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.
Pair, Scottish Apothecary Amethyst Glass Bottles, C. 1890 With Labels
Located in Atlanta, GA
Scottish Apothecary Amethyst Glass Bottles A matched pair of Scottish apothecary display bottles in deeply saturated amethyst (blackberry) glass, made in the classic globular “shop ...
Blown Glass
$2,000 / set
Pair of Hand Painted Porcelain Parrot Vases
By John Derian
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Unusual rectangular porcelain flower vases decorated on both sides with hand painted tropical colored varying parrot species. The opening on the tops is divided into three sections f...
Porcelain
19th Century Royal Navy Oak Fire Bucket, with Plymouth Armorial Crest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Royal Navy Oak Fire Bucket, with Plymouth Armorial Crest This is a superb looking piece made in Oak and decorated with the Plymouth Armorial Crest, it was used as a wa...
Oak
Majolica Boot Umbrella or Cane Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical midcentury Majolica or glazed terra cotta umbrella or cane Stand in the form of Italian military boots complete with tassels and spurs.
Porcelain
Antique English Copper Flagon Jug Vessel Pitcher Hallmark #2 C. 1900
Located in Tyler, TX
Beautiful Antique English Copper FLAGON, Pitcher, Vessel or Jug #2~~c. 1900 Excellent heavy copper flagon with hallmark 15" tall to top of handle ...
Copper
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
$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
American Country Style Brass Oval Pot
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19/20th Century) brass oval pot with wrought iron handle
Brass
Spanish Brass Boot Umbrella Holder
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A fun 1970s hand-hammered solid brass boot umbrella holder. Marked made in Spain on the heel. Dimensions: 21.75” high 12” wide 7.5” deep.
Brass
French 18th Century Large Scale Copper Pitcher
Located in Round Top, TX
A very charming French large scale copper pitcher. A terrific kitchen island oraccessory.
Copper
Copper and Brass Riveted Coal Bucket, Late 19th Century
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Copper and brass riveted coal bucket, late 19th century. Copper polished with brass belted and riveted straps. Measures: Height 28, diameter 30 cm.
Copper
Midcentury Pencil Reed Rattan Floor Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Handcrafted midcentury floor vase made from pencil reed.
Rattan
$10,219
H 19.97 in Dm 8.67 in
Colorful Hand Painted Ceramic Midcentury Umbrella Stand by Eberhard Dänzer, 1965
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Stunning, unique one off & rare Mid-Century Modern vintage umbrella Stand or holder signed and dated (5.1.1965) by the German artist Eberhard Dänzer (1935-2008) Karlsruhe, Germany in...
Ceramic
$1,950 / set
H 23.5 in Dm 9.25 in
Pair of Mid-Century Chinese Famille Rose Hand Painted Porcelain Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
These elegant colorful Famille Rose vases were created in China circa 1950. Standing tall, the large vessels feature a flared rim and tapered body. Each body is adorned with vibrant ...
Porcelain
Large Rattan Vase, 1970s
Located in Lisboa, PT
Large vase decorated with rolled rattan rods and wooden slices. France, 1970s.
Rattan
19th Century English Victorian Copper and Brass Coal Bucket
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique coal scuttle was created in England, circa 1880. Built of copper with a brass and turned walnut handle, the oblong bucket stands on a round base. The versatile decorativ...
Brass, Copper
Pair of Medici Vases, Hand Painted Porcelain, French, 19th Century
Located in Lantau, HK
A pair of elegant vases finely painted with flowers and butterflies in brilliant colors, richly gilded on handles and base. Shipping included Free and fast delivery door to door ...
Porcelain
19th Century, Silver Plated Box with Royal Crest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dramatic, richly embellished, silver-plated, hinge-top box featuring the ancient Coat of Arms for the Spanish kingdom of Castile and Leon. The whole atop lion-form feet.
Silver Plate, Metal
Vintage Chinese Hand Painted Porcelain Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Vintage Chinese Hand-Painted Porcelain Vase with intricate floral motifs, showcasing traditional artistry for a striking centerpiece. We sell items as acquired, without restoring ...
Porcelain
19th C. Brass Bucket
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a classic mid-19th century spun brass bucket with a forged steel handle. The bucket is in overall good condition with the normal anticipated ding...
Brass, Steel
1900s Old English Liquor Flask & Cup
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Old English silver liquor flask & cup figural relief hunting castle 5.5 tall x 3.75 w x 1.5 d Cup 2.38 tall x 1.5 diameter cap serves as a cup Preowned vintage condition. Numbered a...
Metal
Victorian Indian Hand Worked Copper Pale
Located in Altrincham, GB
Victorian Indian Hand Worked Copper Pale - "Grand Tour Souvenir" - 9"diam x 9.5"h (14" to the top of the handle)
Copper
Sold
H 25.75 in Dm 12.25 in
Huge Glass Rare Eglomise Paint Decorated Advertising Opium Jar from 1870s Era
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic find! This glass and brass Opium jar is over 2 feet tall and Measures 25.75 tall x 12.25 in diameter. The jar is in good antique conditio...
Metal
Sold
H 16 in W 11.375 in D 11.375 in
Vintage John Derian Large Square Porcelain Lidded Jar with Birds and Foliage
By John Derian
Located in Doylestown, PA
Oversized, square porcelain hand-painted lidded jar in the shape of a tea caddy by John Derian with birds after the 18th century biological illustrations of naturalist George Edwards...
Porcelain
Early 20thC Indian Brass Planter
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Indian Brass Planter on Solid Brass Scrolled Stand originally purchased on a Grand Tour - 19"w x 18"d x 32"h
Brass
Sold
H 16.5 in W 6 in D 6 in
Vintage Maitland Smith Harlequin Penshell Brass Footed Decorative Modern Box Urn
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century Maitland Smith Lidded Box / Urn. Features a beautiful Harlequin pattern Penshell exterior resting on a footed brass neoclassical style tasseled base. The lid opens ...
Brass
Sold
H 14.5 in W 6.25 in D 6.25 in
Vintage Set Of Two John Derian Jungle Animals Porcelain Lidded Jars
By John Derian
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of 20th century porcelain jungle-themed lidded jars by New York designer, John Derian. Elegant vases feature multiple jungle animals including elephants, tigers, monkeys and zeb...
Porcelain
Maitland Smith Heavy Bronze Lidded Mantel Urn Vase Ginger Jar 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage heavy bronze lidded ginger jar / urn / vase, produced by Maitland Smith. Designed and Hand Made in Thailand. 458 XP. Dimensions: 11" x 18.5" (Diameter x Height)
Bronze
Sold
H 25.75 in W 7.25 in D 16.5 in
Castilian Ornamental Porcelain & Brass Elephant Horn Drinking Hunt Vase 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
Ornamental hunt theme drinking horn / centerpiece trophy / cornucopia epergne / flower vase featuring a tapered pedestal base with brass capped feet and circus Elephant balancing a porcelain horn or tusk. Stamped on base, Item No. 4052-C4A. Castilian Imports...
Brass
Two Natural Horn Cups with Silvered Rims
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Two cups of natural horn with silvered mounted rims. The cups are light on one side and darker on the reverse. They are of slightly different heights. They are perfect on a desk for ...
Silver Plate
Hand Engraved & Painted Fine British India Silver Plated Vase
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Very fine hand engraved and painted silver plated British India export vase with excellent floral detail. Cylindrical hour glass shape is unique. One foo...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 7 in W 11 in D 9.5 in
British Colonial Vintage Gilt Ceramic Chamber Pot Togo Colonial Pottery Stoke
Located in Miami, FL
British Colonial vintage green, bronze and gold leaf covered chamber pot in Togo style made by Colonial Pottery, Stoke England. Depicting a British landsca...
Gold Plate