Modern Decorative Boxes
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Italian Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, & Moss Agate Table Box, Vermeil Hinge, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, and Moss Agate Table Box with Vermeil Hinge, Circa 1970s
A refined and sculptural Italian table box dating to the 1970s, expertly composed of thr...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Silver
Marble Heart Box by Ducceschi
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage marble heart shaped box. Swivel top with beautiful natural veining and gray coloring to the stone. Perfect for using as a jewelry box. Made in Italy by Ducceschi, original ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble
Vintage Italian Figural Snail Pill Box in White Metal
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual miniature pill box in the shape of a very detailed snail. These were made in Italy circa 1970-90s usually of 800/1000 silver or alpaca/argentan/German silver (an alloy of zin...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Modernist Plexiglass or Lucite Faceted Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional geometric Lucite or acrylic decorative lidded box was designed in Italy. The piece was crafted circa 1960. It features a modernist shape with an incredible carved pr...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Plexiglass, Acrylic
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings is a jewel-like objet d’art, designed to captivate with its opulent radiance and modern silhouette. Crafted in Italy by master g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made b...
Category
2010s South American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
1990s Modern Silver Plated French Jewelry Box by Studio K.T for Christofle
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stylish three-level round silver-plated box, designed by KT Studio for Christofle in 1998 with input from Thomas Keller and Adam Tihany, is a remarkable piece of modernist craftsma...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Mahogany Ladys Gentlemans Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This well figured Mahogany jewellery casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of the finest...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Maison Mercier Modernist Amber and Clear Lucite Box, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite modernist acrylic Lucite lidded box, crafted in France circa 1970, is a striking embodiment of refined design and artistic sophistication. Echoing the distinguished wo...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lucite, Plexiglass
Pietra Box Travertine & Rose by Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Carved from one of four types of authentic marble, the Pietra Box presents a playful fusion of classic materials and modern design. With a complementary stone handle, this decorative...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Pink - Medium Storage Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a bold pop of modern glamour to your space with this acrylic treasure box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, featuring a striking hot Pink. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic de...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Po Shun Leong Handcrafted Koa Wood Box, USA, 1986
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Po Shun Leong Handcrafted Koa Wood Box, USA, 1986. Signed to the bottom.
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made b...
Category
2010s South American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca & White Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made...
Category
2010s South American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Onyx, Stone, Metal
Set of Two Travertine Marble & Resin Stack Sphere Sculptures by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our stack sphere sculptures can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, bookshelf, console etc. Their warm hue and curved lines add the right amount of visual interest without overwhelming additional decor. The mix of marble and resin make an incredible combo, a mix that is modern, fun and harmonious. You can place the small sphere on top of the big one or you can separate them and create a new piece.
They are sold by set of two in different sizes.
Material: travertine marble and traslucid brown with marbled brown resin
Measurements:
Small: Travertine sphere...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Travertine
SET Glaciar Small, Large, Silver Alpaca & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Measurements :
7.8" x 4.7" x 3.5"
10.6" x5.5" x 3.5"
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver...
Category
2010s South American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
21st Century Leather Door Stop Handcrafed in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Keep your doors open.
Hand-crafted in leather it includes a matching handle which blends into the design, while making it easy to pick up and move between rooms. A soft door stop ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne 'Ouzbek' Box, Circa 1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne 'Ouzbek' Box
Designed by artesian Fabienne Jouvin-Paris
Made in China, 1980s
This stunning Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonné 'Ouzbek' Box, crafted in t...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Postmodern Marble Box circa 1980
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Marble
Aimara Medium Alpaca Silver Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Sheet Metal
21st Century Rio Rectangular Closet Box Handwoven in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
The Rio collection, smooth and soft design specially studied for your closet.
A box made with the resistant regenerated leather with two practical holes as handles on the short si...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
21st Century Igea Sanitizing Box Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
An instant touch of class, wherever displayed. A smart solution for your rooms, stores, showrooms, yachts, hotel or meeting rooms; ideal to maintain your environments clean and sanit...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
21st Century Leather Soft Rectangular Tissue Box Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Just perfect. A must have for your living, for your bedroom, for your bathroom, for your office.
A soft rectangular tissue box in calf leather that comes in a wide range of colors...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Pietra Box Antico & Arabescato by Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Carved from one of four types of authentic marble, the Pietra Box presents a playful fusion of classic materials and modern design. With a complementary stone handle, this decorative...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble
21st Century Leather Pedal Paper & Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A chic and sleek aesthetic for our wastebasket with a black pedal.
Available with a 3 and 5 liter capacity and a soft closing function that will avoid any loud noises. Finished i...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amethyst with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This evocative and alluring Murano glass box is a magnificent fusion of masterful craftsmanship and natural beauty. Handcrafted on the famed Venetian island of Murano, this box showc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
21st Century Leather Eyeglasses Box Cover with Mirror Handcrafed in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Combining tradition and modern design to provide an unmistakable flair of luxury and elegance.
Our glasses box has a wood base and enough space to store up to eight pairs of glass...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Titanio with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This hand blown glass box is a stunning example of the renowned artistry and craftsmanship that Murano glass is celebrated for. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian island of Murano,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This rectangular emerald green Giant Green Murano Box is a stunning testament to the beauty and artistry of Murano glass. Handcrafted on the historic ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Christian Dior Paris Silver Plate Box with Quartz Stone, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful modernist silver plate decorative box was crafted in France for the renowned Christian Dior House for his Home Collection. The piece features an elegant minimalist round shape with a lid ornate and a large quartz stone...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Quartz, Metal, Silver Plate
Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Baccello lacquered solid wood Modern minimal modular drawers from Costantini.
Each unit measures 20" x 20" x 5" high. 6 units as shown.
Each one...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Slate Grey - Large Storage Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a bold pop of modern glamour to your space with this acrylic treasure box by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, featuring Slate Grey. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic decorative ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Medium Box in Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Tronador Square Cream Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Small Box in Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Fiasco. Guilt. Fear of love. A place to hide all the things we secretly desire yet are too scared to utter. The luscious things the perfect lover knows are never to be told. She drea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Grey W/24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a sophisticated and elegant piece that combines modern design elements with the timeless allure of Murano glass. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian Island of Murano, this b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Tissue Box in Polished Stainless Steel by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elevate the everyday with this exquisite Polished Stainless Steel Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti, a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Each piece is meticul...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
Set/5 Ceramic Pots, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hailey & Henry Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic vases and three pots, perfect ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Lune Box by Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The unique Solar collection conjures the spirit of the mystical universe. Natale’s solar candles encompass mysticism and pairs it with clean architectural lines in an evocative and e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Contemporary Modern, Bebek Chestnut Wood Single-Compartment Box
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Istanbul is a wooden box collection inspired by some of towns most iconic buildings: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Bebek Mosque. Each item takes its name from these structures. The ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Chestnut
Tissue Box in Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Shagreen Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti is a sublime expression of modern elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Encased in luxurious shagreen, its textured finish exudes refin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Shagreen Stingray
French Vintage Silver Plate Bamboo Design Hinged Small Box Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage silver-plate hinged box has raised and textural designs of bamboo forms in rows. The interior is wood and stained black. It is a heavy gage and makes a fabulous d...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
Présentoir de la luxueuse marque Cartier France
By Cartier
Located in London, England
Découvrez le raffinement du présentoir Cartier, idéal pour mettre en valeur vos bijoux ou montres avec une touche d'élégance. Ce présentoir chic comporte une base blanche immaculée e...
Category
2010s Unknown Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
21st Century Sideroid Azimuth Coffer in Yellow Resin - Nikos Sideris and CTRLZAK
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
"An object of desire coming from the stars. Sideroid Azimuth has a double soul: an artistic artifact and a container of precious items. Based on the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Modern, Aya Chestnut Wood 2-Compartment Box
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Istanbul is a wooden box collection inspired by some of towns most iconic buildings: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Bebek Mosque. Each item takes its name from these structures. The ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Chestnut
American Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Woods & Chatellier
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Made by Woods & Chatellier in New York, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with molded rim and gently curved top. Box interior cedar-l...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
American Modern Sterling Silver Box by Ubaldo Vitali for Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Long and rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners; cover hinged with overhanging rim and gently curved top. Box interior cedar lined and partitioned. Cover interior gilt. Nice proportions. Plenty of room for engraving. Fully marked including maker’s (Ubaldo...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hand Carved Lapis Lazuli Mosaic Jewelry Box with Marble Interior
Located in New York, NY
Lapis lazuli hand carved mosaic lidded box, with white marble interior.
Natural lapis stone has beautiful golden pyrite inclusions, like a sprinkling of fairy dust. The lapis mosaic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Marble
Impressive Unique Piece Art Glass and Brass Box with Lid by Jack Ink
Located in Bochum, NRW
Amazing, large glass lidded box, by Jack Ink.
Sinuous form with shallow domed lid, ribbed wall.
Colorless glass, with inclusions and fusings. Shallow estuarine and cast brass.
Unique...
Category
1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
20th Century Tessellated Bone Trinket Box
Located in Bradenton, FL
An elegant modern style tessellated bone trinket box with black felt-lined interior. Mostly cream in color, but does have hints of light pink througho...
Category
20th Century Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Felt
Tessalated Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake document box decorated with hand applied rectangular horn pieces. A great addition to any desk, night stand, bookcase or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A cylindrical and contemporary silhouette with subtle detail.
Our round metal bin with tilting lid is perfectly sized for use in the bathroom.
More than 30 harmonious shades can be paired with our modern bathroom...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
American Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Desk Box
By Andrew A. Taylor
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver desk box. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and molded rim. Box interior cedar-lined and partitioned. Fully marke...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Petite Abalone Box
Located in Richmond, VA
Petite abalone shell box with alpaca silver accents and dark wood interior. Stamped on base Alpaca. Made in Mexico.
Category
20th Century Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Agresti Grande Segreto Armored Jewelry Case
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry case with pull out necklace bars. See information below for details of item variations.
Gold variation: Shiny gold steel. Inside d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Steel
Tissue Box in Black Oak by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Oak Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti epitomizes refined minimalism and luxury craftsmanship. Fashioned from premium oak, this tissue box stands as a testament to masterful handcr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Oak
Michael Aram Tooled Silver Metal, Enamel Two Part Box With Brass Flower Top
By Michael Aram
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely small round 2 part box is an early piece of the designs of MIchael Aram's work from the early 90's. It is a tooled design silver metal on the top of the box with a black...
Category
1990s Indian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Brass, Enamel
"Rettangolare" Leather Box Designed by Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Rettangolare" is a leather box, designed and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors combination to be chosen from the available range: tan,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Modern decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique 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 Modern decorative boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative boxes, popular names associated with this style include AIREDELSUR, Lusitanus Home, Greenapple, and Paola Valle. 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 $27 and tops out at $82,000 while the average work can sell for $989.