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 of Gorham Weighted Sterling Silver Footed Compote Candy Nut Dishes
By Gorham
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of weighted Gorham Sterling silver compotes, candy dishes. Very good condition.
Sterling Silver
Antique Anglo-Indian Silver Lizard Handled Cup or Mug
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver handled mug or cup. In solid silver. Likely Anglo-Indian made during the English or Dutch colonial periods in India. (We...
Silver
Sterling Silver Art Deco Period Octagonal Mug/Cup by Blankensee
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver, Art Deco period, octagonal-shaped mug/cup, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1923, S. Blankensee and Sons - makers. Measures 3 1/4 inches high x 3 1/16 inches...
Sterling Silver
$4,475 / set
H 6 in W 4.5 in D 8.25 in
Pair of Sterling Silver Swan Decorative Bowls Signed Gorham Sterling
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful pair of Art Deco Sterling silver swan decorative bowls were executed by the legendary American silver maker, Gorham circa 1920. They feature elegantly streamlined demi...
Sterling Silver
Calcutta Indian Hamilton Sterling Silver Mug from 1830s
Located in New York, NY
Indian sterling silver mug, made by Hamilton & Co. in Calcutta around the 1830s, adorned with natural motifs, faintly gilt inside. It measures 5 3/4'' in height by 5 1/2'' in depth b...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Gorham 1917 Smoking Wood and Sterling Silver Tray
By Gorham
Located in New York, NY
Rare Gorham, sterling silver and oak wood tray from 1917 with an ornate border with hand motifs in relief standing on 4 balled feet. It measures 13 1/4'' in diameter by 1 1/4'' in height and bears hallmarks as shown. During the heyday of American silver manufacturing–approximately 1850 to 1940–Gorham was one of the most influential. The White House has used Gorham silver services...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Salt Pepper Shakers Gorham
By Gorham
Located in New York, NY
A pair of sterling silver salt and pepper shakers from Gorham Silversmiths, circa early-20th century, America. Classic sterling silver shakers with finial top and footed base. Beauti...
Sterling Silver
$5,975 / set
H 4 in W 9.75 in D 5.38 in
Pair of Signed Sterling Silver Peacock Dishes from Gorham, Circa 1920
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1920's pair of wonderfully artistic sterling silver bon bon dishes in the form of peacocks, signed Gorham. The elegant birds stand proudly with their trailing plumage forming ...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Pair of Serving Dishes - A Pair
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Serving Dishes Classic pair of Tiffany and Company, Sterling Silver serving dishes without monograms in exceptional condition.
Sterling Silver
Pair of Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Column Candlesticks
By Gorham
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Pair of Gorham Sterling Silver Column Candlesticks, Providence, Rhode Island, C. 1912. Doric column shaped with simple floral roset...
Sterling Silver
19C Anglo Indian Silver Perfume Bottle Case
Located in Dallas, TX
19C Anglo Indian solid silver perfume bottle case. Lovely 19th century Anglo-Indian solid silver perfume bottle case with profuse repousse work. Not hallmarked because it was m...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Antique Mug/Baby Cup
By J.B. & S.M. Knowles & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver mug by J. B. & S. M. Knowles of Providence, Rhode Island. Engraved “Elinor Louise 1879” in the center of the cartouche it also has leaves and othe...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Weighted Pedestal Compote
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely Sterling Silver compote with a simple and sophisticated edging. The piece is a compliment to any cocktail table or bar... serving nuts to candies or for display of a floati...
Sterling Silver
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 1 in Dm 3.38 in
Set of 12 Reed & Barton Francis I Sterling Silver Nut Dishes
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 Francis I sterling silver nut dishes. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. Quatrefoil well, lobed sides, and scrolled rim. Embossed fruits and leaves. Nice pieces in the...
Sterling Silver
$1,008
H 4.73 in W 11.03 in D 4.34 in
Antique Silver Cup Rose Silver & Crystal Jardiniere Decorative Bowl Cup
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Silver-Plated Repoussé Floral Basket with Glass Liner, 11 x 28 cm An elegant jardiniere and highly decorative antique silver-plated basket featuring exquisite repoussé floral decoration with richly sculpted roses, leaves, and scrolling foliage surrounding the entire body. Raised on delicate bun feet and fitted with a practical swing handle, this charming piece retains its original removable glass liner, making it both beautiful and functional. The basket reflects the refined craftsmanship associated with late Victorian and Edwardian silverwork, where naturalistic floral motifs were celebrated for their romantic appeal and artistic quality. The deeply embossed rose decoration creates exceptional visual depth, while the oval form and polished silver-plated finish enhance its timeless elegance. Perfect as a centerpiece, fruit basket, flower holder, wedding table decoration, vanity accessory, or luxury decorative accent, this versatile piece complements traditional, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Victorian, Hollywood Regency, and classic interior styles. A desirable addition for collectors of antique silverware, decorative arts, and fine table accessories, it offers both decorative charm and practical use. Dimensions: * Length: 28 cm * Width: 11 cm * Original glass liner included Antique silver plated basket, Victorian silver basket, Edwardian silver plate, floral repoussé basket, rose decorated basket, antique centerpiece, silver table decoration, antique fruit basket, decorative silverware, antique serving basket, silver plated centerpiece, Art Nouveau floral design, antique home décor, luxury interior accessory, collectible silver plate, vintage flower basket, decorative arts, English silver plate, antique tableware, elegant centerpiece bowl. Perfect gift for collectors, wedding gift, anniversary gift, housewarming gift, Mother’s Day gift, luxury home décor gift, interior designer gift, antique silver gift...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Silver
Sterling Silver Compote Candy Dish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite Vintage Sterling Silver Compote/Candy Dish, a timeless piece that adds a touch of elegance to any setting. Crafted with the utmost precision and attention t...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver Compotes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A graceful pair of sterling silver compotes by International Silver in the elegant “Wedgewood” pattern, first introduced in 1924. These refined serving pieces feature the iconic Wedg...
Sterling Silver
Collection of 24 Antique British Horn Beakers, Including Silver-Mounted
Located in Atlanta, GA
An assembled collection of twenty-four horn drinking beakers, mostly British, predominantly nineteenth century, with possible early twentieth-century examples. The group comprises te...
Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
19th Century Colonial Silver Christening Mug by Peter Nicholas Orr
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A British colonial silver christening mug by Peter Nicholas Orr, Madras, India, circa 1860. With an acanthus leaf capped handle, engraved with village life scenes, engraved with init...
Silver
Sold
H 3.5 in W 3.13 in D 2.63 in
Sterling Navette Form Dutch Scene Gilt Interior Tea Caddy British Import Mark
By Samuel Boyce Landeck
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A sterling silver navette form Dutch scene gilt interior tea caddy with British import mark, makers mark SBL for Samuel Boyce Landeck, (Sheffield 1897). Decorated with couples in a t...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 5.52 in W 7.88 in D 4.53 in
Sterling Silver Teapot Bhuj, Kutch, India 1870-1890, British Colonial
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
This teapot is a particularly fine example of colonial Indian silversmithing. It´s perfectly formed and finely chased with the Islamic-influenced scrolling tendril and flower pattern against a finely tooled background that is typical of Kutch work. This is a very special and unusual teapot...
Sterling Silver
Ten Silver British Plaque Kings
By Historical Materialism
Located in Sofia, BG
Ten unique Jubilee historical sterling silver 925, mid-20th century, each one is different year, everyone is with a different king, British, 925 sterling, weight 66 grams each. Handm...
Silver
Irish Sterling Silver Bowl with Cranes, Mythical Fish and Lion's Head Feet
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Irish Sterling Silver Bowl with Cranes, Mythical Fish & Lion's Head Feet, Scalloped top edge, Hallmarked, Date letter & Maker's Mark. The bowl is Pristine, and has no issues or initi...
Sterling Silver