What can I do with old wooden boxes?

There are many things you can do with old wooden boxes. Depending on their size, you can use them as toy boxes, desks, coffee tables or nightstands. Line smaller ones with plastic and use them as planters or incorporate fabric lining and transform the boxes into storage baskets for small odds and ends. On 1stDibs, find a collection of wood boxes.

How do you preserve old wooden boxes?

To preserve old wooden boxes, you can apply an oil or clear coat finish. Products that may be suitable for use include linseed oil, clear lacquer and polyurethane. However, you should always read the label on products first to ensure that the finish or oil is safe to use on the type of wood. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of wooden boxes.

How can I tell how old a cigar box is?

To tell how old a cigar box is, look for the caution notice. Caution notices are required by law but before 1910, they were pasted on the cigar box. After 1910, caution notices were printed directly onto the bottom of the box. Shop a collection of antique cigar boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is an old music box called?

An old music box made from snuff boxes during the 18th century is called a carillons à musique. It is a French word meaning "chimes of music." You'll find a selection of antique music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Old Palekh Boxes

Recent Sales

Early 20th Century Paper Mache Laquered Hand Painted and Signed Russian Box

Located in Toledo, Castilla La Mancha

Exceptional lacquered and hand-painted Russian box. The painting depicts a sad young woman

Early 20th Century Russian Folk Art Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Paper Mache Laquered Hand Painted and Signed Russian Box

H 1.58 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in

Old Russian Hand-Painted Papier-Mache Lacquer Box Signed E. Nebogatova Palekh

Located in Charleston, SC

Rare and Fine old Russian hand-painted papier-mache lacquer box. Signed E. Nebogotova Palekh- USSR

Late 20th Century Russian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Lacquer

Old Russian Hand-Painted Papier-Mache Lacquer Box Signed E. Nebogatova Palekh

H 2 in W 2.38 in D 5.88 in

Vintage Black Russian Lacquered Box with Hand Painted Top

Located in North Hollywood, CA

A lovely vintage Russian style lidded, hand painted, black lacquered small wooden box with a red

Mid-20th Century Romanian Gustavian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Softwood

Vintage Black Russian Lacquered Box with Hand Painted Top

H 1 in W 6.5 in D 4 in

Decorative Objects Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Decorative Objects

20th Century Decorative Objects

Wood Decorative Objects

Asian Decorative Objects

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Finding the Right decorative-boxes for You

Antique, vintage and new decorative boxes will safely store items while adding a splash of color or texture to a corner in any room. They have had a range of purposes over the years — from trinkets to serving as useful receptacles, such as snuff boxes, jewelry boxes and more. Boxes have also been designed in a range of forms and styles.

Box making is a craft dating back thousands of years. Early boxes as decorative objects were regularly designed and decorated both inside and out, ranging from minimal looks to more flashy styles. Decorative boxes have been constructed from different materials, with wood and metal being the most common. Wood is widely available and versatile, with woodworkers able to carve complex designs or showcase its natural grain.

Some antique jewelry boxes were made with tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, ivory and even porcupine quills, such as those created by the Anishinabe in Canada and the United States. In Sri Lanka, well-crafted boxes were inlaid with porcupine quills and ivory discs between ebony bands. Chinese sewing boxes and tea boxes made of black lacquer were popular in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These often featured gold-painted designs or landscape scenes. Silk, paper and velvet frequently enhanced these boxes’ interiors.

Any style of decorative box can be a nice tabletop or desktop decor, whether to hold candy or tea in the living room or paper, pencils and other business supplies in the office. They can also act as jewelry boxes. Sewing boxes can be a lovely touch to any space while storing magazines or other trinkets.

You can find metal, wood and silver antique boxes on 1stDibs. The collection includes mid-century modern, Victorian and Art Deco styles that can add elegance to any home.

Questions About Old Palekh Boxes

What can I do with old wooden boxes?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
There are many things you can do with old wooden boxes. Depending on their size, you can use them as toy boxes, desks, coffee tables or nightstands. Line smaller ones with plastic and use them as planters or incorporate fabric lining and transform the boxes into storage baskets for small odds and ends. On 1stDibs, find a collection of wood boxes.
How do you preserve old wooden boxes?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
To preserve old wooden boxes, you can apply an oil or clear coat finish. Products that may be suitable for use include linseed oil, clear lacquer and polyurethane. However, you should always read the label on products first to ensure that the finish or oil is safe to use on the type of wood. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of wooden boxes.
How can I tell how old a cigar box is?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To tell how old a cigar box is, look for the caution notice. Caution notices are required by law but before 1910, they were pasted on the cigar box. After 1910, caution notices were printed directly onto the bottom of the box. Shop a collection of antique cigar boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is an old music box called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An old music box made from snuff boxes during the 18th century is called a carillons à musique. It is a French word meaning "chimes of music." You'll find a selection of antique music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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