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British Colonial Lighting

BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE

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.

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Style: British Colonial
Maitland Smith Bronze Marble Tooled Leather Equestrian Horse Table Lamp 24"
Maitland Smith Bronze Marble Tooled Leather Equestrian Horse Table Lamp 24"

Maitland Smith Bronze Marble Tooled Leather Equestrian Horse Table Lamp 24"

$1,050Sale Price|30% Off

Maitland Smith Bronze Marble Tooled Leather Equestrian Horse Table Lamp 24"

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage figural horse bronze table lamp by Maitland Smith featuring a mare and foal in tableau on a charcoal black marble clad base. Includes hard and rectangular tooled / gilded lea...

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

British Colonial Style Glass Lantern or Pendant
British Colonial Style Glass Lantern or Pendant

British Colonial Style Glass Lantern or Pendant

$3,500

British Colonial Style Glass Lantern or Pendant

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Vintage British colonial style three light lantern or light fixture with a hand blown glass bowl and brass hardware.

Category

Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

Maitland-Smith Pen Shell and Patinated Bronze Snail Table Lamp, c. 1980s
Maitland-Smith Pen Shell and Patinated Bronze Snail Table Lamp, c. 1980s

Maitland-Smith Pen Shell and Patinated Bronze Snail Table Lamp, c. 1980s

$930Sale Price|65% Off

Maitland-Smith Pen Shell and Patinated Bronze Snail Table Lamp, c. 1980s

By Maitland Smith

Located in Glasgow, GB

A sculptural and rare statement lamp by Maitland-Smith, crafted in the 1980s and exemplary of the firm’s signature blend of luxury materials and organic form. This dramatic design ...

Category

1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Bronze

19th Century British Ceylonese Handblown Etched ‘Glow Lamp’ Bell Jar Lantern
19th Century British Ceylonese Handblown Etched ‘Glow Lamp’ Bell Jar Lantern

19th Century British Ceylonese Handblown Etched ‘Glow Lamp’ Bell Jar Lantern

$2,500 / item

19th Century British Ceylonese Handblown Etched ‘Glow Lamp’ Bell Jar Lantern

Located in Southampton, NY

19th century British Ceylonese handblown etched ‘Glow Lamp’ bell jar lantern. These lanterns were handblown in Sri Lanka for the British expats. They were re...

Category

Early 20th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

19th Century British Ceylonese Handblown Etched ‘Glow Lamp’ Bell Jar Lantern
19th Century British Ceylonese Handblown Etched ‘Glow Lamp’ Bell Jar Lantern

19th Century British Ceylonese Handblown Etched ‘Glow Lamp’ Bell Jar Lantern

$2,800 / item

19th Century British Ceylonese Handblown Etched ‘Glow Lamp’ Bell Jar Lantern

Located in Southampton, NY

19th century British Ceylonese handblown etched ‘Glow Lamp’ bell jar lantern. These lanterns were handblown in Sri Lanka for the British expats. They were re...

Category

Late 19th Century Sri Lankan Antique British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of British Colonial Style Etched Mercury Glass Lanterns or Light Fixtures
Pair of British Colonial Style Etched Mercury Glass Lanterns or Light Fixtures

Pair of British Colonial Style Etched Mercury Glass Lanterns or Light Fixtures

$6,850 / set

Pair of British Colonial Style Etched Mercury Glass Lanterns or Light Fixtures

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Standout pair of exotic lanterns hand blown in classic form, hanging from hammered metal hardware featuring etched floral designs on a translucent mercury background.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Mercury Glass

Tole Palm Tree Chandelier
Tole Palm Tree Chandelier

Tole Palm Tree Chandelier

$3,850

Tole Palm Tree Chandelier

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Italian tole five light chandelier with palm leaves over graceful arms with acanthus leaves and floral candle cups all having a rustic aged yell...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Metal

Mid-century solid brass obelisk lamp after Chapman
Mid-century solid brass obelisk lamp after Chapman

Mid-century solid brass obelisk lamp after Chapman

$285

Mid-century solid brass obelisk lamp after Chapman

Located in Allentown, PA

This is a handsome mid-century vintage library style solid brass obelisk lamp. This obelisk lamp has a pedestal with four ball feet, holding up the obelisk with a metal black lacquer...

Category

1970s American Vintage British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

English Country Brass Horn Bouillotte Lamp with Black Tole Shade
English Country Brass Horn Bouillotte Lamp with Black Tole Shade

English Country Brass Horn Bouillotte Lamp with Black Tole Shade

$995

English Country Brass Horn Bouillotte Lamp with Black Tole Shade

Located in Elkhart, IN

A gorgeous English Country style brass double horn bouillotte lamp with black tole shade USA, Mid-20th century Measures: 16" W x 10.75" D x 26" H Very good original vintage condit...

Category

Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Brass Palm Tree Table Lamps
Pair of Brass Palm Tree Table Lamps

Pair of Brass Palm Tree Table Lamps

$7,500 / set

Pair of Brass Palm Tree Table Lamps

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Chic mid century modern pair of table lamps crafted in brass in a stylized palm tree form on an octagon ebonized wood base. Best of the genre.

Category

20th Century Italian British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

Rare! Early Maitland Smith Custom English Brass Table Lamp Spears Motif
Rare! Early Maitland Smith Custom English Brass Table Lamp Spears Motif

Rare! Early Maitland Smith Custom English Brass Table Lamp Spears Motif

$2,399Sale Price|63% Off

Rare! Early Maitland Smith Custom English Brass Table Lamp Spears Motif

By Maitland Smith

Located in Peoria, AZ

Gorgeous! Maitland Smith Custom Brass Speat Tripod Table Lamp Amazing British Colonial Style! This one of a kind Maitland Smith lamp is an iconic example of British Colonial Style...

Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Group of Three Smoke Bell Light Fixtures, Priced Individually
Antique Group of Three Smoke Bell Light Fixtures, Priced Individually

Antique Group of Three Smoke Bell Light Fixtures, Priced Individually

$2,250 / item

Antique Group of Three Smoke Bell Light Fixtures, Priced Individually

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Standout group of three colonial style continental smoke bell glass light fixtures hand blown in classic form with cut designs and brass hammered hardware, using candle power as orig...

Category

Early 20th Century Belgian British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Pair of Anglo Indian Wood Double Arm Sconces
Pair of Anglo Indian Wood Double Arm Sconces

Pair of Anglo Indian Wood Double Arm Sconces

$5,040 / item

Pair of Anglo Indian Wood Double Arm Sconces

Located in Locust Valley, NY

This pair of Anglo-Indian wood and brass double-arm sconces features a carved wooden backplate with a shell motif, complementing two curved brass arms extending outward. The arms are...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of English 19th-20th Century Gilt-Bronze Brig - Tall Ship Marine Lanterns
Pair of English 19th-20th Century Gilt-Bronze Brig - Tall Ship Marine Lanterns

Pair of English 19th-20th Century Gilt-Bronze Brig - Tall Ship Marine Lanterns

$9,895Sale Price / set|46% Off

Pair of English 19th-20th Century Gilt-Bronze Brig - Tall Ship Marine Lanterns

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Pair of English 19th-20th Century Gilt-Bronze 'Brig - Tall-Ship' Marine Lanterns with Putti Corner Caryatids. The single-light tapered square cast-bronze body surmounted with alleg...

Category

Early 1900s English Antique British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Woven Rattan Basket Lamps - A Pair
Vintage Woven Rattan Basket Lamps - A Pair

Vintage Woven Rattan Basket Lamps - A Pair

$2,250 / set

Vintage Woven Rattan Basket Lamps - A Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Infuse tropical elegance and organic texture into your space with this stunning pair of vintage woven rattan basket lamps. Inspired by the refined aesthetic of British Colonial and c...

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Antique Porcelain Lamp
Pair of Antique Porcelain Lamp

Pair of Antique Porcelain Lamp

$2,590

Pair of Antique Porcelain Lamp

Located in Dallas, TX

This listing features a pair of porcelain plug-in lamps that are mostly like from the 20th century and likely originate from the United Kingdom or similar areas in Europe. On one l...

Category

20th Century English British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

El Nido English Ships Wrought Iron Wall Bracket Lantern
El Nido English Ships Wrought Iron Wall Bracket Lantern

El Nido English Ships Wrought Iron Wall Bracket Lantern

$1,050 / item

El Nido English Ships Wrought Iron Wall Bracket Lantern

By Steven Handelman

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

This wrought iron lantern was inspired by a Spanish Colonial house in Santa Barbara. It is also in the style of ships lanterns on the 19th century. The ...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique British Leather Coat of Arts Cordite Gunpower Bucket Desk Lamp 35"
Antique British Leather Coat of Arts Cordite Gunpower Bucket Desk Lamp 35"

Antique British Leather Coat of Arts Cordite Gunpower Bucket Desk Lamp 35"

$245Sale Price|30% Off

Antique British Leather Coat of Arts Cordite Gunpower Bucket Desk Lamp 35"

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage British Cordite bucket carry case. Made of leather featuring A cordite bucket, also called a Clarkson Case, is a flash-proof container, typically made of cork, leather, an...

Category

Early 20th Century British British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Leather

Tall English Barley Twist Brass Candlestick Wired as Electric Table Lamp
Tall English Barley Twist Brass Candlestick Wired as Electric Table Lamp

Tall English Barley Twist Brass Candlestick Wired as Electric Table Lamp

$450

Tall English Barley Twist Brass Candlestick Wired as Electric Table Lamp

Located in New York, NY

Impressive brass barley twist candlestick, converted to an electric table lamp. The candlestick was made in England, it was later drilled for the wire, and mounted on a wood plint...

Category

Early 20th Century British British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

Maitland Smith Tessellated Faux Tortoise Chrome Candlestick Buffet Table Lamp
Maitland Smith Tessellated Faux Tortoise Chrome Candlestick Buffet Table Lamp

Maitland Smith Tessellated Faux Tortoise Chrome Candlestick Buffet Table Lamp

$490Sale Price|30% Off

Maitland Smith Tessellated Faux Tortoise Chrome Candlestick Buffet Table Lamp

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Maitland Smith 1996 modern candlestick table lamp featuring four chrome legs bound with brass wire, supporting an ovoid / egg shape of tessellated horn, topped with brass can...

Category

1990s British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair of English Country Style Tole and Brass Mounted Sconces
Pair of English Country Style Tole and Brass Mounted Sconces

Pair of English Country Style Tole and Brass Mounted Sconces

$1,650 / set

Pair of English Country Style Tole and Brass Mounted Sconces

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of English Country-style brass electrified sconces mounted on a rectangular curved wooden plaque with a brass horn shaped candlecup supporting a green metal tole shade and lower...

Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

Waterford Style Small Petite Cut Glass Brass Boudoir Table Lamp by Great Creator
Waterford Style Small Petite Cut Glass Brass Boudoir Table Lamp by Great Creator

Waterford Style Small Petite Cut Glass Brass Boudoir Table Lamp by Great Creator

$189

Waterford Style Small Petite Cut Glass Brass Boudoir Table Lamp by Great Creator

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Waterford Style Small Petite Cut Glass & Brass Boudoir Table Lamp by Great Creator. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D. {3-Way (Yes)}, (Location: Section 2...

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Glass

HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]
HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]

HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]

$2,860 / set

HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]

Located in Hawthorne, CA

A pair of wooden hand-carved chandeliers for an eclectic decor. These pieces are perfect for an island or coastal setting. Of the 19th C. wired to modern standards, origin England 19...

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Double Dome Chandelier or Pendant Light
Mid-Century Modern Double Dome Chandelier or Pendant Light

Mid-Century Modern Double Dome Chandelier or Pendant Light

$6,200

Mid-Century Modern Double Dome Chandelier or Pendant Light

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Chic double dome chandelier or pendant light fixture that is both elegant and industrial. The dome glass is ribbed for a lustrous glow; the glass on the bottom has the peaceful pattern of water...

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Glass

American Country Iron and Glass Ship's Lantern
American Country Iron and Glass Ship's Lantern

American Country Iron and Glass Ship's Lantern

$1,650

American Country Iron and Glass Ship's Lantern

Located in Queens, NY

American Country style (19th Century) iron and glass half round ships embarkment lantern with scroll handle.

Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Glass

Pair of Midcentury Mother of Pearl Table Lamps
Pair of Midcentury Mother of Pearl Table Lamps

Pair of Midcentury Mother of Pearl Table Lamps

$3,350 / set

Pair of Midcentury Mother of Pearl Table Lamps

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Pair of midcentury table lamps with a rectangular form featuring alluring mother of pearl mosaic bodies presented on Lucite bases.

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Vintage Pair of Deer Hoof Table Lamps
Vintage Pair of Deer Hoof Table Lamps

Vintage Pair of Deer Hoof Table Lamps

$2,900 / set

Vintage Pair of Deer Hoof Table Lamps

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Vintage pair of custom English deer hoof table lamps with silver plated candle cups and hardware, presented on custom double plinths. Newly wired. Poss...

Category

20th Century English British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Animal Skin

Pair of Metal and Cast Iron Monkey and Palm Sconces
Pair of Metal and Cast Iron Monkey and Palm Sconces

Pair of Metal and Cast Iron Monkey and Palm Sconces

$7,800 / set

Pair of Metal and Cast Iron Monkey and Palm Sconces

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Pair of wall sconces with a slightly oxidized finish, five candle cups in palm leaf clusters, and featuring cast iron monkeys in a familiar, taunting ...

Category

20th Century Italian British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Pair of Italian Metal Palm Tree Table Lamps
Mid-Century Pair of Italian Metal Palm Tree Table Lamps

Mid-Century Pair of Italian Metal Palm Tree Table Lamps

$4,800 / set

Mid-Century Pair of Italian Metal Palm Tree Table Lamps

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Chic pair of vintage Italian table lamps crafted in iron or metal in a modern stylized design with an aged metal finish.

Category

20th Century Italian British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Metal

20 Th Century 3 Light Bouillotte Lamp Style Silvered
20 Th Century 3 Light Bouillotte Lamp Style Silvered

20 Th Century 3 Light Bouillotte Lamp Style Silvered

$325

20 Th Century 3 Light Bouillotte Lamp Style Silvered

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very popular design of Bouillotte lamp made of brass and finished in Hi-polished silver plate. Has 3 candelabra sockets. All new wiring and sockets. Ht of 22" and the base is 7 1/2...

Category

1990s North American British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Horn Veneer Table Lamps
Pair of Horn Veneer Table Lamps

Pair of Horn Veneer Table Lamps

$3,950 / set

Pair of Horn Veneer Table Lamps

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Dashing pair of midcentury table lamps featuring Horn veneer mosaic bodies and finished with Classic nickel plated metal tops and feet.

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Lighting

A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps
A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps

A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps

$2,164Sale Price / set|20% Off

A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps These Large Stunning Lamps have an Armorial Crest theme they have matching shades, both lamps and shades have a crackle glaze fi...

Category

1960s Vintage British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Tin

Vintage Boho Gilt Tipped Monkey Lamps - a Pair
Vintage Boho Gilt Tipped Monkey Lamps - a Pair

Vintage Boho Gilt Tipped Monkey Lamps - a Pair

$1,550 / set

Vintage Boho Gilt Tipped Monkey Lamps - a Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Illuminate your space with whimsical charm using this pair of Vintage Boho gilt-tipped monkey lamps. With their playful design and luxurious gold accents, these lamps blend quirky el...

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Lighting

Materials

Metal

British Colonial lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique British Colonial lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Maitland Smith, and Frederick Cooper. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $12,450 while the average work can sell for $3,075.

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