British Colonial Furniture
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
British Colonial Style Grasscloth and Mahogany Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British colonial style seven drawer desk crafted in mahogany with bold grasscloth panels all around featuring leather luggage style hardware...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Grasscloth, Mahogany
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 Furniture
Materials
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo
Faux Bamboo and leather folding officer safari chair.
Located in MIJDRECHT, NL
Mid century Faux Bamboo and leather British colonial officers folding chair.
Expertly crafted Faux Bamboo, brass hardware and stitched leather ba...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique British Colonial Anglo Indian Teak Split Reed Rattan Plantation Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th century British Colonial Anglo Indian plantation chair. Made from teak in mortise and tenon joinery with a relaxed lounged frame and long arms. Features a curved crest rail and split reed bent rattan seat.
There's nothing better than putting your feet up after a day's backbreaking work. In the 19th century, plantation owners used a specific chair. Called, naturally enough, the planter...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Antique Asian Ornate Craved Wood Damchiya Dowry Box
Located in STOKE ON TRENT, GB
Antique Indian Damchiya with extensively carved wood. The traditional box was used as a dowry for Indian brides and gifted at weddings. It has panelled...
Category
Early 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Early 19th Century English Sideboard ~ Credenza
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 19th Century English Sideboard ~ Credenza exhibits an English Colonial style, and is a perfect size as a companion piece in any room! Crafted from solid planks of old-growth o...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Collection of 34 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 34 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print e...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
Carved Wood Colorful Life Size Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Extraordinary tall vintage palm tree sculpture handcrafted in wood carved and paint decorated with leaves, coconuts, trunk, and weighted terra firma base.
Category
20th Century Balinese British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Rare 18th Century English Clock
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare 18th century English clock
Marquetry
Weight: 9.20 kg
England
Sizes: H 62cm L 31cm
very good condition.
Category
18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
English Tea Table, 1930s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Tea table with marquetry net, English style, early 20th century.
The lower part opens onto 4 side trays.
Very cute, can be used as a trolley.
Category
1920s English Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
British Colonial Sheraton Server
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable early 19th century server or bar handcrafted in mahogany with a dark lush finish having a gallery around the top, two drawers, and long elegant turned legs.
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Collection of 22 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 22 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print embossing.
The book collection measure horizontally is 80 cm, approximate 31,49 inches wide. This collection of books...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
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 Furniture
Materials
Stone
1960s English Traditional Bronze & Copper Baby Shoes Bookends Nursery Décor Pair
Located in Miami, FL
A Pair of British colonial baby shoes bookends in cast bronze and handcrafted solid copper Shoes made in England in the 1960s.
Note the attention to details at the shoes and each is...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Copper
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 Furniture
Materials
Brass
Collection of 24 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 24 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print embossing.
The book collection measure horizontally is 79 cm, approximate 31,10 inches wide. This collection of books...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
18th Century East Indies Mahogany Raj Bed with Paws
Located in Charleston, SC
An 18th century Raj East Indies bed with elaborate carving, carved tiger paw feet, and a finished tester. Often copying Western or British forms, Rajput courts extracted influence fr...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Rosewood
Large White Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive white coral assemblage using an exceptionally large table coral specimen with its sea inspired color and textures. Presented on a lucite base to enhance the sculptural ele...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Solomon Islands British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Coral
Large Hand Carved British Royal Coat of Arms Brewers Wall Plaque
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large hand carved british royal coat of arms brewers wall plaque.
This is a very fine piece, it dates from the 1950s and is hand carved...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Oak
Pair of British Colonial Style Three Tiered Oval Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of vintage British Colonial style stands or tables having three oval mahogany tiers separated by brass supports on turned brass feet.
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Bamboo Framed Mirror
Located in Clermont, FL
Hand-woven by skilled artisans, mirror has a unique character & texture, Octagonal geometric form is outlined by weaving thin strips of rattan together contrasted by thicker pieces o...
Category
20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Collection of 42 Swedish Early 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 47 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books from the from the 1930s-1940s.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of w...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
Monkeys Prints, 12 Engravings from "Le Règne Animal" Georges Cuvier, France 1816
Located in Firenze, IT
Set of 3 glassed framed panels of 12 engraving depicting monkeys and lemur studies from "Le Règne Animal" by Georges Cuvier.
France, 1816
Le Règne Animal (The Animal Kingdom) i...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
Antique Oak Wood Bowed Windsor Dining Side Chair by Northwestern Mfg.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Oak Wood Bowed Windsor dining side chair by Northwestern Mfg. Item features black vinyl upholstered seat (originally cane), turn carved legs, ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th Century British Colonial Tea Plantation Teak & Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Circa 1890
Rare Teak and leather lounge chair that was formerly used in a Tea Estate in India. Hand made with pull out leaves that transform into leg rests and can be tucked back ...
Category
1890s Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Large Blue Wildebeest Antelope Carpet / Rug from Kenya, British Colonial Era
Located in New York, NY
A noble and elegant African blue wildebeest rug or carpet from the British Colonial era in Kenya. Blue Wildebeest are known beautiful and subtle color r...
Category
Mid-20th Century Kenyan British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin, Felt
Folding and Adjustable Teak and Mesh Seat Patio or Side Chair
Located in Nantucket, MA
A folding and adjustable teak patio or side chair with an open mesh seat. Easy to add a seat cushion if so desired, originally designed for tropical climates...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Small Brighton Pavillion White Wrought Iron Settee
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Charming Miniature Brighton Pavillion style settee. This piece is finished in gloss white with a Ralph Lauren upholstered seat cushion in a chinoise...
Category
20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
El Nido English Ships Wrought Iron Wall Bracket Lantern
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This wrought iron lantern was inspired by a Spanish Colonial house in Santa Barbara. It is also in the style of ships lanterns on the 19th century. The ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Leather Button Tufted Wingback British Colonial Style Armchairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome pair of British colonial style wingback armchairs upholstered in lush brown leather in a classic elegant form and featuring button tufted backs, brass studs, and turned legs...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather
British Colonial Antique 1910 Cheltenham Silver Coffee Service Sheffield England
Located in Miami, FL
1910 English silver coffee service by Cheltenham & Company, Ltd. Sheffield, England.
All 3 pieces have the same maker's marks on the bottoms complete with the engraved W A Trademark, Warranted Hard Solder England 69430.
Open sugar dish...
Category
1910s English Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Silver, Steel
Tole Palm Tree Chandelier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Italian tole five light chandelier with palm leaves over graceful arms with acanthus leaves and floral candle cups all having a rustic aged yell...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
E. Löffler, "The Oronte's Ideal Company", Framed Original Manifesto, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
E. Löffler, "The Oronte's Ideal Company", Original manifesto, framed, circa 1900
Lithograph, without printer's name.
Measures: Cm 70x49.
It was a brilliant company of equili...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Vintage Teakwood Low Bookcase / Display Cabinet with Sliding Glass Doors
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage teakwood low bookcase / display cabinet with sliding glass doors
This vintage teak bookcase or display cabinet was handmade...
Category
1990s American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass, Teak
Vintage Ficks and Reed Rattan Chaise Lounge
By Ficks Reed
Located in Bellport, NY
A newly upholstered Ficks and Reed chaise longue, indoor outdoor fabric, new fill in cushions, zippers installed. Lovely condition, easily placed in mos...
Category
1970s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Rattan, Paint
Original Walnut Wing Chair, circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Original walnut wing chair, circa 1900.
Armchair reupholstered and refinished a short time ago,
small stains on the fabric.
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Pair of Italian Metal Palm Tree Table Lamps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic pair of vintage Italian table lamps crafted in iron or metal in a modern stylized design with an aged metal finish.
Category
20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
Faux Bamboo British Colonial Style Occasional Table by Maitland-Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage occasional table or stand crafted in faux bamboo featuring a faux tortoise finish, brass caps and two tiers of tooled leather tops.
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
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 Furniture
Materials
Brass
Serving Tray on a Folding Stand
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style serving tray with a removable top with a herringbone reed surface in a bamboo frame with brass handles on a mahogany folding base carved with a palm leaf motif...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Teak and Cane Colonial Chaise Lounge
Located in Highland, IN
This striking chaise is long, lean and luxurious. A teak frame with lovely carved details and a woven cane support offers a platform for lounging, reading and relaxing. Made more comfortable by a beautiful woven quilted pad and pillow.
This exceptional piece strikes a balance between antique and...
Category
Early 20th Century European British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Teak
English Rustic Antique Side Table
Located in Dallas, TX
English rustic antique side table was hand-crafted using fine oak with burl elm veneer on the drawer faces and a rich, natural color that has...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Two Tiered Server or Stand by Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style two tiered server or stand crafted in mahogany with a West Indies style, a carved gallery over one drawer, having carved and bea...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Faux Bamboo Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Unusual pair of British colonial style stands featuring faux bamboo frames with a faux tortoise finish, grasscloth panels, one drawer that swings both ways, Chinese chippendale sides...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Faux Bamboo, Rattan
Late 18th C British Colonial Rosewood Trunk, Presented on a Forged-Iron Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A British Colonial rosewood trunk from the turn of the 18th and 19th century. This antique English trunk, which would also function beautifully as a sma...
Category
Early 18th Century European Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
*Two British Colonial Style Zebra Print Pillows, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enticing pillows crafted in cowhide with printed zebra stripes each with its own form and organic patterns. Priced Individually.
From left to right:
H: 13 ...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cowhide
19th Century Chest Wrapped in Iron Straps with Brass Studs, India
Located in San Francisco, CA
Of Indian origin, this beautiful teak trunk is wrapped in iron and studded with brass accents in an intricate yet simple pattern. Fully functional for storage or use as a coffee or c...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Tan Leather English Briefcase With Name Tag From London Stock Exchange
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Very Rare British briefcase with initials DSW. Possibly belonging to Douglas S. Warren (on name tag) who was a Canadian Air Force pilot in WW2 and Commanding Officer in the RAF later when he spent time in England in the early 50's. In original condition. The name tag shows the full name, address as the London Stock Exchange whereas the maker's mark is also visible within. The tan leather still shows well albeit there are some marks and signs of age and patina. High quality brass lever...
Category
1920s English Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather
Pair of Brass Palm Tree Table Lamps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic mid century modern pair of table lamps crafted in brass in a stylized palm tree form on an octagon ebonized wood base. Best of the genre.
Category
20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 20th-C. British Colonial Heavily Carved Oak Sideboard / Server
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Love this piece! This is an early 20th century heavily carved oak British colonial server. The apron has stand out detail with it’s plethera of carved lion busts...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Oak
Antique Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet - Pair
This british colonial tall and thin display cabinet has 5 shelves and 2 glass doors. Made of teakwood from Thaila...
Category
Early 1900s Thai Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Teak
Antique English Staffordshire Porcelain Figurine Girl Seated on Waterfall Bird
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century staffordshire porcelain figure showing a young woman seated on the rocks above a waterfall with two birds.
Category
19th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Brass Horn Bouillotte Lamp with Black Tole Shade
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous brass horn bouillotte lamp with black tole shade
USA, Mid-20th century
Measures: 16" W x 10.75" D x 26" H
Very good original v...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
British Colonial Art Deco Teak Bench or Sofa
Located in Vienna, AT
Unique original Colonial Art Deco teak bench/sofa made in Myanmar around 1930. The bench stands on six feet with brass sleeves that have a wonderful original...
Category
1930s Burmese Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Collection of 47 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 47 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
Vintage Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet
The cabinet has 2 Doors and 3 Shelves. This cabinet was made in Thailand.
Circa 1988
D...
Category
1980s Thai Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Teak
Zebra Hide Desk Set
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable vintage campaign zebra desk set with a blotter, a notepad, and a pen holder. Possible Hermes.
Blotter H: 12 W: 23 D: .5
Notepad H: 5.5 W: 8 D: 1
Penholde...
Category
20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Zebra Hide
British Colonial furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique British Colonial furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Maitland Smith, Baker Furniture Company, Bloomingdale's, and Ralph Lauren. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $80 and tops out at $88,000 while the average work can sell for $3,161.
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