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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Purple Acrylic Large Round Box 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

Maitland Smith Tessellated Rosso Levanto Marble Box, ca 1990s
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Exquisite Maitland Smith Tessellated Rosso Levanto Marble Box, ca 1990s. This octagonal slope sided box is clad in a beautiful tessellated rosso levanto marble and accented with a ...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble, Brass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This elegant hand-blown glass box is a striking example of the artistry and sophistication of Murano glassmaking. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian Island of Murano, this oversize...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Cork Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. A sublime serving tray, Guadiana was designed to uplift layback moments. A rec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble

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

Danish Modern Enameled Abstract Teak Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Danish modern enameled abstract teak table box We are pleased to offer a Danish modern enameled abstract teak table box, this rectangular piece combines functionality and artistic e...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Modernist Bookmatched Walnut Decorative Box with Smoky Quartz Embellishment
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated modernist box was realized in the United States during the 21st century. It features a cubic body in bookmatched walnut with an embellishment (that doubles as a ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Quartz

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Amber with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The exquisite octagonal jewel box in brilliant amber is a captivating blend of traditional craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetics. Handcrafted on the historic island of Murano, this ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

French Modern Stitched Leather Rectangular Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Stitched leather Rectangular table box France, later 20th century French modern leather table box, reminiscent of Jacques Adnet works. This stately rectangular box ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Giant Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Onyx Black with Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impressive in its scale alone, this stunning hand-blown Murano glass box exudes luxury and refinement. Handcrafted on the historic Venetian Island of Murano, this oversized box comma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Table Box Fired Enamel on Guillochè Arab-Style Ornament Sterling Silver Salimben
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular box with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with hand-engraved and enamelled Arab-style ornament. Dimensio...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Karl Springer Exceptional Lidded Box in Tessellated Travertine 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted table top box in tessellated travertine with wood interior by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on bottom). This box has a nice scale and t...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Travertine

Hand Blown Murano Box in Amber with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano glass box features a luxurious amber color that radiates warmth and sophistication. The piece is meticulously handcrafted by master artisans in Murano, Italy, s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Black with Bubbles and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Black Pulegoso Murano glass box is a captivating fusion of artistry and functionality, crafted on the renowned Venetian island of Murano. Distinctive for its unique texture, the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Chaumet Velvet Watch Box for One Watch, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chaumet velvet watch box for one watch, 1990. Chaumet watch box, case in its box, circa 1990. H: 9.5 cm, W: 12.5 cm, D: 11 cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Velvet

American Modernist Geometric Inlaid Two-Tone Wood Lidded Bucket /Vessel, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Modernist Geometric Inlaid Two-Tone Wood Lidded Bucket /Vessel, 1950s Presenting a tour de force of unknown American modern design, this inlaid two-tone wood lidded bucke...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ash, Walnut, Pine

Heart table box Yellow enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent enamel fired on guilloche above and below. Contemporary modern style. Dimensions cm. 9 x 9.5 cm high. 3.Weight gr....
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

A Box by J. Muckey
By J. Muckey
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare walnut box by J.Muckey-a craftsman active in the 1970's.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Arnaldo Pomodoro Bronze Two Part Sculptural Italian Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This sculptural hallmarked fantastic signed Italian vintage bronze 2-part box is by Arnaldo Pomodoro. It has abstract raised forms on top giving both an organic and artistic textural elements. There were 4 different boxes ever done. Pomodoro is a very noted sculptor. The Pomodoro brothers were jewelers before they were sculptors as finely eminent in their work. This is a heavy box of art, sculpture and beauty. It is rectangular and is signed Pomodoro Il Sestante. This is beyond fabulous. It is our favorite special box in our collection. We have had it polished many many years ago so it has some patina on it now. A piece de resistance no doubt. These boxes are hard to come by now and are very collected. It is from the 1970s. This makes a very special desk accessory bronze...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

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

Antiqued Red Lacquer Trinket Box
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Antiqued red lacquer trinket box This trinket box measures: 14 wide x 14 deep x 7.5 inches high This box is in Excellent Vintage Condition with minor marks, dents, and wear. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Natural, Grey Oblong Inlay Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade natural bone box inlaid with grey bone oblong segments, lined in wood. A great storage solution for your desk or coffee table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Birdie Miller Raised Artisan Jewelry Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Birdie Miller Raised Jewelry Box. Looks equally good off of it's raised platform. Made of several woods with rosewood handles. Signed to bottom platform.
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Maple, Rosewood, Walnut

Contemporary Jewelry Box Handmade Black Wood and Engraved Glass by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2022 Collection of Jewelry boxes by Ghirò Studio. This box is perfect synthesis of timeless style, innovative design and Italian craftsmanship excellence. This box is entirely in wood with a matte black finish. The lid is embellished with carefully crafted glass with the utmost precision. The crystal has an amber color finish rich in gold reflections that highlight the various hand-made engravings...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Glass, Wood

American Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Becht & Hartl
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver box. Made by Becht & Hartl, Inc. in Newark. Rectangular with straight sides and beaded rim. Cover hinged and gently curved. Box interior cedar lined...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Karl Springer Iconic Hinged Box in Yellow Cobra, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Iconic sculptured box in yellow cobra, piano hinged with interior in suede, by Karl Springer, American 1970s. The craftsmanship on this box is simply superb.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome

Set/8 Ceramic Jars & Pots, White & Pink, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set/8 Ceramic Jars & Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes five ceramic jars and three ceramic pots, both ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Ghidini 1961 Knotted Cherry Medium Box in Copper-Plated 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

Copper

Pair of Grey Italian Pottery Covered Table Boxes, 20th Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of figural Italian pottery covered boxes. In the form of grey pears with a twig and leaf stem. A charming pair of figural boxes! Marke...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Pottery

20th Century Silver Box, Hungary, circa 1980
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

Pair of Black and Clear Lucite Decorative Boxes
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of 1970s modernist Lucite small decorative boxes with black acrylic bases and clear lids. Perfect as a trinket or jewelry box.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Contemporary Iridescent Pearl Crystal Bowl, Brass and Gold 24 Kt by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Collection of covered bowls by Ghirò Studio. This covered bowl is one of a kind. The material used and the artisanal and artistic workmanship make it unrepeatable. In fact, two...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold, Brass

Acrylic Cubic Box in Tulip by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Tulip by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for sho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Vintage Signed Silver Plate Textural Hinged Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage silver plate hinged textural small box is signed Raimond. We were advised it was French. It has a black velvet interior. It was re- silver plated and then recentl...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Knotted Tissue Box Caramel Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box Color: Caramel Size: 27.5 x 15.5 x 7.9 H cm Material: PU Collection: Knotted.
Category

2010s Thai Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Faux Leather

Black, Grey Striped Bone Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand made, large scale document/keepsake box clad in hand dyed black, grey bone tiles in a striped pattern. Hand polished, some with hand etching detail.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

1970s Italian Bamboo Handle Box in Metal and Plexiglass
Located in Milan, IT
A Beautiful 1970s Faux Bamboo handle box in Nickeld Brass and Plexiglass. A Gem from the 1970s Bling Disco period.  
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Nickel

Ceramic Box by Nanni Valentini for Ceramica Arcore, Italy, 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Ceramic box by Nanni Valentini for Ceramica Arcore.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Aqua Blue with Silver Flecks and Chrome Fittings captures the essence of Venetian artistry through an exquisite fusion of form, material, and luminosity. Thi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome, Silver Leaf

Acrylic Cubic Box in Lagoon by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Lagoon by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

21st Century Coffee Round Paper Bin with Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Nothing like a sleek waste bin in calfskin leather to keep your bathroom looking chic. The cylindrical body is entirely covered by hand with fine calfskin leather in a woven pattern....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather

Christofle K&T Silver-Plate 3 Tier Cantilever Box Desk Accessory 90's
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous signed Christofle 3-tiered silver-plate box, desk accessory, cocktail table addition and or barware, serving piece cantilevers out. It was designed by KT Studio in 1998...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Acrylic Cubic Box in Black by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Black by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for sho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Italian Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Rectangular; cover hinged with vertically ribbed rim. Post-1967 Italian marks including maker’s (Fratelli Cacchione) and retailer’s (Carimati) stamps. Wei...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Bronze - 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 a striking Bronze. Made from high-quality Lucite, this chic deco...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Japanese Kazaribako Glass Box Kyohei Fujita
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1980s. The hand-blown glass box with fitting lid is of an oval shape, slightly irregula...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Natural, Black 3D Bone Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand made dimensional bone box with hand set black centers. Rectangular pieces form a dimensional facade, lined in wood. A great addition to any coffee table to store remote controls...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

Knotted Tissue Box Leather Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
An elegantly detailed tissue box to elevate your daily life. employing refined leather with finely stitched edges, it also features double-knotted detailing. it is a piece that can b...
Category

2010s Thai Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather

1960s Snake Skin Covered Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful snake skin covered box lacquered in a natural bone color. Wonderful vintage condition.
Category

1960s Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Box
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box Mango wood / black finish Dimensions: length: 28,5 / width: 22 / height 13 cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Box
Box
$1,317
Acrylic Cubic Box in Ruby by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Ruby by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for show...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

John Glick pottery/stoneware box , jewelry/ table box, signed .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful box with waved design in stoneware / ceramic. Made by Plum Tree Potters, John Glick.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Acrylic Cubic Box in Orange by Designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Cubic Treasure Box in Orange by Alexandra Von Furstenberg a striking fusion of modern design and functional elegance. Crafted from premium acrylic, this 5" cube is perfect for sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Ghidini 1961 Small Knotted Cherry Box in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small box available in brass and rose gold finishes.   
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
Description: Tissue box Color: Grey Size: 14 x 14 x 15 H cm Material: PU Collection: Knotted.
Category

2010s Thai Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Faux Leather

Juno Box, Marble and Brass, by Bohinc Studio
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Bohinc Studio’s new Juno box comprises a large brass body and a smaller round compartment. Details in green ming, red travertine, calcatta and portoro ma...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble, Brass

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

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Acrylic Treasure Box in Sapphire - 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 Sapphire. Made from high-quality Lucite, this blue ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Modern Serving Tray Calacatta Marble Walnut Handmade Portugal Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Guadiana serving tray, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Guadiana is a sublime serving tray, designed to uplift layback moments. Handcra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble

Vintage Silver Plate, Brass and Ebonized Wood Hinged Box Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning vintage Italian silver-plate, brass and wood hinged box is a beauty. The twisted brass rope design on the bottom is an interesting element that refines and raises the b...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

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.

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