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British Colonial Desks

7 Results
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
Antique British Colonial Campaign Sawhorse Desk
Antique British Colonial Campaign Sawhorse Desk

Antique British Colonial Campaign Sawhorse Desk

$8,350

Antique British Colonial Campaign Sawhorse Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Handsome 19th century British colonial desk handcrafted in mahogany, having the original tooled and gilt green leather top on a case with three drawers and brass campaign hardware si...

Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

Hand-Crafted English Country Pine Kneehole Desk, 20th Century
Hand-Crafted English Country Pine Kneehole Desk, 20th Century

Hand-Crafted English Country Pine Kneehole Desk, 20th Century

$3,300

Hand-Crafted English Country Pine Kneehole Desk, 20th Century

Located in Queens, NY

English Country (late 19th Century) pine wood kneehole desk having a scalloped gallery, three drawers in the frieze on the front side, a bank of three drawers below with brass pull h...

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

Vintage British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Grasscloth Pagoda Desk
Vintage British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Grasscloth Pagoda Desk

Vintage British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Grasscloth Pagoda Desk

$4,695 / set

Vintage British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Grasscloth Pagoda Desk

Located in Southampton, NJ

Vintage British Colonial Style burnt tortoise bamboo and grass cloth desk featuring pagoda styling over two glove boxes, two drawers, elegant splay front legs and matching caned chai...

Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Desks

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan, Glass, Grasscloth

21st Willington Desk Walnut Wood Leather Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors
21st Willington Desk Walnut Wood Leather Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors

21st Willington Desk Walnut Wood Leather Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors

$16,473Sale Price / item|20% Off

21st Willington Desk Walnut Wood Leather Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors

Located in RIO TINTO, PT

A prestigious member of one of the most exclusive Gentlemen's clubs in London, the 1st Marquess of Willingdon was a British Liberal politician and was the tribute behind this timeless design. Designed for timeless furniture...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese British Colonial Desks

Materials

Steel

Antique English Georgian Style Leather Top Partners Desk
Antique English Georgian Style Leather Top Partners Desk

Antique English Georgian Style Leather Top Partners Desk

$10,700

Antique English Georgian Style Leather Top Partners Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Handsome British Colonial 19th century English Georgian style partners desk handcrafted in mahogany in three piece construction featuring a tooled leather top, six drawers and a cabi...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

1980s British Colonial style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Desk
1980s British Colonial style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Desk

1980s British Colonial style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Desk

$1,750

1980s British Colonial style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Desk

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Great 1980s burnt bamboo desk with two drawers. Skelton frame in burnt bamboo with cane surface and wrapped rattan corners 29” surface 22” Clearance

Category

1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Desks

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Wicker, Cane

Related Items
Modern Toscana Vanity Table Oak Beige Leather Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Modern Toscana Vanity Table Oak Beige Leather Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple

Modern Toscana Vanity Table Oak Beige Leather Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple

$11,038 / item

H 33.67 in W 59.06 in D 13.98 in

Modern Toscana Vanity Table Oak Beige Leather Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple

By Greenapple, Rute Martins

Located in Lisboa, PT

Modern Toscana Vanity Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Toscana vanity table embodies the harmony of natural beauty and contemporar...

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21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese British Colonial Desks

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Onyx, Brass

Antique Anglo Indian Military Campaign Camphor Wood & Brass Bureau Desk Drawers
Antique Anglo Indian Military Campaign Camphor Wood & Brass Bureau Desk Drawers

Antique Anglo Indian Military Campaign Camphor Wood & Brass Bureau Desk Drawers

$2,636

H 37.21 in W 35.24 in D 13.59 in

Antique Anglo Indian Military Campaign Camphor Wood & Brass Bureau Desk Drawers

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely late Victorian Anglo Indian campaign Camphor wood with brass inlay Military bureau desk This piece really is exquisite. It’s a genui...

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Late 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

Victorian Chinoiserie & Burnt Bamboo Red Lacquer Side Table Desk
Victorian Chinoiserie & Burnt Bamboo Red Lacquer Side Table Desk

Victorian Chinoiserie & Burnt Bamboo Red Lacquer Side Table Desk

$2,795

H 39 in W 33 in D 20 in

Victorian Chinoiserie & Burnt Bamboo Red Lacquer Side Table Desk

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a Victorian Aesthetic Movement chinoiserie and burnt bamboo red lacquer side table or desk. I believe the panels are antiques that were adapted to be a desk or side table pos...

Category

Early 1900s English Antique British Colonial Desks

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

18th Century George III Mahogany Kneehole Desk
18th Century George III Mahogany Kneehole Desk

18th Century George III Mahogany Kneehole Desk

$4,731

H 33.47 in W 33.86 in D 19.69 in

18th Century George III Mahogany Kneehole Desk

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

For sale is a very good quality 18th century George III mahogany kneehole desk, having a well figured mahogany top, above a brushing slide with a single drawer below. The desk has a ...

Category

18th Century English Antique British Colonial Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Modern Armona Stone Desk, Oak Root Miel Onyx, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Modern Armona Stone Desk, Oak Root Miel Onyx, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple

Modern Armona Stone Desk, Oak Root Miel Onyx, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple

$11,016

H 31.5 in W 70.87 in D 29.53 in

Modern Armona Stone Desk, Oak Root Miel Onyx, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple

By Rute Martins, Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Modern Armona Stone Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Armona stone desk draws inspiration from the serene landscape of Armona Island...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese British Colonial Desks

Materials

Onyx, Quartz, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel

French Riviera Style Bamboo Desk Italy 1960s
French Riviera Style Bamboo Desk Italy 1960s

French Riviera Style Bamboo Desk Italy 1960s

$2,672

H 29.93 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in

French Riviera Style Bamboo Desk Italy 1960s

By Dal Vera

Located in Munich, DE

Elegant French Riviera style desk made of bamboo and wicker with two side drawers with recessed brass handles by the well-known manufacturer Dal Vera, Italy 1960s. A timeless desk wh...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique English Kidney Form Leather Top Desk
Antique English Kidney Form Leather Top Desk

Antique English Kidney Form Leather Top Desk

$2,250

H 30.25 in W 54.5 in D 23 in

Antique English Kidney Form Leather Top Desk

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Mahogany kidney form desk with gilt-embossed brown leather top (The Leather top replaced at a later time). The desk with a center drawer flanked by 4 drawers each side on front. Fini...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

Vintage British Colonial style faux burnt bamboo and grasscloth 6 Drawer Dresser
Vintage British Colonial style faux burnt bamboo and grasscloth 6 Drawer Dresser

Vintage British Colonial style faux burnt bamboo and grasscloth 6 Drawer Dresser

$4,200

H 32 in W 63 in D 20.5 in

Vintage British Colonial style faux burnt bamboo and grasscloth 6 Drawer Dresser

Located in New York, NY

Vintage British Colonial style faux burnt bamboo and grasscloth chest of drawers . This handsome dresser has 6 drawers and painted grasscloth panels and minimalist bamboo shaped pull...

Category

1970s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Desks

Materials

Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Wood

Modern Chiado Console Table, Leather Oak Root, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Modern Chiado Console Table, Leather Oak Root, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple

Modern Chiado Console Table, Leather Oak Root, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple

$5,228Sale Price / item|40% Off

H 30.32 in W 66.93 in D 19.3 in

Modern Chiado Console Table, Leather Oak Root, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple

By Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

Modern Chiado Console Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Chiado console table draws inspiration from L...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

Custom English Partners Desk
Custom English Partners Desk

Custom English Partners Desk

$17,500 / item

H 31 in W 62 in D 44 in

Custom English Partners Desk

Located in Woodbury, CT

Featuring handsomely grained mahogany on raised side panels, this partners desk would make an attractive addition to any office. From its antiqued, hand tooled leather top to its fou...

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21st Century and Contemporary English British Colonial Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Previously Available Items
Antique English Campaign Console Desk - 3 Drawer Military Writing Table
Antique English Campaign Console Desk - 3 Drawer Military Writing Table

Antique English Campaign Console Desk - 3 Drawer Military Writing Table

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 21 in

Antique English Campaign Console Desk - 3 Drawer Military Writing Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A superb and authentic antique British Colonial Campaign console desk, embodying the refined utilitarian elegance of 19th-century military campaign furniture. This exceptional piece...

Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

Late-20th Century Faux Bamboo and Red Lacquer Desk by Baker Furniture
Late-20th Century Faux Bamboo and Red Lacquer Desk by Baker Furniture

Late-20th Century Faux Bamboo and Red Lacquer Desk by Baker Furniture

Sold

H 30.25 in W 56 in D 27.75 in

Late-20th Century Faux Bamboo and Red Lacquer Desk by Baker Furniture

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in North Fort Myers, FL

Elegant late 20th Century faux bamboo desk by Baker Furniture featuring the original rich red lacquer finish. This beautifully designed piece includes a single center drawer and open...

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Desks

Materials

Rattan, Wood

British Colonial Style Bamboo and Woven Rattan Desk With Leather Inset Top
British Colonial Style Bamboo and Woven Rattan Desk With Leather Inset Top

British Colonial Style Bamboo and Woven Rattan Desk With Leather Inset Top

Sold

H 31.5 in W 60 in D 30 in

British Colonial Style Bamboo and Woven Rattan Desk With Leather Inset Top

By Tommy Bahama

Located in North Fort Myers, FL

A striking desk crafted in 2005 in the British Colonial style, featuring bamboo legs, woven rattan drawer fronts, and a tooled leather inset top. Three drawers provide functional sto...

Category

Early 2000s American British Colonial Desks

Materials

Rattan, Wood, Driftwood

pair of chests of drawers, natural fibers, Signed Kreiss
pair of chests of drawers, natural fibers, Signed Kreiss

pair of chests of drawers, natural fibers, Signed Kreiss

Sold

H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in

pair of chests of drawers, natural fibers, Signed Kreiss

By Kreiss

Located in Nice, FR

Pair of high quality chests of drawers with a warm and timeless appearance. They could be combined with rattan, brass or natural wood elements for a harmonious look. They would be a ...

Category

1970s American Vintage British Colonial Desks

Materials

Natural Fiber

Vintage Faux Bamboo and Grasscloth Campaign Style Desk
Vintage Faux Bamboo and Grasscloth Campaign Style Desk

Vintage Faux Bamboo and Grasscloth Campaign Style Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 54 in D 24 in

Vintage Faux Bamboo and Grasscloth Campaign Style Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

British Colonial style desk crafted with a faux bamboo frame and grasscloth panels all around with brass campaign style hardware, having an upper case with three drawers on two pedes...

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Luggage Leather Top Desk
Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Luggage Leather Top Desk

Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Luggage Leather Top Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 57.5 in D 30 in

Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Luggage Leather Top Desk

By Maitland Smith

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Impressive British Colonial style desk crafted in mahogany in a three piece construction with a tooled leather top featuring burnished brass hardware, leather strap pulls on the thre...

Category

20th Century Vietnamese British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

E Murio Manila Refinish Chippendale RTattan Slant Top Desk
E Murio Manila Refinish Chippendale RTattan Slant Top Desk

E Murio Manila Refinish Chippendale RTattan Slant Top Desk

Sold

H 44.5 in W 31 in D 21.5 in

E Murio Manila Refinish Chippendale RTattan Slant Top Desk

By E. Murio

Located in North Fort Myers, FL

Introducing a fabulous E. Murio Manila Rattan Chippendale aesthetic movement slant front desk, which also makes a stunning entryway piece. This exquisite item has been meticulously r...

Category

1990s Philippine British Colonial Desks

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Leather Clad Desk by Maitland-Smith
British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Leather Clad Desk by Maitland-Smith

British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Leather Clad Desk by Maitland-Smith

Sold

H 30 in W 58 in D 28 in

British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Leather Clad Desk by Maitland-Smith

By Maitland Smith

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Impressive Mid Century desk crafted with a faux bamboo frame having a faux tortoise finish featuring tooled leather panels on the top, front, side and back, lower tier storage and be...

Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Desks

Materials

Leather, Faux Bamboo

Vintage Bamboo and Grass Cloth Desk
Vintage Bamboo and Grass Cloth Desk

Vintage Bamboo and Grass Cloth Desk

Sold

H 38.5 in W 40 in D 20 in

Vintage Bamboo and Grass Cloth Desk

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful British Colonial style writing desk or vanity with two working drawers for storage and reed wrapped joints. Lovely design and a great addition to any space. Very good condi...

Category

1970s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Desks

Materials

Grasscloth, Bamboo, Rattan

Rattan Midcentury British Colonial Campaign Style Desk
Rattan Midcentury British Colonial Campaign Style Desk

Rattan Midcentury British Colonial Campaign Style Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 52 in D 26 in

Rattan Midcentury British Colonial Campaign Style Desk

By Bloomingdale's, Bielecky Brothers

Located in Southampton, NJ

Midcentury British Colonial Campaign style 5-drawer writing desk or work table with distinct Chinese Chippendale design elements. Marvelous bamboo frame construction wrapped in woven...

Category

20th Century British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

British Colonial Leather Top Partners Desk
British Colonial Leather Top Partners Desk

British Colonial Leather Top Partners Desk

Sold

H 31.5 in W 62 in D 38 in

British Colonial Leather Top Partners Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Impressive 19th century British colonial partners desk hand crafted in well grained mahogany with a tooled leather top on a case with three drawers on either side over two pedestals ...

Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Rattan Midcentury British Colonial Campaign Style Desk
Rattan Midcentury British Colonial Campaign Style Desk

Rattan Midcentury British Colonial Campaign Style Desk

Sold

H 31.5 in W 54 in D 30 in

Rattan Midcentury British Colonial Campaign Style Desk

By Bloomingdale's, Bielecky Brothers

Located in Southampton, NJ

Midcentury British colonial campaign style 2-drawer writing desk or work table with distinct Chinese Chippendale design elements. Bamboo frame construction wrapped in woven cane ratt...

Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Desks

Materials

Brass

British Colonial desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique British Colonial desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial desks made in a specific country, there are Asia, England, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include and Maitland Smith. 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 desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,800 and tops out at $11,800 while the average work can sell for $7,250.

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