British Colonial Cupboards
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
Rare 1820s Caribbean Jamaican Regency Server or Wagon
Located in Charleston, SC
This beautiful, solid mahogany Jamaican bookcase/wagon, features lovely turnings, and Primitive feet.
Jamaican, West indies, Colonial, British Colonial, Islands, Island.
Category
19th Century Jamaican Antique British Colonial Cupboards
Materials
Mahogany
British Colonial Hutch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th century cabinet with two glazed doors above, two drawers and two doors below with solid, raised, panels. Nicely made with through-tenon construction. Great patina.
Category
Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Cupboards
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Welsh Cupboard ~ Sideboard
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Welsh Cupboard ~ Sideboard is a clever design originating in what is now called the UK, providing means to store cups, saucers and linens, while displaying some of the family...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Cupboards
Materials
Steel
19th Century English Cupboard
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century English Cupboard boasts a stately yet rustic presence, ideal for the casual decor. The shallow design coupled with the mitered front corners makes it exceptionally traffic-friendly for efficient floor plans. Designed to hold just-washed pots...
Category
1880s English Antique British Colonial Cupboards
Materials
Brass
19th Century Anglo Indian Cupboard
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 19th Century Anglo Indian teak cupboard.
In two parts with two doors above two, with the original inlaid slides in the top. Intricately inlaid with bone and ebony.
Category
1880s Antique British Colonial Cupboards
Materials
Teak
Antique Asian Ornate Craved Wood Damchiya Dowry Box
Located in STOKE ON TRENT, GB
Antique Indian Damchiya with extensively carved wood. The traditional box was used as a dowry for Indian brides and gifted at weddings. It has panelled...
Category
Early 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Cupboards
Materials
Hardwood
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British Colonial cupboards for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique British Colonial cupboards 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 cupboards created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial cupboards made in a specific country, there are Asia, India, and South Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original cupboards, popular names associated with this style include and Brandt. 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 cupboards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $485 and tops out at $8,850 while the average work can sell for $2,038.