British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE
Typically made of mahogany, teak or bamboo and featuring a range of fabrics and prints with botanical patterns, antique British Colonial furniture and decor varies as it involved local materials and techniques and spanned centuries of design styles.
As the British Empire expanded from the 16th to the 20th century, its conquest and control of colonies around the world bolstered its wealth through the extraction of resources. Including colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this spread of often violent subjugation imposed British culture, language and faith on Indigenous peoples. The design of homes was included in this expression of imperial power, with government officials, merchants and military officers creating homes mimicking the luxuries they were used to in England.
Local artisans were commissioned to replicate British designs, resulting in versions of Regency, Chippendale, Sheraton and other styles of furniture being crafted from mahogany, rosewood, ebony and teakwood as opposed to beech and oak, which were more common in Europe. Whereas the colonial furniture for the Portuguese and Dutch regularly had motifs of indigenous flora and fauna, the British tended to want more exact reproductions of their home country’s designs.
To escape the summer heat in places such as India and the Caribbean, British colonizers relocated to airy houses in the hills or plantations, leading to foldable chairs and collapsible desks in the style of military campaign furniture. Rather than upholstery as they might have in Europe, chairs and sofas in the British Colonial style had rattan and cane seating for these higher temperature climates. The contrast between the light textiles and the dark colors of the sturdy furniture became a defining aesthetic of British Colonial interiors.
Find a collection of antique British Colonial outdoor furniture, seating, bedroom furniture, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.
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Style: British Colonial
Organic Modern Restored Cane and Bamboo Rising Sun Commodes-Pair
Located in North Fort Myers, US
These chests were handled by a caring individual who knows how or had someone to take care of their bamboo furniture. Very light wear for the age of these Commodes. Light refinishin...
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood, Bentwood
Ralph Lauren Faux Bamboo and Grasscloth Chest of Drawers
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage British colonial style chest crafted with mahogany faux bamboo as a frame and around the drawers and having herringbone grasscloth panels all around with campaign br...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo
19th Century Campaign Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century mahogany campaign chest. Features simple rectangular lines, brass corners, and brass inset handles. These chests were made for travel, historically for military campaign...
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th Century English Campaign Marine Chest of Drawers in Mahogany
Located in NICE, FR
This stunning mahogany chest of drawers model was originally used by the British navy. It features charming typical campaign handles as well two carrying handles on both its sides.
...
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in Culver City, CA
Campaign Chest of Drawers
England circa 1920
Navy chest of drawers with hidden compartments.
38”w x 18.5”d x 35.25”h
Category
1920s English Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest on Cabinet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 18th century British Colonial chest with a beaded cornice over three drawers with campaign hardware in the top of the case and ...
Category
18th Century English Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Hardwood
Six-Drawer Bamboo and Cane British Colonial Style Dresser or Chest.
Located in Bellport, NY
A handcrafted six-drawer dresser of bamboo and cane, all drawers are on slides.
for easy handling, woven cane fronts and bamboo frames.
A transitional and neutral piece that works...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo, Cane
19th Century English Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century English Mahogany Chest of Drawers has a decidedly Colonial look, with style cues inspired by the Queen Anne furnishin...
Category
1880s English Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Faux Bamboo and Grasscloth Chest or Dresser
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome midcentury British Colonial style chest of drawers having six drawers crafted with a faux bamboo frame, grasscloth panels all around and app...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo
1980s Vintage Chests From Century Furniture
Located in Hartville, OH
1 of 2 Monumental Chests of Drawers from Century Furniture. Distressed finish, beautiful hardware and cream stone tops. These are huge and have a strong European rustic feel. Italian...
Category
1980s American Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Stone
Antique British Colonial Campaign Secretary Chest of Drawers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century British Colonial Campaign chest handcrafted in mahogany featuring a pullout desk in the top with drawers and niches, three storage drawers below, brass hardware...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century British Colonial Brass Bound Teak Campaign Chest
Located in Charleston, SC
Great quality late 19th century British colonial brass bound teak campaign chest in 2 parts.
Category
19th Century Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
English Mahogany Campaign Chest of Drawers, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of English mahogany campaign chest of three drawers, brass mounted and with swing pulls, handles at sides.
Measures: 22" H x 26.25" W x 26.25" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Bamboo Chest with Greek Key Design
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage bamboo chest with Greek key design. This versatile mid-century bamboo chest, side table, end table or bedside table has style and storage ...
Category
1950s Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo
British Colonial Rosewood Chest of Drawers w/ Egg-n-Dart Trim, Early 20th C
Located in Atlanta, GA
A British Colonial rosewood chest of drawers from the early 20th century. This antique chest from India is made of rosewood, giving it a beautifully ...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
Baker Furniture 18th Century Flemish Style Mahogany Triple Dresser, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous 18th century Flemish reproduction chest of drawers, dresser, or buffet server
By Baker Furniture
USA, mid-20th century
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Burmese Wood Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
A four-drawer chest in teak wood from old Burma, now Myanmar. Early 20th Century, circa 1925.
Dark finish. Two small drawers, two large. Original brass handles.
Category
1920s Burmese Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
Historic Corner Commode from Around 1900, After Renovation
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique chest of drawers from the turn of the century. Very good condition, after professional renovation, chest of drawers finished in polytone.
...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest with Pullout Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century campaign chest with seven drawers handcrafted in camphor wood and featuring a pullout desk with nooks, drawers and a leather writi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Bamboo and Grasscloth Chest of Drawers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Gentlemen's chest of eight drawers with a casual elegance and featuring a bamboo frame, grasscloth panels, stylized sunrise designs on the sides and splayed legs.
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Grasscloth, Bamboo
Red Lacquered Chest on Stand 19th Century, British India, 1860
Located in Epfach, DE
Red lacquered chest on stand 19th century, British India, 1860
Very charming 19th century chest with wonderful lacquered and gilt flower dec...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Regency Brass Mounted Mahogany Two-Part Secrétaire Military Campaign Chest
Located in Charleston, SC
This mid-19th century brass-mounted mahogany two-part Campaign chest has a removable mahogany panel covering the satinwood. Fitted interior of the secrétaire drawer with usual foldin...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Antique Black Painted Pine 11 Drawer Lingerie Chest With Gold French Lines
Located in Centennial, CO
A classic English styled antique pine black painted eleven drawer lingerie tall chest with gold French line motif and brass hardware. Built by a skilled craftsman with eleven graduat...
Category
Early 20th Century British British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
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Antique Military Campaign Style Chest of Drawers in Yew Wood
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique military campaign style chest of drawers in yew wood. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s.
It is of superb quality and is a very useful siz...
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1930s British Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Antique English Regency Faux Bamboo Chest of Drawers
Located in Calgary, Alberta
Antique English Regency bow fronted chest of drawers.
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STUNNING RALPH LAUREN MILITARY CAMPAIGN CHEST OF DRAWERS NiGHTSTAND
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Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London
We are delighted to offer for sale this Stunning Ralph Lauren Military Campaign Chest of Drawers.
A stunning Ralph Lauren military campaign chest of drawers nightstand is a unique and captivating piece of furniture that combines the elegance of traditional design with the rugged charm of a military-inspired aesthetic. It exudes a sense of adventure and sophistication, making it a captivating addition to any bedroom.
Crafted from high-quality materials, this nightstand showcases Ralph Lauren's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. The chest features a distinctive campaign design, inspired by vintage military furniture...
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Stunning Serpentine Fronted Ralph Lauren American Hardwood Chest of Drawers
By Ralph Lauren
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Ralph Lauren American Mahogany serpentine fronted chest of drawers
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20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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H 38.19 in W 45.28 in D 19.1 in
Ralph Lauren Faux Bamboo Distressed Painted Commode Dresser
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is an intentionally distressed Ralph Lauren French Directoire style commode or dresser. The commode is in good working condition and is labeled. Measures 46 wide x 18 deep x 34 ...
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Early 2000s Unknown British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Beautiful Pair of Oak, Rattan and Cane Campaign Commodes by McGuire, circa 1970
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ...
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1970s American Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Brass
H 34 in W 42 in D 22 in
Antique Teak & Brass Military Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique military campaign chest in teak and brass. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1840-1860 period.
It is of amazing quality and is a very useful s...
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1860s British Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Brass
Exceptional Restored Neoclassical Style Commode in Bamboo and Brass, circa 1975
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent chest is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Completely Installation Ready.
An absolutely jaw-dropping custom commissione...
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1970s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Brass
H 31 in W 70 in D 19.75 in
Baker Banded Walnut Brass Campaign Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Southampton, NJ
Baker Campaign style chest of two generously sized drawers with handsome banded walnut top & front. Original brass hardware enhances striking walnut grains. Nice multifunctional stor...
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20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Brass
Antique Military Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique military campaign chest of drawers. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1920-30’s.
It is...
Category
1930s British Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Faux Bamboo Chest of Drawers
Located in High Point, NC
19th century faux bamboo chest of drawers from France. The top has been replaced with Carrara marble, and sits upon the case, which is made of pitch pine. The chest has four drawer...
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19th Century French Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Carrara Marble
Pair of Italian Bedside Table Nightstands in Bamboo, Rattan and Cane, 1960s
By Bonacina
Located in Roma, IT
a set of two bedside tables handmade in Italy between the 50s and 60s using natural fibers such as bamboo, rattan and thin cane for a perfect and chic Riviera style of the time.
Made...
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Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
H 26.78 in W 18.9 in D 13.39 in
Previously Available Items
Antique Black Painted Pine 11 Drawer Lingerie Chest With Gold French Lines
Located in Centennial, CO
A classic English styled antique pine black painted eleven drawer lingerie tall chest with gold French line motif and brass hardware. Built by a skilled craftsman with eleven graduat...
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Early 20th Century British British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
H 46.5 in W 26.5 in D 18 in
British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo Dresser Chest
Located in Roanoke, VA
British Colonial coastal style burnt bamboo and cane dresser with three spacious drawers. Would work well in an entryway, living area, or bedroom.
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Late 20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cane, Faux Bamboo
Antique English Waxed Pine Chest 4 Drawer Cabinet Sofa Table British Farmhouse
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique English Waxed Pine Chest 4 Drawer Cabinet Sofa Table British Farmhouse.
Direct from England, a lovely antique waxed pine chest, in a versati...
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Early 1900s British Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
H 30.5 in W 35 in D 18.5 in
Antique English Pine Chest of Drawers Dresser
Located in Centennial, CO
A classically beautiful antique circa 1900 English pine chest of drawers dresser. The old pine has a beautiful glow and the dark wood knobs provide contrast and visual interest. Old ...
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Early 20th Century British British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Pine
Pair of Vintage Devoncourt Bachelor Chests from Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Hartville, OH
Just a beautiful pair of English Yew Wood Bachelor Chests from Drexel from their Devoncourt Collection. Showing very minor signs of wear, these have been beautifully kept and custom ...
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1980s American Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Antique English Pine Chest of Drawers Dresser
Located in Centennial, CO
A classically beautiful antique circa 1900 English pine chest of drawers dresser. The old pine has a beautiful glow and the dark wood knobs provide contrast and visual interest. Old ...
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Early 20th Century British British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Pine
19th Century Burl Faux Bamboo Chest Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful dresser with 5 drawers, two smaller on the top and three longer ones below. The original key accompanies the piece and works for all of the drawers.
The color of the ...
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19th Century Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Burl
Pair of Vintage British Colonial Style Grasscloth Stands or Chests
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury British Colonial style three drawer stands crafted with faux bamboo frames having a faux tortoise finish and grasscloth panels all around ...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo
Mid-Century British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Chest of Drawers or Dresser
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage British Colonial chest of six drawers crafted with a faux bamboo frame having a faux tortoise finish and grasscloth panels all around with ap...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo
H 31 in W 62.5 in D 18.5 in
Pair of British Colonial Style Chests or Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome pair of vintage three drawer chests or stands crafted with a faux bamboo frame having a faux tortoise finish, grasscloth panels all...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Grasscloth
Scottish Mahogany Haberdashery Drawers, circa 1880
Located in Faversham, GB
An impressive bank of mahogany haberdashery drawers. Raised on four cast iron block feet with intricate classical detailing. Featuring eight deep ...
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19th Century British Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Set of Painted Pine Watchmaker’s Drawers, circa 1920
Located in Faversham, GB
A splendid set of painted pine watchmaker’s drawers. Sixteen little drawers, some still with workshop stickers and a variety of handles that have been a...
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20th Century British British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Pine
British Colonial commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique British Colonial commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial commodes and chests of drawers made in a specific country, there are Asia, Europe, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original commodes and chests of drawers, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, and Century Furniture. 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 commodes and chests of drawers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,250 and tops out at $14,000 while the average work can sell for $3,885.
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