Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Style: Mid-Century Modern

Wooden Box, France, 1970s

$529

Wooden Box, France, 1970s

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Decorative carved wooden box, France, 1970s. An elegant wooden box crafted in a traditional style with a striking faceted geometric design. Its domed lid is topped with a conical ha...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Maison Longchamp Stitched Cognac Leather Box, France circa 1940

$650

Maison Longchamp Stitched Cognac Leather Box, France circa 1940

By Longchamp, Maison Longchamp

Located in Atlanta, GA

Maison Longchamp, Paris, designed this stunning modernist leather lidded box. The piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1940. The natural light-cognac fine-grain leather has a t...

Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Italian Green Onyx Marble & Brass Jewelry Box, 1960s

$260

Mid-Century Italian Green Onyx Marble & Brass Jewelry Box, 1960s

Located in Toronto, CA

A beautifully handcrafted mid-century Italian jewelry box carved from richly banded green onyx and accented with elegant brass trim and decorative brass feet. Dating to the 1960s, th...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Onyx

Italian 1960s Fish Mosaic Trinket Box in Ceramic and brass

$1,000

Italian 1960s Fish Mosaic Trinket Box in Ceramic and brass

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Mid-Century Modern brass box with vibrant fish mosaic ceramic tiles top, Italy 1960s. This stunning vintage rectangular box is crafted from brass with a striking hand-crafted tile to...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Abalone shell & alpaca silver turtle box, Mexico, 1970's

$800

Abalone shell & alpaca silver turtle box, Mexico, 1970's

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Superb turtle-shaped jewelry box designed and produced in Mexico during the 1970's. This artisanal set with abalone mother-of-pearl and alpaca, is a true work of art. More than a box...

Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970

$529

Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Rectangular wooden box, France, 1970s, characterized by a richly veined veneer, likely burl, offering a particularly expressive natural design. Its surface displays a warm palette of...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Yellow-green onyx box, France, 1970

$529

Yellow-green onyx box, France, 1970

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Rectangular box in yellow-green onyx, made in France around 1970. This piece showcases the natural beauty of the stone, with its translucent hues ranging from pale green to honey, tr...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Onyx

Astonishing Onyx Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, Made in Italy, 1960s

$380

Astonishing Onyx Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, Made in Italy, 1960s

Located in Milano, IT

1960s Astonishing box in onyx. Made in Italy. This box is amazing and in excellent condition. Dimension: 5,31 x 3,93 x 1,93 H inches 13,5 x 10 x 5 H cm

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Onyx

1960s Mid-Century Modern Onyx Jewelry Box, Made in Italy, Excellent

$380

1960s Mid-Century Modern Onyx Jewelry Box, Made in Italy, Excellent

Located in Milano, IT

1960s Astonishing box in onyx. Made in Italy. This box is amazing and in excellent condition. Dimension: 5,51 x 3,93 x 1,57 H inches 14 x 10 x 4 H cm

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Onyx

Bitossi for Raymor (Attributed) Italian Ceramic Lidded Box with Fused Glass Lid

$850

Bitossi for Raymor (Attributed) Italian Ceramic Lidded Box with Fused Glass Lid

By Raymor, Bitossi

Located in Minneapolis, MN

Here is a striking mid-century Italian ceramic lidded box dating to the 1950s, distinguished by its richly textured fused glass mosaic lid in a vibrant palette of golden yellow, turq...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Mid Century Night Sky Lapis Lazuli & Pink Marble Jewelry Box, c. 1960

$2,303

Italian Mid Century Night Sky Lapis Lazuli & Pink Marble Jewelry Box, c. 1960

Located in London, GB

A magnificent, superior quality mid century decorative jewelry box made of lapis lazuli and pink marble, hand crafted in Italy c. 1960. The quality, depth of colour and rich pattern...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble

Mid-Century Decorative Box in Rosewood and Walnut, Ralph Lauren Style

$150

Mid-Century Decorative Box in Rosewood and Walnut, Ralph Lauren Style

By Ralph Lauren

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful mixed wood decorative box. This piece created in rosewood, walnut and oak presents itself as a unique gift or personal item that is special for keepsakes or other uses such...

Category

1970s Argentine Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Oak, Rosewood, Walnut

Midcentury Box Wood and Glass Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Style, Italy 1950s

$1,059

Midcentury Box Wood and Glass Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Style, Italy 1950s

By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa

Located in Rome, IT

Midcentury beautiful rectangular decorative box in wood and beveled glass attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Made in Italy in the 1950s. Perfect desk object or gift idea.

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Glass, Wood

Hermes, Paris - Sterling Silver Pill Box With 1873 Coin Inset

$1,787

Hermes, Paris - Sterling Silver Pill Box With 1873 Coin Inset

By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès

Located in Bath, GB

From the iconic French luxury retailer, this solid / sterling silver box was made by Hermes of Paris, fully signed on the side of the box together with the Minerva head mark (silver)...

Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

FORNASETTI Malachite Box

$1,800

FORNASETTI Malachite Box

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage decorative rectangular lacquered walnut wood box with motif golden guns on green malachite / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Original mark at the fel...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Fornasetti Enamel Metal Butterflies Box

$1,800

Fornasetti Enamel Metal Butterflies Box

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage decorative matches box with enamel metal portraying a butterflies on red background, and mahogany wood insert / made by Fornasetti in Milan Italy in the 1960s Length: 8 inche...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Italian Hand-Carved Alabaster Jewelry Box with Brass Mounts, Green Veined Stone

$550

Italian Hand-Carved Alabaster Jewelry Box with Brass Mounts, Green Veined Stone

Located in Miami, FL

Italian Hand-Carved Alabaster Jewelry Box with Brass Mounts, Green Veined Stone A finely crafted Italian alabaster trinket or jewelry box, showcasing the natural beauty of richly ve...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

FORNASETTI City of Cards Playing Cards Box

$1,200

FORNASETTI City of Cards Playing Cards Box

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage poker playing cards box in walnut wood and "City of Cards" enameled metal case cover, it holds two packs of cards / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s L...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Dior Midcentury Brass, Lucite and Vienna Straw Decorative Oval Box, Italy 1970

$376 / item

Dior Midcentury Brass, Lucite and Vienna Straw Decorative Oval Box, Italy 1970

By Christian Dior

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning Mid-Century decorative jewelry box made from a beautiful combination of lucite enriched with Vienna straw, brass, and tortoiseshell-effect lucite. This incredibly stylish pi...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Italian Tiger Eye Semi-Precious Stone Jewelry Trinket Box

$950

Italian Tiger Eye Semi-Precious Stone Jewelry Trinket Box

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Classic Rectangular Tiger Eye Box featuring a black stone interior. Both form and function best describe this piece. We see this decorative box holding f...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Multi-gemstone

Mithe Espelt Ceramic and Fused Glass Jewelry Box France c 1968

$1,920Sale Price|20% Off

Mithe Espelt Ceramic and Fused Glass Jewelry Box France c 1968

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Chicago, IL

Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s Ceramic enamels in shades of green gold with fused glass with iconic blackened wood box. Literature: Mithé Espelt, le luxe discret...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Wood Lined Dresser or Table Box

$2,400

Mid-Century Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Wood Lined Dresser or Table Box

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine signed silver box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a later, wood-lined interior. Marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: Mid-20th Cent...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

William Spratling Domino Set, Taxco, Mexico, Circa 1950

$2,300 / set

William Spratling Domino Set, Taxco, Mexico, Circa 1950

By William Spratling

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

An exceptional and highly collectible domino set designed by William Spratling, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Mexican silver design. Crafted in Taxco, Guerrero,...

Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca Mexico, 1970's

$800

Abalone shell vanity box, Alpaca Mexico, 1970's

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Superb jewelry box designed and produced in Mexico during the 1970's. This artisanal set with abalone mother-of-pearl and alpaca, is a true work of art. A beautiful item to display i...

Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Shell, Abalone, Alpaca

Music Play Box, Around 1960s, Made in Switzerland

$282

Music Play Box, Around 1960s, Made in Switzerland

Located in Wien, Au

Music play box, around 1960s, made in Switzerland. Wood inlays. Plays " Love story " Music Hight when open: 19cm.

Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

20th Century Handmade Silver Vase by Asian Artisans, Vintage

$220

20th Century Handmade Silver Vase by Asian Artisans, Vintage

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Gorgeous vintage handmade silver Vase. Sorry we don't know anything about it, but its beautiful. It is marked with a sign of the silversmith. I am unsure of the age of this object an...

Category

20th Century Central Asian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Mid-Century Modern Wood and Enamel Box by J. Capo Esmaltes, Spain, 1960

$1,000

Mid-Century Modern Wood and Enamel Box by J. Capo Esmaltes, Spain, 1960

By Capo Esmaltes

Located in Atlanta, GA

Designed by the esteemed J. Capo Esmaltes and crafted in Spain circa 1960, this exquisite Mid-Century Modern lidded box is a true fusion of artistry and craftsmanship. Its refined re...

Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Copper, Enamel

Italian Florentine Rectangular Gold Embossed Leather Box with Lock and Key

$370

Italian Florentine Rectangular Gold Embossed Leather Box with Lock and Key

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

We are always on the hunt for these vintage Florentine boxes and rarely we come across one with a lock and a key. This Italian rectangular box, lined in yellow velvet, is prefect to ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather, Velvet

Wood Handcarved Decorative Box, Mid-Century Modern, France, After Noll

$1,270

Wood Handcarved Decorative Box, Mid-Century Modern, France, After Noll

By Alexandre Noll

Located in Barcelona, ES

Wood handcarved box after Alexandre Noll Signed Tony to the underside. Late 20th century. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a be...

Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Mexican Modernist "Metales Casados" Box by Los Castillos

$700

Mexican Modernist "Metales Casados" Box by Los Castillos

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Period Style: Mexican Modern Materials: Silver, Copper, Brass Plated, Wood Liner Designer: Humberto Castillo Manufacturer: Los Castillos

Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Sculptural Brass Decorative Jewelry Box Brutalist Mid Century Modern

$435

Sculptural Brass Decorative Jewelry Box Brutalist Mid Century Modern

By Line Vautrin

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

A heavy beautiful modernist round brass box

Category

1950s Korean Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

1950s Brazilian Bronze Souvenir Box with Inlaid Historic Coins by Alberti

$595

1950s Brazilian Bronze Souvenir Box with Inlaid Historic Coins by Alberti

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Bronze Souvenir Box with Inlaid Historic Coins by Alberti, Brazil, circa 1950s Dimensions: 2.5" Diameter x 1.25" H A finely crafted mid-century bronze so...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Large Green Majolica Money Bank Squirrel Circa 1950

$400

Large Green Majolica Money Bank Squirrel Circa 1950

Located in Austin, TX

Large green Majolica Money Bank Squirrel Circa 1950.

Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Florentine Square Green and Gilt Wood Trinket Box

$140

Italian Florentine Square Green and Gilt Wood Trinket Box

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Charming small Italian Mid-Century Florentine hand crafted box. This gilt-wood box can be used to store your favorite pieces of jewelry as well a stand alone piece on a coffee table ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Tiger Eye Lidded Semi Precious Stone Box

$1,450

Tiger Eye Lidded Semi Precious Stone Box

Located in New York, NY

Tiger eye lidded semi precious stone box. Gold, brown and yellow richly changing colour hardstone box with gold-wash silver hinge attributed ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Silver

1970s Mid-Century Modern fake Tortoiseshell Lucite Italian Jewelry Box

$341

1970s Mid-Century Modern fake Tortoiseshell Lucite Italian Jewelry Box

By Guzzini

Located in Aci Castello, IT

This 1970s Mid-Century Modern Italian jewelry box is a beautiful example of the era's design sensibilities, combining elegance, functionality, and high-quality craftsmanship. Here's ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Lucite

Hand Crafted Burl Walnut Wood Box, 1970's

$200Sale Price|20% Off

Hand Crafted Burl Walnut Wood Box, 1970's

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Hand Crafted Burl Walnut Wood Box, 1970's

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Italian Florentine Mid-Century Red Leather Jewelry Holder Trinket Box

$195

Italian Florentine Mid-Century Red Leather Jewelry Holder Trinket Box

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Charming Mid-Century Italian hand crafted box in leather featuring a gold embossed lid. The box can be used for jewelry as well as small trinkets and treasures. Stamped Made in Ital...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather

FORNASETTI Butterfly Box

$1,800

FORNASETTI Butterfly Box

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage decorative rectangular lacquered walnut wood box with butterfly motif / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Original mark at the felt base Length: 12 inc...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Green Onyx Jewelry Box with Gilded Lion Feet

$447

Mid-Century Modern Green Onyx Jewelry Box with Gilded Lion Feet

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

A handmade trinket or jewelry box, crafted with utmost care from exquisite onyx. Details in guilded metal such as the lion feet. This versatile box will work for your treasures, whil...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Onyx

Large wooden box, France, 1970

$529

Large wooden box, France, 1970

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Large wooden box, France, 1970s, crafted from burl veneer with particularly rich and decorative patterns. Its surface displays a magnificent, intricate grain with amber and gold hues...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

“Cannabis” or “The World of Plants” by Line Vautrin, gilded bronze box, France

$18,592

“Cannabis” or “The World of Plants” by Line Vautrin, gilded bronze box, France

By Line Vautrin

Located in Uccle, BE

“Cannabis” or “The World of Plants” by Line Vautrin, gilded bronze box. “Finely chiseled gilt bronze box, the lid depicting a central plant whose leaves, veins, and roots radiate sym...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Dior Midcentury Gilt Brass and Chrome Decorative Jewelry Box, Italy 1970s

$529

Dior Midcentury Gilt Brass and Chrome Decorative Jewelry Box, Italy 1970s

By Christian Dior

Located in Roma, IT

Description Spectacular Mid-Century decorative box in a striking combination of gilt brass and chromed metal. This incredibly elegant jewelry box was produced in Italy during the 19...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Large Mid-Century Modern Oak Sewing Box on Wheels, Netherlands, 1950s

$588

Large Mid-Century Modern Oak Sewing Box on Wheels, Netherlands, 1950s

Located in Den Haag, NL

Large Solid Oak wood sewing box ,on wheels . opened with two hinged doors on the top, while the accordion style (with layered shelves that used external hinges to store more stuff in...

Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Oak

Lucite & Rattan vanity Box, Christian Dior Style, Circa 1970's

$1,011

Lucite & Rattan vanity Box, Christian Dior Style, Circa 1970's

By Christian Dior

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Exquisite 1970s Italian lucite and rattan jewelry box, attributed to Gabriella Crespi for Dior Home. This elegant piece combines timeless craftsmanship sophisticated design, adding a...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Rattan, Lucite

Mid-Century Modernist Crystal Les Enfants Lidded Powder Box signed Lalique

$875

Mid-Century Modernist Crystal Les Enfants Lidded Powder Box signed Lalique

By Lalique

Located in New York, NY

The Mid-Century Modernist Crystal "Les Enfants" Lidded Powder Box, signed Lalique, France, circa 1960, is a charming and intricately designed piece that highlights the artistry and s...

Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal

Swedish Black Lacquer Relief Box with Secret Drawer

$850

Swedish Black Lacquer Relief Box with Secret Drawer

Located in Pasadena, CA

A sculptural black lacquer storage object with deeply carved geometric relief, giving the piece a strong architectural presence. The faceted surf...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Pine, Lacquer

Decorative Italian Lapis Lazuli Brass Hinged Box

$360

Decorative Italian Lapis Lazuli Brass Hinged Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very beautiful vibrant blue Lapis Lazuli box**, embellished with a brass hinged closure. Striking in color and elegant in design, this piece is both stunning and versatile, workin...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Brass

Carrara Marble Small Lidded Canister or Stash Box, Italy, 1960s

$120Sale Price|20% Off

Carrara Marble Small Lidded Canister or Stash Box, Italy, 1960s

Located in San Diego, CA

Carrara marble small lidded canister or stash container. Italy, 1960s.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Carrara Marble

FORNASETTI Butterfly Box

$1,500

FORNASETTI Butterfly Box

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage decorative rectangular lacquered walnut wood box with butterfly motif / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Original mark at the felt base Length: 9.5 in...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Wooden box, France, 1970

$529

Wooden box, France, 1970

By Lorenz

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Wooden box, France, 1970s, an elegant vintage piece characterized by a burl wood veneer with particularly decorative swirling patterns. Its clean design and soft lines make it both f...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Italian Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Decorative Box With Hinged Lid

$345

Italian Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Decorative Box With Hinged Lid

Located in Farmington Hills, MI

We are very pleased to offer this Italian burl wood box, circa 1950s, showcasing a richly dramatic swirling grain throughout. The box features a clean, architectural silhouette with ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Hardwood, Burl

Mexican Silver-Plated Hippopotamus Jewelry Box

$360

Mexican Silver-Plated Hippopotamus Jewelry Box

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

This charming Mexican jewelry box transforms an everyday object into a playful sculptural work. Designed in the form of a stylized hippopotamus with soft, rounded contours and expres...

Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Very Decorative Box in Patinated Cognac Leather and Metal Studs 1950s

$975

Very Decorative Box in Patinated Cognac Leather and Metal Studs 1950s

Located in Meer, VAN

Very Decorative Box in Leather and Metal Studs, Europe, 1950s. This mid-century decorative box is clad in warm brown leather and features intricate stud detailing. The box has a dom...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mexican Box with Stone Mosaic Copper Silver & Brass Details Taxco

$576

Vintage Mexican Box with Stone Mosaic Copper Silver & Brass Details Taxco

By Taxco, Los Castillos

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

This exquisite vintage box from Mexico features a richly textured stone mosaic design on its surface, combining deep shades of blue and green. The geometric ornamentation is crafted ...

Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Multi-gemstone, Metal, Brass, Silver, Copper

Vintage Bronze Turtle Trinket Box, Solid Cast Design from the 1950s

$364

Vintage Bronze Turtle Trinket Box, Solid Cast Design from the 1950s

Located in Linkebeek, BE

Box - Decoration - 1950s Measures : 17x9cm H: 5,5cm Bronze turtle-shaped trinket or jewelry box. Material: Solid cast bronze. Function: Can be used as a trinket box, jewelry box, or...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Charming Italian Mid-Century Onyx Jewelry Box with Brass Paw Feet, 1970s

$811

Charming Italian Mid-Century Onyx Jewelry Box with Brass Paw Feet, 1970s

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Elegant Italian decorative jewelry box crafted in richly veined green onyx with beautiful natural bands of cream, honey, brown, and soft pink tones. The box features refined brass t...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Large Square Natural Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box

$520

Large Square Natural Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Large Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box. Malachite is a green copper carbonate mineral. It is part of the monolithic crystal system and has a silky luster. The malachite for this box w...

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Machiche

Vintage Storage Bin, English, Handpainted, Waste Paper Basket, Mid Century, 1960

$860

Vintage Storage Bin, English, Handpainted, Waste Paper Basket, Mid Century, 1960

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage storage bin. An English, handpainted walnut waste paper basket, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Resplendent in the handpainted Roses & Castles manner, ...

Category

Early 1900s British Antique Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Box Wood and Art Glass by Erwin Burger for Fontana Arte, Italy 1950s

$823

Midcentury Box Wood and Art Glass by Erwin Burger for Fontana Arte, Italy 1950s

By Fontana Arte, Erwin Burger

Located in Rome, IT

Midcentury amazing little rectangular decorative box in wood and art glass with reverse painted glass by Erwin Burger for Fontana Arte. Made in Italy in the 1950s.

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Cut Glass, Wood

Mid-century Modern decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern decorative boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative boxes, popular names associated with this style include Bitossi, Line Vautrin, Piero Fornasetti, and Gabriella Crespi. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $22 and tops out at $34,396 while the average work can sell for $850.