Boxes
19th Century Austrian Black Forest Antique Boxes
Walnut, Glass
19th Century Belgian Antique Boxes
Bronze
20th Century Japanese Boxes
Wood
Early 20th Century American Boxes
Wood, Fabric
1930s American Vintage Boxes
Sterling Silver, Enamel
19th Century English Antique Boxes
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Boxes
Metal
19th Century British Antique Boxes
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Moorish Boxes
Alabaster
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Boxes
Brass, Steel
1920s Vintage Boxes
Brass, Copper
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Metal
Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Boxes
Silver
20th Century Spanish Modern Boxes
Zinc
20th Century American Art Deco Boxes
Sterling Silver
Early 1900s English Other Antique Boxes
Mother-of-Pearl
Late 18th Century Ukrainian Antique Boxes
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boxes
Wood
18th Century Scottish George II Antique Boxes
Bone, Horn, Precious Stone
19th Century Danish Empire Antique Boxes
Metal
20th Century Boxes
Vintage, Mid-Century and Antique Boxes
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.