Toleware Bin
Antique Mid-19th Century American Colonial Decorative Boxes
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Copper
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Boxes
Metal
Antique 19th Century Victorian Decorative Boxes
Metal
Antique 1850s English Regency Painted Furniture
Tin
Early 20th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Decorative Boxes
Tin
People Also Browsed
Late 20th Century French Pottery
Pottery
Antique Early 19th Century American Country More Folk Art
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century English Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
Antique 19th Century English Tableware
Silver Plate
Antique Mid-18th Century English Rococo Pottery
Majolica
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Revival Jars
Ceramic
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Dry Bars
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Early 20th Century French Renaissance Revival Jewelry Boxes
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Japanese Bohemian Ceramics
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Decorative Boxes
Brass
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Jars
Plastic, Rubber, Cork, Ceramic
20th Century English Baroque Tableware
Ceramic, Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Teak
Early 20th Century Shaker Decorative Boxes
Bentwood, Paint
Mid-20th Century American Other Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Jars
Aluminum, Enamel
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Decorative Boxes
Metal
Early 20th Century Victorian Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Metal
Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Side Tables
Tôle
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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