Skip to main content

Vintage British Colonial Chairs

to
10
188
12
201
70
56
13
8
7
7
4
3
8
4
3
3
2
Sort By
British Colonial Style Set of Four Safari Chairs
British Colonial Style Set of Four Safari Chairs

British Colonial Style Set of Four Safari Chairs

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Dashing set of four vintage British Colonial chairs crafted in mahogany stained maple with a pegged

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Maple

Set of Four 1970s British Colonial Burnt Bamboo Tortoise Chairs
Set of Four 1970s British Colonial Burnt Bamboo Tortoise Chairs

Set of Four 1970s British Colonial Burnt Bamboo Tortoise Chairs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Very good set of four British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo Tortoise folding chairs. Well constructed

Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Bamboo

Rattan British Colonial Style Plantation Planters Chair, Woven Seat
Rattan British Colonial Style Plantation Planters Chair, Woven Seat

Rattan British Colonial Style Plantation Planters Chair, Woven Seat

Located in Miami, FL

Rattan British Colonial Style Plantation Planters Chair, Woven Seat Offered for sale is an elegant

Category

20th Century British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Pair of British Colonial Midcentury Plantation / Lounge Chairs
Pair of British Colonial Midcentury Plantation / Lounge Chairs

Pair of British Colonial Midcentury Plantation / Lounge Chairs

Located in New York, NY

Elegant pair of solid hard wood and caned British Colonial Plantation chairs, lounge chairs or

Category

Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Cane, Hardwood

Pair of British Colonial Style Carved Caned Plantation Chairs
Pair of British Colonial Style Carved Caned Plantation Chairs

Pair of British Colonial Style Carved Caned Plantation Chairs

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Amazing pair of hand-carved plantation chairs crafted in the British colonial taste. The chairs

Category

20th Century British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Wood

Baker Furniture British Colonial Wicker and Bamboo Wing Chairs
Baker Furniture British Colonial Wicker and Bamboo Wing Chairs

Baker Furniture British Colonial Wicker and Bamboo Wing Chairs

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Bradenton, FL

20th Century Pair of Authentic Baker Furniture Rattan British Colonial Wingback Chairs. A rare

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan

Pair of Painted Caned Faux Bamboo British Colonial Style Lounge Chairs
Pair of Painted Caned Faux Bamboo British Colonial Style Lounge Chairs

Pair of Painted Caned Faux Bamboo British Colonial Style Lounge Chairs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of tub style lounge chairs in the British Colonial style, each having a white-painted, molded

Category

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Wood

Vintage Set of Eight British Colonial Style Dining Chairs by Baker
Vintage Set of Eight British Colonial Style Dining Chairs by Baker

Vintage Set of Eight British Colonial Style Dining Chairs by Baker

By Baker Far East Collection

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Impressive set of eight dining chairs crafted in mahogany with four arm and four side chairs in

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany

Pair of British Colonial Style Folding Bamboo Side Chairs
Pair of British Colonial Style Folding Bamboo Side Chairs

Pair of British Colonial Style Folding Bamboo Side Chairs

Located in Douglas Manor, NY

1873 set of 2 English vintage bamboo side chairs featuring tiger wood design and folding frame for

Category

1950s English Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Bamboo

Pair of British Colonial Style Folding Bamboo Side Chairs
Pair of British Colonial Style Folding Bamboo Side Chairs

Pair of British Colonial Style Folding Bamboo Side Chairs

Located in Douglas Manor, NY

8-105a set of 2 English vintage bamboo side chairs featuring tiger wood design and folding frame

Category

1950s English Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Bamboo

Pair of deco period British colonial teak club chairs
Pair of deco period British colonial teak club chairs

Pair of deco period British colonial teak club chairs

Located in Richmond, VA

Great pair of deco period British colonial teak club chairs from the indies. Sleek and comfortable

Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Teak

Pair of Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Caned Porters Chairs
Pair of Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Caned Porters Chairs

Pair of Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Caned Porters Chairs

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Impressive pair of vintage porters chairs crafted in faux bamboo wood frames having a faux tortoise

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Cane, Reed

Carved End of Indo-British Colonial Period Lounge Chairs, Pair
Carved End of Indo-British Colonial Period Lounge Chairs, Pair

Carved End of Indo-British Colonial Period Lounge Chairs, Pair

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage pair of mid-20th century chairs from the end of the Indo-British Colonial period. The

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo Raj Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Vintage British Colonial Style Woven Reed Wingback Armchairs
Pair of Vintage British Colonial Style Woven Reed Wingback Armchairs

Pair of Vintage British Colonial Style Woven Reed Wingback Armchairs

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Impressive pair of vintage British colonial style wingback armchairs upholstered in grass cloth or

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Wicker

Pair of Deco Period British Colonial Hand Caned Teak Club Chairs
Pair of Deco Period British Colonial Hand Caned Teak Club Chairs

Pair of Deco Period British Colonial Hand Caned Teak Club Chairs

Located in Richmond, VA

Great pair of Deco period British colonial hand caned teak wood club chairs. Recently restored and

Category

20th Century Unknown Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Teak

Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Tortoise Caned Wingback
Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Tortoise Caned Wingback

Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Tortoise Caned Wingback

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Impressive mid century British colonial style high back chair handcrafted with a faux tortoise wood

Category

20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Wood

Maitland-Smith Colonial Wingback Swan Chairs, Set of 4
Maitland-Smith Colonial Wingback Swan Chairs, Set of 4

Maitland-Smith Colonial Wingback Swan Chairs, Set of 4

By Maitland Smith

Located in Sarasota, FL

A set of four British colonial style rattan and silk wingback chairs by Maitland Smith. Gracefully

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Metal

Hollywood Regency British Colonial Burnt Bamboo Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4
Hollywood Regency British Colonial Burnt Bamboo Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4

Hollywood Regency British Colonial Burnt Bamboo Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Hollywood Regency British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo Cane Dining Side Chairs attributed to Grange - Set of

Category

Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

1970 Set 4 Mid-Century Modern Tiger Bamboo Folding Chairs British Colonial Style
1970 Set 4 Mid-Century Modern Tiger Bamboo Folding Chairs British Colonial Style

1970 Set 4 Mid-Century Modern Tiger Bamboo Folding Chairs British Colonial Style

By Charlotte Perriand, Franca Helg, Antonio Piva and Franco Albini

Located in Miami, FL

in British Colonial Style. Features slightly curved slatted backs and Seats. Sturdy and in good

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Bamboo

Fab Pair Campaign Bamboo Tortoiseshell Folding Chairs
Fab Pair Campaign Bamboo Tortoiseshell Folding Chairs

Fab Pair Campaign Bamboo Tortoiseshell Folding Chairs

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Pair of vintage campaign bamboo with tortoiseshell finials folding chairs.

Category

1950s American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Bamboo

British Colonial Style Bamboo Recliner Chair with Ottoman
British Colonial Style Bamboo Recliner Chair with Ottoman

British Colonial Style Bamboo Recliner Chair with Ottoman

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Mid century recliner chair crafted in bamboo and bent bamboo with caned seating featuring a pull

Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Bamboo

Bamboo and Rattan Chair and Ottoman
Bamboo and Rattan Chair and Ottoman

Bamboo and Rattan Chair and Ottoman

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Vintage British colonial style chair and ottoman crafted with a bamboo frame and having herringbone

Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Great Pair of Vintage Mahogany Planters Chairs
Great Pair of Vintage Mahogany Planters Chairs

Great Pair of Vintage Mahogany Planters Chairs

Located in Richmond, VA

Great pair of vintage mahogany planters chairs with canvas.

Category

20th Century English British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Mahogany

French Antique Folding Chair, Campaign Safari
French Antique Folding Chair, Campaign Safari

French Antique Folding Chair, Campaign Safari

Located in Miami, FL

Wood and Black Faux Leather Antique Folding Chair, Made in France. Brass Hardware. Ready for a new

Category

1940s French British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 Rustic Windsor Back Carved Oak Side Chairs
Set of 3 Rustic Windsor Back Carved Oak Side Chairs

Set of 3 Rustic Windsor Back Carved Oak Side Chairs

Located in Queens, NY

3 English Country (20th Century) Windsor style dining side chairs with rounded backs and shaped

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

20th Century Nichols & Stone National Cathedral Ebonized and Gilt Windsor Chair
20th Century Nichols & Stone National Cathedral Ebonized and Gilt Windsor Chair

20th Century Nichols & Stone National Cathedral Ebonized and Gilt Windsor Chair

By Nichols & Stone

Located in Germantown, MD

A late 20th Century Nichols & Stone National Cathedral School Ebonized and Gilt Windsor Chair in

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

20th C. Set of Four Nichols and Stone Mahogany Windsor Side Chairs by Stickley
20th C. Set of Four Nichols and Stone Mahogany Windsor Side Chairs by Stickley

20th C. Set of Four Nichols and Stone Mahogany Windsor Side Chairs by Stickley

By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc., Nichols & Stone

Located in Germantown, MD

Late 20th Century Set of Four Nichols and Stone Mahogany Windsor Style Side Chairs manufactured by

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Stickley Lancashire Style Cherry Wood Spindle Dining Chairs With Rush Seats
Stickley Lancashire Style Cherry Wood Spindle Dining Chairs With Rush Seats

Stickley Lancashire Style Cherry Wood Spindle Dining Chairs With Rush Seats

By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional set of six Lancashire style dining chairs By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, 1954 Solid

Category

1950s American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Rush, Cherry

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Side or Office Chairs with Upholstered Seat
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Side or Office Chairs with Upholstered Seat

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Side or Office Chairs with Upholstered Seat

Located in Nantucket, MA

Pair of Mid-Century Modern solid rosewood side or office chairs with a slightly curved back for

Category

Mid-20th Century British British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

4 English Midcentury Scorched Bamboo & Rattan Folding Side Chairs Slatted Backs
4 English Midcentury Scorched Bamboo & Rattan Folding Side Chairs Slatted Backs

4 English Midcentury Scorched Bamboo & Rattan Folding Side Chairs Slatted Backs

Located in Dayton, OH

A set of 4 English vintage British Colonial style bamboo folding side chairs from the mid-20th

Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Restored Pagoda Cane Rattan Dining Chairs-Four
Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Restored Pagoda Cane Rattan Dining Chairs-Four

Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Restored Pagoda Cane Rattan Dining Chairs-Four

Located in North Fort Myers, FL

ready to steal the show in any Coastal Regency, Old Florida, or British Colonial–inspired space. Each

Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Cane, Rattan

Rare Mid-Century Faux Bamboo Beechwood Dining Chairs – Set of 14, Circa 1960s
Rare Mid-Century Faux Bamboo Beechwood Dining Chairs – Set of 14, Circa 1960s

Rare Mid-Century Faux Bamboo Beechwood Dining Chairs – Set of 14, Circa 1960s

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

chairs, mid-century modern seating, Hollywood Regency furniture, British Colonial style chairs, vintage

Category

1960s Slovenian Hollywood Regency Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Beech

Lovely Painted Wicker Peacock Chair
Lovely Painted Wicker Peacock Chair

Lovely Painted Wicker Peacock Chair

Located in Swadlincote, GB

A very pretty and excellent quality wicker peacock chair, very intricate work and in excellent

Category

20th Century English British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Wicker

Regency Style Anglo Indian Chair
Regency Style Anglo Indian Chair

Regency Style Anglo Indian Chair

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

A well proportioned Anglo Indian armchair. Hand craved out of rosewood, the chair carved with

Category

1950s Indian British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Brighton Pavilion Burnt Bamboo and Grasscloth Pagoda Desk and Chair
Brighton Pavilion Burnt Bamboo and Grasscloth Pagoda Desk and Chair

Brighton Pavilion Burnt Bamboo and Grasscloth Pagoda Desk and Chair

Located in Southampton, NJ

Brighton Pavilion burnt tortoise bamboo and grass cloth desk with British Colonial design elements

Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo, Cane, Raffia, Rattan, Glass

Pair of Thai Rosewood Elephant Howdah Saddle Style Chairs
Pair of Thai Rosewood Elephant Howdah Saddle Style Chairs

Pair of Thai Rosewood Elephant Howdah Saddle Style Chairs

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Pair of elephant saddle style chairs crafted with rosewood in a distinctive Thai form, hand carved

Category

Mid-20th Century Thai British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

Ralph Lauren Wicker Chairs owned by fashion legend André Leon Talley
Ralph Lauren Wicker Chairs owned by fashion legend André Leon Talley

Ralph Lauren Wicker Chairs owned by fashion legend André Leon Talley

By Ralph Lauren

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Fabulous pair of large RALPH LAUREN wicker chairs owned by legendary fashion icon André Leon Talley

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan

Mid Century Modern Bamboo Folding Chairs w/ 2 Folding Bamboo Side - 8 Piece
Mid Century Modern Bamboo Folding Chairs w/ 2 Folding Bamboo Side - 8 Piece

Mid Century Modern Bamboo Folding Chairs w/ 2 Folding Bamboo Side - 8 Piece

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid Century Modern British Colonial Style Bamboo Folding Chairs with 2 Folding Bamboo Side Tables

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Rustic Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Bamboo

Old Colonial Dining Chairs, Pair
Old Colonial Dining Chairs, Pair

Old Colonial Dining Chairs, Pair

Unavailable|$1,509 / set

Old Colonial Dining Chairs, Pair

Located in Lábatlan, HU

Old colonial dining chairs Condition: Good. The frames are in nice original condition

Category

1950s European British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Recliner Contour Lounge Chair Rosewood
Recliner Contour Lounge Chair Rosewood

Recliner Contour Lounge Chair Rosewood

Located in Ostend, BE

Recliner lounge chair in goatskin rosewood frame refurbished. Designer unknown, producer unknown

Category

Late 20th Century British British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Leather

Vintage Mid Century Cane Woven Rocker
Vintage Mid Century Cane Woven Rocker

Vintage Mid Century Cane Woven Rocker

Located in Arlington Heights, IL

Such a spectacular woven cane Mid-Century Modern rocking chair. Minimalistic in design with unique

Category

1970s American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Cane

Faux Bamboo and leather folding officer safari chair.
Faux Bamboo and leather folding officer safari chair.

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

Category

Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Reed Wrapped Lounge Chairs
Pair of Reed Wrapped Lounge Chairs

Pair of Reed Wrapped Lounge Chairs

Located in Palm Beach, FL

British Colonial chair featuring a reed wrapped frame highlighted by mahogany arms and feet. Signed

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Reed, Mahogany

British Colonial Style Peacock Chair
British Colonial Style Peacock Chair

British Colonial Style Peacock Chair

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Peacock chair crafted in mahogany and other hardwoods bent to an elegant form with tiny round

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

British Colonial Planters Chair or Campeche Chair
British Colonial Planters Chair or Campeche Chair

British Colonial Planters Chair or Campeche Chair

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Impressive planters chair or campeche chair made in the British Colonial style with a caned seat

Category

20th Century Indian British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Pair of British Colonial Side Chairs
Pair of British Colonial Side Chairs

Pair of British Colonial Side Chairs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of British Colonial side chairs with cane seat & back. Champagne silk seat cushion.

Category

20th Century British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Cane

1980s British Colonial Style Wicker & Caned Chairs by Palecek, Pair
1980s British Colonial Style Wicker & Caned Chairs by Palecek, Pair

1980s British Colonial Style Wicker & Caned Chairs by Palecek, Pair

By Palecek Furniture

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a pair of double caned and wicker arm chairs with British colonial styling by Palecek. They

Category

1980s American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Wicker

British Colonial Club Chair
British Colonial Club Chair

British Colonial Club Chair

Located in Chicago, IL

Teak and Rattan Club Chair in British Colonial style from Northern Thailand.

Category

20th Century Thai Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Rattan

Maitland-Smith British Colonial Style Wingback Chair
Maitland-Smith British Colonial Style Wingback Chair

Maitland-Smith British Colonial Style Wingback Chair

By Maitland Smith

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Standout vintage stylized tropical wingback chair with a faux tortoise frame crafted in hardwood

Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Cane, Hardwood

Ebonized British Colonial Style Lillian August Chairs in Zebra Velvet, Pair
Ebonized British Colonial Style Lillian August Chairs in Zebra Velvet, Pair

Ebonized British Colonial Style Lillian August Chairs in Zebra Velvet, Pair

By Lillian August

Located in Kennesaw, GA

These make a strong statement! This is a pair of British Colonial style chairs in a printed zebra

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Brass

British Colonial Plantation Style French Double Cane Lounge Chair
British Colonial Plantation Style French Double Cane Lounge Chair

British Colonial Plantation Style French Double Cane Lounge Chair

Located in Southampton, NJ

A beautiful mahogany Colonial Plantation style lounge chair having double French Caning that is in

Category

1970s American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

British Colonial Solid Cherry Wood Dining Chairs, Pair
British Colonial Solid Cherry Wood Dining Chairs, Pair

British Colonial Solid Cherry Wood Dining Chairs, Pair

Located in South Bend, IN

A beautiful pair of British Colonial, Early American, or Victorian style dining chairs USA, Circa

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

Pair of British Colonial Style Teak Cane Plantation Chairs
Pair of British Colonial Style Teak Cane Plantation Chairs

Pair of British Colonial Style Teak Cane Plantation Chairs

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Handsome pair of Anglo-Indian plantation lounge chairs or campeche chairs hand-crafted from teak

Category

20th Century Indian British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Baker Furniture British Colonial Bamboo Rattan Wingback Lounge Chairs, Pair
Baker Furniture British Colonial Bamboo Rattan Wingback Lounge Chairs, Pair

Baker Furniture British Colonial Bamboo Rattan Wingback Lounge Chairs, Pair

By Baker Furniture Company, Ralph Lauren

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of British Colonial or Organic Modern wingback lounge chairs In the manner of

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan

British Colonial Teak Plantation Chair
British Colonial Teak Plantation Chair

British Colonial Teak Plantation Chair

Located in New York, NY

This gracious plantation chair has a low seat, sloping back and rattan caning. A swing out leg rest

Category

Late 20th Century Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Midcentury Pair of British Colonial Style Wicker and Reed Peacock Chairs
Midcentury Pair of British Colonial Style Wicker and Reed Peacock Chairs

Midcentury Pair of British Colonial Style Wicker and Reed Peacock Chairs

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Unusual pair of British Colonial peacock chairs crafted in wicker and reed with several weave

Category

20th Century Japanese British Colonial Vintage British Colonial Chairs

Materials

Wicker

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage British Colonial Chairs", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vintage British Colonial Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of vintage british colonial chairs available for sale. The range of distinct vintage british colonial chairs — often made from wood, natural fiber and cane — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of vintage british colonial chairs available, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century.

How Much are Vintage British Colonial Chairs?

Prices for vintage british colonial chairs start at $1,200 and top out at $6,450 with the average selling for $2,250.

A Close Look at British-colonial Furniture

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.

Finding the Right Seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.