Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Style: Mid-Century Modern

Norwegian Solid Birch Expandable Sewing Stand Organizer Made in Norway MINT

$1,800

Norwegian Solid Birch Expandable Sewing Stand Organizer Made in Norway MINT

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Norwegian Solid Birch Expandable Sewing Stand Organizer Made in Norway MINT

Category

20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Birch

Vintage Balsa Wood and Tin Lined Tea Box Workshop Prop Decor Storage

$236Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage Balsa Wood and Tin Lined Tea Box Workshop Prop Decor Storage

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Vintage balsa wood, and tin lined lidded tea box, retaining partial labels.

Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood, Paper

1960s Stainless Steel Tea Infuser Stirrer Tea Steepers Secure Pull Locking

$96Sale Price|44% Off

1960s Stainless Steel Tea Infuser Stirrer Tea Steepers Secure Pull Locking

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Stainless Steel Tea Infuser Stirrer Tea Steepers Secure Pull Locking. Measures 7" Long

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Stainless Steel

Toso Mid-Century Modern Blue Molato Murano Glass Jewelry Box, 1982

$1,945 / item

Toso Mid-Century Modern Blue Molato Murano Glass Jewelry Box, 1982

By Toso Vetri D'arte

Located in Murano, Venezia

These boxes are a beautiful invention of the master glassmaker Toso Murano who designed them in 1982. They can be used as jewelry boxes, and they are beautiful thanks to the reflec...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Lovely Set of French Food Canisters Original French Enamel Canister

$578

Lovely Set of French Food Canisters Original French Enamel Canister

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Lovely Set of French Food Canisters Original French Enamel Canister set is a complete set of five pieces, Sucre, Café, Farine, Thé and Cereals. The canisters are attractively shaped...

Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

Large Danish Studio Pottery Teapot by Merethe Bloch, 1960s

$984

Large Danish Studio Pottery Teapot by Merethe Bloch, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Large Danish Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery Teapot by Merethe Bloch, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, Additional informat...

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Ceramic

1970's Mexican Don S. Shoemaker Set of 4 Mixed Woods Spice Boxes / Tea Caddies

$1,000 / set

1970's Mexican Don S. Shoemaker Set of 4 Mixed Woods Spice Boxes / Tea Caddies

By Don S. Shoemaker

Located in Mexico City, MX

A 1970's Mexican mixed hardwood set of 4 spice boxes by American designer Don S. Shoemaker. The geometric shaped boxes with round covers are designed with bands of different woods. ...

Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

1970s Mid-Century Modern fake Tortoiseshell Lucite Italian Jewelry Box

$477

H 1.66 in W 11.03 in D 4.73 in

1970s Mid-Century Modern fake Tortoiseshell Lucite Italian Jewelry Box

By Guzzini

Located in Aci Castello, IT

This 1970s Mid-Century Modern Italian jewelry box is a beautiful example of the era's design sensibilities, combining elegance, functionality, and high-quality craftsmanship. Here's ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Lucite

Bone and Horn Patchwork Jewelry Box, Modern Design, Wood Lined, Spain

$600

H 3 in W 10 in D 6 in

Bone and Horn Patchwork Jewelry Box, Modern Design, Wood Lined, Spain

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 Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Bone, Horn, Wood

Italian Medium Size Brown Leather Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern

$260Sale Price|20% Off

H 7.4 in W 7.4 in D 5.5 in

Italian Medium Size Brown Leather Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Mid-Size Leather Jewelry Box, Italy Circa 1950's Feminine as well as charming mid-size leather box hand crafted in brown leather and gold embossed monogram. Monogram letters are M.H...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Antique American Enameled Glass Ladies Footed Dresser Jar or Jewelry Box

$799

H 4.5 in Dm 5 in

Antique American Enameled Glass Ladies Footed Dresser Jar or Jewelry Box

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This antique pressed glass jewelry casket or jar is unsigned but presumed to have been made in the United States in circa 1880 in the period Vict...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Lidded Canister with Handle, Elaborate Repoussé & Enamel Work, Munich Secession

$4,750

H 10.5 in W 7.75 in D 4.5 in

Lidded Canister with Handle, Elaborate Repoussé & Enamel Work, Munich Secession

By Ludwig Karl Maria Vierthaler

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Crafted by Ludwig Vierthaler for the Josef Winhart metalwork company in Munich, this gorgeous and singular lidded canister displays the bravura repoussé work that the artist is known for. Winhart hammered elaborate Secession-style swirls and geometric patterns into the sides and lid of this piece, and enriched the lid with midnight blue and ruddy brown enamels. The entire piece has a subtle hammered finish and a streaky patina that gives the surface great depth of color. Interestingly, Vierthaler spent years as a metalsmith at Tiffany and Company in New York...

Category

1910s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Copper, Enamel

18th Century Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy

$5,997

H 6.1 in W 4 in D 6 in

18th Century Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy

By Michael Plummer

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver locking tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique George III sterling silver locking tea caddy has a navette, paneled shaped form. The body of this silver tea caddy box is embellished with bands of bright cut engraved volute spiraling leaf ornamentation on a matte background to the upper and lower portions; these bands flank a plain undulating bordered panel. The ornamentation to the surface of the caddy alternates with panels of concave vertical fluted decoration. This antique Georgian tea caddy is retains the original hallmarked flush hinged covers; the flush hinge indicates the fine quality of this piece. The cover is embellished with further bright cut engraved undulating borders accented with bud motifs, in addition to simplified borders paralleling the domed paneled portion; the domed portions reflects the incurved shape of the body. This impressive cover is surmounted with a cast sterling silver urn style finial, in the Classic Adams style. The caddy retains the original fitted fully working lock and functional key. This sterling silver tea caddy is a highly desirable shape and style. Condition: This Georgian silver tea caddy...

Category

1790s English Antique Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Sculptural Brass Decorative Jewelry Box Brutalist Mid Century Modern

$441

H 2.37 in Dm 6.7 in

Sculptural Brass Decorative Jewelry Box Brutalist Mid Century Modern

By Line Vautrin

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

A heavy beautiful modernist round brass box

Category

1950s Korean Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Antique George III Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy

$3,657

H 5.4 in W 3.3 in D 5.3 in

Antique George III Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver locking tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique Georgian sterling silver tea caddy has an oval form. The surface of the tea caddy is plain and unembellished, with an applied reed decorated border to the upper and lower rims. This antique silver tea caddy retains the original hallmarked domed flush hinged cover; the flush hinge indicates the fine quality of this piece. The cover is surmounted with the original and exceptional silver topped oval button style finial. This antique Georgian tea caddy...

Category

1790s British Antique Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Shaker Storage Box

$495

H 2.94 in W 6.25 in D 5 in

Shaker Storage Box

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful, finely crafted bentwood cedar Shaker style storage or decorative box, circa late-20th century, American. Box is a rich brown cedar wood tacked with hand forged brass nai...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Vintage Chinoiserie Jewelry Box, Wood with Jade Inlay and Brass Decor

$325

H 4 in W 7.9 in D 5.4 in

Vintage Chinoiserie Jewelry Box, Wood with Jade Inlay and Brass Decor

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage Chinese jewelry box features solid wood body with finger joint corners, carved inlay on the lid, and brass applique decor on the corners and around the inlay. The box is equi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Stone, Jade, Brass

Mithé Espelt Ceramic Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950s

$3,500

H 2.84 in Dm 5.32 in

Mithé Espelt Ceramic Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950s

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

Mid-Century Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt — Lunel, France, 1950s. A stunning mid-century ceramic jewelry box crafted by renowned French artist Mithé Espelt in Lunel, France, d...

Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Large Oak Sewing Box, 1950s, Holland

$597

H 31.5 in W 51.19 in D 12.6 in

Large Oak Sewing Box, 1950s, Holland

Located in Den Haag, NL

Large Solid Oak wood sewing box ,on wheels . opened with two hinged doors on the top, while the accordion style (with layered shelves that used external hinges to store more stuff in...

Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Oak

Previously Available Items

Tea Box Designed by Jacques Jongert – Circa 1930

Sold

H 14.97 in W 16.93 in D 13.19 in

Tea Box Designed by Jacques Jongert – Circa 1930

Located in Barcelona, ES

Tea Box Designed by Jacques Jongert – Circa 1930, "De Stijl" Design for Van Nelle, Netherlands This iconic tea box, designed by Jacques Jongert in the 1930s, embodies the essence of...

Category

1930s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Metal

Silver Lidded Box with Dragon Icon on Lid by Friedman Germany

Sold

H 2 in W 6.5 in D 3.5 in

Silver Lidded Box with Dragon Icon on Lid by Friedman Germany

Located in Los Angeles, CA

German silver plate lidded box. A nice braided rim and small feet set this piece apart and are a compliment to any vanity, perfect for jewelry, mementos or 420. In very good shap...

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate

Scandinavian Modern Tea Caddy in Teak, 1960s

Sold

H 3.75 in Dm 4.85 in

Scandinavian Modern Tea Caddy in Teak, 1960s

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A wellmade jar for tobacco, tea, jewelry etc. Its made from solid engine turned teak and was manufactured for the Copenhagen retailer Illums Bolighus in Denmark during the 1960s in a...

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Teak

Van Nelle Tea Box by Jacques Jongert, circa 1930

Sold

H 14.57 in W 16.93 in D 11.23 in

Van Nelle Tea Box by Jacques Jongert, circa 1930

By Van Nelle

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Tea box designed by Jacques Jongert circa 1930 in ' De Stijl ' design manufactured for Van Nelle in Netherland. In good original condition, with min...

Category

1930s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Metal

Meiselman Mancer Italian Ceramic Tea Canister Box

Sold

H 9 in W 4 in D 4 in

Meiselman Mancer Italian Ceramic Tea Canister Box

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful circa 1950s Italian ceramic hand painted tea canister box, with a porcelain finish no chips or cracks nice original condition. Stamped at the bottom these pieces are very c...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Porcelain

Van Nelle Tea Box by Jacques Jongert, circa 1930

Sold

H 14.97 in W 16.93 in D 13.39 in

Van Nelle Tea Box by Jacques Jongert, circa 1930

By Van Nelle

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Tea box designed by Jacques Jongert circa 1930 in 'De Stijl' design manufactured for Van Nelle in Netherland. Metal, painted in color In good ori...

Category

1930s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern French Porcelain Covered Box

Sold

H 5.5 in Dm 7 in

Mid-Century Modern French Porcelain Covered Box

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Mid-Century Modern French porcelain covered decorative box with exterior gilt gold design details . The box is in great condition . Minor wear consistent with age / use . Maker's mar...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Gold

Toso Mid-Century Modern Amber Molato Murano Glass Jewelry Box, 1982

Sold

H 6.3 in W 6.7 in D 6.7 in

Toso Mid-Century Modern Amber Molato Murano Glass Jewelry Box, 1982

By Toso Vetri D'arte

Located in Murano, Venezia

This boxes are a beautiful invention of the master glassmaker Toso Murano who designed them in 1982. They can be used as jewelry boxes, and they are beautiful thanks to the reflectio...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Leather Box on Brass Stand

Sold

H 11.5 in W 14.5 in D 8.25 in

Leather Box on Brass Stand

Located in Hixson, TN

A handsome vintage leather-covered tea caddy with chinoiserie style-stepped brass base. The box is in a beautiful burnished cinnamon shade with tapered top accented with a brass plin...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Mid-century Modern tea caddies for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern tea caddies for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tea caddies created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with art glass, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern tea caddies made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Netherlands pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tea caddies, popular names associated with this style include Toso Vetri D'Arte, and Alfred Tolmer. 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 tea caddies differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $660 and tops out at $1,776 while the average work can sell for $879.