Boxes
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Sommerso, Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Boxes
Glass
1930s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Metal, Tin
20th Century Asian Other Boxes
Other
1970s American Vintage Boxes
Goatskin
1750s French Louis XV Antique Boxes
Gold
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Boxes
Crystal
20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Wicker
Early 20th Century English Boxes
Tortoise Shell
Mid-20th Century French Other Boxes
Boxwood, Paper
Early 20th Century British Victorian Boxes
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Art Deco Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Boxes
Alabaster
Mid-20th Century Italian Boxes
Art Glass
1780s English George III Antique Boxes
Ivory, Mahogany, Satinwood, Paper
1930s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Copper
Early 20th Century French Other Boxes
Glass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Art Glass
Early 20th Century British Boxes
Mahogany, Cedar
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Boxes
Metal, Steel, Iron
1960s British Other Vintage Boxes
Sterling Silver, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Boxes
Shagreen, Bone
1860s European Napoleon III Antique Boxes
Opaline Glass
21st Century and Contemporary French Boxes
Shagreen
21st Century and Contemporary European Boxes
Shagreen
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Boxes
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass
Late 19th Century European Napoleon III Antique Boxes
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass, Glass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Stone, Onyx, Quartz
Mid-20th Century North American Boxes
Brass
Early 20th Century North American Industrial Boxes
Steel
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Boxes
Ceramic
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.