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.
Large Glass Hibiscus and Palm Leaf Serving Platter
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large glass serving platter in the shape of a palm leaf with a Hibiscus flower at the stem. The top of the platter is smooth, and the underside i...
Crystal
Murano Glass Large Apothecary Jar
Located in Winter Park, FL
A very large Mid Century Murano glass lidded apothecary or candy jar attributed to Barovier and Toso. Beautiful pale tangerine orange...
Blown Glass
$1,573 / set
H 3.94 in Dm 3.55 in
Country Style Set of Six Glass Tumbler Fern Decor Sofina Kitzbuehel Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of 6 hand blown tumblers in clear crystal with a country style fern decor hand-engraved all around. A matching carafe can be ordered in addition. Can be ordered in different colo...
Crystal
Set of 6 Bohemian Handmade Gilt Glass Wine Glasses
Located in Vilnius, LT
The set of 6 pcs. Bohemian wine glasses. Each glass is transparent and decorated with dark amethyst/burgundy color glass, gilt trims and gold pa...
Glass
$770Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 10.23 in W 3.54 in D 3.54 in
Set of Three Modern Murano Glass Goblets, Blue, Red and Amethys
Located in Miami, FL
Set of three modern Murano glass goblets, completely handmade and mouth-blown. This striking set is made of three complementary goblets, one in c...
Art Glass
Vintage French Glass Apothecary Jar
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French glass lidded apothecary or candy jar. Urn shaped faceted form. Lid with faceted cut glass knob. In good condition for the age and use, with light scratches and fleabite chip...
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
$1,573 / set
H 3.94 in Dm 3.55 in
Country Style Set of Six Glass Tumbler Amber Sofina Kitzbuehel Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
About Sofina crystal: This handblown crystal tumbler is one of a selection of Sofina crystal completely handcrafted in Bavaria/Germany. The country style design shows two birds sitti...
Crystal
Antique 19th Century Cut and Engraved Bohemian Glass Goblet
Located in London, GB
Antique 19th century cut and engraved Bohemian glass goblet Bohemian, 1833 Dimensions: Height 34cm, diameter 13cm Crafted from cut and engra...
Cut Glass
$253Sale Price|43% Off
H 3.38 in W 3.5 in D 2.75 in
Irish 18th Century Georgian Cut Glass Salt with Stepped Foot, Ca 1790
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a fine Irish cut glass or crystal Salt, made from lead glass in the 18th century, circa 1790. The oval boat-shaped bowl is well hand cut and sits on a stepped foot over a ...
Glass
Seventy Piece Baccarat Glass Service, 20th Century
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Signed Baccarat. Comprising 21 red wine, 20 white wine, 17 champagne flutes and 12 sherry.
Cut Glass
Set of Four Glass Tumbler Modern Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of four tumblers in handblown crystal. The glasses are hand-engraved with a modern decor all around. The tumblers come in four charming colors yellow,...
Crystal
French Glass Apothecary Jars, a Pair
Located in Winter Park, FL
A pair of French blown glass lidded apothecary or candy jars. Smooth urn shaped form with domed lids. Large and light weight, perfect for jelly beans or macerated fruit. Purchased fr...
Blown Glass
$3,873
H 11.82 in W 8.86 in D 4.53 in
Antique French Cut Glass and Metal Oil and Veniger Cruet Set, 19th Century
Located in Rostock, MV
This antique "Oil & Vinegar" cruet set, dating to the late 19th century, is a superb example of French craftsmanship, combining elegant glasswork and intricate metal artistry. The se...
Metal
19th Century, English Decanter Set of with Case
Located in Hixson, TN
A very nice quality English oak carved decanter set and case fitted interior with a release button revealing a card drawer. Very well carved and handsome brass mounts.