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.
$1,008 / item
Cecily Hand-Woven Rattan Dining Chair
Located in Christchurch, GB
Part of our Cecily Collection, the Cecily Rattan Chair is hand-woven from natural rattan in a warm teak finish. It features a diamond lattice apron alongside a tightly woven basketwe...
Rattan
$2,062Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Rattan Spencer Dining Chair Wood Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Member of one of the most exquisite gentlemen’s clubs in London, the Brook’s, Spencer Cavendish has the distinction of having served as leader of three political parties. The 8th Duke of Devonshire...
Linen, Rattan, Walnut
$8,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 21st Century Leather Velvet Rattan George Dining Chair
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
George is one of the Wood Tailors Club's bestsellers. 12 units ready to ship! A membership application in a privileged club sometimes requires an endorsement by at least one club m...
Leather, Velvet, Rattan, Oak
$1,846Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Century James Dining Chair Walnut Wood Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
James Boswell, the 9th Laird of Auchinleck, was a prestigious biographer and diarist. During the course of his life, James met an amazing number of the powerful of the literati, the ...
Walnut
$3,006Sale Price / item|20% Off
Wooden Albany Dining Chair Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors Club
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Albany Savile is an esteemed member of the illustrious Brooks Club, a distinguished figure who brings an air of refinement and sophistication to this esteemed institution. With his i...
Leather, Wood
Stanley British Colonial Dining Chairs American Craftsman Collection Set of 6
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More" or "View More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from 1st Dibs and they normally s...
Velvet, Cane, Hardwood, Cherry
$8,617Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 21st Century James Dining Chair Walnut Wood by Wood Tailors
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
James Boswell, the 9th Laird of Auchinleck, was a prestigious biographer and diarist. During the course of his life, James met an amazing number of the powerful of the literati, the ...
Walnut
$12,369Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 21st Rattan Spencer Dining Chair Wood by Wood Tailors Club
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Member of one of the most exquisite gentlemen’s clubs in London, the Brook’s, Spencer Cavendish has the distinction of having served as leader of three political parties. The 8th Duk...
Linen, Rattan, Walnut
Vintage Anglo Indian Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 5
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your dining space with this stately set of five vintage Anglo-Indian dining chairs, a masterful blend of British Colonial structure and tropical artisanal detail. Each chair ...
Rattan, Mahogany
$2,811Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Century Stefan Dining Chair Walnut Wood Made in Portugal by Wood Tailors
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Member of one of London's exceptional gentlemen's clubs, the Brook's, Ivan Vane Stefan Ivanovic was a British Yugoslavian political activist, diplomat, writer, and philanthropist. In...
Walnut, Leather, Upholstery
$16,492Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 8 21st Rattan Spencer Dining Chair Wood by Wood Tailors Club
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Member of one of the most exquisite gentlemen’s clubs in London, the Brook’s, Spencer Cavendish has the distinction of having served as leader of three political parties. The 8th Duk...
Linen, Rattan, Walnut
$16,307Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 8 21st Century Leather Velvet Rattan George Dining Chair
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
George is one of the Wood Tailors Club's bestsellers. 12 units ready to ship! A membership application in a privileged club sometimes requires an endorsement by at least one club m...
Leather, Velvet, Rattan, Oak
$12,230Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 21st Century Leather Velvet Rattan George Dining Chair
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
George is one of the Wood Tailors Club's bestsellers. 12 units ready to ship! A membership application in a privileged club sometimes requires an endorsement by at least one club m...
Leather, Velvet, Rattan, Oak
$2,903Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Century Brooklyn Dining Chair Black Walnut Linen Brass Made in Portugal
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. It spans the East River connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Since its construction, the Brooklyn Bridge become an icon of New York City. Connecting Manhattan to New York, It was the first fixed crossing across the East River. The Brooklyn Bridge is a symbol of the city, ranking among the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Inspired by this landmark, Porus Studio designers conceived the modern Brooklyn Dining Chair...
Brass
$8,246Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 21st Rattan Spencer Dining Chair Wood by Wood Tailors Club
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Member of one of the most exquisite gentlemen’s clubs in London, the Brook’s, Spencer Cavendish has the distinction of having served as leader of three political parties. The 8th Duk...
Linen, Rattan, Walnut
$2,868Sale Price / item|20% Off
Wood Robinson Dining Chair Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Styled as “The Honourable” Frederick John Robinson but best known as The Viscount Goderich, Robinson was a British politician during the Regency era. As a member of the rural landown...
Brass
$2,842 / item
H 32.68 in W 23.23 in D 23.63 in
Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, Red Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Laurence Dining Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Laurence dining chair is an artistic tribute to the essence of femininity ...
Velvet, Wood, Leather, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen
American Made Chippendale Dining Chairs Set of 8
Located in Malibu, CA
Stunning set of Georgian Chippendale style dining chairs with traditional carving with a pierced & carved cental splat. Newly upholstered seats in Italian burnout damask & fi...
Fruitwood
$3,410 / set
H 32.68 in W 17.72 in D 16.54 in
Set of Five Blue Velvet Thonet Wood Rattan Chairs, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A set of 5 rattan and wood chairs. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurmanowicz. They were produced in Thonet Woodworking Factory and we thoroughly renovated them. The ...
Velvet, Beech
$2,682 / item
H 33.08 in W 23.63 in D 24.41 in
Invicta Dining Chair in Velvet, Modern Design, Solid Wood, Portugal
Located in Frazão, Porto
The Invicta dining chair is a unique piece, and the impressive design with just one leg in the back, in solid wood, will make the dining room a so...
Fabric, Lacquer, Upholstery, Wood
Set of Six George Nakashima Dining Chairs for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six dining chairs by George Nakashima for Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Widdicomb, c.1960s. The walnut and hickory set consists of four side chairs and two armchairs. T...
Walnut, Hickory
$3,979 / item
H 29.93 in W 21.66 in D 24.41 in
Modern Anjos Leather Dining Chair, Light-Brown, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Anjos Leather Dining Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Anjos dining chair captures the essence of the cascading waters of the Anjos waterfall on Madeira Island, transforming nature’s beauty into a sophisticated design for contemporary living. Inspired by the waterfall’s uninterrupted flow, its connected armrests and legs echo reflect the organic movement of this natural wonder. Meticulously crafted with luxurious fabrics, the Anjos dining chair embodies elegance and comfort, making it a standout piece in any dining space. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Anjos Dining Chair can be customized in terms of dimensions, materials and finishes. The Anjos Dining Chair was featured in Greenapple’s interior projects, including a Historic Villa, in Lugano, Switzerland. For U.S. clients, we can handle all customs clearance, cover duties, and offer white-glove service as well upon request. The Anjos dining chair features a solid beech frame with open-pore dark brown stain and matte varnish. The solid beech is anti-fungal and vermin-free, ensuring durability and longevity. The seat is upholstered in soft light brown nubuck leather, offering both elegance and comfort. Anjos Chair...
Leather, Wood, Beech, Oak, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Walnut, Uphols...
$5,800 / set
H 44 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in
Set of Four McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cathedral Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of four organic modern rattan dining chairs made by McGuire. "Cathedral" style dining chairs designed by John McGuire feature a Gothic lancet arch style back with an open ...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
Rattan and Oak French Dining Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 18.1"w x 17.3"d x 28.7"h; 17"sh Material: Rattan and Oak France, c1960s Set of 5 VNT1723
Rattan, Oak
$6,800 / set
H 36 in W 20 in D 24 in
Set of Six Handcrafted Woven Rattan Dining Chairs by Elinor McGuire
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This set of six organic modern dining chairs, designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire, includes two armchairs and four side chairs. The woven rattan dining chairs, handmade...
Wicker, Rattan
$113 / item
H 33.86 in W 16.93 in D 15.75 in
Red iron and natural straw alian dining chairs, hand woven
Located in Manzano, IT
Striking Sculptural Italian Design: Bold Red Iron & Natural Straw Dining Chairs (Circa 2000s) Introduce a touch of bold artistry to your dining space with this captivating pair of It...
Iron
$640Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 39.5 in W 21.5 in D 18 in
Set of Six American Mid-Century Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Trenton, NJ
A complete set of six American mid-century walnut dining chairs from the 1960s, comprising two armchairs and four matching side chairs. The back design is the defining feature of the...
Wood
Set of Six McGuire Umbria Woven Rattan Cane Dining Armchairs
By McGuire, Orlando Diaz-azcuy
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A beautifully crafted and rare set of six woven rattan cane "Umbria" dining armchairs designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy for McGuire, San Francisco, CA. Each distinctive chair features a...
Fabric, Cane, Rattan, Wood, Wicker
Set of 10 Marge Carson Emerald Green Velvet Dining Chairs
By Marge Carson
Located in Houston, TX
A fabulous set of ten Marge Carson dining chairs. These sturdy and comfortable oak chairs are white painted and gold gilded, rebuilt and restyled in a Rubelli Matora Smeraldo green v...
Velvet, Oak
$4,775 / set
H 32.68 in W 17.72 in D 16.54 in
Set of Six Mid Century Yellow Velvet Thonet Wood Rattan Chairs, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful mid century rattan, velvet and wood chairs. They were produced in Thonet woodworking factory in 1960s. We thoroughly renovated them. The construction is made of beechwo...
Velvet, Beech, Rattan
American Upholstered Dining Chairs, Set of 10
Located in Annville, PA
A set of 10 American Upholstered Dining Chairs, the set consisting of two arm chairs and 8 side chairs. Wrap yourself in luxury while at the dining table, with these beautiful Americ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Set of Four Vintage Rustic Rattan Dining Armchairs by Henry Link
By Henry Link
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A beautiful set of four vintage rattan dining armchairs by Henry Link, showcasing classic British Colonial and coastal design. These chairs feature gracefully scrolled rattan arms, h...
Upholstery, Rattan
Vintage Set of Eight British Colonial Style Dining Chairs by Baker
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive set of eight dining chairs crafted in mahogany with four arm and four side chairs in classic form featuring caned panels on the backs, upholstered seats and turned and bea...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
17th Century Style Dining Chairs - Set 6
Located in Pomona, CA
A set of 6 English style Dining Chairs in the 17th century style. Carved back splat and top rail. Finely turned legs and stretchers.
Walnut
British Colonial Solid Cherry Wood Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of British Colonial, Early American, or Victorian style dining chairs USA, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 21.25"W x...
Upholstery, Cherry
British Colonial Solid Cherry Wood Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful set of eight British Colonial, Early American, or Victorian style dining chairs USA, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: Sid...
Upholstery, Cherry
Sold
H 40.25 in W 21.13 in D 18.75 in
Stickley Lancashire Style Cherry Wood Spindle Dining Chairs With Rush Seats
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six Lancashire style dining chairs By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, 1954 Solid carved cherry wood frames, with rush seats. Measures: Side chairs - 21.13"W x 18.75...
Rush, Cherry
Set of Six Ralph Lauren Mahogany Rattan Barrel Dining Chairs
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare set of six barrel back form dining chairs or armchairs made in the British colonial style by Ralph Lauren Home. Known as Modern Sands collection chairs they feature a mahogany f...
Wicker, Rattan, Mahogany
McGuire Style Laced Leather Rawhide Rattan Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Southampton, NJ
Set of four laced leather rattan dining chairs or armchairs made in the manner and style of McGuire. Director's style armchairs featuring woven rawhide seats and backs reinforced wit...
Leather, Rattan, Wood
Circa 1830 Set of 8 English Dining Chairs
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
circa 1830 set of 8 English country dining chairs, Lancashire. Spindleback side chairs of ash & elm. Rush seats in good condition given age & us...
Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 61 in D 61 in
British Colonial Dining Set Round Table & Four Arm Chairs w/Cane Seat/Back
Located in East Point, GA
A British Colonial dining set includes a round wood table with four wood and cane chairs. This vintage set from Singapore features a round-shaped table, just over 5 feet in diameter,...
Cane, Wood
Set of 6 English Windsor Dining Chairs Includes 2 Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 6 English windsor dining chairs includes 2 armchairs are a classic design that dates back two centuries, and features a lightweigh...
Elm
Sold
H 37.75 in W 22 in D 19 in
6 Nichols & Stone American Windsor Faux Bamboo Maple Birdcage Dining Side Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Six gorgeous birdcage Windsor style dining chairs manufactured by the Nichols & Stone Company. The chairs are expertly crafted of light maple with split wedge mortise and tenon joine...
Maple
Sold
H 34.13 in W 19.75 in D 23 in
Set of 8 British Colonial Dining Chairs with Scrolled Arms and Upholstered Seats
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 8 British Colonial Dining Chairs with Scrolled Arms and Upholstered Seats Offered for sale is a set of eight British Colonial dining c...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 44.1 in W 25.99 in D 16.93 in
19th Set off 8 Nottinghamshire Yew Wood Hight Back Windsor Chairs
Located in Oirlo, LI
A well matched pair of 19th century yew and elm seated high back windsor chairs this is a quintessential Nottinghamshire design. These models were designed around 1840 and made ar...
Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 21 in D 22 in
Late 20th Century Colonial Regency Style Caned Mahogany Armchairs, Set of 4
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th, stylish and handsome mahogany arm chairs with scrolled backrest and arms, caned seat and back, on reeded legs ending in arrow feet, with metallic silver tone removable sea...
Cane, Mahogany