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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Saffron Tissue Box Dark Blue Large in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Saffron Tissue Box Dark Blue Large in Lacquer Wood
Brass, Viya By Vikram Goyal
With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, saffron captivates us all. A...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Wood Vintage Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Absolutely Stunning Ladys or Gentlemans Jewellery Casket of outstanding quality and of generous size, made in Ireland by renowned cabinet makers Mannings of Ireland, using well figur...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920
By Bauhaus
Located in Atlanta, GA
This remarkable early 20th-century modernist aluminum box is a true testament to masterful craftsmanship and innovative design. The rare piece was crafted in Germany circa 1920. Its...
Category
Early 20th Century German Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful, Japanese licensed Pink Panther Collection lidded box distributed by Royal Orleans and dated 1981. The ceramic box is of large oval form with a fitted slightly domed cov...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic
Tree Full of Parrots Trinket Box in Brass
Semi Precious Stone
Located in Noida, DL
Tree Full of Parrots Trinket Box in Brass
Semi Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal
A tree full of parrots is a sign of success in aspirations and future endeavours. According to the 17th century Indian manuscript...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Tronador Rectangular Blue 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
$1,267 / item
Tronador Rectangular Cream 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
$1,100 / item
Tronador Square Cream 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
$1,320 / item
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca
Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made b...
Category
2010s South American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$1,050 / item
Burl Walnut Thuya Wood Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This rare North African Thuya Wood Jewellery Casket was manufactured by the famed manning of Ireland company and is truly a jewel of handcrafted genius. This box is constructed of th...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
1980s Modernist White and Pink Lucite and Silver Italian Rectangular Vanity Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This italian Vanity Box encapsulates the exuberance and style of its era, offering a compelling synthesis of form, function, and aesthetic appeal. It serves as both a practical stora...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Silver
Glaciar Large Silver Alpaca
White Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made...
Category
2010s South American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$1,070 / item
Tronador Square Blue 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
$1,584 / item
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca
White Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made...
Category
2010s South American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Aimara Medium 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
$410 / item
XX Century Italian Sterling Silver table box
Located in VALENZA, IT
A smooth, handcrafted sterling silver table box.
The slightly curved structure of the box features a hinged lid that fits snugly against the base.
The box is suitable for a prestigio...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Oval Horn Tiled Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Natural horn tiled wood box featuring a convex oval center. Tiles are steam and heat pressed and assembled by hand.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Horn
Tafi Large Onyx Oval Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
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 four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux
Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind.
All natural stones may vary in color.
About AIREDELSUR:
With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx
$740 / item
Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Stella Box Blue Onyx
Terreno Gold By Greg Natale
By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
With a celestial silhouette, the Stella Box evokes the textures and terrains of lunar landscapes in contour and materiality. Carved from marble with a sculptural handle, the Stella B...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble
Glaciar Small Silver Alpaca
Bordeaux Onyx Stone Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Glaciar collection is meticulously handcrafted by our local artisans with these rectangular onyx pieces set around alpaca silver flower vases, boxes and trays.
Our pieces are made b...
Category
2010s South American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Sadelles
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 4”x 6” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with oversized...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Box in Ruby with Brass Fittings is a jewel-like objet d’art, designed to captivate with its opulent radiance and modern silhouette. Crafted in Italy by master g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
$2,975 / item
Italian Specimen Agate and Alabaster Hinged Table Box, Circa 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Specimen Agate and Alabaster Hinged Table Box, Circa 1950s
This elegant Italian specimen agate and alabaster hinged table box, dating to the circa 1950s, is a refined exampl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Agate, Alabaster, Metal
Tiffany American Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1912. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and molded rim. Box interior cedar lined....
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box with 24 Karat Gold Flecks and Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This stunning and angular square shaped, hand-blown Murano glass box is a treasure to behold. Handcrafted on the historic island of Murano, this box exemplifies the artistry and skil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Tessellated Faux Horn Covered Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful tessellated faux horn decorative box made in France. Gorgeous detail work inside and out. Add some French style to you design project.
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Resin
21st Century Leather Tilting Lid Waste Bin Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A cylindrical and contemporary silhouette with subtle detail.
Our round metal bin with tilting lid is perfectly sized for use in the bathroom.
More than 30 harmonious shades can be paired with our modern bathroom...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather
Italian Fossil Marble (Lumachella) Specimen Stone Box, Circa 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Fossil Marble (Lumachella) Specimen Stone Box, Circa 1960s
Two pieces, Lid and and Base
This sculptural Italian specimen marble box dates to the circa 1960s and is crafted ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Marble
Large Pyrimidial Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Textural keepsake box clad in heat set pyrimidial horn elements. A great addition to any desk or coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Horn, Wood
Agresti Grande Segreto Armored Jewelry Case
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry case with pull out necklace bars. See information below for details of item variations.
Gold variation: Shiny gold steel. Inside d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Steel
Mini Ceramic Restaurant Matchbox - Commerce Inn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Mini Matchbox Series is composed of roughly 2”x 3” boxes that make direct references to iconic NYC institutions. These boxes come with slide out inserts that are filled with matc...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Vintage Italian Villa La Rotonda Lidded Box
Located in Chicago, IL
A love letter in terracotta to one of the Renaissance’s most influential buildings, this vintage Italian lidded box takes the form of Andrea Palladio’s Villa La Rotonda. Every propor...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Terracotta
Maison Mercier Modernist Amber and Clear Lucite Box, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite modernist acrylic Lucite lidded box, expertly crafted in France circa 1970, is a striking embodiment of refined design and artistic sophistication. Echoing the disting...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lucite
Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, Brown
Cream 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
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Tobacco W/ Polished Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in radiant smoked tobacco is a vibrant and elegant accessory, handcrafted in Italy during the 21st century. Meticulously created by Murano ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Vintage Italian Figural Snail Pill Box in White Metal
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual miniature pill box in the shape of a very detailed snail. These were made in Italy circa 1970-90s usually of 800/1000 silver or alpaca/argentan/German silver (an alloy of zin...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Jay Rogers 1992 Exotic Wood Box with mystery drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Rogers 1992 Three drawer exotic wood Box. Box looks like cubes rolling off the main body, but three of the boxes open!. Signed inside bottom drawer. Very nice condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Zebra Wood
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Octagonal Glass Box in Emerald w/ Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully colored and elegant Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Octagonal Glass Box in Emerald W/Brass Fittings originates from Italy during the 21st Century. Features an octagonal ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
English Modern Sterling Silver Box with Saudi Arabia Association
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Peter Nicholas & Co Ltd in London in 1989. Rectangular with corner bracket supports and hinged open scroll end handles. Cover hinged and fla...
Category
1980s British Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
1950s Murano Green Opaline Jewellery Box with Gilt Metal Edging
Located in London, GB
A 1950s Murano green opaline jewellery box by Cendese with gilt metal edging.
There are other available colours and designs under other listings.
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Porteño Medium Black
Cream Hand Painted Wood Box
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly known. Its boxes, trays and flower vases have a ...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Thuya Wood Vintage Handmade Jewelry Casket Box Manning of Ireland Irish New
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Absolutely Stunning Lady's or Gentleman's Jewellery Casket of outstanding quality and of generous size, made in Ireland by renowned cabinet makers Mannings of Ireland, using well fig...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mahogany
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
$1,250 / item
Hand Blown Murano Glass Box in Light Tobacco with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A functional yet undoubtedly elegant piece, this large hand-blown Murano glass box is a marriage of Murano glassmaking techniques with the practicality of a tobacco box speaks to the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Large English Modern Sterling Silver Box
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Padgett & Braham Ltd in London in 1963. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Interior ceda...
Category
1960s English Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Blue/White Incised Horn Box
Located in New York, NY
Modernist graphic patterned blue and white bone box with hand incised horn tiles. Wood interior.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Wood, Horn
Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Baccello lacquered solid wood Modern minimal modular drawers from Costantini.
Each unit measures 20" x 20" x 5" high. 6 units as shown.
Each one...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
White Bone And Brass Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
Handmade decorative keepsake, desk box clad in white bone and brass inlay pinstripes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
$725 / item
Contemporary Bronze Ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2015
Located in Paris, FR
The solid bronze ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in several pieces of the Reda Amalou Collection.
The Bronze ashtray is 135 x 135 x 65mm H
This design exists also in a tiny incense...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Contemporary Bronze Incense Box or ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2020
Located in Paris, FR
The bronze incense box or ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Dean Santner wood box / jewelry /decorative . Signed
By Dean Santner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful wooden box by the well known Dean Santner .
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Christian Dior Paris Silver Plate Box with Quartz Stone, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful, modernist silver plate decorative box was crafted in France for the renowned Christian Dior House as part of the Interior Collection. The piece features an elegant, m...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Quartz, Metal, Silver Plate
Hand-Blown Murano Box in Emerald Green with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano box, hand-blown in a vibrant emerald green, is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and refined geometry. Its octagonal form is both striking and sculptural,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Modern, Bebek Chestnut Wood Single-Compartment Box
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Istanbul is a wooden box collection inspired by some of towns most iconic buildings: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Bebek Mosque. Each item takes its name from these structures. The ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Chestnut
$76 Sale Price / item
24% Off
French Modern Zebra Hide
Leather Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Zebra Hide and Leather Box
France, circa 1960s
A sleek French modern zebra hide and leather box, circa 1960s, is a sophisticated addition to any decor. The box feature...
Category
20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Leather, Zebra Hide
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
Neon Green Acrylic Christmas Tree Decor by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Christmas is a season of joy and, for us that means color! Celebrate the season with this colorful, fun and modern Christmas Tree sculptures, and give a new twist to the traditional Christmas color palette. This sculptures will look merry and bright in shelves, fireplace mantle, or even to decorate you kids bedroom...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Acrylic
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
Modernist Octagonal Handblown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Rose W/ Polished Nickel
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist Octagonal Hand-Blown Murano Glass Box in Smoked Rose, accented with polished nickel fittings, is a refined example of Italian craftsmanship and modern design. Handmade...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Nickel
Bone, Horn Patchwork Box
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 Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bone, Horn, Wood
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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