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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
Snake Rectangular Box
Located in Milan, IT
A symbol of rebirth, the snake motif is the decorative focus of this luxury box in fine, clear crystal. A subtly scaled design enlivens the box's sides, cre...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Black Lacquer & Gilded Papier-Mâché Box - Asia - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage hand painted and gold gilded papier-mâché box with removeable lid - featuring three gilded lotus flowers to the lid and an intricate double band of decoration to the edge - u...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Paper
Yellow Quartz Brass Box
Located in Milan, IT
Bridging innovative craftsmanship with refined materials, this elegant box is a sculptural object of understated luxury. The square silhouette, made of polished gilt-plated brass, features a distinctive lid in vibrant yellow quartz...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other
Ash Do-Ri Tray by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Do-Ri tray by Matthias Scherzinger.
Dimensions: L 47.4 x W 19.8 x H 6.5 cm.
Materials: ash: white stained lacquered.
inside tin: hard wax.
Also available in Olive Ash and ...
Category
2010s German Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ash
Small La Che Basket by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Small La Che basket by Sebastian Herkner
Materials: 100 % natural fique agave.
Technique: Hand-woven in Colombia.
Dimensions: Diameter 43 cm x Height 22 cm
Available in colors:...
Category
2010s German Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Natural Fiber
Lg Alessendro Albrizzi Faceted Lucite Gem Ice Bucket or Candy Container
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A beautiful luxurious octagonal faceted Gem Lucite ice bucket or candy container with swiveling lid and brass machined hinge pin. The inside is perfectly bowled out measuring 8.5", a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lucite
AIMARA Large 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
Pair of Smoky Rock Crystal Quartz Lamps with Silvered Wood Bases
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of smoky rock crystal quartz lamps with silvered wood bases. The rock crystal is hand-cut and hand-polished into geometric shapes. When the lamps are lit the smoky rock c...
Category
20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Rock Crystal, Quartz
Orange and Black Decorative Ceramic Box by Jean Grison French Art
By Jean Grison
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Grison
Original and decorative ceramic box
Signed under the base, realized circa 2000
Elegant orange and black ceramic colors effects
Original good condition
Meas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Fornasetti Wooden and Metal Box Champagne Black/White Hand Painted
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
Like all Fornasetti accessories, the boxes turn an everyday action into an aesthetic experience. The Fornasetti boxes are a whimsical place to keep your most precious items.
This ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Black Shagreen Tissue Box
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian black Shagreen tissue box with black leather presentation box designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd, made in Italy.
Measures: Height...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Shagreen
Mappin & Webb English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1965
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Mappin & Webb in Birmingham in 1965. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with flat top and scalloped tab. Interior cedar-lined and...
Category
1960s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Macassar Wood Hand-Carved Horse Head Tall Box
By Bois & Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This extra tall decorative lidded box has an incredible hand-carved horse head on the top. The piece features an all-height square shape, made in Macassar wood, handmade and hand-car...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Macassar
Small Caracol Keepsake Box in Silver Bronze and White Marble from Elan Atelier
By Elan Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Caracol keepsake box is comprised of a hand carved base in black or white marble with a solid old gold bronze or matte silver bronze top. An elegant vide-poche or jewelry box.
Smal...
Category
2010s European Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble, Bronze
GLOVER - Studio Pottery Raku Box - Turquoise Interior - Signed - Circa 1980's
Located in Chatham, ON
GLOVER - Vintage wheel thrown studio pottery dome lidded smoked raku box - unglazed exterior - bright turquoise glaze to the interior - signed on the base - c...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Neon Orange Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Twist Small Crystal Box
Located in Milan, IT
The timeless allure of clear crystal meets elegant textural details and pure volumes in this sublime crystal box. Equipped with a matching lid featuring ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Reed & Barton Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. Long and rectangular with curved corners; cover hinged. Box interior wood lined; cover interior gilt wa...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Montagnani Marquetry and Gilt Brass Box, Italy circa 1970
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze designed this sophisticated decorative box, which was crafted in Italy circa 1970. Its Mid-Century modernist design boasts an elongated rectangular flat shape, wit...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Classic Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box by Poole
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Poole in Taunton, Mass. Rectangular with straight sides and lobed bracket feet applied at corners. Cover hinged and curved. Box interio...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the epitome of elegance with this exquisite Murano glass box, meticulously crafted in Murano, Italy. Available in both large and giant sizes, this box exudes sophistication ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Garrard English Modern Sterling Silver Box, 1947
Located in New York, NY
George VI sterling silver box. Made by Garrard & Co. in London in 1947. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat, tabbed, and hinged. Sides have reeded wrapround bands. Cover top ...
Category
1940s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tronador Large Mini Box, Brown Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
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
Novelty Solid Silver Box by Theo Fennell - 1986
Located in Bath, GB
A highly collectable heavy, solid sterling silver box signed on the underside by the famed London silversmith and Jeweller, Theo Fennel.
The box is hand crafted in the form of a tru...
Category
1990s British Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tissue Box in Polished Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elevate the everyday with this exquisite Polished Brass Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti, a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Each piece is meticulously hand...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor. Container in red plastic
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rino Pirovano for Rexite, Italy. 900 Multiplor.
Container in red plastic with four compartments.
1970s/80s.
Designed in 1977.
In very good condition, lid with two interior chips.
Mar...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Plastic
Set of Twelve Black Shagreen Napkin Rings by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian black shagreen and stainless steel napkin rings with matching black leather boxes designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy
Each ring has diameter 1.5 inches a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
Turquoise Acrylic Small Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl.
They loo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in in Crystal with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and function...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Tronador Square Bordeaux 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
Maitland Smith Large Pink Marble & Brass Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Maitland Smith 1980s large tessellated stone and brass inlay decorative box. Light pink stone with light pink detailing. Brass banding retains unpolished patina.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Brass
Sleek R&Y Augousti Inlaid Brass and Shell Box, Paris C.1990
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sleek R&Y Augousti Inlaid Brass and Shell Box, Paris C.1990
Unmarked, Attributed to the R&Y Augousti Studios
Made during the unparalleled style of 1990s Paris, this sleek, unmarked ...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Decorative Ceramic Box Orange and Black Colors by Jean Grison
By Jean Grison
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Jean Grison
Elegant and delicate decorative ceramic box by the French artist.
Many ceramic colors effects.
Signed under the base, circa 2000.
Original good conditions.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
SET Tafi Onyx Oval Boxes, Silver Alpaca & Onyx Stone
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
7.5" x 3.5" x2"
8" x 4" x2.3"
9" x4.5" x 2.5"
Tafi oval box, it is made entirely by hand in alpaca metal and onyx stone. It comes in three different sizes and you can choose between...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Playful Large Purple/Clear Box
Located in Milan, IT
Stylish and elegant, this square box is a flattering accent for a side table or vanity desk, best for storing treats for guests, trinkets, or precious jewelry. The body in pure cryst...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Twist Small Purple Box
Located in Milan, IT
This precious box in fine crystal is a glamorous and sleek take on traditional crystal pieces. The enthralling conflict between the gold-plated bronze edges, the purple-hued body, an...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Jewelry or Storage Boxes, Set of 2
Located in New York, NY
A set of two (2) white/cream hue resin laminate over wood jewelry or storage boxes. A matching/coordinating set of boxes convenient for holding jewelry (as ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Laminate, Wood
Bitossi Lidded Box in Glazed Ceramic with Fused Glass Mosaic, circa 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in New York City, NY
Bitossi Glazed Ceramic Lidded Box with Fused Glass Mosaic, Italy, c. 1960s
Additional Information:
Materials: Ceramic
Origin: Italy
Period: 1950-1979
Creation Date: c. 1960s
...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
20th Century Blue and White Stoneware Ceramic Decorativ Ebox by C Poulsen, 1980
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Charlotte Poulsen - La Borne
Unique piece signed at the base
Original stoneware ceramic decorative box by Charlotte Poulsen
Blue and white colors
Original perfect conditi...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in in Crystal with Bubbles and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. This Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and function...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Chrome
Blue Acrylic Large Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl.
They loo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Set Tronador Square & Rectangular Black Onyx Stone Boxes
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Dimensions :
Rectangular: 25 x 8 x 5 cm // 9.8" x 3.1" x 1.9"
Square: 16 x 16 x 10 cm // 6,25" x 6,25" x 3,9"
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyram...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Crystal with 24-Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this exquisite Murano glass box is a masterpiece of luxurious craftsmanship, featuring a pristine crystal body adorned with shimmering 24-karat gold fl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
20th Century Silver Box, Hungary, circa 1980
By Artex
Located in Cagliari, IT
Magnificent box in sterling silver and wood. On the lid are set reproductions of ancient coins of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
In fact the producer of this article, Artex, was a bra...
Category
1980s Hungarian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
Gabriella Crespi Small Brass Container Box, Italy 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Gabriella Crespi Small Brass Container Box.
Italy 1970s
Carries the Initials E.L.
Signed at the base Gabriella Crespi.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Neon Orange Acrylic Large Round Box by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Modern, colorful and fun round box that can be used as a decorative element on a coffee table, desk or nightstand. Serving double duty as a storage box or as a candy bowl.
They loo...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
Stanley Szwarc Stainless Steel Rectangular Large Box Vintage
By Stanley Szwarc
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous long and unusual rectangular box is polished satin stainless steel. The dimensions of the work on top have flower like bursts in Industrial and floral forms. It is not ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage Monumental Brass, Gold MIrror and Lucite Italian Box Desk Accessory Rare
By Casa Bella
Located in North Miami, FL
This stellar and beyond fabulous large vintage 2 part Italian box from the 70's is monumental and from the iconic Casa Bella chic shop in Miami from the time period. It is brass on t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Modernist Translucent Glass Stylized Egyptian Eye of Horus Dish by Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist dish was realized by the esteemed German maker Rosenthal. It offers a sinuously curved ellipsoid form with raised sides and a central circular depression. The form suggests the ancient Egyptian symbol of the Eye of Horus...
Category
20th Century German Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Glass
Hand Made Abstract Sculptural Glazed Ceramic Box. Fitted Lid
Located in Miami, FL
Hand Built Abstract Sculptural Glazed Ceramic Box. Fitted Lid
Offered for sale is a handmade abstract form ceramic box that is signed and dated by Rexx Fischer. The box is both func...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Hand-Painted Dome Top Wood and Brass Decorative Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A fancy highly decorative, hand painted wooden box in good vintage condition. Heavy solid brass hardware. Meadures 19.5" in width, 10.25" in depth and 14" in height.
Category
Late 20th Century Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Waste Bin in Black Oak Detail by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Oak Detail Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti exemplifies understated luxury, blending meticulous craftsmanship with premium materials. Handcrafted from rich black oak, the structur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Oak
Large Brass Beetle Secret Box
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in brass and lined in velvet, this original box by Florentine luxury experts Badari features a Hercules beetle topper, ready to face any intruder. An eye-catching accent for ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Waste Bin in Black Shagreen Rhomboid by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Shagreen Rhomboid Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti is a masterpiece of functional design, combining luxurious materials and artisanal craftsmanship. Its exterior is adorned with m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Shagreen Stingray
Waste Bin in White Shagreen Detail by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White Shagreen Detail Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti is a masterful blend of elegance and functionality, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Encased in luxurious white shagre...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Shagreen Stingray
Waste Bin in White Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The White Shagreen Rhomboid Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti is a masterpiece of functional design, combining luxurious materials and artisanal craftsmanship. Its exterior is adorned with m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Shagreen Stingray
Waste Bin in Black Shagreen Detail by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Shagreen Detail Waste Bin by R&Y Augousti is a masterful blend of elegance and functionality, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Encased in luxurious white shagre...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Shagreen Stingray
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.