British Colonial Pillows and Throws
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
Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Flower Motif Pillow in Yellow, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the Orient to any space with one of our custom-created square Indian block print down filled pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and...
Category
2010s Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Down
Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Flower Motif Pillow in Yellow, India
By Renzo Mongiardino
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the Orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print lumbar pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and hand block printed by our artisans i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Fabric, Down
Pair of Linen Pillow Cushions - Oiseaux and Feuilla - Designed and Made in Paris
Located in Leesburg, VA
Pair of 16" x 24" Linen cushions with the pattern "Oiseaux et Feuillage" from Antoinette Poisson's domino papers collection.
Duck Feather and Down insert with cotton cover.
Made in...
Category
2010s French British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen
Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Pink Lotus Flower Motif Pillow, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and h...
Category
2010s Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Down
*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 Pillows and Throws
Materials
Cowhide
Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Flower Motif Pillow in Pink, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and h...
Category
2010s Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Down
Pair of Apple Green Unusual Velvet Pillows
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
These cushions were made by a famous Swiss workshop (whose name I don't remember), with a beautiful green velvet.
Size are cm. 40 x 40 (padding) with a 12 cm. band all around.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Velvet
Pair of Woven Reed Pillows
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of pillows handcrafted in woven reed in a herringbone pattern with discrete side zippers. Exclusively designed and offered by F. S. Henemader antiques ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Reed
Traditional Turkish Oushak Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a vintage Turkish Oushak rug.
19'' x 20''
Category
20th Century British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Purple Flower Motif Pillow, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and h...
Category
2010s Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Down
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Forsyth 7" Zebra Ball Pillow
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Our zebra balls are handcrafted from our beautiful Forsyth zebra hides. The most beautiful zebra hides are selected, handcut, handstitched, and hand stuffed with the finest insert. E...
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2010s British Colonial Pillows and Throws
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Animalia, Zebras, Contemporary Velvet Printed Pillow by Vito Nesta
By Vito Nesta
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Animalia pillows is a set of cushions that tells the story of wild animals looking for love in spring time. Each Pillow features two animals of the same species set in an explosion o...
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Coronado Block Printed Linen Lumbar Pillow with Down Feather Insert
Located in Brea, CA
Our latest collection of beautiful hand blocked and linen pillows can be arranged to create beauty and bring a pop of color to your room while adding softness! This item is made to...
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Animalia, Zebras, Contemporary Linen Printed Pillow by Vito Nesta
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Atherton Block Printed Pillow with Down Feather Insert
Located in Brea, CA
Our latest collection of beautiful hand blocked and linen pillows can be arranged to create beauty and bring a pop of color to your room while adding softness! This item is made to...
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21st Century and Contemporary British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen, Down
French Linen Floral Pillow with Down Insert Made In France
Located in Brea, CA
Made in France
100% pure linen pillow printed on a bronze / dark brown linen with floral print. The edges have a binded edge, and metal zipper closure
Wabi Sabi Estampado
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21st Century and Contemporary French British Colonial Pillows and Throws
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Linen, Down
Custom Hand Block Printed Linen Pillow
Located in Brea, CA
Beautifully hand block-printed pillow on linen fabric. Zipper closure. Care instructions: Dry clean recommended
Size: 22” x 22”
Colors: Flax linen, cora...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen
Visalia Block Printed Lumbar Pillow with Down Feather Insert
Located in Brea, CA
Our latest collection of beautiful hand blocked and linen pillows can be arranged to create beauty and bring a pop of color to your room while adding softness! This item is made to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen, Down
Pair Lee Jofa “Taplow” in peacock and gold 22” down filled pillows
By Lee Jofa
Located in Winder, GA
LOVE this inspiring and fun feather print from Lee Jofa's Manor House collection. "Taplow" in Peacock and Gold is a great pattern pillow to pull together blues and greens. Covers fea...
Category
2010s American British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen
Vintage Hermes Equestrian Silk Scarf and Irish Linen Cushion Pillow
By Hermès
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the likes of the Financial Times, and first selling here on 1stdibs in 2016 - our creations are of the absolute top most quality, craftsmanship and finesse. Thank-you for looking.
Title:
Vintage Hermes Equestrian Silk Scarf and Irish Linen Cushion Pillow
The ‘crème de la crème’ of scarves, this beauty is a one-of-a-kind luxury cushion (pillow) created from an exquisite vintage silk Hermes fashion scarf in their festive ‘Les Rubans Du Cheval’ equestrian pattern by Joachim Metz in 1988. A variety of elaborate ribbon rosettes in vibrant, colourful hues - an ornament made of pleated material, gathered so as to resemble a rose and worn as a decorative badge to show ranking in a competition.
The French company began in 1837 producing superior quality leather goods, harnesses and saddles, which makes sense that 100 years later the main theme on their luxury scarves is equestrian. Hermes scarves, known as ‘carre’ (squares), have become a symbol of French chic and are a highly desirable object across the globe that still continues to delight. Favoured by the ‘jet-setters’ of the 50s and 60s and gaining iconic status by Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and this particular elegant design even worn by Queen Elizabeth II. The name of the print along with the brand’s signature proudly features in the centre. The attractive equestrian design is a delicately detailed illustration of bridal equipment with buckles, leather straps, feminine mermaids holding up functional hoops and lions holding crests on other sections of the metal hardware adorning the elaborate piece. It features a display of two equestrian horse bride dressings symmetrical like a mirror image of each other. In a dramatic, busy picture of multicoloured ribbon colour way on a quality sumptuous twill silk with a beautiful texture. It was made using the ‘Lyonnaise technique’ silk screen process with each of it’s 13 frames traditional laid one by one by hand (the more complex patterns can go out to 42). Before being carefully unravelled to create our cushion, the edge was delicately hand rolled and hemmed, a distinctive French style finish of all Hermes scarves. We also have a couple of other similar stunning Hermes scarf cushions...
Category
Late 20th Century French British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen, Silk
Linen Floral Pillow with Down Feather Insert Made in France
Located in Brea, CA
Made in France
100% pure linen pillow printed on a beige linen with floral print. The edges have a binded edge, and metal zipper closure
Wabi Sabi Estampado
Collection: Jardin Secre...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Down, Linen
Zebra Hide Squab Pillow
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Our zebra hide squab pillows are handcrafted from our beautiful Forsyth zebra hides. The most beautiful zebra hides are selected, handcut, handstitched, and hand stuffed with the fin...
Category
2010s American British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
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Previously Available Items
Pair of Zebra Hide Pillows, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic pair of custom made zebra hide pillows with their organic iconic designs. A very rare "matched" pair. Priced Individually.
$825.00 Each.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Zebra Hide
Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Flower Motif Pillow in Yellow, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and h...
Category
2010s Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Down
Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Filled Flower Motif Pillow, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and h...
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21st Century and Contemporary Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Metal
Authentic Vintage Zebra Hide Pillow
Located in Wichita, KS
Authentic vintage Zebra pillow - fur on both sides. a wonderful piece to add texture and dimension to any seat.
Category
Mid-20th Century South African British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Animal Skin
Tropical Crewelwork Tiger Pillow
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical linen pillow hand decorated with a tiger and a bird under a palm tree. Button back for easy care.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen
Tropical Crewelwork Tiger Pillows, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical linen pillows hand decorated with a tiger and a bird under a palm tree. Button back for easy care. Priced individually.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen
Pair of Zebra Hide Pillows
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of zebra hide pillows with linen backs and discreet zippers in a seam. Priced individually.
Category
20th Century South African British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Zebra Hide
Pair of Zebra Hide Pillows
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of zebra hide pillows with linen backs and discreet zippers in a seam. Priced individually.
Category
20th Century South African British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Zebra Hide
Tropical Crewelwork Tiger Pillows
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical pair of linen pillows hand decorated with a tiger and a bird under a palm tree. Button back for easy care. Priced individually.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen
New Custom Square Pillow made from a Vintage Jim Thompson Scarf with Down Fill
By Jim Thompson
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Very large square shape pillow custom made from a vintage Jim Thompson scarf with pink and purple flowers, butterflies and leaves on a mint backgrou...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Cotton, Down
H 31 in W 31 in D 15 in
Tropical Crewelwork Tiger Pillow
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Linen pillow hand decorated with a tiger and a bird under a palm tree. Button back for easy care.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen
Pair of Crewelwork Capybara Pillows, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of linen crewel or embroidered pillows portraying a capybara snacking under a palm tree. Button back for easy care. Priced Individually.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Pillows and Throws
Materials
Linen
British Colonial pillows and throws for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique British Colonial pillows and throws 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 pillows and throws created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, rugs and carpets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, cotton and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial pillows and throws made in a specific country, there are Asia, India, and South Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 pillows and throws differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $159 and tops out at $595 while the average work can sell for $350.
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