Known for his love of vintage and antique treasures, interior designer Nate Berkus is always on the hunt for his next second-hand purchase. He’s often sharing his finds; however, when he took to Instagram to share his latest vintage obsession, I was quick to add ‘marble vintage boxes’ to my want list, because this is a small, surprisingly affordable piece I can implement into my decor immediately.
If you’re familiar with Nate’s interior designs, you’ll know that he’s the archetype of transitional design and loves to decorate with vintage, scattering one-of-a-kind gems in his clients’ homes as well as his own. I always take note when Nate shows off his enviable treasures, but his latest unboxing of a midcentury rosso marble trinket box is possibly one of his most affordable recommendations yet.
Nate says they’re his go-to desk accessory, so naturally, I scoured the web to get my hands on one like his and stumbled upon an array of one-of-a-kind marble boxes, both new and old, with prices starting from just $22.
Explaining his recent fixation, Nate says, ‘Lately, I’ve been looking for a couple of amazing vintage finds – boxes and objects for the desk.’ He goes on to explain that it’s not any old vintage trinket box he’s had his eye on, but a rather luxurious style. ‘The first one I want to show you is this marble box. It’s made of (obviously marble), but it’s a Rosso marble and it’s Italian.’
‘I found it online at an auction for less than what a brand-new box would be at any sort of department store or home store,’ Nate continues. ‘I really love natural materials, and decorative boxes always find their way on side tables, coffee tables, so it’s a really fun thing to look for online.’
Perfect for adding character to a home office, a desk decorated with vintage trinkets feels more sophisticated and characterful than modern storage pieces. A marble box looks beautiful, but it can store desk clutter too. They can also corral clutter on an entryway console, a coffee table, or a bedside table; a practical piece that makes a stunning statement, too.
As always, Nate has made things easier for us all by sharing the search terms you should use when trying to find a similar piece. He recommends trying phrases such as ‘vintage stone box’ or ‘vintage stone decorative box’, which is exactly what I did and was met by small, pleasantly affordable options, both from online vintage marketplaces and some of my favorite stores too.
1970s Postmodern Vintage Pink Marble Stone Lidded Box
This retro pink marble box is a timeless choice. It’s effortlessly cool and feels so similar to Nate’s midcentury one. Fill it with treasures and proudly place it on a desk or coffee table for a dose of grandeur.
A modern take on the vintage style, this minimalist stone box is ultra-cool and will give any surface a brutalist edge. Use it to house keepsakes or place it on a bookshelf for a dose of texture.
Rich in color, this burgundy marble box feels like a vintage gem. It radiates luxury and sophistication, just like Nate’s. For a dose of texture and color, place it on a table or shelf for some elegance.
5″ Round Marble Box Natural – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee
This adorable marble box features a dainty pull handle. It’s the perfect charming accessory that quietly elevates without overwhelming a surface. Place it on your desk or on top of a stack of books on your coffee table for some contrast.
Mid 20th Century Alabaster Lidded Box
This alabaster box is a mid-century style just like Nate’s. Made from a vibrant orange stone, it’s a refined and one-of-a-kind piece that will make any work-from-home station feel instantly more intentional.
Emil Round Green Spider Marble Box
This deep green marble will instantly make any surface look more expensive and luxurious. No one needs to know it’s used to hide the contents of your handbag!
When you think ‘vintage’, you can jump to ‘expensive’, but it’s not always the case, especially with smaller decor pieces like a marble box. I found vintage options for under $200 and new options for just $22. Be sure to look out in thrift stores too for characterful thrift store buys for your home office, like this, as you will often find even more affordable second-hand finds.
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