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.
Handcrafted Rattan Tray in Teak Finish, British Colonial Style
Located in Christchurch, GB
Introducing our Chunky Woven Tray, a masterful blend of rustic charm and contemporary style. Handcrafted with precision, this tray features a unique design and a rich teak stain fini...
Rattan
Hand-Woven Rattan Scalloped Tray in British Colonial Style
Located in Christchurch, GB
Elevate your home with our Big Rattan Scalloped Rattan Tray; a masterpiece of natural tones. Crafted with precision, its scalloped design echoes nature'...
Rattan
Chunky Woven Tray in Teak Stain, Handcrafted Rattan, Colonial Style
Located in Christchurch, GB
Introducing our Chunky Woven Tray, a masterful blend of rustic charm and contemporary style. Handcrafted with precision, this tray features a unique design and a rich teak stain fini...
Rattan
Handcrafted Rattan Wavy Tray in Teak Finish, British Colonial Style
Located in Christchurch, GB
Introducing our Small Rattan Wavy Trays, exquisite pieces that redefine your home decor in a charming way. Handwoven with care, these small rattan trays showcase intricate craftsmans...
Rattan
Big Scalloped Rattan Tray, Hand-Woven Teak, British Colonial Style, UK
Located in Christchurch, GB
Elevate your home with our Big Rattan Scalloped Rattan Tray; a masterpiece of natural tones. Crafted with precision, its scalloped design echoes nature's elegance. Ethically handwove...
Rattan
Handwoven Rattan Wavy Tray in Teak, British Colonial Style
Located in Christchurch, GB
Introducing our Small Rattan Wavy Trays, exquisite pieces that redefine your home decor in a charming way. Handwoven with care, these small rattan trays showcase intricate craftsmans...
Rattan
Country Small Brass Coffee Grinder
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (20th Century) small brass small square coffee grinder with drawer.
Brass
$310Sale Price|20% Off
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Serving Bowl with Lid/Extra Bowl
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Pewter Serving Dish with Lid – Elegant & Versatile This exquisite pewter serving dish by renowned 20th-century Brazilian pewtersmith John Somers is both functional a...
Pewter
Ivy Breakfast Tray, Hand-Crafted Rattan, British Colonial Style, UK
Located in Christchurch, GB
The Ivy Breakfast Tray is such a versatile piece. The main tray is removable and fits a dinner plate and two glasses comfortably. Two handles on either side add practicality when car...
Rattan
$230Sale Price|20% Off
John Somers Pewter Plate, 11.5 Inches, Mid 20th Century Craftsmanship
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Pewter Plate – Brazilian Craftsmanship at Its Finest Celebrate the artistry of John Somers, one of the most distinguished pewter craftsmen of the 20th century. Hailing f...
Pewter
French lidded Terrine, 20th century, Majolica, fruit patterns and engravings
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This item is a collectible large ceramic tureen, often referred to as a "pot à oille" in French. Style: It features intricate floral patterns, reminiscent of 18th-century European p...
Ceramic
A stack of six antique wood trays with bone inlays
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fantastic set of six antique trays that fit into a stack, likely from British India turn of the 20th century. The wood is likely rosewood with attractive grains and the trays are i...
Wood, Bone
$214Sale Price|20% Off
Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Chalice With Greek Lettering
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Chalice with Greek Lettering Dimensions: 6 inches tall, 5.75 inches wide Material: Premium Brazilian pewter, known for its durability and timeless beaut...
Pewter
$278Sale Price|20% Off
Late 20th Century John Somers Brazilian Pewter Curving Serving Dish
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Swirling, Curving Serving Dish 'Tigela de Gominhos' The John Somers Brazilian Pewter Swirling, Curving Serving Dish is a stunning example of fine craftsm...
Pewter
$686
H 1.78 in W 21.26 in D 14.38 in
French Riviera Serving Tray in Rattan and Hand-Woven Wicker, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful rectangular organic serving tray fully made in bamboo, rattan and hand-woven wicker. This gorgeous French Riviera style tray was hand-made in Italy during the 1970s. This...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
$691
H 2.37 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Italian MidCentury Serving Tray Basket in Lucite, Rattan and Brass, 1970
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian MidCentury Serving Tray Basket in Lucite, Rattan and Brass, 1970 Gorgeous serving tray or basket, in the shape of a shell, made of Lucite, rattan and brass. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Braided rattan is cast within the Lucite acrylic material. Beautiful workmanship. The brass part is kept in original vintage version, with the patina from that time. Since the shape is as a shell, the tray inside...
Brass
Face Wood Big Serving Tray Red
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
This tray is made out of birchwood and is a different and original option for home serving trays.
Wood
Hand Wood Big Serving Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Hands means protection, sheltering and coziness This tray is made out of Birchwood and is a different and original option for home serving trays.
Wood
Kamari Woods Teak Serving Tray
Located in Pasadena, TX
This teak serving tray was manufactured in the Philippines. It's square with curved ends.
Teak
$255 / item
H 3.94 in W 19.69 in D 14.97 in
Hadley Rattan Scalloped Tray, Natural Honey, Modern, Rustic by Louise Roe
Located in London, GB
Hand-crafted from 100% natural rattan, featuring fixed handles and a beautifully braided, scalloped edge, the Hadley tray is the chicest way to serve breakfast in bed, cocktails at s...
Rattan
Face Wood Big Serving Tray blue
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
This tray is made out of Birchwood and is a different and original option for home serving trays.
Wood
Rattan and brass tray, Italy, 1970
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Very beautiful and large rattan and brass tray made in italy in the 1970s. Rectangular shape, mid-century modern style, it is inspired by the designs of gabriella crespi. Magnificent...
Brass
$1,034
H 1.38 in W 19.49 in D 11.23 in
Serving Tray in Lucite, Rattan and Aluminium Christian Dior Style, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular with handles, serving tray in lucite and rattan with gold aluminium border in the style of Christian Dior. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Great acc...
Metal
$355
H 0.4 in W 20.48 in D 14.97 in
Italian 1980s Glossy Black Serving Tray with Baroque-Style Scalloped Edge
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
The tray “Barockbrickan,” produced for Svenskt Tenn and manufactured in Italy during the 1980s, is defined by its high-gloss acrylic surface and softly undulating, scalloped edges. A...
Plexiglass
$1,057
H 1.78 in W 21.66 in D 13.78 in
Midcentury Serving Tray Lucite, Rattan and Brass Dior Home Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing rectangular serving tray or centerpiece in lucite, rattan and brass in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Great accessory for an...
Metal, Brass
Serving Tray in Lucite, Rattan and 24k Gold, Italy 1970s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Wonderful Midcentury Italian octagonal serving tray. This amazing piece is fabricated in Milan by Cavinato Ulderico & Co S.n.c. in the 70's. It is made of lucite and wicker and fini...
Gold
4 S Beaded Placemats Pineapple
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage handmade beaded textile placemats in a shape of pineapples. Set of 4 pcs
Art Glass, Beads
John Somers Pewter Footed Tray, 11.5 Inches Square
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Elegant Footed Pewter Tray – Brazilian Craftsmanship This beautifully crafted footed square pewter tray is a testament to the artistry of John Somers, one of the most re...
Pewter
Antique Allertons English Toby John Bull Staffordshire Salt & Pepper Shakers
By Allertons
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 1930s Staffordshire porcelain John Bull salt and pepper shakers by Allertons England.
Porcelain
Antique English Ceramic Plate
Located in High Point, NC
This ceramic plate was made in England and features a refined floral and foliage, the "Brooklyn" pattern in red along the edge. The mark “D B & Co” at the bottom is accompanied by a ...
Stoneware
British Colonial Rattan and Grass Cloth Serving Tray
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style serving tray with a five tiered rattan frame around a wicker or grass cloth surface.
Rattan
Midcentury Maitland-Smith Rattan Leopard Tray
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury rattan tray with silvered metal leopard handles and an interior lined with leopard printed cowhide. Signed Maitland -Smith on the bottom.
Cowhide, Rattan
Export Pewter Dish and Plate by Townsend & Compton of London, 1784-1802
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A 12 1/8" export Pewter Dish by Townsend & Compton of London, 1784-1802, together with a continental deep plate, possibly 18th century. Townsend & Compton touchmarks and hallmarks...
Pewter
Antique Collection Of English Transfer Ware Blue Willow Platters
By Minton-Spidell, Allertons
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Collection Of Ten Blue Willow Platters, Entirely English, And Almost All Allertons Pottery From 100Yrs. Ago. Collection Is In Amazing Condition, Very Clean, No Crazing, Very Few Chip...
mm
Located in Bellport, NY
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