Tortoise Carapace
Antique Late 19th Century Natural Specimens
Multi-gemstone, Gold Leaf
Recent Sales
Antique 1880s English Natural Specimens
Tortoise Shell, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Animal Sculptures
Resin
Early 20th Century Indian Boxes
20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes
Antique 19th Century English Taxidermy
Other
Mid-20th Century American Natural Specimens
Tortoise Shell, Lucite
Antique 19th Century Taxidermy
Tortoise Shell
Antique 19th Century Natural Specimens
Tortoise Shell
Antique 19th Century Unknown Decorative Objects
Tortoise Shell
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Books
Paper
Antique 19th Century Paintings
Canvas, Giltwood
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Vitrines
Bronze, Ormolu
20th Century Russian Folk Art Garniture
Silver, Enamel
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Floor Lamps
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century Chinese Center Tables
Hardwood
2010s German Modern Porcelain
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century European Belle Époque Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century English Cabinets
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary French More Desk Accessories
Rock Crystal, Gold, Gold Leaf
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Vases
Blown Glass
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century French Regency Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 1850s Italian Baroque Settees
Leather, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century European Decorative Art
Wood, Bone
Antique 1790s British Georgian Candlesticks
Brass
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.
Read More
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Kazuyo Sejima’s Flowering Tree Blooms Year-Round
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
He Wrote ‘Oedipus Rex,’ but Do You Know What He Looked Like?
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Cigar Culture Was Once the Peak of Masculinity. Now, It’s a Compelling Curiosity
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.