Boxes
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Ceramic
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Metal
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Leather, Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Abalone
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Brass, Copper
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Ceramic
1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Marble
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Malachite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Boxes
Lacquer
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Ceramic
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Brass, Steel
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Ormolu
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Copper
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Brass, Steel
2010s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Brass
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Lucite
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Wood, Paper
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Aluminum
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.