British Colonial Armchairs
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
Antique Early 20th Century Brtisih Colonial Oak Plantation Lounge Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Intriguing early 20th century British Colonial style plantation chair. Features an oak frame with traditional lounging back, downswept scrolled arms over reeded baluster supports co...
Category
Early 20th Century American British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
$1,100 Sale Price
20% Off
1930s Large Scale Carved Oak Arm Chair In Chinoiserie Palm Toile
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a charming carved oak arm chair with an English British Colonial toile. The frame is most likely American and dates to the early part of the 20th century. The fabric shows so...
Category
Early 20th Century American British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage 80s McGuire Antalya Directors Style Dining or Occasional Chairs Rawhide
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Classic 1980s directors style McGuire dining or occasional armchairs with lattice style rawhide seats and backs. These rattan framed chairs with backrest and seat woven in ra...
Category
1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Hide, Rattan
Pair of English Armchairs in Velvet and Walnut Wood
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous pair of velvet armchairs of English manufacture of the late 1800s.
The beautiful armchairs have a walnut wood structure and have been lined with sand colored velvet tending...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
$2,859 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Large Wicker Armchairs; The Collection of Andre Leon Talley
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of Large Wicker Armchairs w/ fitted upholstered seat cushion. Seat cushion is removable. From Andre Leon Talley's Collection.
A striking pair of large wicker armchairs, meticul...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan
Regency Style Anglo Indian Chair
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A well proportioned Anglo Indian armchair. Hand craved out of rosewood, the chair carved with rosettes and the back rest is carved is the form of horns. The seat is woven cane and u...
Category
1950s Indian Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Teak
British Colonial Mahogany & Caned Armchair
Located in Southampton, NY
British Colonial Mahogany & Caned Armchair
A low comfortable reading chair made out of Mahogany and cane. Lovely carved details on arms, ba...
Category
20th Century Unknown British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
British Colonial Ceylonese Solid Satinwood & Hand Cane Armchair
Located in Southampton, NY
British Colonial Ceylonese Solid Satinwood & Hand Caned Armchair
Made entirely out of satinwood. Gentle curved back. Hand caning seat - still in good condition. Spiral arms are a un...
Category
Early 20th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Satinwood
Early 20th Century Colonial Sri Lankan Satinwood Garden Chair
Located in Southampton, NY
Hand-turned garden chair made of solid satinwood, Colonial, Sri Lanka, circa 1900. Hand-caned seat and back.
Came from a British Military family in Sri Lanka.
40.25" overall height ...
Category
Early 20th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Satinwood
Vintage Brighton Chinoiserie Rattan Blonde Bamboo Caning Split Reed Armchair 70s
By Brighton Pavilion 1
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage blonde bamboo, caning and split reed armchair on six legs. This is a handcrafted chair with woven cane seat features bamboo frames and Chinese inspired bamboo patterns.
The b...
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Cane, Reed
Pair of Thai Rosewood Elephant Howdah Saddle Style Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of elephant saddle style chairs crafted with rosewood in a distinctive Thai form, hand carved depicting elephants, which are a symbol of fortune, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of British Colonial Midcentury Plantation / Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of solid hard wood and caned British Colonial Plantation chairs, lounge chairs or armchairs. The chairs feature swing out extension arms. The construction is hand made w...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Hardwood
Pair of Leather Button Tufted Wingback British Colonial Style Armchairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome pair of British colonial style wingback armchairs upholstered in lush brown leather in a classic elegant form and featuring button tufted backs, brass studs, and turned legs...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Wicker Armchairs from the FS Flores Collection, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of mid century inspired armchairs crafted in wicker or reed ambitiously woven over a sturdy metal frame. One of many new designs from the FS Flores Collection...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Reed
Wicker Armchairs from the FS Flores Collection, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial armchairs crafted with a sturdy metal frame ambitiously wrapped in reed with comfort and classic form set on turned wood feet. Exclusively designed and offered by F.S. Henemader Antiques from the FS Flores collection...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Wicker
Original Walnut Wing Chair, circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Original walnut wing chair, circa 1900.
Armchair reupholstered and refinished a short time ago,
small stains on the fabric.
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair of British Colonial Deco Period Armchairs
Located in Richmond, VA
Pair of British Colonial Deco Period Armchairs. Made of teak in the British East Indies
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Teak
Victoria Chair with Tassel Foot, Susanne Hollis Collection
Located in San Marino, CA
Our Victoria chair with tassel foot detailing in our ebonized finish with a light distress, inspired by an original Swedish 1930s Art Deco pair we f...
Category
2010s American British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Armchair English Leather from, 19th Century Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
English club armchair, leather first half of the 20th century. Vintage.
Solid mahogany club chair, English. Classic upholstery which was upholstered with leather. Armrest partly a...
Category
20th Century English British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Jamaican Campeche / Planter Chair
Located in Charleston, SC
This elegant British Colonial 1810-1830 Campeche chair is made of solid mahogany and was known in Jamaica as a Spanish chair in the period. This West Indies Planter chair...
Category
Early 19th Century Jamaican Antique British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage British Colonial Plantation Ladder Back Rush Armchairs Pair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful pair of British Colonial plantation armchairs with tall ladder back and natural woven Rush seating, Circa 1960's. Oak or Mohogany.
Except...
Category
1960s British Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Rush, Oak
Lovely Painted Wicker Peacock Chair
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very pretty and excellent quality wicker peacock chair, very intricate work and in excellent overall condition.
44" high
28.5" wide
28" overall depth
18" seat height
You are welc...
Category
20th Century English British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Wicker
Related Items
Ralph Lauren, Pair Of Large Chrome Armchairs, XXth Century
By Ralph Lauren
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of large chrome armchairs, with rounded tubes, in the art deco style; model by the designer Ralph Lauren
Editions from the late 80s, seating redone and covered in a white boucl...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
$5,242 / set
H 27.56 in W 29.93 in D 39.38 in
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & White Leather Joaquim Tenreiro Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Available now, this beautiful pair of Brazilian Modern armchairs are made of ebonized Pau Marfim hardwood & white leather in buttone style.
The structure is composed of curved arms & feet, and were designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the 1940’s. The wood joints are composed of delicate wood pins in Pau Marfim also, which were typically used by the artist at the time. Sold as set of two.
For the restoration process, both armchairs where dissembled to understand their condition and to restore them following Tenreiro’s technique. This is shown in the last 3 images. The set comes from a private residence in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.
This mid-century modern pair would look incredible in any modern, mid-century modern, boho chic or contemporary environment.
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) was among the leading furniture designers and visual artists in mid-20th century Brazil. Tenreiro was born in Melo, Gouveia Municipality, Portugal into a family of woodworkers and carpenters. In the late 1920s, he emigrated to Rio de Janeiro and began working for the firm of Laubisch & Hirth.
In the early 1940s, Tenreiro was among the first designers in the Brazilian furniture industry to adopt a European modernist vernacular. His initial efforts, including the 1942 "Poltrona Leve," met with considerable success, and in 1943 he established his own firm with factories in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. However, it was not until the 1950s that he began to be recognized as a master furniture designer in Brazil. His design philosophy found a great response with architects who supported modernism.
A forerunner in the use of rediscovered raw materials (like cane and jacaranda -Brazilian Roswood) as well as the creator of a new formal language in 20th-century Brazilian furniture design, he drew on the lessons of past furniture-making as a vital source, not only in the mastery of technical and constructive solutions but also in the aesthetic experience, craftsmanship, and the cultural meaning of his production. As a result, his exquisitely crafted pieces evoke a refined coexistence of traditional values and modern aesthetics, firmly bound to the Brazilian cultural milieu.
Literature:
• Arquitetura e Decoracao, no. 12, Jul-Aug 1955
• Tenreiro book...
Category
1940s Brazilian Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood, Rosewood
$40,000 / set
H 28 in W 23.5 in D 23.6 in
Teak Wood Armchair with Curved Seat and Back – Velo Collection
Located in Miami, FL
The Velo armchair by Uultis embodies sculptural simplicity, crafted entirely from sustainably sourced teak veneer. Defined by its dynamic silhouette, the Velo features an organically...
Category
2010s Brazilian British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Teak
$2,324 / item
H 31.11 in W 26.375 in D 25 in
Carved Monk Chair in Solid Oak, Wabi Sabi, Swedish, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural vintage Monk chair made in solid oak with a comfortable seat cushion. Carved by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the early 20th century. A tr...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Oak
$1,080
H 33.86 in W 24.02 in D 21.66 in
Dutch Colonial Indonesian Plantation Chair, circa 1920
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A 20th century antique Dutch Colonial Indonesian Wicker and Wood Plantation Chair with extendable arms and turned baluster legs. Made from teak wood ...
Category
1920s Indonesian Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Wicker, Teak
McGuire Style Chippendale Bamboo Rattan White Dining Armchairs, Set of 4
By McGuire
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below.
Shipping Quote Information
The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code.
Offering one of our recent Palm Beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a
set of 4 mcguire style chippendale style coastal MCM bamboo...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
$971 Sale Price / set
25% Off
H 38.5 in W 22 in D 19 in
Regency Style Ebonized And Caned Accent Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely formed Regency style accent chair lacquered black and ornately detailed with gilt design work throughout. Features a straight top rail, double-X splat, and high arms that el...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Wood
English Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo Chippendale Arm Chair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A delicate chinoiserie burnt bamboo or tortoise bamboo armchair. Fashioned from bamboo, the back features geometric shapes and lines. the arms...
Category
Mid-20th Century Southeast Asian British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo
$280 Sale Price
20% Off
H 35 in W 20.5 in D 21.5 in
Elinor McGuire M-71 Occasional Chair
Located in Highland, IN
Elinor McGuire designed this model M-71 occasional chair for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company she started with her husband John. McGuire furniture is made to last for generation...
Category
1960s American Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rattan
Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco Rattan Dining Chairs, a Pair
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A beautiful pair of M-74 dining chairs designed by Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. Chairs have the original finish and feature McGuire’s signature woven rawhide bindings wi...
Category
1970s American Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
$2,200 / set
H 34 in W 22 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Pair of Faux Leather and Fabric Armchairs, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian pair of faux leather and fabric little armchairs or poufs.
The armchairs have been reupholstered using a vintage Rubelli fabric from seventies.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Faux Leather
$2,502 / set
H 23.63 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Brown "Egg" Armchair in Bouclé, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Classic mid-century french lines on this ''egg" chair upholstered in brown bouclé, on four conical walnut legs ending in brass spheres.
Category
Mid-20th Century French British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Previously Available Items
American Country Rustic Style Ladder Back and Rush Seat Arm Chair
Located in Queens, NY
English Country Rustic-style wooden scalloped ladder back arm chair with a woven rush seat and box form stretcher.
Category
20th Century British British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair Of Early British Roorkhee Safari Campaign Chairs In Leather, Circa 1920
By Kaare Klint
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Two early 20th century "Roorkhee" campaign chairs in dark hardwood and tobacco-coloured leather. They are offered as a pair.
Named after the headquarters of the Indian Army Corps at...
Category
Early 20th Century British British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Leather
H 33.08 in W 22.05 in D 23.63 in
Vintage Thomasville Ernest Hemingway Carved African Antelope Horn Armchair
By Thomasville
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Thomasville Ernest Hemingway African Collection arm chair featuring dark wood frame with antelope horn style arms and zebra fabric.
Dimensions:
33" x 27" d x 36" h; seat 18.5"
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood
Pair McGuire MCLM45 Rattan Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Pasadena, TX
Set of 2 McGuire armchairs featuring lattice style leather seats and back. The model #MCLM45 rattan chair displays a backrest and seat woven in rawhide. X-shaped accents held between...
Category
1970s Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
1970s Unusual Brighton Style Rattan Armchairs, a Pair
Located in Marietta, GA
I said , I would not buy any more rattan chairs, but this pair is so different! I have never seen before! . It’s a cross between a traditional Brighton style chair, and a peacock chair. Both are in very good condition. Cane is intact on both, but would still recommend a cushion. Nice for a pair of accent chairs, dining table end chairs.
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Rattan
Pair of Antique Plantation Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout pair of antique British colonial planters chairs crafted with mahogany in an unusual elegant form having inclined caned seats,...
Category
Early 20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
1960s Campaign Safari Chairs in Brass, Mahogany & Leather by Charlotte Horstmann
By Charlotte Horstmann
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A group of three 1960s campaign chairs by renowned Hong Kong-based designer and dealer Charlotte Horstmann.
In mahogany and leather with lavish brass detail, these chairs evoke co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Brass
H 35.44 in W 22.84 in D 16.54 in
Rare 19th Century Campaign Chair by Herbert McNair Carved Oak and Tan Leather
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Wonderful Antique 19th Century Ecclesiastical Campaign Chair by Herbert McNair Carved Oak & Polished Tan Leather Adjustable Reclining Seat.
James Herbert MacNair (23 December 186...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
H 40.95 in W 24.41 in D 32.29 in
Set of Six Masonic Throne Armchairs in Oak, circa 1880
Located in Faversham, GB
A stunning set of six Masonic throne armchairs in oak. Carved triangular pediments with broad back panels and carved finials over a dished seat. Each armrest features two quatrefoil ...
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Oak
British Colonial Rattan fireside Chair
Located in Portland, OR
British Colonial woven rattan armchair with hardwood frame in the Art Ddeco style. In fantastic condition.
Category
1930s English Vintage British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Hardwood
Pair of Oak Antique Armchairs, Western Europe, circa 1900
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique armchairs from the 1900s.
Made of oak wood
Dimensions: height 114 cm / height of the seat. 50 cm / width 63 cm / Dep. 65 cm.
Category
Early 1900s Belgian Antique British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Chair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Peacock chair, hand woven.
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Armchairs
Materials
Wicker
British Colonial armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique British Colonial armchairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, natural fiber and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Dr. Pascaud, English School, FS Henemader Antiques, Inc., and Karin Mobring. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $433 and tops out at $52,000 while the average work can sell for $3,425.
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