Decorative Faux Shagreen Box
Vintage 1970s American Decorative Boxes
Shagreen, Shagreen Stingray
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Brass
Vintage 1980s North American Modern Decorative Boxes
Lacquer, Wood
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Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Early 2000s Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Cane, Wood
Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Decorative Boxes
Bone, Shell, Abalone, Fruitwood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Brass
Vintage 1960s Greek Greco Roman Chaise Longues
Walnut, Leather
1990s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Shell, Wood
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Wood, Elm
Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Decorative Boxes
Shell, Fruitwood, Abalone
Vintage 1960s Greek Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Greek Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Leather, Walnut
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass, Metal
Antique Early 19th Century English George III Decorative Boxes
Other
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Side Tables
Bronze, Enamel
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Belgian Desk Sets
Metal
Late 20th Century Campaign Decorative Boxes
Shagreen, Faux Leather, Lacquer
Late 20th Century French Boxes
Wood
Vintage 1980s Philippine Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Bone
Late 20th Century American Boxes
Antique 19th Century Japanese Boxes
Antique 19th Century Japanese Boxes
Vintage 1920s English Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
20th Century Decorative Boxes
Faux Leather
2010s American Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Wood
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
1990s Vietnamese Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Shagreen
Vintage 1970s Italian Decorative Boxes
Brass
Vintage 1920s English Regency Jewelry Boxes
Mirror, Paper
Antique 19th Century English Decorative Boxes
Wood
Vintage 1970s Boxes
Brass
2010s American Art Deco Decorative Boxes
Shagreen, Suede
Vintage 1930s British Boxes
Wood
Early 20th Century English Decorative Boxes
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Boxes
Ivory, Shagreen
Finding the Right boxes for You
From mere trinkets to useful receptacles that serve a distinct purpose, antique boxes as decorative objects have come in many forms over the years. No matter what they’re made of or where they end up in your home, decorative boxes add both style and storage to your space.
The decorative box that is likely most common is the jewelry box. These boxes were originally known as jewel caskets and were in common use in Ancient Egypt, as most Egyptians wore some sort of jewelry. A portable jewelry box, in its original intended use, was integral to keeping your jewelry safe and secure. This accessory has transformed in size, shape and appearance over the years. Initially it was common for a jewelry box to bear intricate ornamentation. Whether they’re mid-century modern works of marble and brass or feature playful Art Deco–style geometric decor, jewelry boxes boast real staying power.
Snuff boxes began to soar in popularity during the 17th century (and were commonplace in European homes by the mid-19th century). The boxes, some hand-painted with landscape scenes, some made from gold, porcelain or stone, contained a small amount of tobacco, which users would sniff, or “snuff,” throughout the day. Some particularly ornamental snuff boxes featured enameled designs or were set with precious gems and were given as gifts or party favors, particularly at the coronation of royalty or other lavish events.
Whether you’re organizing important mail in the foyer or tucking away medications in your bathroom, antique boxes — be they metal tea caddies, sterling-silver decorative boxes or Victorian cigar boxes made of oak (even if you don’t smoke) — are a sophisticated solution to help keep the surfaces in your home clutter-free. And no matter if you’re seeking a decorative box to beautify a desktop or bestow upon a loved one, you are sure to find something you love in the collection of antique and vintage boxes on 1stDibs.
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