Skip to main content

British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

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.

to
2
15
4
20
Height
to
Width
to
2,891
2,084
1,789
1,395
993
829
788
783
497
488
485
332
326
221
214
144
142
129
1
8
11
4
4
1
1
1
11
10
6
5
5
11
8
7
7
4
20
20
20
1
1
1
Style: British Colonial
19th Century English Coal Hod or Scuttle
19th Century English Coal Hod or Scuttle

19th Century English Coal Hod or Scuttle

Located in Louisville, KY

This stunning piece of English 19th century history has come so far from being a well designed utilitarian piece within English homes to a gorgeous decorator piece that is not only b...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-20th Century Coastal Brighton Pavilion Bamboo and Cane Accent Chair
Mid-20th Century Coastal Brighton Pavilion Bamboo and Cane Accent Chair

Mid-20th Century Coastal Brighton Pavilion Bamboo and Cane Accent Chair

By Brighton Pavilion 1, Brunschwig & Fils

Located in Southampton, NJ

Fabulous burnt bamboo British Colonial style Brighton Pavilion accent chair with new custom seat & down filled back cushion in delightful Brunschwig & Fils upholstery. The chair fea...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan

Vintage Burnt Bamboo Planter Box, British Colonial Style, 1970s
Vintage Burnt Bamboo Planter Box, British Colonial Style, 1970s

Vintage Burnt Bamboo Planter Box, British Colonial Style, 1970s

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage burnt bamboo planter box. Made with large pieces with smaller reeded pieces in between. Very well constructed and strong. In the British Colonial Style.

Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Heavy Bronze Tower Bell on Oak Yoke, British Colonial, 1880
Antique Heavy Bronze Tower Bell on Oak Yoke, British Colonial, 1880

Antique Heavy Bronze Tower Bell on Oak Yoke, British Colonial, 1880

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Heavy bronze bell, tower bell. This is a very heavy piece it is on an Oak Yoke with iron fixings including a the bracket which holds the rope For the purpose of the pictures and...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

18th Century pair of Indian Wood pillars
18th Century pair of Indian Wood pillars

18th Century pair of Indian Wood pillars

Located in PAU, FR

Wonderful pair of Indian columns from the XVIIIth century, the wood have a really nice patina, the tops are well sculpted. We could see the influence of the british colonial.

Category

18th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Anglo-Indian Teak Plantation Chair
19th Century Anglo-Indian Teak Plantation Chair

19th Century Anglo-Indian Teak Plantation Chair

Located in Sheffield, MA

Indoor or outdoor British Colonial, Anglo Indian teak plantation or planters chair with cane seat and back. Wonderful weathered wood patina.

Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Coastal Marine Heavy Brass Fireplace Tool Set
Coastal Marine Heavy Brass Fireplace Tool Set

Coastal Marine Heavy Brass Fireplace Tool Set

$1,752Sale Price / set|20% Off

Coastal Marine Heavy Brass Fireplace Tool Set

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Impressive 46” high polished brass fireplace tools set in a shape of antique sailing ship named Fon Germando.

Category

1940s Dutch Vintage British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

French Cast Iron Firedog Andirons of Soldiers Val D´Osne, 19th Century
French Cast Iron Firedog Andirons of Soldiers Val D´Osne, 19th Century

French Cast Iron Firedog Andirons of Soldiers Val D´Osne, 19th Century

By Val D'Osne Foundry

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

A pair of 19th century French firedogs or andirons in cast iron stamped Val d´Osne. The andirons appear in their unbeatable old patina making the "Zoauve" soldier and the "Grenadier" soldier formed figures fabulously attractive. The foundry of Val d´Osne grounded in 1836 by Jean-Pierre-Victor André, is the maker of the Crystal Palace in London, build for the 1851 Great Exhibition...

Category

19th Century French Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique White Washed Teak Settee or Bench with Slatted Back
Antique White Washed Teak Settee or Bench with Slatted Back

Antique White Washed Teak Settee or Bench with Slatted Back

Located in Sheffield, MA

Colonial influenced antique hand-carved rustic country daybed or bench made from natural aged teak, deep enough for sleeping or relaxing. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Great in...

Category

Early 20th Century Asian British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Scarce Anglo Indian British Colonial Brass Mounted Wooden Log Pail Bucket
Scarce Anglo Indian British Colonial Brass Mounted Wooden Log Pail Bucket

Scarce Anglo Indian British Colonial Brass Mounted Wooden Log Pail Bucket

Located in Forney, TX

A rare and most charming antique Anglo Indian British Colonial brass bound hand turned hollowed log bucket. Early 19th century, India, handmade during the British rule on the Indian...

Category

Early 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Set of English Country Style Hunting Horn Finial Brass Fire Tools
Set of English Country Style Hunting Horn Finial Brass Fire Tools

Set of English Country Style Hunting Horn Finial Brass Fire Tools

Located in Queens, NY

SET of English Country-style brass fire tools including a brush, shovel, poker, and tongs, all topped with finials in the shape of hunting horns, held in a brass stand with a circula...

Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Antique White Washed Teak Settee or Bench with Slatted Back
Antique White Washed Teak Settee or Bench with Slatted Back

Antique White Washed Teak Settee or Bench with Slatted Back

Located in Sheffield, MA

Colonial influenced antique hand-carved rustic country daybed or bench made from natural aged teak, deep enough for sleeping or relaxing. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Great in the garden, on a porch or patio. The rustic antique teakwood bench...

Category

Early 20th Century Asian British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Facing Pair of Early to Mid-20th Century Regal, Majolica Lion Figures
Facing Pair of Early to Mid-20th Century Regal, Majolica Lion Figures

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,...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pottery

British Colonial Decorative Carved Wood Column on Custom Stand
British Colonial Decorative Carved Wood Column on Custom Stand

British Colonial Decorative Carved 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, whic...

Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

1940s  Wood Himachal Pot
1940s  Wood Himachal Pot

1940s Wood Himachal Pot

Located in Roma, IT

1920s Wood Himachal Pot This seemingly simple wooden vase is a design object of infinite beauty and elegance that can be placed in either an antique or a modern or contemporary set...

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

English Country Brass Log Holders
English Country Brass Log Holders

English Country Brass Log Holders

Located in Queens, NY

3 English-style (mid-20th Century) pen holder in the shap of a miniature brass log holder (PRICED EACH)

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

British Colonial Solid Teak Plantation Shutters with Panel Work Dovetailed
British Colonial Solid Teak Plantation Shutters with Panel Work Dovetailed

British Colonial Solid Teak Plantation Shutters with Panel Work Dovetailed

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

British Colonial solid teak plantation shutters uncompromisingly made. 1.25" thick teak from old grown timber. Varnished. Customize and introduce y...

Category

Early 1900s British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

British Colonial Wood Column on Custom Stand
British Colonial Wood Column on Custom Stand

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, ...

Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Large Hammered Copper and Steel English Bucket
Large Hammered Copper and Steel English Bucket

Large Hammered Copper and Steel English Bucket

Located in Bellport, NY

Hammered copper English bucket with steel handle, good for logs, magazines or plants. The shape narrows nicely at the base.

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel, Copper

Related Items
Vintage Italian Bamboo Plant holder 1970s
Vintage Italian Bamboo Plant holder 1970s

Vintage Italian Bamboo Plant holder 1970s

$1,590

H 53.55 in W 27.56 in D 13.78 in

Vintage Italian Bamboo Plant holder 1970s

Located in Palermo, IT

Vintage Italian bamboo plant holder, 1970s Purchased by my parents, it is in good condition, with small signs of wear. The sale refers only to the ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bamboo

Bronze Door Handle and Bell Push with Brutalist Design 20th Century, European
Bronze Door Handle and Bell Push with Brutalist Design 20th Century, European

Bronze Door Handle and Bell Push with Brutalist Design 20th Century, European

Located in London, GB

A rectangular bronze push or pull door handle, with Brutalist geometric design, together with matching bell push, mid-late 20th century, European. This is a heavy handle, made of ca...

Category

Mid-20th Century European British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Bronze

18th Century Museum Corinthian Chapter, Wood Gilded
18th Century Museum Corinthian Chapter, Wood Gilded

18th Century Museum Corinthian Chapter, Wood Gilded

$654

H 7.09 in W 11.03 in D 4.73 in

18th Century Museum Corinthian Chapter, Wood Gilded

Located in Berlin, DE

Museum Corinthian chapter, wood gilded, 18th century. Chapter solid wood carved and gilded. Very decorative and very old, circa 1740. (V135).

Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Three Rattan Bamboo Planters / Baskets with Brass Rim, Italy, 1970s
Three Rattan Bamboo Planters / Baskets with Brass Rim, Italy, 1970s

Three Rattan Bamboo Planters / Baskets with Brass Rim, Italy, 1970s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Set of Three Mid-Century Modern rattan planters / baskets with brass rims. Italy, 1970s Three rattan baskets in different sizes. The larger one in squared shape and the smallers roun...

Category

20th Century Italian British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Pair of 18th Century French Shutters with Original Hardware
Pair of 18th Century French Shutters with Original Hardware

Pair of 18th Century French Shutters with Original Hardware

Located in Houston, TX

Pair of 18th century. French eyebrow shape shutters with original hardware scraped white paint. Wonderful weathered patina. The weathered look is from years of exposure to the elemen...

Category

18th Century French Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

1970s Set of Three Graduated Rattan and Bamboo Planters or Baskets
1970s Set of Three Graduated Rattan and Bamboo Planters or Baskets

1970s Set of Three Graduated Rattan and Bamboo Planters or Baskets

Located in London, London

Three bamboo planters Graduating in size Italian, 1970s Dimensions are of the largest planter.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bamboo

Late 19th-C. English Anglo-Indian Style Carved Oak & Cane Chaise
Late 19th-C. English Anglo-Indian Style Carved Oak & Cane Chaise

Late 19th-C. English Anglo-Indian Style Carved Oak & Cane Chaise

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a late 19th century carved oak and cane English Anglo-Indian style chaise. The carved arched stretchers are intact and solid as is the cane. It is unmarked and in very good c...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cane, Oak

19th Century Anglo Indian Inlaid Plantation Chair with Extending Arms
19th Century Anglo Indian Inlaid Plantation Chair with Extending Arms

19th Century Anglo Indian Inlaid Plantation Chair with Extending Arms

$3,112Sale Price|20% Off

H 35.44 in W 25.2 in D 44.89 in

19th Century Anglo Indian Inlaid Plantation Chair with Extending Arms

Located in Čelinac, BA

Anglo Indian Plantation chair 19th Century

Category

Early 1900s Indian Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Pair White Painted Metal Garden Chairs, American mid 20th Century
Pair White Painted Metal Garden Chairs, American mid 20th Century

Pair White Painted Metal Garden Chairs, American mid 20th Century

By Woodard Furniture Co.

Located in New York, NY

Crafted in the vibrant era of 1950s America, this pair of white-painted iron chairs embodies classic elegance and enduring style. With gracefully scrolled arms and splay legs, they e...

Category

Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Rare 1880s Handmade Copper/Bronze Sign, Plaque "J.W.Williams Drop Forgings"
Rare 1880s Handmade Copper/Bronze Sign, Plaque "J.W.Williams Drop Forgings"

Rare 1880s Handmade Copper/Bronze Sign, Plaque "J.W.Williams Drop Forgings"

By E. N. Little & Sons 1

Located in Buffalo, NY

Rare 1880s handmade copper/bronze sign plaque "J.W.WILLIAMS DROP FORGINGS." Monumental sign/plaque salvaged from the turn of the century J W WILLIAMS factory in Brooklyn New York, ex...

Category

1880s American Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Brutalist Fibre-Cement Square Planters, Switzerland, 1970s, Willy Guhl style
Brutalist Fibre-Cement Square Planters, Switzerland, 1970s, Willy Guhl style

Brutalist Fibre-Cement Square Planters, Switzerland, 1970s, Willy Guhl style

By Willy Guhl

Located in Almelo, NL

Set of 55 Brutalist Fibre-Cement Square Planters, Switzerland, 1970s, in the Style of Willy Guhl A rare architectural set of 55 square fibre-cement planters from Switzerland, 1970s....

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement

Previously Available Items
Vintage Brown Jordan “Calcutta” Cast Aluminum Lounge Chairs - A Pair
Vintage Brown Jordan “Calcutta” Cast Aluminum Lounge Chairs - A Pair

Vintage Brown Jordan “Calcutta” Cast Aluminum Lounge Chairs - A Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Designed by Hall Bradley for the iconic Brown Jordan, these "Calcutta" lounge chairs are a masterclass in Hollywood Regency elegance and Chinoiserie charm. The sculptural frames are ...

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

English Victorian Style Copper Fire Bucket / Coal Pail
English Victorian Style Copper Fire Bucket / Coal Pail

English Victorian Style Copper Fire Bucket / Coal Pail

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian-style cylindrical copper fire bucket / coal pail with a black iron swing handle. Dents in buckets consistent with use.

Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper

American Country Black Tole Coal Scuttle
American Country Black Tole Coal Scuttle

American Country Black Tole Coal Scuttle

Sold

H 23.5 in W 11.5 in D 10.5 in

American Country Black Tole Coal Scuttle

Located in Queens, NY

American Country-style (19th Century) black tole coal scuttle with painted roses and side handles.

Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Paint

Small 1970s Bamboo Plant Stand
Small 1970s Bamboo Plant Stand

Small 1970s Bamboo Plant Stand

Sold

H 13 in W 8 in D 8 in

Small 1970s Bamboo Plant Stand

Located in Cordova, SC

Small vintage 1970s bamboo plant stand in very good condition. Perfect perch for a smaller plant. Would look good in an array homes from boho chic to modern to traditional to many ot...

Category

1970s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bamboo

Folding and Adjustable Teak and Mesh Seat Patio or Side Chair
Folding and Adjustable Teak and Mesh Seat Patio or Side Chair

Folding and Adjustable Teak and Mesh Seat Patio or Side Chair

Located in Nantucket, MA

A folding and adjustable teak patio or side chair with an open mesh seat. Easy to add a seat cushion if so desired, originally designed for tropical climates...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Large White Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite
Large White Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite

Large White Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite

By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Impressive white coral assemblage using an exceptionally large table coral specimen with its sea inspired color and textures. Presented on a lucite base to enhance the sculptural ele...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solomon Islands British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Coral

British Colonial Planter
British Colonial Planter

British Colonial Planter

Sold

H 14 in W 17.5 in D 18 in

British Colonial Planter

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Vintage British Colonial style burnt bamboo planter. Made well and kept in great condition. Bamboo panels have been hand bu...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bamboo

McGuire Faux Bamboo Teak Wood Garden Dining Table
McGuire Faux Bamboo Teak Wood Garden Dining Table

McGuire Faux Bamboo Teak Wood Garden Dining Table

Located in Sheffield, MA

Vintage outdoor round teak wood garden, porch or patio dining table made by McGuire. The table has faux bamboo style legs giving extra elegance and style. Pair the table with the 4 ...

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

21st Century Limestone Fireplace Mantlepiece
21st Century Limestone Fireplace Mantlepiece

21st Century Limestone Fireplace Mantlepiece

Located in London, GB

21st century limestone fireplace mantlepiece. Hand Carved Double Scrolled Jambs With Tripple Stepped Footblocks And Break Fronted Shelf. Made From Solid White Limestone. Recently S...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone, Limestone

Cast Iron Fire Back, by the Kingsworthy Foundry
Cast Iron Fire Back, by the Kingsworthy Foundry

Cast Iron Fire Back, by the Kingsworthy Foundry

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Cast Iron Fire Back, by the Kingsworthy Foundry The Fire back is extremely Heavy, it denotes the Lion, an English Rose and a Scottish thistle w...

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

British Colonial building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique British Colonial building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Asia, South Asia, and India pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include and Val D'Osne Foundry. 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $399 and tops out at $15,500 while the average work can sell for $2,200.