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.
English Terracotta Pug Dog Sculpture with Glass Eyes, Early 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
English Pug Dog Sculpture In Painted Terracotta, Early 20th Century This engaging figural sculpture depicts a stout, alert pug modeled in a forward-stepping stance, its compact body...
Terracotta, Paint
Leather Giraffe Sculpture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautifully hand crafted leather giraffe sculpture. Excellent decorative addition for any home. Expertly crafted. 19.5” tall 11” deep 4.5” wide Would fit in traditional, British c...
Leather
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Maitland Smith Jockeys on Horse Bronze Equestrian Racing Statue 18"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith bronze two jockeys on horses equestrian racing statue featuring leather wrapped base. Dimensions: 17.5" x 9.5" x 15" h
Bronze
Whimsical Bronze Painted Monkey Butler with Tray
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical bronze monkey dressed as a butler holding a tray. Perfect for calling cards or your keys.
Bronze
1 Large Mounted Sable Antelope Skull with Large Curved Ringed Horns / Antlers
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent, stunning African sable antelope with large curved ringed horns or antlers mounted on a wrought iron stand. The piece is mounted as a scul...
Iron
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.
Hardwood, Paint
Anglo Indian British Colonial Style Brass Elephant Head on Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout Anglo Indian cast brass elephant head sculpture presented on a turned brass stand. Hand polished and lacquered for easy care.
Brass
$560Sale Price|30% Off
Maitland Smith Tessilated Marble & Brass Turtle Thinker Obelisk Sculpture 20”
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith stone tesslated marble stone obelisk sculpture standing on the backs of four brass turtles, which in turn sit atop a square pedestal. At the tip of the obelisk sits another brass turtle, anthropomorphized in the position of The Thinker. Marked 198 on base. Hand Made in the...
Marble, Brass
Brass Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Brass banana tree or palm tree sculpture with a custom burnished bronze like finish, removable leaves, a weighted base decorated with floral designs,...
Brass
Pair of English Brown Leather Boots with Shoe Trees
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of English brown leather riding boots with shoe trees
Leather
$6,350 / set
Pair of White Terracotta Lions
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical pair of Italian midcentury terracotta male and female lions with a white glaze and painted details. Although hardly ferocious these seated big c...
Terracotta
British Colonial Wood Column on Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A single 19th century British Colonial carved wood column with custom Stand. This antique hand carved wooden architectural element from India, ...
Iron
$3,675 / set
Pair of British Colonial Terracotta Lions
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of British colonial terracotta lions. This majestic pair of painted terracotta lions from the early 20th century will bring an air of regalness to any room.
Terracotta
$3,300 / set
Pair of Sea Fan Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of sea fan sculptures crafted or dipped in silvered metal with amazing accuracy and presented on classic form lacquered stands. Signed Eduardo Garza...
Metal
Early 20th Century Leather Elephant Sculpture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Hand made leather elephant sculpture. Original condition. Likely an Anglo-Indian era import. Faux ivory tusks. Would make a great adornment to a bookshelf or desk. Would fit well i...
Leather
$7,184Sale Price|20% Off
Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900 A masterly carved wooden statue of an Arab drinking coffee and smoking his pipe. An antique shop...
Wood
Rustic Wooden Teak Wood Horse Head Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic horse head sculpture made of pieces of teak wood secured on a rectangular foot.
Carved Coral Bowl or Planter
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Here is a large piece of bowl coral with its bleached white color and sea inspired texture, carved and repurposed as a bowl or planter. Available only in the United States of Americ...
Coral
Limited Edition Cast Elephant by Louis Paul Jonas
By Louis Paul Jonas
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Limited edition cast elephant that captures the essence of these noble animals. This composition edition is presented on a classical wood base signed Louis Paul Jonas...
Composition
Tole Military Hat Trade Sign on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Trade sign depicting an 18th century British officer's hat with a weathered finish and presented on a custom Lucite stand.
Tôle
Vintage Hand Crafted Leather Jaguar Sculpture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful hand crafted leather jaguar. Leather wrapped and hand painted. Beautiful details and life like. 20” long 10.5” tall 6” wide
Leather
Facing Pair of Early to Mid-20th Century Regal, Majolica Lion Figures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A pair of very regal seated Majolica lions, a white glaze over a terracotta base, great condition, with some of the terracotta showing through the glaze,...
Pottery
Glass Beaded Parrot Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Glass beaded parrot sculpture ambitiously crafted with glass beads and perched on a custom wood, brass, and Lucite stand.
Glass, Beads
Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS was of the PrimeMinister of United Kingdom for 12 years, this is very attractive bust, it ...
Spelter
Antique Rustic Anglo-Indian Candleholder
Located in Sheffield, MA
The large sculptural antique rustic Anglo-Indian candleholder made from architectural element. Carved hardwood with an indented metal disk and spike or pricket for candles with extra...
Hardwood
E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel This interesting piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel This interesting piece probably came from one of the Tenders for a Royal Craft, it is 3 dimensional and it is carved, about 70 ...
Teak
Pair of Eclectic 20th Century British Colonial Terracotta Elephants in Pale Pink
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of British colonial terracotta elephants from the early 20th century, India, with nicely rendered details. These eclectic statues have a very subtle, nicely aged, layer of pal...
Terracotta
Vintage Boho Hand Painted Ceramic Military Figure
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a touch of refined whimsy and historical charm to your decor with this hand-painted vintage ceramic military figure. Dressed in an 18th-century style tricorne hat and regal blue and pink coat, this figurine holds a spyglass, poised as if surveying a distant horizon. The bold colors, expressive face, and classic detailing make it a delightful accent for bookcases, desktops, or curio cabinets—perfect for lovers of antique militaria...
Ceramic
"Snowy Owl" Driftwood Mount
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Snowy owl on driftwood mount. Life-size and realistic however made of white Imden farm goose feathers as a recreation. The beak and claws are sculpted from a resin material. 28"H x 11"W x 15"D including base. Beautiful bright white and soft feathers. Unique and hard to find of this quality. Eye catcher - gets a lot of attention in our 14,000 square foot gallery. A perfect match to our other "Snowy Owls" with different poses. Would make a neat holiday decoration as well. Currently have four available with slight variations in pose. Origin: Idaho, Cisco's Period: Contemporary. Measures: 28"H x 11"W x 15"D Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Mounts, taxidermy, owls, snow owls...
Feathers
$1,279Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.5 in W 10 in D 6 in
Vintage Bronze Cast Newly Refinished (Gilt) Pug Dog Sculpture by Maitland Smith
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Bronze Cast Newly Refinished (Gilded) Resting Pug Dog Art Sculpture by Maitland Smith
Bronze
Vintage Giraffe with Baby Resting Handpainted Sculpture
Located in Boca Raton, FL
2 ft talll mid century sculpture of resting giraffes, Handpainted.
Plaster
Bronze Polo Player Statue - Horse Jockey Casting
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Stunning English Bronze statue showing polo player on a bucking bronze Stands in at over two feet tall so an impressive work The patina to the bronze is superb and this is ready to d...
Bronze
Stunning Giraffe polished Brass Statue Sculpture Vintage, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Cast Brass Giraffe Sculpture with Original Polished Finish and Rich Patina, Italy A striking decorative cast brass giraffe sculpture, full of charm and character. Conversation piece...
Brass
Terracotta Pug Dog
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian English terracotta pug dog with realistic rust color buckle collar. Adorable ears!
Terracotta
$1,250
H 8 in W 4.5 in D 1.5 in
19th Century Crucifix with Baroque Pearls and Mounted on Optical Calcite
By Interi
Located in Columbia, SC
19th century mother-of-pearl crucifix adorned with baroque pearls and mounted on optical calcite. This is a crucifix reliquary from Jerusalem (which is written on the back), created ...
Rock Crystal
Extra Large Yukon Moose Taxidermy Mount
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
72" Boone and Crockett scoring Yukon moose. 52"vertical, protrudes 42". Absolutely stunning size, great condition. Perfect for large rooms, cabins, rustic decor. Period: last quart...
Animal Skin
Pair of Modernist Carved Wood Giraffe Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
Super cool pair of modernist giraffe carved wood (walnut?) sculptures, circa 1960s. The sculptures are hand carved and measures: 2"W x 2.75"D x 13"H. They are in very good condition ...
Wood
Leather Giraffe Sculpture
Located in Denton, TX
Beautiful sculpted leather giraffe sculpture. Great decorative addition for a bookshelf.
Leather
Hand Carved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker Brienz Switzerland
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Hand Carved Wood Bear Head Nutcracker Brienz, Switzerland A wooden carved nutcracker with a bear head. It is a fine antique Black Forest woodcarving ...
Wood
18th Century, Spanish Conquistador Carved Wood Figure
Located in Houston, TX
18th century Spanish Conquistador carved wood figure. 18th century Carved and painted wood Spanish Conquistador figure or sculpture. This beautif...
Wood
Vintage Import Leather Bengal Tiger
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Vintage import leather wrapped bengal tiger. 15” long 7” tall 4” wide. Exquisite details throughout and excellent muscle formation.
Leather
Pair of 19th Century Decorative Elephants
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of large 19th Century Anglo-Indian, very important, wooden elephants with Kashmir work. With the quality and scale of these magnificent items, they were quite possibly made for ...
Wood, Paint
Group of Three Orange Sea Fans on Lucite, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty group of three organic sea fans each with its ocean inspired form, texture and alluring orange colors. Presented on lucite bases to enhance the sculptural charm. Priced individ...
Other
Cast Iron Bookends of Colorful Cockatoos- Set of 2
Located in Ross, CA
Cast Iron cockatoo bookends made in the second half of the 20th century. Cast iron settings for cockatoos hand painted and perched on top.
Iron
Sold
H 8 in W 3.25 in D 5 in
Maitland Smith Bronze Monkey Basket Votive Candle Holder Toothpick Pen Holder 8"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century bronze figurine / votive candholder / toothpick / pen holder / library bookend in the shape of a monkey / chimpanzee wearing a red vest, carrying a cylindrical bask...
Bronze
After Joseph Pitts, Parian Bust of F.A. Cox, 1854
Located in Astoria, NY
After Joseph Pitts (English, active 1830-1870), A Parian Ware Bust of F[rancis]. A[ugustus]. Cox (English, 1783 - 1853), signed "Jos.h Pitts, SC / London / 1854" to left side, and in...
Marble
Sold
H 9 in W 3 in D 6.25 in
Vintage Bronze Indian Circus Elephant Figurine Sculpture Statue Paperweight 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century bronze figurine in the shape of an Indian elephant, dressed in tasseled cap and saddle blanket, ready for a circus performance. Bottoms of all feet padded with felt...
Bronze
Sold
H 20.25 in W 8 in D 20.5 in
Maitland Smith Bronze Figural Monkey Sculpture Toilet Paper Holder 21"
Located in Dayton, OH
Large vintage Maitland Smith bronze sculpture or statue of a happy monkey walking on all fours with his tail raised over his back. Use...
Bronze
Sold
H 30.5 in W 7 in D 7 in
Maitland Smith Tessilated Stone & Brass Winged Lions Obelisk Sculpture 31”
Located in Dayton, OH
Large vintage Maitland Smith tessellated marble stone obelisk sculpture, standing on the backs of four brass winged lions, which in turn lay atop a ...
Marble, Brass
Large White Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite
By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking white coral sculpture or assemblage hand crafted in sustainable staghorn and table coral with its sea inspired forms and textures. Presented on a...
Coral
Large Blue Coral Sculpture on Lucite
By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enchanting blue coral sculpture or assemblage hand crafted in sustainable organic blue coral with its alluring blue color and sea inspired form. Presented...
Coral
Large White Coral Sculpture on Lucite
By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout white coral sculpture or assemblage hand crafted in sustainable staghorn and lace coral in a performance only mother nature could perfor...
Coral