With origins dating back to Ancient Egypt, the trinket box has been a much-loved and well-used staple for centuries. And while some examples may look slightly different today, their use has remained the same…
What is a trinket box?
A trinket box is a small pot for storing small valuables. Traditionally, trinket boxes would have been made from silver, ivory, enamel, glass, wood or ceramic.
Nowadays, you can still find pieces made from all of these materials, except for ivory, but also more modern alternatives including fabric and natural, woven materials.
Trinket boxes are usually lidded in order to keep belongings stored inside secure and protected.
What do you put in a trinket box?
Trinket boxes are most commonly used to store jewellery (as they have been since their first noted existence). Often they are placed on a bedside table for easy access to everyday pieces such as rings or earrings.
They are also popular for use in hallways and other communal areas for storing keys, watches and other items you need to grab before leaving the house.
Best trinket boxes for 2024
Livia Peach Pink Glass Storage Pot
- Buy now from Oliver Bonas (£14)
Inspired by Art Deco design, this pretty pink trinket box is made from glass with a cut crystal-style design. The gold detailing and shallow pointed lid gives this pot a unique profile. It’s perfect for storing your favourite pieces of jewellery.
Halcyon Days Highgrove Wildflower Trinket Box
- Buy now from Fortnum & Mason (£65)
As part of an exclusive collection for Fortnum & Mason, Halcyon Days has designed this darling trinket box. Made from bone china, the round pot is completed with a beautifully decorated lid inspired by the gardens at Highgrove.
Vera Wang @ Wedgwood With Love Nouveau Silver Trinket Box
- Buy now from Selfridges (£70)
Keep it classic with a beautiful silver trinket box, like this example from the Vera Wang @ Wedgwood range. The lid has a pared back, interlocking ring design, making it a gorgeous choice for anyone with traditional tastes.
L’Objet X Haas Brothers Porcelain Box
- Buy now from Matches (£560)
For something unique and quirky that is sure to raise a smile, this trinket box from the L’Objet X Haas ‘Butts Up’ range is a fun choice. With a complementary colour palette of green and gold, you can fit plenty of treasures under the unusual lid!
Auditorium Ceiling Trinket Box
- Buy now from Royal Opera House (£24)
As part of a collection with the Royal Opera House, Elena Deshmukh has designed this beautiful trinket box inspired by the exquisite architecture of ROH’s main stage auditorium ceiling.
Beetle Gold Trinket Pot
- Buy now from Oliver Bonas (£17.50)
This charming beetle trinket box will add a touch of glamour to your jewellery display. Made from brass with a glimmering gold finish, it’s the perfect place to store your special trinkets.
Ginori 1735 Fox Thicket Trinket Box
- Buy now from Harrods (£160)
Designer Luke Edward Hall has created a beautiful collection with Ginori 1735, which includes this decorative trinket box. This particular design has been inspired by an imagined, romantic place – Fox Thicket Folly in the Cotswolds. The lid features a whimsical illustration of a Gothic building in Hall’s familiar style, and the sides of the pot are covered in a leaf design to represent the changing trees during autumn.
Pink Mushroom Stash Box
- Buy now from Urban Outfitters (£14)
Cute and quirky, this pink mushroom stash pot has subtle speckled detailing in the stoneware glaze, so it will contrast perfectly with your antique collections. Plus, the smiley face adds a charming design detail.
Zoological Gardens Trinket Bowl
- Buy now from Spode (£35)
Spode has designed an enchanting trinket box as part of its zoological gardens collection. Decorated with wild palms and exotic animals in a monochrome design, this pot has an almost toile de Jouy feel to it – ideal if you’re looking for something more classic.
L’Objet X Haas Brothers Happy Huggers Porcelain Box
- Buy now from Selfridges (£615)
This handcrafted design is certainly joyful – the Happy Huggers trinket box is part of the L’Objet X Haas Brothers collection. With a bold colour combination of black and gold, this pot is the perfect size for storing everyday essentials.
Small Lidded Woven Pot
- Buy now from Urban Outfitters (£8)
Offering a more rustic aesthetic, this woven pot works well as a trinket box. Made from water hyacinth and woven into a cylindrical shape, your favourite trinkets and beaded necklaces will be safely housed in here.
Diabolo de Cartier Trinket Box
- Buy now from Harrods (£670)
A true collectors’ item, this trinket box from Cartier features many of the brand’s well-known designs, including its iconic panther mascot topping the lid. The minimal colour scheme ensures this pot suits any aesthetic, with hits of red, gold and black. An heirloom piece for sure.
Beaded Moth Green Trinket Pot
- Buy now from Oliver Bonas (£19.50)
If you prefer something upholstered, this fabric pot topped with a pretty beaded moth design is sure to pique your interest. With a delicate colour scheme of pastel green and gold, it has a lovely, timeless appeal that would work well on any dressing table.
More content from Homes & Antiques
- A guide to antique and vintage cocktail rings
- Best trinket dishes for a pretty display
- Collecting vintage jewellery
- What you need to know before buying a vintage engagement ring
- Where to buy antique jewellery and silver online
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