Straw Inlay Box
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 19th Century Italian Decorative Boxes
Straw
Antique 19th Century Italian Decorative Boxes
Straw
Antique Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Decorative Boxes
Straw
21st Century and Contemporary European Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Lapis Lazuli, Metal, Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century British Tea Sets
Mahogany, Satinwood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Brass
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1980s Side Tables
Wood
2010s American Modern More Desk Accessories
Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel
2010s French Art Deco Side Tables
Straw, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Decorative Boxes
Bone, Wood, Lacquer
20th Century Indian Anglo Raj Decorative Boxes
Bone
Vintage 1960s French Neoclassical Pedestals
Brass
2010s Canadian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Hardwood, Ash
Antique 1820s George IV Tea Caddies
Amboyna
2010s Canadian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Ash
2010s American Post-Modern Decorative Boxes
Paint, Paper
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Brass
Antique 19th Century Japanese Architectural Models
Straw, Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Decorative Boxes
Brass
2010s French Art Deco Table Lamps
Straw
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brass
Recent Sales
Antique Early 19th Century French Napoleon III Jewelry Boxes
Straw, Mirror, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century French Napoleon III Jewelry Boxes
Mirror, Wood, Straw
Antique Late 18th Century French French Provincial Decorative Boxes
Straw
Antique Early 19th Century French Napoleon III Jewelry Boxes
Straw, Mirror, 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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