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

FORNASETTI Playing Cards Box

$960

FORNASETTI Playing Cards Box

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage poker playing cards box in walnut wood and metal case, it holds two packs of cards / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Length: 5.5 inches / Width: 4 in...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

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

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

Yellow-green onyx box, France, 1970

$532

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

Ostrich Egg with Brass Closures and Bone Feet in the Style of J Antony Redmile

$1,400

Ostrich Egg with Brass Closures and Bone Feet in the Style of J Antony Redmile

By J. Antony Redmile

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully hand-crafted Ostrich Egg made into a box featuring refined brass closure details, an elegant acorn-form finial lid, and distinctive bone-style feet (the bone may be res...

Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

1970s Italian Silver Plate Lidded Metal Box Featuring a Minimal Curved Design

$725

1970s Italian Silver Plate Lidded Metal Box Featuring a Minimal Curved Design

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully refined Silver Plate Box distinguished by its subtly curved, removable lid and elegantly restrained silhouette. The design is clean, minimalist, and quietly luxurious —...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Burl Wood Decorative Box

$375

Burl Wood Decorative Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully grained burl wood box, likely designed originally to house playing cards, now elevated as a refined decorative object in its own right. The richly figured burl displays...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Maple, Burl

Siberian Nephrite Jade Mid Century Decorative / Jewelry Box, Russia, c. 1970

$2,391

Siberian Nephrite Jade Mid Century Decorative / Jewelry Box, Russia, c. 1970

Located in London, GB

A rare and beautiful quality mid century decorative box made of translucent Siberian green nephrite jade stone, made in Russia (Soviet Union at the time), c. 1970. The green of the ...

Category

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

Materials

Jade, Onyx

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

$378 / 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

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

$18,700

“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

Decorative metal box, France, 1970

$532

Decorative metal box, France, 1970

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

A French decorative box from the 1970s, made of metal, both functional and ornamental. Its balanced and well-proportioned shape reflects the elegant, utilitarian design characteristic of decorative objects from this period. The metal surface has a natural patina, with slight signs of age that enhance its authenticity and vintage charm. Depending on the lighting, the metal reveals subtle reflections, adding depth and character to the object. Versatile, this box can be used as a catch-all, storage box, or purely decorative object. It integrates perfectly into a vintage, industrial, or contemporary interior, adding a graphic and timeless touch. Key features: Decorative metal box Made in France 1970s Functional and minimalist design Original patina Decorative and storage item Keywords: vintage metal box...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

A square ceramic box, by Mithé Espelt. France, 1970

$2,958

A square ceramic box, by Mithé Espelt. France, 1970

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Paris, Ile-de-France

Square ceramic lid box, model " Jupiter" by Mithé Espelt Embossed and glazed earthenware in green and crackle gold. Black painted wood box, Green felt lining. Including 23 patche...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Felt, Glass, Wood

Large English Brass Bee Trinket for Jewelry, Salt or Pepper, England

$195

Large English Brass Bee Trinket for Jewelry, Salt or Pepper, England

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

As found in London, a large brass bee. The wings of the bee opens upwards that gives access to a small "secret" compartment. This compartment can be used for a variety uses including...

Category

1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Handcrafted Cherry Wood Lidded Box, 20th Century

$250

Handcrafted Cherry Wood Lidded Box, 20th Century

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Handcrafted Cherry Wood Lidded Jewelry Box, 20th Century.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Cherry

Midcentury Box in Red Goatskin and Chrome Attributed to Aldo Tura Italy, 1960s

$828

Midcentury Box in Red Goatskin and Chrome Attributed to Aldo Tura Italy, 1960s

By Aldo Tura

Located in Rome, IT

Midcentury beautiful squared box in red goatskin, wood and chrome details attributed to the Italian designer Aldo Tura. Made in Italy in the 1960s.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Steel, Chrome

Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Smoked Grey Faceted Glass Box, Italy 1950

$1,526

Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Smoked Grey Faceted Glass Box, Italy 1950

By Flavio Poli

Located in Barcelona, ES

Mid-Century Modern Sommerso faceted Murano lidded box in grey and clear glass. Attributed to Flavio Poli, Italy, 1950s. Rectangular faceted box in grey gla...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Cut Glass, Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Tiffany & Co. Maker's Sterling Silver Dresser Box

$2,400 / item

Mid-Century Modern Tiffany & Co. Maker's Sterling Silver Dresser Box

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine signed silver dresser box or trinket box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a recessed waist, a gold washed lid, and a red felt liner to the base. Fully marked...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Christian Dior Midcentury Brass, Lucite, Vienna Straw Decorative Box, Italy 1970

$828

Christian Dior Midcentury Brass, Lucite, Vienna Straw Decorative Box, Italy 1970

By Christian Dior

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning Mid-Century decorative box in brass, clear lucite and Vienna straw. This incredibly elegant jewelry box was designed in Italy during 1970s and is attributed to a Christian ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Sculptural Brass Decorative Jewelry Box Brutalist Mid Century Modern

$437

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

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

$3,200

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

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine signed silver table box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall Condition: It is ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sic Rimini Blu Glazed Ceramic Large Lidded Vessel / Box Bitossi Aldo Londi Style

$1,420Sale Price|20% Off

Sic Rimini Blu Glazed Ceramic Large Lidded Vessel / Box Bitossi Aldo Londi Style

By SIC Ceramiche Artistiche, Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Barcelona, ES

Large Mid-Century Modern blue glazed ceramic (Rimini Blu) round lidded box , Manufactured by S.I.C Ceramiche Italy, 1950-1960s. It has reminiscences in those Rimini blue designs from Aldo Londi and Bitossi...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta

Gabriella Crespi brushed and polished brass box signed 1970

$2,189

Gabriella Crespi brushed and polished brass box signed 1970

By Gabriella Crespi

Located in Paris, IDF

Rare cylindrical box in brushed and polished brass, designed and signed by Gabriella Crespi in the 1970s. Likely intended as a cigarette case, its clean and perfectly proportioned fo...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Bitossi Lidded Ceramic Box, Italy, c.1955

$300

Bitossi Lidded Ceramic Box, Italy, c.1955

By Bitossi

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Bitossi Lidded Ceramic Box, Italy, c.1955.

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

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

$958Sale Price|67% Off

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

Vintage Industrial Enameled Metal Utility Bins with Hinged Lids

$55 / item

Vintage Industrial Enameled Metal Utility Bins with Hinged Lids

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Medium-sized enameled metal utility bins showcase sturdy industrial construction with hinged lids and stackable design. Originally manufactured by Tolesco...

Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Walter Bosse Austrian Lacquered Brass Cigarette Box

$1,450

Walter Bosse Austrian Lacquered Brass Cigarette Box

By Herta Baller

Located in New York, NY

Walter Bosse for Herta Baller polished cast brass square box with patinated stripe lid, Austria, circa 1950's.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Small Rectangular Cut Glass Candis or Jewelry Box

$416Sale Price|32% Off

Small Rectangular Cut Glass Candis or Jewelry Box

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Small rectangular cut glass candis or jewelry box with hardware in brass.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Rare Hermès, Paris Equestrian / Horse Box c.1970

$5,398

Rare Hermès, Paris Equestrian / Horse Box c.1970

By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert

Located in Bath, GB

A very rare example of a French mid-century modern silver plate and gold plate box by the iconic French fashion house, Hermès of Paris. A stunning design in silverplate with a gilde...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate

Mid-Century Modern Japanese Secret Puzzle Box Wood Inlay Mt Fuji Floral

$180

Mid-Century Modern Japanese Secret Puzzle Box Wood Inlay Mt Fuji Floral

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a mid-century modern Japanese decorative secret puzzle trick box wood inlay Mt Fuji floral. Dimensions: 1.75" H x 4.5" W x 3.25" D. Please visit take a loo...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

FORNASETTI Butterfly Box

$1,200

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

Hand Painted Ceramic Decorative Oval Lidded Trinket Box by Hedwig Bollhagen

$300

Hand Painted Ceramic Decorative Oval Lidded Trinket Box by Hedwig Bollhagen

Located in Troy, MI

A decorative hand painted box by Hedwig Bollhagen Oval form in black glaze with hand painted blue modernist decoration to the inset lid Signed to underside 3 inch width 2 inch dept...

Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Coca Cola Trash Can Mid-Century

$585

Vintage Coca Cola Trash Can Mid-Century

By Coca Cola Bottling Co.

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, vintage Coca Cola trash can mid-century. White paint with chrome plated steel. Interior galvanized can. Original unrestored. Dimensions: 29" H x 14" Diameter...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Pair of Pine Wood Boxes by Mario Ceroli & Poltronova Produced in Italy, 1970s

$5,917 / item

Pair of Pine Wood Boxes by Mario Ceroli & Poltronova Produced in Italy, 1970s

By Mario Ceroli

Located in Stockholm, SE

A very rare pair of Italian decorative mid century wooden storing boxes in Russian pine wood with brass keys by Mario Ceroli from the "Mobili della Valle" series produced by Poltrono...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Pine

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

$449

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 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

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

Carved Burl Maple and Mahogany Heart Puzzle Box, American Studio Craft

$325

Carved Burl Maple and Mahogany Heart Puzzle Box, American Studio Craft

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage carved wood box features abstract heart form in striking choice of solid burl maple and mahogany woods. Asymmetrically sculpted box is covered with a sliding lid, held by a...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Mahogany, Maple

Mexican Modernist Mix Metals Tray Box by Los Castillos

$495

Mexican Modernist Mix Metals Tray Box by Los Castillos

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mexican Modernist Mix Metals Tray Box by Los Castillos Designer Humberto Castillo Manufacturer Los Castillos Period Style Mexican Modern

Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

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

1970s Mid-Century Modern Italian Hand-Painted Ceramic Box with Fern

$725

1970s Mid-Century Modern Italian Hand-Painted Ceramic Box with Fern

Located in New York, NY

Mid Century Italian bone white glazed ceramic cigarette box with a hand decorated lid featuring a stylized fern.

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Rosewood Dresser Boxes w/Lids, 1960

$300 / set

Pair of Rosewood Dresser Boxes w/Lids, 1960

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of Rosewood Dresser Boxes w/ lids, 1960’s. Beautiful condition. Large box measures 9.5” long 4” deep 2” tall. Small box measures 4” x 4” 2” tall.

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Bee Trinket for Jewelry, Salt Pepper Cellar on Lucite Base

$175

Mid-Century Bee Trinket for Jewelry, Salt Pepper Cellar on Lucite Base

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

As found in Paris, this charming bee has been later mounted on a lucite base. The wings of the bee open with a compartment that can be used to store jewelry or functional for salt an...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Bamboo, Rattan and Bakelite Box by Cesare Di Cesare, Italy 1970s

$710

Midcentury Bamboo, Rattan and Bakelite Box by Cesare Di Cesare, Italy 1970s

Located in Rome, IT

Midcentury beautiful rectangular decorative box in bamboo, rattan and red bakelite by Cesare Di Cesare. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original label is still attached as shown ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Bakelite

1980s Mid-Century Modern Faux Leopard Lucite Luxury Box Signed Dior Home

$1,065

1980s Mid-Century Modern Faux Leopard Lucite Luxury Box Signed Dior Home

By Dior Home

Located in Aci Castello, IT

An exceptionally chic and collectible 1980s Christian Dior Home luxury storage box. This piece exemplifies the glamorous, maximalist flair of the era while maintaining a sophisticate...

Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Lucite

Russian U.S.S.R Papier Mache Box

$1,189

Russian U.S.S.R Papier Mache Box

Located in Northampton, GB

Signed and Dated 1961 USSR From our Boxes collection, we are delighted to offer this unusual Russian Papier Mache Box. The box of slim rectangula...

Category

20th Century Russian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Lacquer

Salvador Teran Hand Wrought Mexican Brass & Mosaic Box, Chicken Motif, 1950s

$750

Salvador Teran Hand Wrought Mexican Brass & Mosaic Box, Chicken Motif, 1950s

By Salvador Teran

Located in Minneapolis, MN

Here is a box from the 1950s by Salvador Teran (Mexican 1920-1974). This beautiful and charming hand-wrought brass box is decorated with chickens in small glass mosaic tiles featurin...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Gabriella Crespi Tortoiseshell and Sterling Silver Box

$1,450

Gabriella Crespi Tortoiseshell and Sterling Silver Box

By Gabriella Crespi

Located in New York, NY

Gabriella Crespi tortoise and sterling silver box. Vintage Crespi cylindrical cigarette case with engraved Gabriella Crespi logo monogram and original ...

Category

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

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage ceramic box by Maioliche d'arte Cordivani, Ascoli Piceno, Italy 1970s

$319

Vintage ceramic box by Maioliche d'arte Cordivani, Ascoli Piceno, Italy 1970s

Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI

Vintage ceramic jewelry box by Maioliche d'arte Cordivani, Ascoli Piceno made in Italy in the 1970s. Luciano Cordivani is a renowned artist, sc...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

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

MCM Shell Veneered Box with Wood Interior Marked Taxco

$895

MCM Shell Veneered Box with Wood Interior Marked Taxco

By Taxco

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Abalone shell veneered box of rectangular form with domed top and lined with rosewood. Marked Taxco on the bottom.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

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

“Le lion” gilt bronze compact by Line Vautrin, Circa 1945, France

$13,019

“Le lion” gilt bronze compact by Line Vautrin, Circa 1945, France

By Line Vautrin

Located in Uccle, BE

“Le lion” gilt bronze compact by Line Vautrin. Gilt-bronze compact depicting a stylised lion’s head in relief, surrounded by small arrow-like marks. This motif belongs to the talisma...

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Mid-20th Century Japanese Yamanaka Lacquerware Sweets Box

$145

Mid-20th Century Japanese Yamanaka Lacquerware Sweets Box

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Mid-20th century Yamanaka lacquerware sweets box for tea ceremony, Japanese. Formed as a deep red apple with gold & colored enamel decoration. Post WWII. Provenance: Sherman E. Lee, ...

Category

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

Materials

Enamel

Vintage Italian Onyx Jewelry Box, Large Decorative Keepsake, 1960s

$2,400

Vintage Italian Onyx Jewelry Box, Large Decorative Keepsake, 1960s

By Gio Ponti, Buccellati, R & Y Augousti, Palladio, Borghese

Located in Miami, FL

Rare LARGE vintage Italian onyx jewelry or keepsake box, made in Italy, circa 1960s. This impeccable semi-precious stone box is just superb with its variety of colors and designs fro...

Category

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

Materials

Onyx, Marble, Brass

Vintage Italian Brass Letter Envelope Box 1960'S Pop Art Desk Accessory

$1,800

Vintage Italian Brass Letter Envelope Box 1960'S Pop Art Desk Accessory

Located in North Miami, FL

This ever so chic and obscure vintage Italian brass box is simply a pop art design of a form of an opened up envelope that is a box. it is from the lat...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Camille Faure Limoges Modernist Enamel and Silver Plate Artwork Box, circa 1950

$6,500

Camille Faure Limoges Modernist Enamel and Silver Plate Artwork Box, circa 1950

By Camille Fauré

Located in Atlanta, GA

A rare and exquisite creation by Camille Fauré Limoges, this enamel and silver-plated decorative box is a masterwork of French craftsmanship, dating circa 1950. Likely a bespoke comm...

Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Copper, Enamel, Silver Plate

Aldo Londi Bitossi-Style Green Fused Glass "Fritte" Ceramic and Wood Box

$650 / item

Aldo Londi Bitossi-Style Green Fused Glass "Fritte" Ceramic and Wood Box

By Aldo Londi

Located in Minneapolis, MN

This is a very attractive wood box with a ceramic lid. We are unsure of the maker or designer, but from all its characteristics, we believe it to be of Italian origin and definitely ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Wood

MCM Abalone Shell and Brass Lidded Trinket Box in the Style of Los Castillios

$375

MCM Abalone Shell and Brass Lidded Trinket Box in the Style of Los Castillios

By Los Castillos

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful MCM abalone shell and brass lidded trinket box with hard wood lining made in Mexico in the style of Los Castillios, circa 1960s. The piece is stamped on the underside “Made...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Scatola decorativa Italiana in Bambù e Ottone 1960s

$563Sale Price|30% Off

Scatola decorativa Italiana in Bambù e Ottone 1960s

Located in Palermo, Sicily

Particolare Scatola Decorativa in bambù intrecciato e Ottone design Italiano 1960.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

1960s Green Glass Turtle Trinket Box by Curt Schlevogt, Czechoslovakia

$437Sale Price|20% Off

1960s Green Glass Turtle Trinket Box by Curt Schlevogt, Czechoslovakia

By Heinrich Hoffmann, Curt Schlevogt

Located in Glasgow, GB

A striking green glass turtle-shaped trinket box by Curt Schlevogt. Produced in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s. This sculptural container is a mid-century reissue of Art Deco malachite ...

Category

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

Materials

Art Glass, Slag Glass

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.