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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Set/2 Boxes, Aged Silver, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Madagáscar Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Madagáscar box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Modern, Galata 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
"Tom" Leather Box Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Tom" is a leather box, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera, and is part of Foglia Couture collection. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors com...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Dean Santner wood box / jewelry /decorative . Signed
By Dean Santner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful wooden box by the well known Dean Santner .
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Box, Bulgari Watch Case, Black Leather with Cardboard Box, 1990.
By Bulgari
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box, Bulgari watch case, black leather with cardboard box, 1990.
Case, Bulgari watch box, very good condition, black leather box with cardboard box,...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Hand-Blown Murano Giant Box in Tobacco with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite octagonal box is a celebration of bold geometry and artisanal finesse, rendered in hand-blown glass in a rich Tobacco hue. The clear-cut architectural silhouette frame...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Bronze Ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2015
Located in Paris, FR
The solid bronze ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in several pieces of the Reda Amalou Collection.
The Bronze ashtray is 135 x 135 x 65mm H
This design exists also in a tiny incense...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Michael Elkan Live Edge Burl Box
Located in New York, NY
Studio craft raw edge burl box with hinged lid, which conceals 2 compartments. Signed Michael Elkan.
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Burl
Burl Walnut Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This rare North African Thuya Wood Jewellery Casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of th...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Murano Glass Jewelry Box in Crystal with 24 Karat Gold Flecks embodies elegance and sophistication with its timeless design and luxurious materials. Handcrafted on the storied is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Large English Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Padgett & Braham Ltd in London in 1963. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Interior ceda...
Category
1960s English Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tronador Rectangular Blue 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
$1,267 / item
French Modern Zebra Hide & Leather Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Zebra Hide and Leather Box
France, circa 1960s
A sleek French modern zebra hide and leather box, circa 1960s, is a sophisticated addition to any decor. The box feature...
Category
20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather, Zebra Hide
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
21st Century Leather Origami Box for Closet & Wardrobe Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Our Origami box is an endlessly useful complement for a master closet. Two sizes ideal for organizing your interior.
Made with eco-friendly, washable an...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
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
Grand Malachite Stone Box With Brass Banding, *8.5" Round
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a stunning Grand Malachite Stone Box With Brass Banding,
This is quite a large box as it is 8.5" across and is 2" high.
The inside is as found witch tells me the it could b...
Category
1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Malachite
Hand-Blown Amber Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features a v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold
American Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Desk Box
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
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
1980s Modern Silver Plated and Plexiglass Rectangular German Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This German vanity box from the 1980s is a wonderful example of how designers during that period experimented with blending traditional craftsmanship with new materials, resulting in...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver Plate
21st Century Leather Rectangular Tissue Box with Chrome Profile Made in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Masterful artisanal craftsmanship.
Pinetti rectangular tissue box, made in ABS with chrome or gold finishing is covered with genuine waterproof leather and is available with gold ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Chrome
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
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
21st Century "Caruso" Jewelry Wood Brown Box handmade, Italy
Located in Turin, IT
Caruso wooden box is handmade from precious type of wood in the workshop of Ivan Paradisi Atelier. Its simple, like the famous accompaniment to Caruso song, design doesn’t need more ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather, Wood
Fantastic After Carl Faberge Egg "Mansion at MGM Grand"
Located in Madrid, ES
Fantastic After Carl FABERGE egg "The Mansion at MGM Grand"
Yellow enamelled egg, gilt bronze frame resting on a tripod foot, covered with palmet...
Category
20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
$1,584 Sale Price
20% Off
2011 Dr. Lakra Wood Tequila Reserva De La Familia Box
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Awesome wood tequila box featuring Dr. Lakra art on every surface. Made to hold Jose Cuervo Tequila Reserva De La Familia, 2011. Very limited edition. Bo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
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
Handpainted Limoges Porcelain Egg Box for Asprey
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine diminutive porcelain dresser or vanity box.
By Limoges for Asprey.
In the size and shape of an egg. Decorated with handpainted green plants, blue devices, and extensive ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Saudi Arabia Association
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Peter Nicholas & Co Ltd in London in 1989. Rectangular with corner bracket supports and hinged open scroll end handles. Cover hinged and fla...
Category
1980s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
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
Modernist Long and Flat Lucite Box, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional modernist lidded box, crafted in Italy circa 1980, embodies both sophistication and practicality with its exquisite Lucite construction. The elongated, flat rectangu...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lucite, Plexiglass, Acrylic
Cigarette Case red lines and and hand-engraved finishing Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Vertical cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with fire-enameled red stripes and hand-engraved finishing. In a modern contemporary style. Measurements cm. 6 x 2.3 cm high. 11. ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Tronador Square Blue 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
$1,584 / item
Silver Plate and Wood Box with Agate Stone Slab Decor, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist silver-plate lidded box has a design reminiscent of Gabriella Crespi's elegant production. The rare piece was crafted in Italy circa 1980. The minimalist rect...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Agate, Stone, Metal, Silver Plate
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano box, hand-blown in a vibrant emerald green, is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and refined geometry. Its octagonal form is both striking and sculptural,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Set Tronador Square Bordeaux, Blue, Cream, Onyx Stone Boxes
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
Set/2 Pots, Ceramic Pots, Green, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chaucer Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displayed together and enrich your room decor.
Each piece has its own elegant silhouette in mint-green glazed ceramic with gloss finish plus hand turned beech wood base and lid lacquered in bronze gold-powder.
Set of 2 Ceramic Pots Chaucer...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano box, hand-blown in a vibrant emerald green, is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and refined geometry. Its octagonal form is both striking and sculptural,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Modernist Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Bronze with Brass Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful modernist decorative box was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. It features a v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Murano Glass
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
Modernist Hand-Blown Amber Murano Glass Box with Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This warm and elegant Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber W/ Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. A sleek and minimal piece with incredible hues a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Ink Blue/Natural Horn Checkerboard Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake/jewelry box clad in hand incised natural horn and ink blue dyed bone tiles hand set on a wood structure. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood
TRONADOR Rectangular Brown 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
$1,100 / item
Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box
Color: Caramel
Size: 14 x 14 x 15 H cm
Material: PU
Collection: Knotted.
Category
2010s Thai Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Faux Leather
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
Snuff Box Oval curved Green Enamel Guilloche Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Oval curved snuff-box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché, above and below. Modern contemporary style. Size cm. 4.5 x 6.5 x 2.3. Weigh...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Tronador Rectangular Black 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
$1,100 / item
Tissue Box in White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White 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
Black and White English Marble Stone Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
An English modern style black and white marble stone jewelry or trinket box, circa late-20th century, England. Box has tapered corners and is polished sm...
Category
Late 20th Century English Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Marble
$380 Sale Price
20% Off
James Bearden Containment Box #2
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural "Containment" box, a vessel in blackened steel, dyed bronze, and red glass enamel by American artist James Bearden. Number 2 in a series. Top lifts off revealing an abstra...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Steel, Bronze, Enamel
Montagnani Firenze Wood Marquetry and Gilt Brass Box, circa 1970
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Discover the artistry of renowned designer Montagnani Firenze with this extraordinary box, a rare Italian masterpiece crafted circa 1970. A true testament to Mid-Century modernist fo...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Table Box Heart shape Sky tone fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché above and below. Modern contemporary style. Dimensions cm. 8 x 8.8 high cm. 2.8. Weight ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pietra Box Arabescato & Antico 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
Alfred Dunhill Germany 1990 Decorative Desk Box In Black Leather & Chromed Steel
By Dunhill
Located in Miami, FL
Desk box designed by Dunhill.
Beautiful decorative vintage desk box, created in Germany for Alfred Dunhill, back in the 1990. It was made up in shiny black leather with a discrete f...
Category
1990s German Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Steel, Chrome
$348 Sale Price / item
30% Off
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystals Temari Ball Minaudier / Clutch
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystals Minaudiere / Clutch. It depicts a gold and silver tone metal globe shaped minaudière. It is adorned with multiple clear and silver like col...
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Bone, Horn Patchwork Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorative keepsake, jewelry box clad in geometric horn and bone tiles, some with hand engraving, lined in wood. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Horn, Wood
Contemporary American Modern Large Seashell Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern rectangular box, with an applied seashell veneer and green, teal and blue patterned interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Coral
Table Box Heart shape Red passion fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché above and below. Modern contemporary style. Dimensions cm. 8.8 x 8 cm high....
Category
1990s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Contemporary American Modern Conch and Cowrie Seashell Jewelry Box
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American Modern rectangular jewelry box with an exterior finished in applied miniature conch and cowrie seashells, which opens to a teal velvet interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Coral
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.