Boxes
Late 20th Century French International Style Boxes
Copper
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Boxes
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Boxes
Stone
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Silver
2010s Argentine Organic Modern Boxes
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Mid-20th Century Mexican Brutalist Boxes
Brass
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Boxes
Multi-gemstone, Silver, Brass
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Boxes
Mahogany, Satinwood
1970s Mexican Hollywood Regency Vintage Boxes
Brass
Early 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Boxes
Brass
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Boxes
Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Boxes
Walnut
20th Century Unknown Empire Boxes
Lapis Lazuli
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Cocobolo
20th Century Belle Époque Boxes
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Metal, Enamel, Copper
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Brass
1820s English Antique Boxes
Gold
1940s French Louis XV Vintage Boxes
Wood
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Boxes
Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Rustic Antique Boxes
Metal
1950s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Boxes
Bone
1970s Italian Other Vintage Boxes
Malachite, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Early 20th Century Boxes
Shell
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Leather
20th Century Philippine Boxes
Metal
20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Boxes
Alabaster
Mid-20th Century Italian Boxes
Birch, Cedar
20th Century English Neoclassical Boxes
Porcelain
19th Century British Victorian Antique Boxes
Brass
1890s French Late Victorian Antique Boxes
Malachite, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Empire Revival Boxes
Gold Leaf
1770s American American Colonial Antique Boxes
Metal
20th Century British Folk Art Boxes
Nickel
1890s British Belle Époque Antique Boxes
Wood
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Boxes
Brass
1970s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Boxes
Sterling Silver, Enamel
1940s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Ceramic
Late 19th Century European Antique Boxes
Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet, Plastic
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Boxes
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
1920s Danish Vintage Boxes
Pewter
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Boxes
Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer
1850s British Early Victorian Antique Boxes
Glass, Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Boxes
Brass
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Boxes
Bronze, Enamel
1860s French Napoleon III Antique Boxes
Bronze, Ormolu
Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Boxes
Pottery
Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Boxes
Porcelain
2010s Italian Modern Boxes
Leather
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Boxes
Bakelite, Walnut
Early 1900s Austrian Hollywood Regency Antique Boxes
Ormolu
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Bronze, Enamel
1990s Boxes
Wood
19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Boxes
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boxes
Wood
1920s British Vintage Boxes
Agate, Sterling Silver
2010s Boxes
Travertine, Marble
Early 20th Century North American Industrial Boxes
Brass
19th Century English Regency Antique Boxes
Metal
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.