling with antique and vintage decorative objects is to work toward making a happy home that best reflects your personal style.
Ceramics are a versatile addition to any home. If you’ve amassed an assortment of functional pottery over the years, think of your mugs and salad bowls as decorative objects, ideal for displaying in a glass cabinet. Vintage ceramic serveware can pop along white open shelving in your dining area, while large stoneware pitchers paired with woven baskets or quilts in an open cupboard can introduce a rustic farmhouse-style element to your den.
Translucent decorative boxes or bowls made of an acrylic plastic called Lucite — a game changer in furniture that’s easy to clean and lasts long — are modern accents that are neutral enough to dress up a coffee table or desktop without cluttering it. If you’re showcasing pieces from the past, a vintage jewelry box for displaying your treasures can spark conversation: Where is the jewelry box from? Is there a story behind it?
Abstract sculptures or an antique vessel for your home library can draw attention to your book collection and add narrative charm to the most appropriate of corners. There’s more than one way to style your bookcases, and decorative objects add a provocative dynamic. “I love magnifying glasses,” says Alex Assouline, global vice president of luxury publisher Assouline, of adding one’s cherished objects to a home library. “They are both useful and decorative. Objects really elevate libraries and can also make them more personal.”
To help with personalizing your space and truly making it your own, find an extraordinary collection of decorative objects on 1stDibs.
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