British Colonial Seating
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
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 Seating
Materials
Rush, Oak
Folding and Adjustable Teak and Mesh Seat Patio or Side Chair
Located in Nantucket, MA
A folding and adjustable teak patio or side chair with an open mesh seat. Easy to add a seat cushion if so desired, originally designed for tropical climates...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Seating
Materials
Teak
Pair of English Colonial Peacock & Floral Decorated Wing Back Chairs 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Ask About Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Reliable Professional Service & Fully Insured***
Pair of English Colonial Peacock & Floral Decorated Wing Back Chairs 20thC
Measures -...
Category
20th Century British Colonial Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of British Colonial Style Wingback Armchairs by Baker
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome pair of British Colonial style wingback armchairs crafted with woven reed, in a herringbone pattern over classic form with bamboo legs and stretchers. Signed Milling Road fo...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Reed
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, back, and legs. Reeded wood details along the...
Category
20th Century Unknown British Colonial Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Satinwood
Beautiful antique English stick back Windsor chair from the early 19th century
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this beautiful antique English stick back Windsor chair from the early 19th century. The Windsor chair is a timeless classic and can easily be placed in both a modern and ...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique British Colonial Seating
Materials
Wood
Adjustable sheepskin leather office chair in good condition, English style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this adjustable sheepskin leather office chair in good condition, English style, with swivel and tilt function.
Who wouldn't want this? We certainly do! Secretly, doesn'...
Category
1990s British Colonial Seating
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin
Seat of 4 Swedish Circa 1900s Faux Bamboo Beech 'Bodafors' Dining Chairs
By Bodafors
Located in London, GB
Set of four late Circa 19th century faux bamboo beech dining chairs made for Bodafors with rush mat in the Japanese style to the seats.
Wear and tear commensurate with their age and ...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique British Colonial Seating
Materials
Beech
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...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Seating
Materials
Leather, Rattan, Wood
Handsome oversized tufted leather ottoman/trunk after Ralph Lauren
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handsome large oversized leather tufted library ottoman. The tufted ottoman features a beautiful olive green leather on the top and opens up ...
Category
1990s Chinese British Colonial Seating
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Colonial Seating
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Mahogany
Set of Four Burnt Bamboo Tortoise Folding Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very good set of four British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo Tortoise folding chairs. Well constructed and sturdy. An additional set of four is also available for purchase.
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Seating
Materials
Bamboo
Antique Colonial Stencil Back Black Painted Plank Bottom Rocker Rocking Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Colonial Stencil Back Black Painted Plank Bottom Rocker Rocking Chair. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 40" H x 20.5" W x 24.5" D x 15" Seat height.
Category
19th Century Antique British Colonial Seating
Materials
Wood
Rupert Bevan Croft Barstool (in Customer's Own choice of Material/Leather)
By Rupert Bevan
Located in London, GB
Inspired by our Croft chair, the Croft Barstool was created to give the design versatility, allowing the sophistication of its finishes and bespoke upholstery to move seamlessly betw...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British British Colonial Seating
Materials
Leather, 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 Seating
Materials
Hide, Rattan
Antique Colonial Plantation Woven Lounge Chair Curved Paddle Armrest
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Introducing a British Colonial long paddle arm plantation lounge chair circa late 19th century early 20th century. Placed in the right house this unique Design will be an interesting...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Seating
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Late 20th Century North American British Colonial Seating
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Italian colonial chair in bamboo wood and damask fabric, 1910s
Located in MIlano, IT
Colonial chair with wooden frame with round-section slats and bamboo upholstery, upholstered seat and back in their original damask fabric.
1910 ca.
Good overall condition.
Measures ...
Category
1910s Italian Vintage British Colonial Seating
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Wood
Campeche Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Chicago, IL
Anglo-Indian plantation lounge chair and ottoman, made in the Grand British Colonial style. The chairs features large scrolled arms with caned seat and ottoman. The chairs have a des...
Category
20th Century Indian British Colonial Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Rupert Bevan Croft Dining Chair (in Customer's Own choice of Material/Leather)
By Rupert Bevan
Located in London, GB
Our signature Croft Chair sits comfortably in both traditional and contemporary settings, with its generous seat and elegant backrest. Legs and frame in solid oak with a Light, Mid, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British British Colonial Seating
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
A George VI 1937 Coronation Chair and Stool
Located in Faversham, GB
A George VI 1937 Coronation Chair and Stool designed by Edward Barnsley for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London on 12th May 1937.
The chairs for the coronation of King George ...
Category
Early 20th Century British British Colonial Seating
Materials
Velvet, Oak
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Seating
Materials
Cane, Teak
British Colonial Carved and Cane Settee with Swan Neck Back and Scrolling Arms
Located in Yonkers, NY
A British Colonial carved wooden settee with swan neck back and out-scrolling arms, cane seat and turned legs. This British Colonial carved wooden settee, originating from antique So...
Category
Early 20th Century Southeast Asian British Colonial Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood
Antique British Colonial Settee Newly Upholstered in Cognac Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique British Colonial Settee Newly Upholstered in Cognac Leather
This handsome antique British Colonial 5-leg settee has been meticulously restored and newly upholstered in sumpt...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Pair of French Tooled Leather Safari Campaign Armchairs
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Torquay, GB
Rare pair of mid century leather Safari armchairs.
French made, circa 1940s.
Offered here in original condition.
Dark brown leather, artfully tooled in ancient symbols, resting on solid oak frame structure.
The armchairs have tilted leather backrests and leather arm straps...
Category
Mid-20th Century French British Colonial Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood, Calico
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, ...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Cane, Reed
Antique Woven Back British Colonial Plantation Tea Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Woven Back British Colonial Plantation Tea Chair
This late 19th Century antique British Colonial plantation tea chair is a great lounge ch...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Seating
Materials
Rattan, Wood
British Colonial Style Set of Four Safari Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Dashing set of four vintage British Colonial chairs crafted in mahogany stained maple with a pegged construction in a safari style havi...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Seating
Materials
Maple
Pair 1970s Lane Venture Carved Faux Bamboo Handwoven Caning Wingback Chairs USA
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of British Colonial Style Lane Venture Bamboo, Faux Bamboo and handwoven double Caning Wingback Chairs.
Large Lounge Chairs in Bohemian Period Style with a thick Leather Seat Cu...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Bamboo, Faux Bamboo, Cane
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Burmese British Colonial Seating
Materials
Rattan, Teak
Antique British Colonial Cane and Carved Teak Lounge Chair
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful antique carved teak and cane lounge chair. The beauty is truly in the details of this chair. The carved and turned wood are stunning. It's in excellent condition for its ag...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Seating
Materials
Cane, Teak
Beautiful Cushioned Chesterfield Captain Leather Chair
Located in Crawley, GB
We are delighted to offer for sell this stunning Cushioned Chesterfield Captain Leather Chair.
This chair is in lightly restored condition, we have deep cleaned hand condition waxed ...
Category
Late 20th Century British British Colonial Seating
Materials
Iron
Pair of Early 19thc English Hand Carved Barley Twist And Suede Arm Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
Pair of E. 19thc English Hand Carved Barley Twist And Suede Arm Chairs.
The arms are carved with a figure of a woman in front. The Arms and legs have the twist carving to them. The...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of British Colonial Style Plantation Lounge Chairs with Ottomans
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of Anglo-Indian plantation lounge chairs with matching ottomans made in the Grand British Colonial style. The chairs feature a gracefully carved teak frame with large s...
Category
20th Century Southeast Asian British Colonial Seating
Materials
Cane, Teak
19th Century Campaign Chair Herbert McNair Design Carved Oak and Tan Leather
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A 19th century Campaign chair of Herbert McNair Design carved oak & polished tan leather adjustable reclining seat.
James Herbert MacNair (23 December 1868 – 22 April 1955), was...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique British Colonial Seating
Materials
Leather, Oak
Art Deco Style Caribbean Three Piece Settee and Two Chair Suite of Furniture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable suite of furniture comprising a settee and two matching armchairs crafted in mahogany in dramatic art deco form with woven reed backs and seats, pegged constructi...
Category
Early 20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Oak
Victorian Military Campaign Folding Faux Bamboo Embroidered Safari Canvas Chair
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A delicate slice of Victorian Military Campaign. A folding Chair of Faux Bamboo, with an Embroidered Canvas Seat Rear Finished With Brown Leather Sl...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Seating
Materials
Brass
Antique British Colonial Caned and Carved Planters Chair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive British Colonial plantation chair crafted in mahogany in a graceful form with dramatic carved ocean and floral motifs on the back and rolled arms, having caned seat and ba...
Category
Early 20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Seating
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Pair of Antique Caned British Colonial Planters Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing pair of early 20th century British Colonial plantation chairs handcrafted in indigenous mahogany with elegant form featuri...
Category
Early 20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Cane
Pair of 19th Century English Bergeres
By Europa
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of 19th century English Bergeres
in carved and turned mahogany wood, stuffed in green velvet with casters.
Little defects.
Dimensions: 80 x 66 x 54 cm.
good condition.
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Seating
Materials
Wood
British Colonial Handwoven Cane Turned Wood Spindle Frame Chaise Lounge Daybed
Located in Miami, FL
1950 refinished British Colonial handwoven Cane Chaise Lounge, Daybed or Sofa with turned Wood Frame and support Stretchers in brown Finish.
Bohemian Chic Style with a graceful form...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood
Karin Mobring Pine Safari Armchair with Canvas Seat & Leather Straps
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Karin Mobring Pine Safari Armchair With Canvas Seat & Leather Straps Made In Sweden For Ikea 1972
Karin Elisabet Mobring (1927-08-07 — 2005-02-17), Furn...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish British Colonial Seating
Materials
Pine, Leather, Canvas
Antique British Colonial Anglo Indian Teak Distressed Plantation Armchair
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th century British Colonial Anglo Indian plantation chair. Made from teak in mortise and tenon joinery with a relaxed lounged frame and long arms. Features a curved crest rai...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Seating
Materials
Teak
"Roorkhee" Campaign / Safari Chair, Green/Black Lacquered Oak Frame
Located in Edinburgh, Scotland
The simple joints and slung design of the Roorkhee campaign chair were the inspiration for some of the most iconic chairs of the 20th century including Breuer’s Wassily, Le Corbusier...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Seating
Materials
Brass
Antique Oak Wood Bowed Windsor Dining Side Chair by Northwestern Mfg.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Oak Wood Bowed Windsor dining side chair by Northwestern Mfg. Item features black vinyl upholstered seat (originally cane), turn carved legs, ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Seating
Materials
Oak
Antique British Colonial Anglo Indian Teak Split Reed Rattan Plantation Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th century British Colonial Anglo Indian plantation chair. Made from teak in mortise and tenon joinery with a relaxed lounged frame and long arms. Features a curved crest rail and split reed bent rattan seat.
There's nothing better than putting your feet up after a day's backbreaking work. In the 19th century, plantation owners used a specific chair. Called, naturally enough, the planter...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Seating
Materials
Teak
Carolina Bamboo & Cane Bench
Located in Bellport, NY
The Carolina Bench beautifully hand crafted in Spain of bamboo and cane. The seat is covered in a sunbrella natural tone fabric. The bottom level is gre...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish British Colonial Seating
Materials
Linen, Bamboo, Cane
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 Seating
Materials
Walnut
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 Seating
Materials
Leather
Bamboo and Rattan Chair and Ottoman
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage British colonial style chair and ottoman crafted with a bamboo frame and having herringbone woven rattan on the seat, arms and ottoman, ce...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Faux Bamboo and leather folding officer safari chair.
Located in MIJDRECHT, NL
Mid century Faux Bamboo and leather British colonial officers folding chair.
Expertly crafted Faux Bamboo, brass hardware and stitched leather ba...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Seating
Materials
Brass
Vintage Ficks and Reed Rattan Chaise Lounge
By Ficks Reed
Located in Bellport, NY
A newly upholstered Ficks and Reed chaise longue, indoor outdoor fabric, new fill in cushions, zippers installed. Lovely condition, easily placed in mos...
Category
1970s American Vintage British Colonial Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Rattan, Paint
Carved Mahogany and Caned Recamier or Daybed with Cushion
Located in Nantucket, MA
A mahogany and caned recamier or daybed with carving on both sides, a caned rolled end, and reeded legs. The caning is newly done and in a very tight wov...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Seating
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Antique English Country Mahogany Ladderback Roundabout Corner Arm Chair Seat
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique English Country roundabout corner armchair. Made of mahogany featuring rounded form with ladderback supports over turned posts and supports, vinyl seat and nailhead accents.
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
British Colonial seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique British Colonial seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, natural fiber and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial seating 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 seating, popular names associated with this style include Andrianna Shamaris, Baker Furniture Company, Dr. Pascaud, and English School. 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 seating 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 $52,000 while the average work can sell for $3,694.
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