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.
$230Sale Price|20% Off
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Floreira Flower Bowl, Footed, Circa 1980
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter ‘Floreira’ Flower Bowl Dimensions: 5 x 5 inches (round) Material: High-quality Brazilian pewter Features: Footed base for stability and elegance Sophist...
Pewter
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
Massive Pair of Early 19th Century Brass Candlesticks
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
Massive pair of early 19th century English candlesticks.
Brass
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
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
Antico orologio oro argento
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orolo...
Silver
Large Pencil Reed Rattan Floor Vase
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury floor vase crafted in pencil reed with a Classic form and warm lush finish.
Reed
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
$1,950 / set
Pair of Faux Alligator Vases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of tall vases ingeniously crafted in cast composition depicting alligator hide with brass like highlights.
Faux Leather
Set of Three 18th Century Hand-Made Brass Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Three 18th Century Hand-Made Brass Candlesticks were designed to be functional yet attractive as they would remain in plain view all day, and only be utilized at night. Back in the days before electric lighting, candles were worth their weight in silver, as the process to make them was still laborious hand-labor, and the wax itself wasn't inexpensive. Many of our trunks from this period had separate cabinets inside the locked trunk...
Brass
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
Rare 18th Century English Clock
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare 18th century English clock Marquetry Weight: 9.20 kg England Sizes: H 62cm L 31cm very good condition.
Bronze
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
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
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