Boxes
1950s Italian Empire Vintage Boxes
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Mexican Boxes
Shell, Alpaca
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Onyx
Mid-20th Century French Chinoiserie Boxes
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinese Boxes
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Mid-20th Century German Moorish Boxes
Enamel, Tin
1950s Italian Grand Tour Vintage Boxes
Marble
1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Boxes
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Polish Folk Art Boxes
Wood
1960s Italian Vintage Boxes
Metal, Silver
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Leather, Canvas
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Boxes
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Boxes
Onyx, Marble, Metal
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Boxes
Iron
Mid-20th Century Boxes
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Indian Moorish Boxes
Multi-gemstone, Metal
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Pine, Paint
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Metal, Chrome
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Glass
1960s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Boxes
Brass
1950s German Art Nouveau Vintage Boxes
Wood
Mid-20th Century Polish Art Deco Boxes
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Tibetan Boxes
Coral, Multi-gemstone, Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Bronze, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Italian Boxes
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Boxes
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
1950s American Vintage Boxes
Rosewood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Wicker, Straw
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Stone, Onyx, Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Teak
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Boxes
Sterling Silver
1950s Vintage Boxes
Porcelain
1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Boxes
Pewter
1910s Hungarian Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century French Boxes
Ceramic, Wood
1940s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Ceramic
1940s Portuguese Country Vintage Boxes
Ceramic, Delft
1950s French Country Vintage Boxes
Ceramic, Faience
Mid-20th Century French Boxes
Ceramic, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Wood, Burl
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Boxes
Multi-gemstone, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Boxes
Aluminum
1930s Chinese Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Brass
1940s English Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Boxes
Paper
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Velvet, Straw, Beech
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Silver
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century Dutch Boxes
Silver
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Glass, Art Glass
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.