Campaign Furniture
CAMPAIGN STYLE
Sometimes called “knock-down” furniture, campaign furniture was designed to be folded, collapsed, taken apart and packed flat to load onto a ship or a camel’s back. Although mobile furniture for military campaigns dates back to the Romans, the British Army in its global conquests in the 18th and 19th centuries defined the style with sturdy and elegant pieces. Even in a tent thousands of miles from London, a four-poster bed, dining table and seating could simulate the comforts of home.
Antique and vintage campaign-style furniture was also initially designed as propaganda. The mahogany and teak structures were part of a purposeful demonstration of power in these campaigns, with the colonizing military officers imposing their culture and view of what they considered “civilized” on a given land and its peoples. Designers and manufacturers including Thomas Butler, Ross & Co. of Dublin, and Morgan & Sanders contributed to the rapid production of this furniture as the British Empire expanded through Africa, Asia and Australia.
Campaign furniture was utilitarian as well as refined, fitted with recessed brass handles and brass angles on stackable chests and other case pieces to protect vulnerable corners. The Wellington chest was one of the most famous pieces to come out of this style, named for the Duke of Wellington, who slept in his campaign bed long after his battles were over.
The flexibility of campaign-style furniture would influence 20th-century Scandinavian modernists such as Kaare Klint, Mogens Koch and Arne Norell. For his 1930s Safari chair, Klint drew on the simple Roorkhee chair, named for a town in northern India. The lightweight and adaptable campaign-style seat was created in the late 19th century and had no fixed joinery. The Roorkhee’s influence can also be seen in the Wassily chair, a pared-down work of tubular metal and durable canvas conceived by legendary Bauhaus instructor Marcel Breuer.
Now, 21st-century designers like Jomo Tariku and Dokter and Misses are creating pieces that recognize the contributions of African artisans to campaign furniture in order to reframe this style without overlooking its difficult past.
Find a collection of authentic antique and vintage campaign bedroom furniture, chairs, decorative objects and other pieces on 1stDibs.
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Style: Campaign
Antique Korean Tansu Butterfly Cabinet or Chest Elm Wood with Brass Inlay
Located in Plainview, NY
A stunning late 19th century Campaign Korean tansu cabinet or chest. The Korean chest features 4 small drawers on top of a two door cabinet offeri...
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19th Century Korean Antique Campaign Furniture
Materials
Brass
Korean Campaign Style Secrétaire Cabinet Chest with Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive Asian campaign style cabinet featuring two large front doors that open to reveal a drop down writing desk and fitted with numerous storage drawers. Adorned with opulent brass hardware, hinges, and pulls. Rare Tansu...
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20th Century Korean Campaign Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-20th Century Tortoise-Bamboo and Rattan Headboards -- A Pair
Located in Austin, TX
Timeless chic! I love LOVE these headboards! A palette of browns, khakis, ochres and a touch of black, these one-of-a-kind headboards will bring a beaut...
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Mid-20th Century Indonesian Campaign Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Rare Chinese circa 1840 Campaign Chest Ornate Metal Work Swastika Well Being
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1840 Chinese hand carved campaign chest with ornate metal strap work depicting the Swasti...
Category
1840s Chinese Antique Campaign Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Provincial Chinese Vellum Trunk On Carved Low Stand
Located in Forney, TX
An exceptional antique Asian Vellum campaign trunk on a fitted hand carved hardwood footed low stand (ideal proportions for use as a coffee table, cocktail drinks table, end table, b...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Campaign Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
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Korean 19th Century Two Part Elm Tansu Wedding Cabinet with Butterfly Mounts
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Chinese Export Camphor Wood Brass Bound Chest
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GT Atelier Campaign Style Cabinet
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Located in Chicago, IL
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Campaign furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Campaign furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, 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 asian art and furniture, case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Campaign furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Korea 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,200 and tops out at $3,886 while the average work can sell for $2,800.