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.
$1,100Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Fabric, Oak
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...
Upholstery, Oak
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
Teak
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 ...
Cane, Satinwood
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...
Cane, Hardwood
Pair of English Country Windsor Back Carved Oak Dining Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of English Country Windsor style (20th Century) dining armchairs with rounded Windsor backs and shaped seats, resting on four angled legs with stretcher bases. (carving under se...
Ralph Lauren English Art-Deco wicker club chairs owned by André Leon Talley
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Fabulous pair of large RALPH LAUREN wicker chairs owned by legendary fashion icon André Leon Talley. A stylish mix of English and Art-Deco ...
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan
Safari Armchair by Wilhelm Kienzle attributed to Wohnbedarf, Switzerland, 1950s
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
A striking example of mid-century Swiss design: this Safari Armchair is attributed to Wilhelm Kienzle for Wohnbedarf, dating from the 1950s. Crafted in sturdy hardwood with leather s...
Textile, Wood
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...
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...
Satinwood
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, ...
Rosewood
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...
Wicker
$2,887Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Velvet, Walnut
$850Sale Price|71% Off
Vintage Rattan Peacock Armchair with Fringes and Velvet Pillow
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Spectacular vintage mid century modern rattan handmade king peacock armchair with velvet round cushion with feathers. Decorated around the boarder with a silk atlas red ribbon and tr...
Rattan
British Colonial Style Cane Seat Armchair
Located in Pasadena, TX
This armchair is made in the British Colonial style. Its made of mahogany and has a cane seat. The legs are fluted in the Louis XVi style.
Cane, Mahogany
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...
Wicker
Wicker Armchairs from the FS Flores Collection, Priced Individually
By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.
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...
Reed
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...
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...
Mahogany
$3,750 / set
Set of 3 English Windsor Style Black Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 3 English (19th Century) dark stained Windsor armchairs with triple arched fan back, resting on four slanted legs connected with an \"H\" stretcher (PRICED AS SET)
$1,924Sale Price / set|20% Off
Coppia di Poltrone Coloniali in Legno Intagliato e Paglia di Vienna, Primi '900
Located in Florence, IT
Coppia di Poltrone Coloniali in Legno Intagliato e Doppia Paglia di Vienna, presentate con cuscini in velluto floreale con toni marrone/oro.
Velvet, Wood, Straw
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...
Cane, Teak
$900 / item
13 American Captain's Style Oak Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
13 American (19/20th Century) oak captain\'s-style armchairs with spindle backs. (PRICED EACH)
Oak
Late 19th Century Solid Wood English Country Armchair Windsor Carver Elbow Chair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., American of Martinsville, Hooker Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Late 20th Century hand-crafted Solid Wood Windsor Armchair or Carver Elbow Chair. Features a classic spindle-back adding rustic European provincial flair with the exquisite silhouett...
Wood, Elm
Vintage Brighton Chinoiserie Rattan Blonde Bamboo Caning Split Reed Armchair 70s
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...
Fabric, Bamboo, Cane, Reed
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.
Walnut
$1,080
H 33.86 in W 24.02 in D 21.66 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...
Oak
Pair of Swedish Rococo Period Armchairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A fine pair of late 18th Century Swedish Lindome armchairs. Excellent carving and shape, in later blue paint. Circa 1770.
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century French Armchair
Located in London, London
This French armchair showcases a blend of elegance and traditional craftsmanship. The chair features a sturdy oak frame, with its legs and arm supports intricately turned, adding a s...
Oak
Pair of Antique William IV Period Armchairs
Located in London, GB
An outstanding pair of antique William IV period armchairs. They were made in England, they date from around the 1830-40’s. They are of superb quality and are a lovely, compact size...
Fabric, Wood
$1,189 / set
H 28.35 in W 28.35 in D 28.75 in
Pair of Midcentury Lounge Armchairs Westnofa, Norway, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very comfortable - Marked by label - Rare type.
Fabric, Wood
$4,640Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 40.5 in W 30.5 in D 31 in
Pair of Country French Provincial Walnut Carved Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming pair of late 19th century carved armchairs or lounge chairs featuring newly upholstered walnut frames. The large frames are decorated in the French Provincial or Louis XV ta...
Fabric, Walnut
Two Pairs of 20th Century French Arm Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant pair of 20th-century French armchairs exemplifies timeless design and craftsmanship. Constructed from solid walnut, the chairs feature beautifully styled carved frames w...
Walnut
Rattan British Colonial Style Plantation Planters Chair, Woven Seat
Located in Miami, FL
Rattan British Colonial Style Plantation Planters Chair, Woven Seat Offered for sale is an elegant rattan framed plantation chair created in the British Colonial style. The chair ha...
Rattan, Wood
Pair of Art deco armchairs
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant pair of rounded armchairs in an art deco style. Nice wood work, especially with veined details at the feet. reupholstery in a green mohair velvet.
Wood
Pair of Vintage Rattan Lounge Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of rattan lounge chairs are new arrivals from Sweden. Made in the 1950s both chairs are in remarkably good condition showing no major signs of wear, damage or repair. We di...
Rattan
Art Deco Colonial Armchairs, 1930s, set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Art Deco Colonial Armchairs, wood, 1930s, set of two. These two armchairs reflect the bold lines and decorative flair of 1930s Art Deco, infused with a colonial influence. The woode...
Wood
Pair of Gainsborough Style Lounge Chairs
Located in Vosselaar, BE
As we found a small but amazing batch of root walnut we decided to make a pair of chairs suitable for this rare woodspecies. Our choice of style was a classic high quality Gainsborou...
Walnut
Sold
H 35.44 in W 27.56 in D 35.44 in
Set of Two Rattan Søren Lund handwoven Danish Wicker / Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of two Rattan Søren Lund armchairs / lounge chairs in caning and leather. The chairs are from the 1960s and in great condition. Armrests and the large, soft seat cushions are...
Leather, Wicker, Rattan
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.
Wood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 22.05 in D 23.63 in
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...
Leather
Sold
H 36 in W 27 in D 33 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"
Upholstery, Hardwood
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...
Rush, Oak
Sold
H 34 in W 22.75 in D 24.25 in
Vintage 80s McGuire Antalya Directors Style Dining or Occasional Chairs Rawhide
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
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...
Hide, Rattan
A Pair of Sri Lankan Teak and Cane Planters Chairs
Located in London, GB
Sri Lanka, circa 1920 A pair of 20th century Sri Lankan sling back planters chairs in the British colonial style, the frames in solid teakwood with a shell motives carved to the bac...
Cane, Teak
19th Century Inlay Savonarola Armchair
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A very decorative and elaborate inlaid late 19th century folding scissors Savonarola armchair. With a carved foliate back rail, ball head arms and inlaid with bone, mother of pearl, ...
Wood
Lerwick Armchair
Located in Faversham, GB
A generously proportioned armchair in the manner of Howard and Sons. The armchair has a high back and a wide deep seat with low scrolling arms. The beech frame is raised on four tu...
Upholstery, Beech
A Pair of Vintage Anglo-Indian Veranda Chairs in Teak and Rattan
Located in Chicago, IL
These stylish lounge chairs date to the 1920's and were made in Rangoon, Burma. During the British Colonial period, much Indian furniture was made following British or European styles. High quality native hardwood was used, such as Teak and Rosewood and woven rattan was substituted for upholstery, which grew musty in the humid climate. Over time, Indian craft...
Rattan, Teak
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...
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.
Cane, Rattan